When Sprucing Up Your Old Ride, Wheel Covers Can Do a Lot

You don’t have to drive the latest model or an expensive luxury brand; we are here for all car enthusiasts and want to help everyone find the best products for their vehicles. Steel wheels leave a lot to be desired, and hubcaps or wheel covers can both improve the look of your vehicle while also protecting the wheels. I focused on choosing wheel covers that had broad compatibility to ensure they could fit the majority of reader’s vehicles. I also narrowed down the list to wheel covers that look attractive, adding a modern take to this classic aftermarket part. 

With each choice, I stayed true to The Drive’s methodology for testing products with a real-world experience in mind while considering expert opinions and user reviews. I prioritized well-known brands with an established history of producing quality products. 

My top pick for the best wheel covers went to the Cover Trend Black Matte Aftermarket Snap-On Wheel Covers because they have a bold modern style and durable matte finish. If you need a more budget-friendly option, the Pilot Automotive Universal Fit Spyder Wheel Cover won’t let you down with a universal fit for broad compatibility.

When buying a set of wheel covers for your vehicle, most come in a set of four. This seems silly, but always check to make sure you know what you are buying. Your chosen set needs to be the right size for your wheels, have a style that you like, and are made from a durable material. Getting these features right will ensure you have a set of wheel covers that are both safe to use and long-lasting.

This is one of the most common types of aftermarket wheel covers on the market. There is a simple slot and groove system that comes as a part of the backside of the cover. It is quick and easy to snap into place. You may find that this method is harder to get a perfect fit because they are made with a generic design for broad compatibility. You can use electrical tape to reduce the wiggle and create a tighter fit. Over time, UV rays can weaken the ABS plastic and cause it to crack or break.

This is the second most popular type of attachment method for aftermarket wheel covers. Each wheel cover comes with a set of bolts and lug nuts. When installed correctly, they are more secure than clips. However, when done incorrectly, they are less secure. When buying bolt-on wheel covers, make sure it’s compatible with your specific wheel and lug nut pattern. The installation process is more complicated because you can’t simply snap the wheel cover on. You’ll need to jack the car up and remove the lug nut on the wheel so that you can place the wheel cover on and then bolt everything down.

More often seen on low-cost and older vehicles, OEM wheel covers are those that come on the vehicle straight from the manufacturer. They look, feel, perform, and attach in the same manner as aftermarket wheel covers. They are typically the bolt-on method because this helps them to be more integrated into the vehicle, and it’s a design that the majority of car owners are familiar with. However, they tend to lack in the looks and style department when compared to new vehicles that have styled wheels without the use of hubcaps.

Because the wheel cover is meant to cover the entire wheel, you need to know the size of your wheels when ordering your wheel covers. Both hubcaps and wheel covers come in sizes that are measured in inches to match wheels. For example, they come in 14, 15, 16, and 17 inches. Therefore, narrow down your search to the size of your wheels so that you only consider those that are compatible. Additionally, the bolt pattern should match if you decide to buy this type of wheel cover. This is typically done by counting the number of bolts that encircle the hub.

Just as we all have different tastes in vehicles, the same goes for the wheels that they roll on. Thankfully, wheel covers come in a wide range of colors and designs. This lets you choose the perfect set for your vehicle. The simplest of covers are a plain silver grey in a classic five-spoke design. Fancier designs include colored pinstriping accents, carbon fiber inlays, and multi-spoke designs. Don’t forget to think about the style and looks of your car; the covers you choose should complement and enhance the look of your ride.

The majority of wheel covers are made from ABS plastic. This material is a great option because it’s lightweight and durable. It’s also affordable, making it friendly on your wallet. The drawback of plastic is that it eventually succumbs to the elements. UV rays can fade the color or cause the plastic to become brittle and susceptible to cracking. Another material option is metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. These are more durable than metal but can weigh more. Metal can also be harder to repair should it become scratched or dented. Aluminum is lighter than steel and also corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel can be heavy but also the strongest, making it the most protective.

You can find a basic set of four hubcaps for around $50. They will have some style and design, making them perfect for someone looking for a little improvement. The wheel covers in this price range tend to be made from ABS plastic. Wheels also get more expensive as they get bigger. So ABS wheel covers that are 14 inches cost less than $40, 15 inches are under $50, and under 16 inches are under $60. Larger wheels that are 17, 18, or 19 inches will be around $100. If you’re looking for something a bit more durable, there are also stainless steel wheel covers. These tend to cost $100 or more, although you’ll find that these covers lack style.

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and wheel covers. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

A: You might hear wheel covers called hubcaps. They are similar but technically different. A hubcap covers the center of the wheel but can sometimes be larger. A wheel cover extends to the edge of the wheel to cover the entire face.

A: People use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. People often use the word “rim” to describe aftermarket wheels. However, the rim is one part of the wheel. It’s the outside edge of the wheel where the tire sits.

A: Clean off any lubrication before securing your new hubcap. Secure the clips that come with the hubcap correctly. Try wrapping the clips with electrical tape to create a tighter fit. Finally, it isn’t a pretty solution, but using cable ties can keep the hubcap on the wheel.