best hubcaps
Hubcaps – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison in 2022
Hubcaps can add a little flair to your car without breaking the bank too much. But to achieve this, it is necessary to have quality products that adapt to both your style and what your car needs. If you need 14-inch hubcaps, you can use the NRM Draco CS model. This product has a modern 10-spoke design with a beautiful black and silver two-layer paint that gives it more elegance. More classic is the Cartrend 70278 model, 15 inches in diameter and with an aluminum tone finish that is very decorative in any vehicle.
The best hubcaps on the market
Although they are a small decorative piece, the truth is that hubcaps can give any car a special image. Although for this it is necessary to know which are the best hubcaps that we can buy for our vehicle. If you don’t want to break your head looking for thousands of products, all you have to do is read our selection of the best hubcaps of 2022, in which we leave you with the most outstanding products of the moment. A list that makes it easy to know which hubcaps to buy, depending on what you like best and the needs of your vehicle.
Hubcap 14
NRM Draco CS
The NRM Draco CS hubcaps are a simple and elegant model with which to give a modern touch to any vehicle. We are talking about 14-inch-diameter hubcaps with a ten-spoke design and central area, so that any vehicle looks more elegant.
This product has a nice two-tone finish, so the outer areas of the spokes have a chrome-like finish, while the inner areas have a black finish. All this to give your vehicle its own rim finish, but at a cheaper cost than it would be to equip them on your vehicle. Therefore, it is not strange that we are talking about the best hubcaps of the moment within its segment.
By the way, if you need them, the same hubcap is available in sizes ranging from 13 to 16 inches in diameter.
If you are looking for the best hubcaps, the characteristics of this model will surely help you make a decision.
Pros
Two- tone : The hubcaps have a beautiful two-tone finish, silver-chrome and black.
Design : The ten-spoke design is very similar to the most beautiful and modern wheels of the moment.
Resistance : The assembly is solid and resistant, as long as it is done properly.
Instructions : They are accompanied by instructions, to make it even easier for you to place them.
Durability : According to users, they withstand cold, water and even snow without deteriorating.
Cons
Finish : Some user comments on certain finish defects, although imperceptible unless you look closely.
Hubcap 15
Cartrend 70278
The Cartrend 70278 15-inch hubcaps are a good proposal to give a different touch to the aesthetics of your car. A design suitable for all types of vehicles that fit this tire size, offering a very aesthetic finish reminiscent of some classic rims.
In fact, the design offers the usual 10-spoke design typical of them, with an area of false central screws duly painted to “give the hit”. Specifically, the main finish has an aluminum color finish while the area of the nuts has a chrome finish. In addition, the hubcaps have two-layer paint, which gives the piece greater resistance and shine.
And if we add to all this a price that is among the cheapest in our selection, we could well be talking about the best quality-price ratio hubcaps in our extensive selection.
If you are looking for cheap and classy hubcaps, this lot is an excellent option to give your car a different image.
Pros
Appearance : The traditional appearance of the product gives a classic image to any vehicle.
Paint : It has a high quality double layer paint with a gloss finish, for a better appearance.
Screws : The area of the screws is painted in chrome, creating an interesting contrast.
Measurements : In addition to the 15-inch size, they are also sold in 14- and 16-inch sizes.
Cons
Valve : Even correctly placing the hubcap, the valve is somewhat hidden under its surface.
Peugeot hubcaps
RICAMBI ITALY 2017 299
If you are looking for some hubcaps for Peugeot, the RICAMBI ITALIA 2017 299 model is all you need, as long as your wheels are 14 inches. This model faithfully reproduces the image of the brand’s hubcaps, present in models such as the Peugeot 106 or 206, among others.
In it we can find the rotated shape of the spokes, the image of the lion that is located in the center of the piece or the false screws that accompany it. A complete model with a nice aluminum “color” finish, the usual undulations and an adjustment system using tabs and a metal ring that is already well known in the market.
This lot includes all four hubcaps, so you can change them all at once and comfortably maintain the uniformity in the image of your vehicle in a simple way.
