Skip advert
Advertisement

Alloy wheel protector mini test

We test a pair of alloy wheel kits to see if they can eliminate kerbing

Alloys look smart only when they’re in pristine condition. Be careless when parking and kerb them, and they can be ruined – costing a fortune to refurbish.

Alloygator rim protectors cover the edges of your wheels to keep them safe from harm and, until now, have had this market all to themselves. But new Rimblades claim to offer similar protection in just as many colours.

Advertisement - Article continues below

So which is better? We fitted Alloygators on the driver’s side of our test car and Rimblades on the passenger side to find out.

Our test looked at how easy each was to fit, then we rated the protection the products offered by driving very slowly along the same stretch of kerb, noting any scuff marks to each protector or alloy wheel. Cost was the final factor.

The Rimblades proved far easier to fit than Alloygators – they stick on in minutes once you’ve cleaned the wheel. The trouble is they don’t provide as much protection, with damage showing up more quickly. So although Alloygators are pricey, they’re much more durable.

Get 10% off Motoreasy’s alloy wheel insurance with the code: AUTOEXPRESS10

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,175Avg. savings £3,411 off RRP*Used from £7,500
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,643 off RRP*Used from £11,333
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £703 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,432 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Luxury electric SUVs aren’t selling, and I know the reason why
Opinion - Lotus Eletre

Luxury electric SUVs aren’t selling, and I know the reason why

Deputy editor Richard Ingram thinks luxury SUVs are better suited to PHEV and range-extender tech than pure electric power
Opinion
2 Sep 2026
New Toyota Yaris Cross facelift review: hybrid makes a good case for EVs
Toyota Yaris Cross facelift - front tracking

New Toyota Yaris Cross facelift review: hybrid makes a good case for EVs

Toyota’s mini hybrid SUV will cost pennies to run, but the purchase price is thousands of pounds more than several rivals
Road tests
3 Sep 2026
Which electric car’s batteries last longest? Global EV study uncovers the truth
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Which electric car’s batteries last longest? Global EV study uncovers the truth

EV batteries are lasting longer than you might have thought, but charging habits and capacity can have an impact on a battery’s State of Health
News
4 Sep 2026