Hub cover: functions, service and price

The hub cap that is often overlooked is play part of your wheels. As the name suggests, it is used to hide the hub mounting bolt. But the hub cap also helps protect it, especially from dirt and bad weather. However, not all vehicles have a hub cap.

🚗 What is the hub cap used for?

Located in the center of the wheel, hub cover mainly performs an aesthetic role. Indeed, as the name suggests, it allows you to hide the wheel hub mounting bolt. But it is also used for protect him dirt and bad weather. Therefore, the hub cap also plays protective role.

The wheel hub cap is not available on all vehicle models. Indeed, cars equipped withcaps do not have a hub cap, since it is the cap that performs this aesthetic and protective function.

?? How to choose a hub cap?

To choose the right hubcaps for your wheels, it is important first know the size of their diameter... Indeed, you will need to measure the depth as well as the diameter of the hub cap to make sure it fits properly on its rims.

The size of the hub cap is expressed in millimeters: therefore, you must be accurate in your measurements, otherwise you will end up with a hub cap that is too small or too large.

Now that you know the size of the caps, the question arises which model of caps to buy. The easiest way is to choose OEM hub cap to be sure of their quality and size. To do this, go to the garage or your dealer.

However, if you want custom hub caps, be aware that there are universal hub caps that can be attached to any rim as long as you respect the dimensions. However, these hoods must be approved.

Attention A: If you buy hub caps online, keep in mind that there is a huge market for knockoffs. Therefore, be sure to select approved hub caps to ensure their quality.

Indeed, fake hub caps will certainly be cheaper, but you will have to change them more regularly because their quality is really bad. In addition, please note that possession of counterfeit products is punishable by law: you face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of 375 euros (article 000-321 of the Criminal Code).

🔧 How to remove the hub cap?

Removing the hub cap without damaging it can sometimes be a real headache depending on the type of rim. Here's a guide to help you remove the hub cap easily and especially not damage it.

Required material:

• Flat screwdriver
• sucker
• Scotch Poissant (duck tape type)
• Chiffon
• Cleaner

Step 1. Clean the hub cover.

Start by cleaning the wheel hub with a rag or sponge and cleaner to remove any accumulated dust or dirt.

Step 2: Remove the hub cap

You can then use a flat head screwdriver to pry between the rim and hub cap to move it out of place. We recommend placing a cloth between the screwdriver and the rim to avoid damaging or scratching it. Do not use too much force on the screwdriver as this may deform or break the hub cap.

If you don't have room to insert a screwdriver between the rim and hub cap, you can use a suction cup if you have the right size. In fact, all you have to do is place the suction cup on the hub cap and pull on it to remove it.

And finally, the last solution is to use high quality sticky tape, such as duck tape. You just need to wrap the tape around the hub cover and pull on it.

Step 3. Replace the hub cover.

You can now replace the hub cap in its place on the rim. To do this, you just need to push it down so that it goes into the body. Be careful to make sure it is correctly positioned so you don't get lost on the road.

Note : You can also remove the wheel and push the hub cover from the inside of the wheel to remove it. This solution works very well, but requires disassembling the wheel. In addition, this is not possible on some vehicle models as the hub cover must be removed to remove the wheel.

?? How much does the hub cap cost?

Count on average between 10 and 30 € for the original manufacturer's hub cap. However, the price varies greatly depending on the manufacturer and model of the hub cap.

After all, for example, at Mercedes the price for a hub cap can vary from 20 to 90 €, depending on the model. All in all, if you find a lot of 4-piece caps for less than € 15, they are most likely fake. So be careful!

That's it, the hub caps don't keep secrets for you anymore! You already figured this out: pay close attention to the quality of your new hubcaps. Again, we recommend buying the hub caps directly from your garage or dealer to avoid fakes.