Renew the image of your Peugeot with this set of hubcaps, which we analyze below.
Pros
Faithful reproduction: The model is a faithful reproduction of the original hubcap, without any clashing detail.
Fastening : It is fastened by means of the usual metal ring, for greater comfort and safety while filming.
Complete lot: The lot includes the 4 hubcaps, so you can renew the entire image of your wheels at the same time.
Cons
Price: The price is somewhat high, considering that they are not original spare parts of the brand.
Resistance : Some users comment that the paint tends to lose its shine over time and with friction.
Hubcap Seat Ibiza
Wheel Trims 429/14
The Seat Ibiza is one of the best-selling cars in Spain, so it is not surprising that many users want spare parts for it. If what you need are some hubcaps for Seat Ibiza, the Wheel Trims 429/14 model is just what you need.
We are talking about a replica product of the original design, with a diameter of 14 inches and that is suitable for any Ibiza after 2002, but also for other models such as the Córdoba or the León, as long as it mounts 14-inch wheels.
These hubcaps have the original design, with the brand logo in the central part and the seven-spoke format of this manufacturer. As for materials, the hubcaps have been manufactured in polyamide and polypropylene, to give you greater resistance and durability during use.
Renew the image of your Ibiza with these beautiful hubcaps and everything they offer you.
Pros
Design : The design perfectly replicates that of the original hubcap, both in design and finishes.
Compatibility : This set is suitable for a Seat Ibiza but also for other manufacturer’s vehicles with 14-inch wheels.
Fixation : Fixation follows the metal ring approach, which simplifies the process.
Cons
Logo: The logo is not molded, but is glued on the hubcap, which takes away some resistance.
Finishes : Some users comment that the touch and finish can be improved, as it is too “plastic”.
Hubcap Ford Focus
Ford 1317874
For those who need hubcaps for Ford Focus, nothing better than turning to the manufacturer. Specifically to its model 1317874 which is the reference of these original Ford hubcaps.
This model has a size of 16 inches and maintains both the design and the quality of the hubcaps that were originally mounted on your car, so you will not have any compatibility problems to mount and replace them. A model that is compatible with both the aforementioned Focus and other models of the brand that mount 16-inch tires such as the C-Max or the Ford Mondeo.
As for its image, it maintains the design of the original piece, with its elegant aluminum finish and the logo present in the central part of the hubcap on a dark blue base.
Enjoy the quality of an original part and give your Ford Focus a renewed image with this product.
Pros
Original : We are talking about an original brand product, so you will not have quality or compatibility problems.
Finish : The silver finish contrasts with the Ford logo in its usual dark tone, giving the product an elegant image.
Assembly : As an original product, the assembly of the hubcaps is extremely simple and is duly fixed in place.
Cons
Price : The price of the product is not exactly cheap, although it is what the original pieces have.
Anti-theft hubcaps
Vauxhall 1006077
The Opel 1006077 model is an original Opel brand hubcap, with which to maintain the uniformity of any brand vehicle while preventing thieves from taking your hubcaps. Something that is achieved thanks to their installation system, typical of current anti-theft hubcaps.
Specifically, this model is not installed exclusively by means of a pressure ring, but also consists of five spaces designed to insert the tire fastening studs and fix the hubcap more effectively. It also has a space for the valve, so you don’t have problems accessing it, as it happens with other models.
All this in a hubcap with a beautiful five-spoke design, as usual in this model, compatible with all types of 16-inch tires.
Protect yourself against friends of the alien with these high-security and original anti-theft hubcaps from the brand.
Pros
Security: By holding on with the tire nuts it is almost impossible for the hubcaps to be stolen.
Appearance : The five-spoke finish is a classic for this manufacturer’s vehicles, with a glossy finish.
Compatibility : They are suitable for all types of 16-inch wheels, as well as for the Astra H, Signum, Vectra or Zafira models, among others.
Cons
Logo: Since the wheels have a logo, if you don’t have an Opel they can be a little weird.
