Hubcaps that use a steel retention rings use the pressure exerted by the spring to push the clips out against the steel wheel so that the wheel cover stays in place. The retention ring is bent to fit around the valve system. Align the bent parts of the ring with the space or notch where the valve stem is supposed to go.

The tension ring fits into the leg slats. You can then work your way around the hubcap quickly fitting the steel ring into the slots. It’s extremely important that you keep the hubcap parallel to the rim all the way around. If you can pull off the hubcap with your bare hands then go back to the drawing board.

Check and double check

If your hubcaps have metal clips or tabs and are very difficult to mount you may need to gently bend the clips ever so slightly so that the hubcaps can hold onto the wheel more snugly and go on without getting broken. However, if they slide on too easily they may be too loose on your wheel and may end up falling off as you drive.

Set the hubcap in position, lining up the valve notch with the valve stem. Make sure that you keep the hubcap parallel to the rim all the way around. Make a note of the placement of your lug nuts, center cap and the shape of the rim itself.

Try to apply pressure evenly from one side to the other, then from top to bottom, with both hands so the hubcap is not leaning or tilting away from the rim on any side. As you increase the pressure in circles all the way around the rim the retention clips slide into place. The total time for this job should be 12 minutes.

Safety First

While you’re at it now is the perfect time to check your tire pressure. You can use the Custom Accessories Digital Tire Gauge which is easy to read. You don’t want to put on new hubcaps and end up with a flat a couple hours later. Examine your wheels carefully for any signs of wear and tear. Having the proper traction on tire threads is a key factor to safe driving.

If the hubcap does not fit, do not force it on as you are likely to damage or break the mechanism. If the outer edge of the hubcap does not fit firmly to the wheel all the way around and is not fitting flush to the wheel it may mean that your lug nuts or hubs may be too tall or your wheel may not be the standard size or shape.

Cold weather

Did you know that cold weather can adversely affect some of your car accessories? When temperatures drop below freezing it increases the risk of cracking as plastic becomes more and more brittle. So it may be a good idea to do hubcap installation during the summer or inside a heated garage.

Painted Wheel Well

For a more professional look we suggest that you paint your wheel well in flat black which looks great against chrome or silver wheel covers. That way the areas that can be seen through the openings of the hubcap have a clean background. Gray or silver paint are another option.