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?