Car and Truck Hubcaps
Car and truck hubcaps are often bought by consumers across the country as replacement parts for their vehicle. Knowing the "ins and outs" of what to look for in choosing the right wheel covers and hubcaps on the market makes your purchase easier. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about wheel covers that automotive experts usually hear. Are hubcaps and wheel covers the same thing?No, they are not the same. A wheel rim, also called a wheel cover, is what holds the car tire in place. On the other hand, hubcaps just cover up your rims in the middle of your tire and are primarily for cosmetic purposes.
What other purposes do hubcaps serve?Apart from making your car look more stylish, hubcaps help to reduce the accumulation of dirt and moisture on your cars wheels.
How do you know which size wheel covers to buy?In nearly all cases, wheel covers are interchangeable. This is true as long as you stay within the same tire size. So, if you have 16-inch tires, for example, you will want to select wheel covers labeled as 16 inches. The same holds true for choosing the appropriate hubcaps.
Can you paint your hubcaps or wheel covers?Yes, there is spray paint, including metallic paint, that you can use to make your wheels and hubcaps look even better. Before painting, its suggested that you wipe your wheel, or wheels, clean and then use a 320-grit sandpaper to get rid of any scratches or surface damage. If your wheels or hubcaps have significant damage, it may be best to just pick up new wheel covers or hubcaps for your vehicle.
Can you get hubcaps that bolt onto the wheel?It depends on your car and wheel. Bolt-on wheel covers are less common than clip-on hubcaps and only are available for particular makes and models. In most cases, the majority of wheel covers being used employ the wire retention design.
Do aftermarket wheel parts feature the original factory logo?No, because they are trademarked, hubcaps and wheel covers with the original factory logos are only available from a dealer. This applies to all makers and manufacturers of aftermarket parts, whatever part they make. If you wish to have the official emblem or trademark on the hubcaps and rims of your vehicle, its best to choose original manufacturer equipment.