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FAQ
So you want to bolt your hubcaps on?
So you are tired of loosing your hubcaps. A good solution would be to bolt them on. Unfortunately with some models that is just not possible.
Your wheels need to be set up correctly in order to accommodate a bolt on hubcap. The lug nuts need to have outside thread for the hubcaps that screw down, or the lug nuts need to be flanges or contain a washer insert for the hubcaps that bolt on behind the lugs. In addition, all of the bolt on hubcaps are made to fit a particular wheel rim. The depth that the hubcap sits need to be perfect in order for the locking mechanism to reach the lugs and every wheel is different. Also the holes in the hubcap need to be the same distance apart as the wheel in order to bolt up and this differs from model to model. In other words, there are no universal “bolt on” hubcaps on the market because every vehicle is different.
Most non lockable factory original hubcaps are designed with a wire retention system. The clips, or tabs that hold the retaining wire on the wheel covers are made of plastic and lost are quite fragile. Careless handling causes these tabs to break which takes the critical tension from the wire. This is when the losses happen Most of these hubcaps will remain on the wheel if handled properly, so careful handling is critical when removing and installing the hubcaps.
If the hubcaps are already damaged and you wish to replace them with good quality replica hubcaps. Make sure you select a style that is constructed with metal retaining tabs. The auto parts and bargain store brands are usually constructed with retaining tabs that are more fragile that the original ones that you are replacing, so make sure you choose a quality hubcap with a solid metal retaining system. Not unlike other purchases, you get what you pay for.
OEM / Factory Original versus Replica / Aftermarket?
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.
I loose a lot of hubcaps, how can I keep them on better?
The key to keeping hubcaps on a car is the retaining clips on the back. Hubcaps with metal retaining clips can be “stretched” out slightly towards the edge of the wheel. This will tighten the hubcap within the wheel and keep it on much better. This should be done every time the hubcaps are removed. Hubcaps with plastic clips will only stay on if all the clips are intact. There is generally no way to adjust this type. The best way to keep them on is to use care when installing them, not to break or bend back the plastic clips. This is how 90% of the plastic covers are lost.
How do I determine the correct hubcap size?
It’s perplexing, you loose a hubcap. You start surfing the web for what seems like an easy task of replacing it. Your sure you know the right size because you measured it, but this website is saying your hubcap is a different size!
One would think the simplest way to determine the size of an item would be to break out the old tape measure and measure it… right? Well… for most items this is true but not in the case of hubcaps, wheel covers, or wheel rims.
Measuring of wheels and hubcaps in the automotive world is done differently. It all corresponds to the tire size of the vehicle. If you look at the side of a tire on any vehicle, there will be a series of numbers ending in R14, R15, R16, etc. This final number will tell you what size wheel or hubcap you need.
For example, you have a 2001 Toyota Corolla and you need to replace the hubcap. You look on the side of the tire and find a number similar to this “P175/65/R14”. What this number (R14) tells you is that you need a 14″ hubcap or wheels. By physically measuring the hubcap, you would get a measurement of a little over 15″ and this is where the confusion comes into play. Always go be the size printed on the tire and you can’t go wrong.
How can I tell if my wheels are aluminum or steel?
Most steel wheels take full wheel covers or hubcaps. Aluminum wheels take a smaller center cap cover and are either a machined finish or painted finish with a hard clear coating. There are some “styled” steel wheels which are painted. These will not have the clear coating, just a painted surface which scratches easily. Chrome wheels can be either steel or aluminum. Its a little harder to tell with chrome. If you are not sure, feel free to call us 800-301-5814 and we’ll try to help.
Manufacture Specific
Saturn
Saturn Hubcaps Wheel Covers Information
All Saturn hubcaps use the following retention system. Since the first year Saturn has employed plastic caps (see illustration A) that attach to the hubcap and thread on to the lug nuts. The lug nuts on these vehicles (illustration B) have outside threads that accommodate the plastic caps
Installation of these wheel covers is easy. Line up the wheel cover to the lug nuts being careful to ensure the valve stem is lined up with the slot that has been precut into the wheel covers. If you turn the hubcap over, there is usually a icon indicating where the valve stem should go (illustration C).