Ring : In addition to the nuts, it is fastened with a ring, which complicates the whole assembly a bit.
Hubcap 16
J-Tec j16514
Although it is usual for vehicles with 16-inch tires to mount alloy wheels, we can also find 16-inch hubcaps if we need them. This is what the J-Tec j16514 model offers us, which also breaks with the traditional aesthetics of these products.
Specifically, this hubcap has a beautiful black design with a circular exterior decoration in white and a central chrome with the brand’s logo printed on it in carbon tones. Ideal then if you are tired of the silver or chrome hubcaps of a lifetime.
This decoration does not affect its usefulness, since we are talking about resistant hubcaps that are easy to mount on compatible wheels, so you will only have to worry about showing them off in your vehicle during your trips or losing them along the way.
Although it is difficult to decide which is the best brand of hubcaps on the market, this model would be a good representative of it.
Pros
Design : The design breaks the boring look of conventional hubcaps, both in shape and colour.
Sizes : The product is sold in rims from 13 to 16 inches in diameter.
Resistant : We are talking about a resistant product that supports the passage of kilometers, according to users.
Cons
Finishes: The paint has a tendency to chip with friction, so you should stay away from the curbs.
Gloss : The only shiny part is the central part, with the rest of the piece having a rather matte finish.
Volkswagen Polo hubcaps
RICAMBIITALY2017 332
If what you are looking for are hubcaps for Volkswagen Polo, the RICAMBIITALIA2017 332 model is what you need. This complete set of 4 14 inch hubcaps is compatible with this vehicle as well as other brand small cars such as the Lupo.
The hubcaps maintain the image of the original product, with a seven-spoke design, the reliefs that we usually find on them, as well as the brand logo, which presides over the central part of the hubcap. So you will have no problem maintaining the aesthetics of your vehicle with this product, which is also not particularly expensive, at least if we compare it with what the originals cost at a dealership.
The hubcaps are held in place by the usual tab and lock ring system, so fitting and removing is no problem either.
Maintain the aesthetics of your Volkswagen Golf with these replica hubcaps of the brand’s own.
Pros
Fidelity : The design is faithful to the image of the original product, both in appearance and finishes.
Price : The price of the product is very competitive compared to the cost of the original hubcaps.
Compatible : It can be installed on original rims of the brand with a diameter of 14 inches.
Cons
Assembly: As always, it is necessary to do the assembly carefully so as not to break any tabs.
Fixed center: Although it seems removable, the center part of the hubcap is fixed.
Renault hubcaps
Altre Marche 72.413/13
Renault is another of the main car manufacturers in the market, which we could not forget. For those who need Renault hubcaps, we find the Altre Marche 72.413/13 model.
These hubcaps are highly compatible with various models of the brand such as the Twingo, Clio or Megane, among others. In addition, this model is fastened by means of screws and not with the ring that is common in most current models of hubcaps, so you will not have to worry about them being stolen.
As for its image, it corresponds to the most modern of this product, with a design of five open arms, which give a modern touch to any model of this manufacturer.
Give a different touch to your Renault with these modern and quality hubcaps, which are impossible to lose unless they break.
Pros
Design : The hubcap design maintains the brand image but with a more modern look.
Fastening : The fastening is done through the wheel bolts and not with a ring, being anti-theft.
Materials : The quality materials of this product avoid problems with breakage or premature deterioration of the product.
Cons
Rim: These hubcaps are only for 13-inch wheels, although if you need larger ones you can also find them.
Non-originals: Although you may have already noticed, we are not originals but a replica of them.
Hubcaps 13 inches
Autostyle PP5153B
If we think of 13-inch hubcaps, boring and traditional models surely come to mind. Precisely for this reason we have chosen the model, which breaks with this boring image of always.
We are talking about sporty-cut hubcaps, with a seven-spoke design and a beautiful black finish with black and gray damascening on the truly modern and attractive spokes. So much so that the product simulates being a tire and gives a sporty image to any vehicle. An aspect that is finished off with the initials VR in red and white located in one of the spokes.
