Rims or Hub Caps

What is the difference between wheels with rims and wheels with hub caps (other than that the hub caps come loose and rolls away?)

 

A hub cap is s plastic, steel or aluminum cover that snaps on the rim which is steel. This rim is very strong, but not as pretty so the hub cap covers all the hardware that keeps the wheel connected to the car.When you purchase a car from a dealership or a lot the hub caps are usually included. If you lose the OEM hub caps you can order them from our parts department.

They vary based on the size of the wheel.

 A rim is aluminum or steel and is connected to the wheel, it has aesthetic qualities while being what holds the wheel on to the car. Rims are mostly made with aluminum. Some of them are covered with plastic. There are many designs and styles so you can choose what works for you. If your car came with steel wheels and hub caps you can purchase rims of the same size to go on the tire as long as they are the same size. Aluminum wheels tend to be more aesthetically appealing than steel rims. If you want to buy larger rims you will need to purchase a tire that will fit those rims. 

The rim pictured on the right is larger than a typical rim, so the tire is thinner. These tires don't create as much cushioning so they are not good for rocky services. Thicker tires take more shock so they create a smoother ride.These popular for show cars, sports cars and luxury cars; they are called low-profile.

Most Chrysler vehicles these days are made with rims. Some models still have hub caps as an option.  There are many after market providers of rims and hub caps.

Here is a short video showing a Dodge Charger with some sweet custom rims:

Check out other similar videos by CeltPilot

So, How Much Are They??

When you buy a rim, you are buying the aesthetic cover and the hardware. They range in price from $215 to thousands and even tens of thousands. When you buy a tire with steel rim you purchase the hub caps separate; the whole package can cost $180 and up. OEM hub caps start at around $60 a hub cap; third party hub caps can be bought in sets of two or four and can be purchased for as little as $20.

We sell tires and rims. You can pick your tires on our website or stop in and see our a member of our Service Department. (937) 276-8061

These are some sweet custom rims on this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited...

To leave a comment, click the "no comments" link and tell us about your hub cap/rim experience. Which do you prefer?

Be in the Driver's Seat

A couple weeks ago I published a blog post about the importance of driving a car before you intend to buy. A couple days ago I saw this tweet:
 "Saw the jeep patriot in person and didn't like it after all 👎 I want my 4door jeep wrangler !!"

So seeing a car in person can change your mind about what car you really want. There are many cars to chose from and even when you narrow it down to your personal favorites, there are many options on each car. So don't leave it to one single visit to a dealership to make that choice...a choice you will live with for 3, 5 or maybe even more years!

 When I saw all these photos of our friends at the Dayton Auto Show, I realized that auto shows are a great opportunity to go look at cars without feeling pressured to buy. Look how comfortable they are getting in the driver's seat! Every person who is thinking about buying a car (even someday) should get in the driver's seat...literally and figuratively!

Don't feel like you can't go to a dealership just because the salesmen wants you to buy something. Be confident. Be in the driver's seat! Ask questions. Get answers. Be informed. Try out all the cars you are considering, well before you buy them.

One of our friends said she went to the car show knowing she wanted a Jeep Grand Caravan, she even had her photo taken in it that day, but when she saw this Wrangler she changed her mind. She really loved the colors and liked the look and feel a lot better once she got in the driver's seat!

But don't wait for auto show time to get in the driver's seat! Go to dealerships. The sales professionals are there to help you, even if you aren't ready to buy. Don't be afraid to say, when they inquire, that you are not buying today (if you aren't ready to buy). If the sales person is helpful and knowledgeable you will keep him/her in mind when you are ready. Ask questions!

A big thank you to all of our friends who went to the show and sent us a photo!

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