Using a 3/4″ socket or lugs wrench, thread the caps onto the lugs. Do not over tighten them or use any kind of air tool as this will strip out the threads, possibly causing a future loss. These lug caps only need to be snug tight.
There are numerous websites on the net that state “center cap not included” or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our Saturn hubcaps are factory original and come with the attachment caps, ready to install.
Pontiac
Pontiac Hubcaps Wheel Covers Information
Pontiac, like all GM hubcaps have gone through many changes in the last few years. The day of the stainless steel hubcap that you could kick on with your foot are over. Today’s Pontiac wheel covers (like all other makes) are now all constructed from plastic and have employed a variety of retention systems. Some of these systems are good, some are bad, but each requires specific installation techniques and special care while installing to ensure long term retention. For Pontiac vehicles from the last 20 years, there are three different attachment systems.
Pontiac basic snap on wire retention
Mostly this system was used on early 90’s Pontiac’s. On this type ( fig. A) there are a series of plastic clips and a wire that runs between the clip around the back diameter of the hubcap.
These wheel covers are easy to snap on. Once the wheel covers is correctly aligned with the valve stem opening, one just simply taps the hubcap into place. There is a groove in the wheel rim in which the plastic clips seat, the wire keeps a constant pressure on the clips holding the wheel cover in place.
Loss of these wheel covers occurs when the plastic tabs are broken causing the wheel cover to become loose, so care must be taken when installing. Once these tabs are broken, the hubcap will no longer remain secure and will need replacement. We always recommend using a rubber mallet or the back of a fist to “tap” them into place when installing. Do not use excessive force, the hubcaps should snap into place with moderate pressure. No Pontiac since 92 has used this system.
Pontiac hubcaps that bolt on behind lugs
Some of the mid 90’s GM’s such as the Grand Am used this type of hubcap attachment system. In my opinion, this was the best system ever and unless the installation was completely wrong, it was virtually impossible to lose these wheel covers. Simply, the wheel covers were held on by the lug nuts. Installation takes a bit more work, but the extra effort is worth the knowledge that you should never under normal circumstances loose them.
Most believe that you have to. jack up the car and remove all of the lugs nuts in order to install this type of hubcap, but that is simply not true. As you can see ( fig B), two of the holes in this Grand Am hubcap are large than the others. You only need to remove the lugs from the three smaller holes. The lugs in the two larger holes can remain on the car, as the holes are large enough that the hubcap will slide over them.
Once the hubcap is in place and the lugs are reinstalled, the decorative little plastic caps will them thread down onto the lug nut, as these lug nuts have outside threads (fig. D below). The installation is now complete.
Pontiac hubcaps that screw on to the lug nuts
The third and most common hubcap retention system uses plastic caps (fig. C) that attach to the hubcap and thread on to the lug nuts. The lug nuts on these vehicles (fig. D) have outside threads that accommodate the plastic caps. All late model Pontiac passenger car and mini van use this system.
Installation of these wheel covers is easy. Line up the wheel cover to the lug nuts being careful to ensure the valve stem is lined up with the slot that has been precut into the wheel covers. If you turn the hubcap over, there is usually a notch indicating where the valve stem should go (fig. E).
Using a 3/4″ socket or lugs wrench, thread the caps onto the lugs. Do not over tighten them or use any kind of air tool as this will strip out the threads, possibly causing a future loss. These lug caps only need to be snug tight.
There are numerous websites on the net that state “center cap not included” or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete with the logo, center caps (if applicable) and any attachment caps that are needed. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order page. We don’t like deception and would love for you to return to us for all your hubcap and wheel needs.
Hyundai
Hyundai Hubcaps Wheel Covers Information
Hyundai hubcaps employ basically two attachment systems. Each requires specific installation techniques and special care while installing to ensure long term retention.
Basic Hyundai multiple clip snap on
Mostly this system is used on Hyundai Sonata, . With this type there are a series of metal clips that run around the back diameter of the hubcap (fig A).
