Hubcaps from Amazon.com

Although you may not give much thought to your hubcaps, the truth is that they have an important job. Your hubcaps are covers that fit over your vehicle's wheels. Sometimes called wheel covers, the hubcap protects the wheels from damage, and is sometimes chosen for decorative purposes. The hubcap is centered over the wheel to prevent rusting and to prevent the corrosion of studs and lugs. They can also add to the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle and thus cause a small increase in fuel efficiency.

The most important consideration to make when choosing hubcaps for your car, truck, SUV, or van is the size of hubcap. Determining the right size is a pretty straightforward process. The size is usually best determined not by looking at your existing wheels but at your existing tires. On each tire, you will find a series of numbers and letters. These characters determine the size and type of tire. Find the number string that begins with the letter "R." It will probably read "R14" or "R16." Whatever the number you find following the letter "R" is the hubcap size that you need to purchase since this is the size of the tires on your vehicle.

You'll find hubcaps made from several different materials, including plastic and aluminum, which are the two most popular materials that are used. Chrome is another option, although this type of hubcap is a bit pricey. Keep in mind that ABS plastic wheel covers and hubcaps are often crafted to look like metal although they're much less expensive and easier to replace if one should get lost.

Search Amazon.com's Part Finder to locate the hubcaps that you need to transform the look of your car while protecting your wheels at the same time.