The wheel rim cover is typically called a hubcap (also known as a wheel cover).
Understanding the distinction helps when shopping for replacements or discussing your car’s wheels, as some terms refer to specific parts while others are used more generally.
Terminology and definitions
Hubcap
A hubcap is a circular cap that fits over the wheel hub and usually conceals the lug nuts. It can be metal or plastic and is often used on vehicles with steel wheels to provide a finished look.
Wheel cover
A wheel cover is a decorative disc that snaps onto a steel or alloy wheel to improve appearance or provide protection. Wheel covers are common on steel wheels and are designed to be removable without disassembling the wheel itself.
Before moving on, here is a concise overview of how these terms are commonly used in practice.
- Hubcaps generally refer to the cap that covers the wheel hub and lug nuts, often attached on steel wheels.
- Wheel covers refer to the larger decorative disk that snaps onto the wheel and can be used on steel or alloy wheels.
- Center caps (often part of the wheel) are smaller covers in the center of the wheel that may or may not be considered hubcaps or wheel covers.
In many cases, people use "hubcap" and "wheel cover" interchangeably, especially outside technical contexts; the exact term can vary by region and vehicle design.
How to tell which you have on your car
Look at the wheel: does the cover extend over the rim edge and conceal lug nuts widely (hubcap), or is it a shallow disk that only sits in the center or around the wheel’s face (wheel cover, often with a visible opening for the lug nuts)? The method of attachment (clips, retention rings, or a center screw) can also indicate which type you have.
Common types you might encounter
Below are the two primary categories you’ll encounter when shopping or replacing parts. Each has typical characteristics and installation methods.
- Hubcaps: usually metal or plastic caps that snap or clip onto steel wheels, designed to hide lug nuts and the hub area.
- Wheel covers: decorative discs that snap onto the wheel’s surface, used on steel wheels or to give an alloy-wheel look on various wheel types; may be broader than a hubcap and cover more of the wheel face.
For both, ensure you choose parts that match your wheel size, bolt pattern, and vehicle make/model. If you’re unsure, check the owner’s manual or consult a parts retailer with your wheel diameter and lug pattern information.
Summary
In everyday language, the term you’ll hear most is hubcap, but wheel cover is also common. The exact term varies by design and region: hubcap generally hides the hub and lug nuts on steel wheels, while wheel covers are decorative disks that attach to wheels to enhance appearance and protection. When shopping, verify the specific part type, size, and compatibility with your rims.