The Difference Between Wheels, Rims, and Hubcaps
Wheels, rims, and hubcaps are important for your vehicle, but aren’t they all the same thing? There are some major differences between wheels, rims, and hubcaps, and understanding those differences is important. When you understand the unique features of all of these components, you can get what’s right for your car.
Basic Differences
Despite common misconceptions, wheels and rims are not synonymous! While people frequently use these terms together, they denote distinct elements of your vehicle. The wheel constitutes the entire metallic framework linking to the axle and upholding the tire, while the rim is solely the outer perimeter of the wheel, securing the tire in position.
The hubcaps, otherwise known as wheel covers, are primarily aesthetic additions. Unlike wheels and rims, hubcaps embellish the wheel, refining your vehicle’s aesthetics.
Material and Design
Another pivotal discrepancy between wheels and rims lies in their composition. Wheels, made from aluminum or steel, are robust materials capable of withstanding a car’s weight and pressure. Conversely, rims are typically alloys, a blend of metals that make them strong and light at the same time.
Hubcaps come in materials such as plastic, steel, or aluminum, coupled with an extensive array of designs. This versatility enables you to personalize your car’s appearance, adding a distinctive flair to your vehicle.
Size, Size, Size
Wheel dimensions go off their diameter, spanning the wheel’s central axis. Conversely, rims go off of width, measuring from one edge to the other. Both components can vary in size.
The size of the hubcaps goes off of the size of the wheel. The larger the wheel, the larger the hubcap required. Choose the correct size of hubcap for your vehicle to ensure proper fitting and maintain the aesthetics of the car. An ill-fitted hubcap looks out of place and can come off easily, posing a potential danger on the roads.
Vehicle Compatibility
Finding wheels and rims that are compatible with your car can seem like a complex task due to the various dimensions you need to consider. Thankfully, it can actually be easy. Ensuring compatibility is possible with some hard work, whether you’re working with a professional tire dealer or using an online wheel configurator. Each will help you visualize what different wheels, rims, and hubcaps will look like on your car so that you can find what’s right for you and your vehicle.
Now that you have a deep understanding of the differences between wheels, rims, and hubcaps, you can confidently give your car the help it needs. This knowledge helps you make the right decisions when getting new car parts, like a set of 4 Tesla Model 3 18” wheel covers from Sexy Wheelz. We have all the accessories you need for your wheels so that your Tesla can dominate the road with ease.