If you own a base model automobile, chances are you will sooner or later need a hubcap. While these vehicles are some of the most reliable on the road, loosing hubcaps can many times be a problem. In most situations they are very pricey at the dealership so many have gone online where they can be purchased much cheaper. One can save more that 50% off the dealers retail price by shopping online. But if you want original equipment hubcaps, the shopping experience can get confusing. There are online stores selling genuine hubcaps. There are also many online stores selling replica hubcaps and sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. If you want genuine hubcaps, look for the logo in the center. All original hubcaps made in the last 10 years come with the manufacture emblem in the center. If a site states that there is no logo included, chances are they are a replica copy.
Replica hubcaps are made by independent companies and closely resemble the original equipment. Because of trademark laws, they are unable to place a factory logo within them. A reputable store should state plainly if an item is a replica copy. A company should have nothing to hide if they have confidence in their product. Not that there is anything wrong with replica covers, especially for the many older vehicles still on the road. For these older vehicles where there is a scarcity of original hubcaps, replica’s are a nice affordable option. Bottom line, if you want the genuine article, look for the logo.
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