How To Install Hubcaps On A Car?

Putting new hubcaps on your car is a simple way to improve its look. This guide will show you exactly how to install hubcaps on a car quickly and safely. You don’t need to be a mechanic to get this done. With a few basic tools and some care, you can have your wheels looking fresh in no time.

Many people think it’s just a matter of snapping them on. While it’s often that easy, doing it the right way ensures they stay put. A lost hubcap on the highway is annoying and can be dangerous. Let’s make sure yours are secure.

Before you start pressing or snapping anything, you need to prepare. Rushing this job can lead to damaged caps or scratched wheels. A few minutes of setup makes the whole process smooth.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

You won’t need much. Having everything ready before you start is key.

Your New Hubcaps: Ensure they are the correct size and style for your specific vehicle’s make, model, and year.
A Clean Rag or Microfiber Cloth: For wiping the wheel.
Mild Soap and Water (optional): For a deeper clean if the wheels are very dirty.
A Rubber Mallet: This is crucial. Never use a metal hammer, as it can crack the plastic.
A Flat-head Screwdriver or Trim Tool: For prying off old clips or gently removing an old, stuck hubcap.
Gloves (optional): To keep your hands clean.

Prepare the Wheel Surface

A clean surface helps the hubcap sit flush and secures the clips better.

Park your car on a flat, level surface and set the parking brake.
If the wheel is extremely dirty, wash it with mild soap and water. Let it dry completely.
Use your clean rag to wipe the area where the hubcap makes contact. Remove any loose dirt, small rocks, or brake dust. Pay special attention to the lip of the wheel where the clips will grab.

Identify Your Hubcap Type

Not all hubcaps attach the same way. Look at your new ones to figure out the system.

Snap-On/Push-On: The most common type. They have plastic clips around the inside edge that snap over the wheel’s lip.
Bolt-On/Wheel Covers: These often cover the entire wheel and are secured by the lug nuts themselves or have their own set of screws.
Wire Hubcaps: Older style, usually held by a retaining ring that clips into the wheel.

For this guide, we’ll focus on the most common snap-on and bolt-on types.

Removing an Old Hubcap

If you’re replacing an old hubcap, you need to take it off first. Be gentle to avoid bending the wheel lip.

Locate the small notch or slot on the edge of the current hubcap. This is designed for tool removal.
Insert your flat-head screwdriver or trim tool into this notch. Apply gentle, steady pressure to pry the edge away from the wheel.
Work your way around the hubcap, prying a little at a time. Don’t just pry one side all at once.
Once it’s loose, pull it straight off the wheel by hand.

Installing Snap-On Hubcaps

This is the simplest method. The key is even pressure.

Hold the new hubcap facing the wheel. Align it with the valve stem (the little nipple where you add air). Most hubcaps have a notch or cutout for this.
Start by hooking the top set of clips onto the lip of the wheel. You should hear a faint click.
Now, press firmly on the opposite (bottom) side of the hubcap with the heel of your hand until those clips snap into place.
Go around the entire hubcap, using your hands to press firmly. Apply pressure near the clips, not in the center of the cap.
For a final secure fit, take your rubber mallet and gently tap around the outer edge of the hubcap. Don’t hit it hard—use light, firm taps. This ensures all clips are fully seated.

Installing Bolt-On Wheel Covers

These are even more secure but require a few extra steps.

First, you must loosen your car’s lug nuts. Do not remove them completely yet. Just break them loose with your lug wrench (turn counter-clockwise).
Place the wheel cover over the wheel, aligning the valve stem cutout and the holes for the lug nuts.
Now, thread your lug nuts back on by hand. They should screw onto the studs through the holes in the wheel cover.
Once all lug nuts are finger-tight, use your lug wrench to tighten them in a star or criss-cross pattern. This ensures the cover goes on evenly. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for proper lug nut torque if you have a torque wrench.

Final Checks and Tips

You’re almost done. Don’t skip these final steps.

