I love the stagger of my '06 S2k wheels. I just got it 2 weeks ago. I immediately noticed the rear wheels stick out slightly more than the tires. Not cool. The front tires do a decent job of protecting the wheel lip with the "rim guard". Because the rear wheels are slightly wider than the tire, the rim guard it pretty worthless.
I immediately acknowledged this and took extra care to avoid getting too close to the curb.
I have no idea at all how or when, I didn't feel it at all, but it was only a matter of days of having my brand new car that I'd get curb rash . I think it might have happened when I pulled out of my driveway to come up to the curb in front of my house. It's not too bad, but 've got a good 6-8" of curb rash on the right rear wheel. It was a light rub, but it's still visible. I've had many cars with low-pro tires/wheels and always avoided getting too close to the curb, and this time got me pretty upset. Even with tilting the side view mirror manually to see the curb, the curvacousness of the car makes it pretty difficult to see the curb/wheel with the mirror tilt. I considered putting a wider tire on to get the rim guard to help, but I don't want to alter the OD of the OEM sizing.

Anyone have any suggestions or tips for me? TIA!

P.S. I did a search and didn't come up with any results...

 

I realize it's a bit too late to prevent what's already happened, but putting on a wider tire (even one with a "rim protector") is not the best way to avoid this situation. You'll still manage to scrape the rim anyway if you go too close (rubber compresses). Most places, you are legally allowed to be within 12" to 18" from the curb when you park. Why try to get as close as you can? Being a foot from the curb is not a big deal.
The stagger in the wheels/tires IS the way it is. You learn to operate the vehicle based on how it's made and what shape it is. The onus is upon the driver to learn where the outer edges of the car is and operate accordingly. Park it a safe distance from the curb and then learn how everything "looks", both in the mirrors and by direct line of sight. You shouldn't have to see the curb at the rim to know where it is.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I try to get as close as I can to the curb because I often parallel park on the streets. Not my #1 choice, but I don't have any other.

It has already happened to me where a passing car driving down the street has gotten too close to my car and hit the side, and my car was parked relatively close to the curb. I like to try and avoid it. The limit in my city is 12" from the curb, btw..