So I was putting the 22” wheels back on for the summer and removed the spare tire cover. Noticed that it rubbed against the spare wheel and scuffed them up pretty good. Attached a pic of what rubbed against the wheel all winter.

Has anyone else experienced similar? Is my cover missing any felt/foam padding that would normally prevent this?

 

So, interesting. The spare tire cover I got doesn't have that contraption inside (that looks like it keeps it centered on lugs)... just a bit of foam (like a foam block) between the outer cover and the wheel.

That said I took it off and it's in the attic because I didn't like the look.

Do you have pics of the front side? This is just the standard "DEFENDER" spare cover yes?

 

Yeah, I don’t love the look either, but left it on for winter since the spare didn’t match my winter wheels.

It’s the standard cover but the newer version that’s gloss black on the top/bottom and body coloured in the middle. I didn’t know they were different on the underside.. I’m gonna have to find some type of foam/felt to put on if I wanna use this again next winter

 

chuyn, thanks for the post! Just confirmed mine is doing the same, with less than 3500 miles. It’s definitely the hard plastic wearing off the finish on the rim. I’m also going to cushion it as I intend to keep the cover.

 

Let us know what you end up using if you don’t mind. I’m not in a huge rush to do it yet but would love to see ideas on what to use

 

Thanks for posting this I was on the fence about buying one as I like the look of the exposed rear tire, but if its gonna cost me money and damage my wheels Im good with it uncovered.

 

Interesting. I have the same wheel cover without the foam and I was worried about the plastic against the wheel. I'm going to try adding some padding foam on the inside of the cover to stop it from rubbing against the wheel: https://a.co/d/doDix1m

 

Just be sure to add foam that will not collect/retain moisture...

 

something like this should work:

https://a.co/d/irS9zLR

 

I added the linked foam as a cushion and it's a good fit. My wheel is showing the same damages as OP after less than 600 miles. It should be an easy fix to get the marks removed by a detailer but I will hold off getting it repaired until I've seen that the cushion does the trick preventing any further damage.