Most people refer to it as a hubcap or wheel cover, while the small circular piece in the wheel’s center is called a center cap.
Rim cover terminology can be confusing because car wheels use several related parts with overlapping names. This article clarifies the terms, how they differ, and how to identify what you have on your vehicle.
Common terms for rim covers
Here are the most common terms and what they refer to.
- Hubcap: A decorative disk that covers the wheel hub and lug nuts on many cars, particularly older steel-wheel designs. It can be clipped or snapped into place and may be removable.
- Wheel cover (also called a wheel cap): A similar concept to a hubcap, but often designed to snap onto the outer rim of the wheel rather than the hub. Used on many steel wheels to improve appearance and protection.
- Center cap: The small cap fitted in the center of the wheel, covering the hub bore and sometimes the lug nuts. Frequently branded with the vehicle maker's logo; can be a separate piece or part of the hubcap on alloy wheels.
- Rim trim (or rim decoration): A decorative or protective ring around the outside edge of the wheel lip. Not a full cover, but a common accessory for styling or protection.
Understanding these terms helps when shopping for replacements and accessories, since the same product may be labeled differently by manufacturers or retailers.
How to identify which term applies to your wheel
Attachment and coverage basics
Use this quick checklist to see whether your wheel piece is a hubcap, wheel cover, or center cap.
- Look at the coverage area: does the piece cover lug nuts or is it limited to the central hub? If it covers lug nuts around the diameter, it's a hubcap or wheel cover rather than a center cap.
- Check attachment method: does it clip on around the rim (wheel cover) or bolt on from the back (bolt-on center cap or decorative nut cover)?
- Note branding: is there a logo in the center? Center caps typically feature a brand logo; hubcaps may also show logos but can be plain on some models.
- Consider the wheel type: alloy wheels often have integrated center caps, whereas many steel wheels use a separate wheel cover or hubcap.
By confirming these details, you can accurately identify the correct terminology and find compatible replacements or accessories.
Summary
In short, rim covers fall into a few related categories: hubcaps, wheel covers, and center caps. The hubcap or wheel cover generally sits over the wheel hub and lug nuts, while the center cap sits in the wheel’s center bore. The exact term depends on what portion of the wheel is covered and how the piece attaches. When shopping, check coverage, attachment method, and branding to ensure you get the right part for your wheel.
What are those rim covers called?
hubcap
A hubcap or hub cap is a decorative disk on an automobile wheel that covers at minimum the central portion of the wheel, called the hub.
How much does it cost to replace a hub cap?
An aftermarket hub cap replacement can cost you anywhere from $20 to $100 on parts alone. As for labor, you can expect to pay around an extra $20 to $200 to have your damaged hub cap professionally replaced. Of course, this is only an estimate and might vary depending on the rates in your area.
What is the cover around the wheel called?
Hubcaps, also known as wheel covers, serve primarily as decorative covers for the center portion of the wheel. They are designed to conceal the lug nuts, other components at the hub of the wheel, and dress up the black-painted steel wheel face. It's particularly helpful as fading and corrosion kick in.
What is the thing that covers the rims?
Hubcaps
Hubcaps/Wheel Covers: These are the same thing. If your vehicle came with standard, black or steel wheels, you will likely find they also have hubcaps or wheel covers. This is for aesthetics as well as aerodynamics.