Hubcaps, or the wheel cover as some call it, are a car accessory that covers the wheel's central part.
Through the years, hubcaps evolved in terms of style and functionality.
Today, hubcaps are also now available in different materials, such as aluminum, plastic and steel.
The most popular types of hubcaps are those made of aluminum or steel due to their durability, although more and more people now prefer those made of high-grade plastic because of their flexibility.
Over the years, the look of hubcaps changed from one form to another.
There were wheel covers that were about 4" in diameter and there were some that were so big they actually covered the whole tire.
Car enthusiasts and experts have come up with the most elegant and extravagant designs for hubcaps, while others came up with very functional designs.
Hubcaps have not only become a motor vehicle accessory but they have also become a fashion statement for some.
Though majority of car enthusiasts of today see wheel covers more as fashion accessories there was a time when hubcaps were used for functional and practical reasons.
During the early days of the motor vehicle industry hubcaps functioned as protective gear to keep dirt and harmful substances from sticking to the inner parts of the tires.
They protected the axles of the wheels as well as the hubs so that they'd still function properly.
Today, wheel covers or hubcaps are still used for that same function.
These accessories still protect the tires from harmful particles and they help maintain the spindle nuts and bearings in tiptop shape.
The difference though is that hubcaps of today have also become fashion accessories as well as protective covers.
Wheel covers come in several shapes, sizes and colors these days and every customer can find one that will fit their sense of style.
Some hubcaps are designed to look like Frisbee discs with flat surface and chrome exterior.
These wheel covers do not only protect the bearings and the spindle nuts of the wheels, they also complement the whole image of the vehicle.
Customized hubcaps are also now available for those who want their vehicles to look more unique.
People can now trawl through different kinds of hubcaps that would match their sense of style or the model of their car.
Some wheel covers have elegant design, which would fit those who are rich but conservative, while others have simple designs, which would fit well with people who prefer functionality over style.
There are even hubcaps that were created to match the make and model of a vehicle, which will make it easier for first-time car owners to choose the right kind of wheel cover for them.
Today, motorists have more to choose from with regard to the design of hubcaps.
However, among all the types available on the market, two most popular hubcaps are the clip-on wheel cover and the bolt-on hubcap.
The clip-on hubcap are fashioned with steel spring clips that can latch onto the rim of the tires.
The bolt-on are fashioned with threaded fasteners that can latch onto the wheels much more firmly.
Clip-on hubcaps tend to detach if the vehicle makes a hard turn.
Customers can go online to search for the kind of hubcap that will fit their car and their style.
Online stores provide customers plenty of information as to which hubcap would fit a certain make and model of a car.
This makes it easier for people to choose the right kind of wheel cover for them.