These wheel covers are easy to snap on. Once the wheel covers is correctly aligned with the valve stem opening, one just simply taps the hubcap into place. There is a groove on the back edge of the hubcap (fig B) this is where the valve stem lines up.
Loss of these wheel covers occurs because these clips need to be stretch back out before the hubcap is reinstalled. When the wheel covers are taken off and put back on several times for maintenance, brakes, etc, the clips tend to get push in somewhat. This this makes the wheel covers loose and increases the possibility of loss. Stretching these clips outward before every installation can go a long way to insure the hubcap stays in place.
We recommend using a rubber mallet or the back of a fist to “tap” them into place when installing. Do not use excessive force, the hubcaps should snap into place with moderate pressure.
Hyundai hubcaps held on behind lugs
The Hyundai Accent, 95 and up Elantra, some Sonata’s and the Tiburon use this type of hubcap attachment system. In my opinion, this was the best system ever and unless the installation is completely botched, it is virtually impossible to lose these wheel covers. Simply, the wheel covers were held on by the lug nuts. Installation takes a bit more work, but the extra effort is worth the knowledge that you should never under normal circumstances loose one of these hubcaps. This style of hubcap utilizes a chrome lug nut with a snap on washer. The washer retains the wheel covers to the vehicle through lug holes in the center.
One item of note. If your Hyundai does not currently have factory Hyundai wheel covers on it and you wish to add them, be sure the little black washer is present on at least half of the lug nuts for each wheel. The washer snaps into a ridge about halfway down the center of the lug nut. Most of the above mentioned vehicles with factory original steel wheels should have these washers, but if yours does not, they will need to be purchased at your Hyundai dealer.
More about Hubcap Heaven and Wheels
There are numerous websites on the net that state ” logo not included” or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete with the “H” logo. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order page. There is nothing wrong with many of the replica’s, in fact they can save you money and some of the older Hyundai hubcaps are hard to find. But we want you to know exactly what you are getting, no surprises.
Honda
Honda Hubcaps Wheel Covers Information
Honda hubcaps are held on by the lug nuts
Back in the mid 80’s when driving a Japanese import was not quite as fashionable as it is today, Honda became the first company to come up with wheel covers that were held on by the lug nuts. The concept was actually quite simple, but it took most other car companies 15+ years to follow (some still have not) and the standard was set. Honda still makes some of the best hubcaps on the road.
Installation takes a bit more work, but the extra effort is worth the knowledge that you should never under normal circumstances loose one. They utilize a chrome lug nut with a snap on washer. The washer retains the wheel covers to the vehicle through lug holes in the center.
One item of note. If your Honda does not currently have factory Honda wheel covers on it and you wish to add them, be sure the little black washer is present on at least half of the lug nuts for each wheel. The washer snaps into a ridge about halfway down the center of the lug nut. Most Honda’s should have these washers, but if yours does not, they will need to be purchased at yourHonda dealer. Honda hubcaps will NOT retain on the vehicle without these washers.
Another important item is interchange between different styles. Interchanges between different models generally does not work. For sure Accord and Civic hubcaps will not interchange because the distance between the bolts (bolt pattern) is different. Accords have a 115mm bolt pattern and Civics have a 100mm bolt pattern.
Honda hubcaps are also somewhat year specific. Look on the Honda Hubcap catalog to see what years a particular hubcap spans. Certain years will interchange and certain years will not. Since rim sizes and configurations change every few years, sometimes there is a problem fitting a different year model on your car. If you want a hubcap from a different year for your car, your best bet is to contact us and ask. An answer to this question could save you time and shipping.
About Hubcap Heaven and Wheels
There are numerous websites on the net that state ” logo not included” or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete with the “H” logo. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order page. There is nothing wrong with many of the replica’s, in fact they can save you money and some of the older Honda hubcaps are very hard to find. But we want you to know exactly what you are getting, no surprises.
Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth
Chrysler, Dodge,Plymouth Hubcaps Information
Chrysler and Dodge factory hubcaps have gone through many changes in the last few years. The days of the stainless steel hubcap are a thing of the past. Today’s Chrysler hubcaps (like all other makes) are now all made of plastic and have employed a variety of more sophisticated retention systems. Some of these systems are good, some are bad, but each requires specific installation techniques and some require very special care while installing to ensure long term retention. For new Chrysler and Dodge hubcaps, there are three different attachment systems.
Basic snap on wire retention
Mostly this system was used on vehicles from the year 2000 and back. however the Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring still use this snap on clip system. On this type ( Fig. A) there are a series of plastic clips and a wire that runs between the clip around the back diameter of the hubcap.
These wheel covers are easy to install. Once the wheel covers is correctly aligned with the valve stem opening, one just simply taps the hubcap into place. There is a groove in the wheel rim in which the plastic clips seat, the wire keeps a constant pressure on the clips holding the wheel cover in place.
Loss of these hubcaps occurs when the plastic tabs are broken causing the wheel cover to become loose, so care must be taken when installing. Once these tabs are broken (Fig B), the hubcap will no longer remain secure and will need replacement. 95-00 Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town and Country hubcaps are notorious for this problem. A good replacement for these problematic covers are hubcaps that utilize metal clips.
We recommend using a rubber mallet or the back of a fist to “tap” them into place when installing. Do not use excessive force, the hubcaps should snap into place with moderate pressure.
Hubcaps that bolt on behind lugs
Most of the 2000 and after Chrysler and Dodge hubcaps use this type of hubcap attachment system. In my opinion, this is by far the best system and unless the installation is completely botched, it is virtually impossible to lose these hubcaps. Simply, the wheel covers were held on by the lug nuts. Installation takes a bit more work, but the extra effort is worth the knowledge that you should never under normal circumstances loose them.
Most believe that you have to jack up the car and remove all of the lugs nuts in order to install this type of hubcap, but that is simply not true. As you can see( Fig C), two of the holes in this Voyager hubcap are large than the others. You only need to remove the lugs from the three smaller holes. The lugs in the two larger holes can remain on the car, as the holes are large enough that the hubcap will slide over them.
Once the hubcap is in place and the lugs are reinstalled, the decorative little plastic caps will them thread down onto the lug nut, as these lug nuts have outside threads (illustration D below). The installation is now complete
Hubcaps that screw on to the lug nuts
The third retention system uses plastic caps (fig. D) that attach to the hubcap and thread on to the lug nuts. Dodge Neon and a couple Sebring models used this system. The lug nuts on these vehicles (fig. E) have outside threads that accommodate the plastic caps
Installation of these wheel covers is easy. Line up the wheel cover to the lug nuts being careful to ensure the valve stem is lined up with the slot that has been precut into the wheel covers. If you turn the hubcap over, there is usually a notch indicating where the valve stem should go (fig. E).
Using a 3/4″ socket or lugs wrench, thread the caps onto the lugs. Do not over tighten them or use any kind of air tool as this will strip out the threads, possibly causing a future loss. These lug caps only need to be snug tight.
There are numerous websites on the net that state “center cap not included” or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete with the logo, center caps (if applicable) and any attachment caps that are needed. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order page. We don’t like deception and would love for you to return to us for all your hubcap and wheel needs.
Buick
Buick Hubcaps Wheel Covers Information
Buick hubcaps have gone through many changes in the last few years. The day of the stainless steel hubcap that you could kick on with your foot are over. Today’s Buick wheel covers (like all other makes) are now all constructed from plastic and have employed a variety of retention systems. Some of these systems are good, some are bad, but each requires specific installation techniques and special care while installing to ensure long term retention. For late model Buick, there are three different attachment systems.
Basic snap on wire retention
Mostly this system was used on early to mid 90’s Buick Regal and Skylark. On this type (fig. A) there are a series of plastic clips and a wire that runs between the clip around the back diameter of the hubcap.
These wheel covers are easy to snap on. Once the wheel covers is correctly aligned with the valve stem opening, one just simply taps the hubcap into place. There is a groove in the wheel rim in which the plastic clips seat, the wire keeps a constant pressure on the clips holding the wheel cover in place.
