Curb Rash

[vicw]

I haven't done it yet, but I've been worried about it ever since I first saw the car and how little the sidewall projects out beyond the rim. Fortunately, I rarely have to parallel park any more, but I'm very nervous when I do. I use the Lane Watch cam to try to judge how close to the curb I am.

 

[Sandroad]

Same. Had been parallel parking fine with my 2003 accord for several years. Then got the clarity and scratched both driver side rims in the first month of ownership . Can we buy tires that are wider and protect the rims better?

Yes! Some versions of the Michelin Energy Saver A/S in our size have a heavy ridge of rubber right next to the rim that sticks out a bit from the wheel to protect the wheel from curb rash, while not compromising the tire. The Honda spec version does not, but the Ford spec does. This same tire on my Ford Fusion Energi had the ridge, as does the Michelin X-Ice winter tire in this size. When time to replace tires, get your tire dealer to order the version that has that ridge of rubber and it should help a lot with mild curb rash. Michelin (and likely other manufacturers) puts that feature on some of their low-profile tires because of the curb rash problem.