17 and 18-inch rims: the most common diameters, and no less at risk

17 and 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the majority of compact and family saloons sold in France — and they are also the sizes most frequently kerbed in everyday use.

A misjudged kerb, a tight parallel park, an angled speed bump: a scrape of just a few centimetres is enough to damage the edge of an alloy wheel. On a Golf, a Peugeot 308, a Renault Mégane or a Ford Focus, the cost of refurbishing a single alloy wheel ranges from €80 to €200 depending on the depth of the damage and the repairer. Multiply that by two or four wheels over the life of the vehicle, and the bill becomes significant in any motoring budget — even on a car purchased second-hand for €18,000.

Why 17 and 18-inch wheels take the most damage

These two sizes are now the standard for C- and D-segment vehicles across Europe. They offer a good balance between comfort and handling, which explains their widespread use on mid-range trim levels — the ones driven by the greatest number of motorists. However, this high level of use also means greater exposure to the causes of damage: parking in dense urban areas, poor road surfaces, and non-standardised kerb heights.

The 18-inch alloy wheel, now fitted as standard on models as common as the Hyundai Tucson or the Ford Kuga, has a shorter tyre sidewall, which reduces the buffer zone between the road and the alloy. The risk of direct impact on the wheel rim is therefore structurally higher than with a 15 or 16-inch wheel of an older generation.

Refurbishment cost vs protection cost: the real figures

To put the choice in perspective, here are the typical costs observed for 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels on common saloons:

On a vehicle costing €18,000–€25,000, a single alloy wheel represents between 1% and 2.5% of the purchase price. One unprotected scrape quickly wipes out any initial saving made on maintenance. Alloy wheel protection is not reserved for premium SUVs: it is at least as relevant on a compact car bought on a tight budget, precisely because the cost-to-damage ratio is even less forgiving.

17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel protection: compatibility and fitting

The AlloyGator profile is available in sizes to fit 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. It is inserted between the tyre and the rim edge during fitting, with no drilling or adhesive required. Fitting takes approximately one hour at an approved fitter in our network. The network covers the whole country — you can find your nearest fitting point directly on the website.

Before visiting your approved fitter, the colour configurator lets you preview the look on your vehicle: the profile is available in several colours to match or contrast with your alloy wheel finish.

Owners of Citroën fitted on 17 or 18-inch wheels will find the references and compatibility guides on the dedicated brand page.

FAQ

Is 18-inch alloy wheel protection compatible with low-profile tyres?

Yes. The profile fits the low-profile tyre sizes commonly used on this diameter (235/45 R18, 225/45 R18, etc.). The tyre profile does not prevent fitting; it is the rim diameter that determines which profile to choose. Your approved fitter checks compatibility at the time of the appointment.

Does 17-inch alloy wheel protection stand up to repeated kerb strikes?

The profile is designed precisely to absorb repeated contact with the kerb edge. It takes the impact instead of the alloy. In the event of significant wear after multiple impacts, it can be replaced on its own — without touching the rim.

Can AlloyGator be fitted at home on 17 or 18-inch wheels?

Fitting requires the tyre to be removed. It is carried out by an approved fitter in the network in around one hour, for approximately €99 in labour. Fitting outside this framework may compromise the seal of the assembly and is not recommended.