Walk around the car and visually inspect each hubcap. Make sure they are all seated evenly with no gaps.
Give each one a gentle tug with your hands. It should not move or come loose.
For snap-on types, do another light pass with the rubber mallet if you here any creaking sounds.
Avoid driving through automatic car washes with stiff brushes for the first few days, as they can catch an edge and pull a loosely-fitted cap off.

If you followed these steps, your hubcaps should be secure. They’ll stay looking good for miles to come.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to fix common issues.

Hubcap Won’t Snap On

If you can’t get the clips to engage, check a few things.

Wrong Size: Double-check the part number. A hubcap that’s just a half-inch off in diameter won’t fit.
Bent Clips: Inspect the plastic clips on the back of the hubcap. If one is broken or bent, it won’t grab the wheel. You might be able to carefully bend it back into shape with pliers.
Dirt or Rust on Wheel: Re-clean the wheel lip thoroughly. A small bit of corrosion can prevent a proper seal.

Hubcap Feels Loose or Rattles

A rattling sound means it’s not fully seated.

Remove the hubcap and inspect the wheel lip for damage. A dented lip won’t hold a clip.
Check if all the clips on the hubcap are present and straight. Sometimes one is missing.
Reinstall, making extra sure to use the rubber mallet technique evenly around the entire edge.

Some older cars wheels might be slightly warped. In this case, you may need hubcap retention clips (little metal rings) that provide a tighter grip.

Hubcap Keeps Falling Off

This is a serious safety issue. Address it immediately.

Stop driving and remove the hubcap. The clips are likely broken or the wheel is damaged.
Consider switching to a bolt-on style wheel cover for a more permanent solution.
As a temporary fix, you can use hubcap retention wires or straps, but these are not a recommended long-term fix.

FAQ Section

Do you need to remove the wheel to install hubcaps?

No, you almost never need to remove the wheel. All work is done with the wheel firmly on the car. The only exception might be if you are dealing with a severely damaged wheel that needs repair.

Can you install hubcaps without a rubber mallet?

Yes, you can use the heel of your hand or a block of wood and a regular hammer. The key is to avoid direct metal-on-plastic impact. A rubber mallet is just the safest and easiest tool for the job.

How do you know what size hubcap your car needs?

The best way is to check your owner’s manual. You can also look at the tire sidewall. The numbers will include the wheel diameter (e.g., R16 means a 16-inch wheel). The hubcap must match this diameter. Also check the part number of your old hubcap or use a retailer’s vehicle fitment guide online.

Why is there a hole in my hubcap for the valve stem?

That hole allows you to access the valve stem to add air to your tire without removing the hubcap. Always align this hole when installing the cap. It’s a crucial step many people forget.

Can you put hubcaps on alloy wheels?

Typically, no. Alloy wheels are designed to be seen and are usually finished nicely. Hubcaps are intended for standard steel wheels. There are some “wheel covers” designed to cover alloy wheels, but they are less common and require specific fitting.

How tight should lug nuts be on bolt-on wheel covers?

They should be tightened to your vehicle manufacturer’s specification, which is usually between 80 and 100 foot-pounds for most cars. Use a torque wrench for accuracy. If you don’t have one, tighten them firmly in a star pattern until they are snug. Overtightening can strip the studs or crack the wheel cover.

Maintaining Your Hubcaps

Once they’re on, keep them clean to preserve their appearance.

Wash them with the same mild soap and water you use on your car. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
During tire rotations, ask the technician to check the hubcaps for secure fitment. The removal and reinstallation during a rotation can sometimes loosen them.
Periodically give them a gentle push with your hand to ensure they haven’t worked loose from bumps and vibrations.

Installing hubcaps is a straightforward task that anyone can do. By taking your time, using the right tools, and following these steps, you’ll achieve a professional-looking result. Your car will look better, and you’ll have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Just remember the golden rule: never use a metal hammer on plastic hubcaps.