By the way, if your vehicle does not have 13-inch hubcaps but you like the design, it is sold in sizes up to 16 inches, so it is easy to get the size you need.
Because the sporty style also exists for small wheels, let’s see more details of this model.
Pros
Design: The purely sporty design breaks the boring image of the usual models.
Fit : The fit is very precise, which avoids problems during the shooting.
Measurements : In addition to the 13-inch size, you have other models up to 16 inches, with the same design.
Cons
Loose parts: Only sold in sets of 4, which is a problem if you need spare parts.
Resistance : It is advisable to treat them with care, to avoid premature breakage or deterioration of the paint.
Guide to buying hubcaps
Hubcaps are one of those accessories for our vehicle that are not essential, but it is true that they help make the car look better. They are also a good way to give a different or renewed touch to our vehicle without spending too much money. In any of these cases, our guide to buying the best hubcaps will come in handy, with tips to get the most out of your purchase and make your car look its best.
Shopping guide
hubcaps size
One of the advantages that hubcaps have, compared to other parts such as tires, is that choosing the specific model is quite simple. In fact, with few exceptions, almost all hubcaps are universal with respect to the size of the rim for which they have been designed.
This is something easy to see in any comparison of hubcaps, in which we will see how they are grouped precisely by that rim or tire diameter, which is obviously the same. In any case, there are few options to confuse us, since there are only four sizes on the market: from 13 to 16 inches diagonally.
Even so, before seeing how much the hubcap costs, how beautiful it is or how it is mounted, it is essential that you verify that this product has the corresponding measurement for your vehicle. Something that we must do directly on the tire, since sometimes the technical sheet contains several measurements, and some of them may be different from the one actually mounted on the car.
original, replica, universal
When we are looking for a hubcap, or a set of hubcaps, one of the questions we usually ask ourselves is whether to use an original product from the manufacturer or one that is not. It is true that the original hubcap is usually designed specifically for our vehicle, but it is also true that the difference in how much one of them costs compared to a universal one is considerable.
In the middle of both worlds there are the hubcaps that we call replica. In this case they are not original products of the brand but they are made in its image, so that they are more or less similar to those originals. The main advantage is that they have a cheaper price and do not break the aesthetics of the vehicle too much.
As a third option we have the universal ones. In this case they are hubcaps that are valid for any vehicle. The original or branded ones also work, really, although it is rare to see a Ford logo on a Peugeot, for example. In any case, the universal ones are valid for any car and allow a change of image, ranging from classic and traditional models to those that imitate the most sporty and modern rims. It’s all a matter of what you prefer for your car.
Mounting
We cannot forget about the mounting process of the hubcaps, since there is a difference between the two main ones. The best known is the one with plastic tabs and a metal ring. A system that does not evolve despite being somewhat complicated to assemble and not being the most resistant, given that any pothole can make your hubcap fly. That is why it is convenient to verify that it offers a good grip so as not to have this problem.
Something that can also be solved with the other existing hubcap system. Specifically, we are talking about the products that are fastened by the tire nuts. This system has the inconvenience of having to remove the wheels to place them but in return you will never lose them and they will not steal them either. In any case, if you opt for this system, do not forget to check that the product has the necessary mounting holes, as many as the number of studs on the wheel, normally four.
Appearance
We have left for the end what has to do with the appearance of the hubcap, as it is something more aesthetic than anything else. But that is not why it is something that we should put aside.
The good news is that since we’ve already dropped, we have a little bit of everything. So if you want a model with a more classic finish, a simple design and some shades of aluminum or silver, you will be able to find it. And if you prefer something modern, even with sporty touches, with more interesting colors and a more modern look, too. It is true that these latest models are not as popular as the more traditional ones, but they are becoming more and more easily.
In any case, while reviewing this aspect, do not forget to also check that the product has good resistance, so that its good image lasts longer. Although the friction with the curbs will always be a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to clean hubcaps?
