Most car owners today, and lovers of the automotive society, tend to view hubcaps and wheel covers as a fashion accessory for their car more than anything else. While that may be the primary function now, once upon a time these items had a more functional and practical application for the motor vehicle.
When automobiles first came on the scene the mechanics - while advanced for the time - were extremely simple when compared to modern technology. On early models the hubcap was used to cover the axel hubs on vehicles. Because roads were typically poor condition, or dirt, these "wheel covers" were necessary to keep debris and dust out of the inner workings. Without them the moving parts would suffer gradual damage.
Of course wheel covers and hubcaps still serve the same practical purpose - and that's to protect the wheel hub on vehicles from dirt and other harmful particles while also keeping the bearings from being damaged. People have simply found a way to make these practical vehicle parts a fashionable accessory. While some spring for custom rims on their vehicles, others will take the factor rims and apply custom wheel covers to get a unique look on their vehicles.
Saving Money on Hubcaps
Those custom designs can get a little pricey however which is why there are always budget alternatives. Cheaper hubcaps and wheel covers are available for those not willing to spend quite so much on their vehicles. These cheaper versions are often made out of plastics and other light-weight materials that save on production costs. The downside to saving money with hubcaps and wheel covers is that they're more susceptible to damage from road debris.
Springing for Quality Accessories
If you have the budget for a nicer look to your vehicle then you can either spring for mag-alloy wheels (that typically only require a nice hubcap) or you can go for the custom wheel covers that are made from stronger materials and durable metals. These custom wheel covers tend to run a bit higher on price but they last much longer and don't succumb as easily to damage from road debris and daily driving.
Better quality hubcaps and wheel covers are made of stronger materials and even higher-grade metals. Some accessories are produced to be make and model specific so they act as a perfect fit for your vehicle - often sporting the automaker logo with creative designs to support the look of the car.
No matter your budget there are a number of choices that will fit your wheels. From every source you can find clip on wheel covers that secure nicely within the inside of your wheel rim as well as hubcaps that are designs to secure snugly to the wheel hub to hide the ugly lugnuts. No style is better than the other - it's really based on personal preference and what will fit your wheels.
If you're not sure which style to choose, consult with your dealer or manufacturer. Likewise you can contact an experienced dealer in wheel covers and hub caps to get some model recommendations that would be a perfect fit for your ride.
Author Resource:
Your car says a lot about you and your sense of style. Don't look like a tool cruising with bare steel wheels. Get quality hubcaps or wheel covers that show you care about even the smallest details of your ride.
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