Loss of these wheel covers occurs when the plastic tabs are broken causing the wheel cover to become loose, so care must be taken when installing. Once these tabs are broken, the hubcap will no longer remain secure and will need replacement. We recommend using a rubber mallet or the back of a fist to “tap” them into place when installing. Do not use excessive force, the hubcaps should snap into place with moderate pressure
Buick Hubcaps that bolt onto lugs
The second and most common hubcap retention system uses plastic caps (fig. B) that attach to the hubcap and thread on to the lug nuts. Late Model Century, LeSabre, Regal and Skylarks all use this system. The lug nuts on these vehicles (fig. C) have outside threads that accommodate the plastic caps. All of the 99 and up Buick hubcaps use this system.
Installation of these wheel covers is easy. If the Buick hubcap has a center caps, remove it (fig. D). This will give you access to the lug caps (fig. E). You will then line up the wheel cover to the lug nuts being careful to ensure the valve stem is lined up with the slot that has been pre-cut into the hubcap. If you turn the hubcap over, there is usually a notch indicating where the valve stem should go.
Using a 3/4″ socket or lugs wrench, thread the caps onto the lugs. Do not over tighten them or use any kind of air tool as this will strip out the threads, possibly causing a future loss. These lug caps only need to be snug tight.
Buick wire spoke hubcaps
Wire spoke wheel covers were the standard on most Buick models from the early 80’s, until the late 90’s. These hubcaps were very reliable until Buick launched the plastic locking system in 1989. With the plastic locking housing (fig F) Buick owners starting encountering losses of these “locking” wheel covers in masses. The problem occurs with these wheel covers when the locks are over tightened, the plastic housing on the back can develop a undetectable crack. In time the crack grows and results in the hubcap eventually flying off. With a replacement running over $200 at the dealer, these wire spoke hubcaps became a huge source of frustration for many. Hubcap Heaven and Wheels stocks Buick wire wheel hubcaps at a fraction of the dealers price.
Anatomy of a Buick wire spike hubcap
A Buick wire spoke wheel cover has four components (Fig. G). The wheel covers, locking key (wrench), locking nut and the mounting bracket. The Mounting bracket attaches to the car fitting behind three of the wheels lug nuts. This bracket is what hold the wheel cover to the car. In order to attach the wheel covers to the bracket the locking nut is screwed onto the bracket with a special patterned wrench (key).
A Buick wire spoke wheel cover has four components (Fig. H). The wheel covers, locking key (wrench), locking nut and the mounting bracket. The Mounting bracket attaches to the car fitting behind three of the wheels lug nuts. This bracket is what hold the wheel cover to the car. In order to attach the wheel covers to the bracket the locking nut is screwed onto the bracket with a special patterned wrench (key).
In order for these hubcaps to be theft proof, GM created six different patterns for these locks. The locking nut and wrench need to be the same pattern in order to work. You can tell which pattern your car has two different ways. First, the color. The cap at the end of the locking wrench and the locking nut itself must be the same color. The second (and more reliable since color fades) is a two letter code imprinted on the working end of both the locking nut and the wrench. The two letter code always begins with the letter P and ends in one of the following. B, D, G, H, S and Y. Before calling in to order one of these Buick hubcaps, please find out which locking pattern you have. You must have the correct lock in order to install the hubcap on the car. The lock is the only thing holding the hubcap on.
Installing a Buick wire spoke hubcap
Installing a Buick spoke hubcap is an easy process. First you remove the Buick logo (fig. H), this is where the locking nut resides (fig. I).
You then place the hubcap on the wheel, lining up the valve stem with the notch provided for it. Using the locking wrench, you turn the locking nut clockwise (fig. J), securing it to the mounting bracket (fig. K). Snap the logo back into place and you are done.
More about Hubcap Heaven and Wheels hubcaps
There are numerous websites on the net that state “center cap not included” or do not show an emblem on the photo of the hubcaps. All of our factory original hubcaps and wheel covers come complete with the Buick logo, center caps (if applicable) and any attachment caps that are needed. Any replica style will be clearly marked in the picture and on the order page. We don’t like deception and would love for you to return to us for all your hubcap and wheel needs.