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.
Compared to the technology of today, the original mechanics used for early automobiles was relatively simple and straight forward. Even with simplicity though there were still moving parts that needed protection. The greased axel hubs needed to be covered to avoid debris and dirt from ruining those moving parts. Hubcaps were a way to prevent that damage when cars tooled around on the roads at the time (which were often just dirt).
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 an unique look on their vehicles.
Saving Money on Hubcaps
If you're the conservative type but you still want a custom look for your vehicle, most online centers for car accessories as well as hub cap dealers online offer cheaper options to cover your wheels. The budget friendly models tend to be made from plastic or cheaper grade metal. These models can typically save you a fortune (budget friendly hubcaps and wheel covers can be as cheap as $20 for a set of 4) but on the downside they may not grip the wheel as well and can be easily damaged by road debris.
Springing for Quality Accessories
If you have it in your budget, then it's best to spring for a nicer round of hubcaps or wheel covers for your vehicle. Think of these accessories like a good pair of shoes. If you go cheap and by a $20 pair of sneakers from Walmart, they'll feel good at first but the odds of them lasting a long time and keeping their supportive shape are slim. The same can be said for the hubcaps on your car. Go cheap, get cheap. Invest in quality and they last longer.
These better quality hubcaps and wheel covers are made of stronger materials that are built to last. You can even find custom designs that are made specifically for certain makes and models - giving you a perfect fit to enhance the look of your vehicle.
Either route you choose there are a variety of choices in how those hubcaps fit to your wheels. The most common types available in retail stores and online markets are the clip-on wheel covers and those hubcaps that bolt on to the hub. No specific style tends to hold better than the others and it's largely a matter of preference as well as what works best with the design of your wheel.
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:
Every car has its own style and design, right down to the wheels. Make sure you've got your wheels covered. Invest in quality hubcaps and wheel covers that keep your car protected and stylish.
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