The process of cleaning the hubcaps is not particularly complicated, and it is possible to use a jet of water from any gas station gun on them, clean them with a hose or directly with a conventional sponge or cloth. A process for which we can use any product that is not aggressive, just as it happens with the rest of the vehicle, really. In any case, you can also find specific products on the market, such as foams and the like, specially designed for hubcap materials.
Q2: Can I pass the ITV without hubcaps?
The hubcaps are an aesthetic element that does not affect the stability or safety of the vehicle, so there is no problem in passing an inspection if they are not installed on the vehicle or are not the original ones. The only case in which they can tell us something is if the hubcaps are loose or can come off, being a risk for driving. But it would only be a warning and should not have any further influence on the inspection process.
Q3: How to change hubcaps for rims?
In truth, all cars have rims and some also have hubcaps. So the process would not really be to replace hubcaps with rims, but rather it would be to change the iron rims of the vehicle, on which the hubcaps are mounted, for alloy wheels, aluminum or the material that we like the most. Something for which we will need to know the measurements of the tire and its equivalences, as well as what the technical sheet indicates in this regard, then proceeding to buy the corresponding rims and discarding the iron rims. With all these elements, it would be enough to mount the tires on the new rims and mount them on the car.
Q4: How to secure hubcaps from falling off?
One of the main problems that hubcaps have is that their fastening system is quite unfortunate, so we have many ballots so that these fly on the road in case of hitting a pothole with bad shade. We can take as much care as we want in placing it, that if it has to jump, it will jump. One solution is to use flanges, which would link the hubcap and the rim, preventing their “freedom”. Another solution is to apply some adhesive, such as silicone, that fixes the hubcap in place. Anyway, do not forget that sooner or later you will have to remove the hubcap, so be careful what you use for that fixing.
Q5: Are there hubcaps that won’t fall off with potholes?
There are, there are, although the difficult thing is to find them. Specifically, we are talking about the hubcaps that are fixed directly with the rim screws, with the corresponding holes in the central part of it. This has the advantage that, unless broken, it is impossible for the hubcaps to fall off or be removed. The drawback is that if we want to change them we will have to disassemble all the wheel bolts.
Q6: Where to buy original hubcaps?
Finding original hubcaps is a complicated process. The fact that it is a relatively cheap part and that, today, it is beginning to be obsolete due to the rise of tires, means that they are not parts that we can find in a scrap yard. It is also not entirely easy to find these hubcaps at our dealership and, if they have them, you will have to prepare your wallet as they are usually quite expensive. As a last option we can resort to the network, where it is possible to find some loose game that is original.
Q7: Are the hubcaps universal?
Hubcaps are universal, as long as they are the same inches as the tire we are mounting the part on. In other words, a 15-inch hubcap can be installed on any 15-inch tire and rim, regardless of the make of the vehicle or any other details in this regard, with few exceptions.
Q8: Can I spray paint hubcaps?
Hubcaps, being the plastic material they are, can be spray painted with no problem. However, it is necessary to carry out some previous tasks in order to guarantee an adequate result. Specifically, we must start by cleaning and sanding the entire surface, to make it easier for the paint to stick and also to remove scratches, bumps and other surface damage. Depending on the amount of paint absorbed by the material, two spray coats may be necessary, and even one of lacquer to fix the result.
How to use hubcaps
Although it seems like one of those elements of our car that we do not give importance to, the hubcap is an element that deserves our attention, at least during the assembly process. So if you want to know what you need to circulate safely with this model, we leave you some interesting tips in this regard.
Choosing the correct position for the valve
Before proceeding with the assembly of the hubcap it is necessary to choose the correct position. All hubcaps usually have a kind of semicircular notch on the outside of the piece, designed so that it coincides with the valve area. The location of the notch must always be respected, since if we do not do so, we may not be able to access the valve or, even worse, we may damage it.
Mounting a conventional hubcap
When we mount a conventional hubcap it is necessary that the different elements are correctly located. This involves
