The plastic cover on a wheel is most commonly referred to as a wheel cover or hubcap. The center piece that hides the hub is called a center cap. The exact name varies by region and by which part you mean.
Terminology: wheel covers, hubcaps, and center caps
To understand the everyday words car owners encounter, it helps to distinguish the main parts that sit on or in front of a wheel.
Wheel cover
A wheel cover is typically a plastic or composite disk that snaps over a wheel to improve appearance, commonly used on steel wheels or budget alloy wheels. It often covers the wheel face while leaving some hardware visible.
Hubcap
Historically, a hubcap was the decorative disk that covers the central wheel hub and lug nuts. In modern usage, many people use “hubcap” interchangeably with “wheel cover,” though some brands and regions keep the distinction clear.
Center cap
A center cap is a small cap placed in the wheel’s center to hide the hub and bolts and often carries the vehicle brand’s logo. It can be a separate piece or integrated with the wheel cover.
Practical usage and naming in the real world
The term you encounter depends on whether you’re talking about the full outer cover or the central piece. The following list summarizes common configurations.
- Wheel cover (outer shell): A full disk that snaps onto a wheel, primarily cosmetic and sometimes masking the lug nuts.
- Hubcap (decorative disk): Often used interchangeably with wheel cover; may refer to the outer cosmetic part in some markets.
- Center cap: The small branding-cap in the wheel center that hides the hub bolts and axle assembly.
When purchasing, verify the exact part type (wheel cover vs center cap) using your vehicle’s make, model, and wheel type to ensure a proper fit.
Installation and maintenance
Replacement parts vary by design and retention method. Here are practical steps you may follow to replace or service these wheel adornments.
- Identify the correct part by wheel type (steel vs alloy) and whether you need a full wheel cover or a center cap.
- Choose OEM or reputable aftermarket parts that match your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
- Install by aligning tabs and pressing until it snaps into place for wheel covers, or press/twist to secure center caps according to the design.
Regular inspection helps prevent loose covers from falling off and protects wheel hardware from dirt and corrosion.
Regional terminology notes
In many markets, hubcap and wheel cover are used interchangeably for the outer cosmetic piece, while center cap is reserved for the small cap at the wheel hub. Some automakers use specific terminology that differs from consumer usage.
Summary
In short, the plastic cover on a wheel is usually called a wheel cover or hubcap, with the center cap referring to the smaller piece that sits in the wheel’s middle. The exact term varies by region and by which portion of the wheel it covers. When shopping, check the vehicle details to ensure you get the right part.