Questions about fixing curb rash
 

I recently hit a curb while making a right turn. Here is the damage: http://imgur.com/a/KqnzM

If I don't apply clear coat to the scraped area, roughly how long would it take for the wheel to start rusting? If I don't care about aesthetics, would it be sufficient to just to sand down the scraped area to make it smooth? Some of it is poking out near the wheel and I am concerned that it would poke the tire.

I can't tell you about repairing it but the last owner curbed the shit out of 2 of my OEM wheels and they have not rusted. The car was on the dealer lot in heavy snow January-March, I've owned it since then.

As far as sanding... I wouldn't be too concerned about that little scratch hurting your tires.

The stock wheels (and most wheels for that matter) are an aluminum alloy and will not rust. In a decade or so they may develop some white, fluffy, oxide spots but no rust.

That white fluffy oxide is rust.

Rust is iron oxide and usually brown or reddish.
(aluminum will not turn to iron oxide)
It will oxidize or corrode, aluminum oxide is white.
Thank you Tcoat.

rust
rəst/
noun
noun: rust
1.
a reddish- or yellowish-brown flaky coating of iron oxide that is formed on iron or steel by oxidation, especially in the presence of moisture

*Drop mic*