How to Install a Wheel Cover

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You can instantly change your car's appearance when you install wheel covers. Wheel covers, also called hubcaps, can be installed by following just a few steps and using your bare hands since you don't need to use any tools. Learn how to install a wheel cover in just a few minutes to create a new look for your vehicle.

Steps

1. 1
   Install the retention rings in the grooves near the bottom of the mounting rings. The retention rings go between the inner edge of the clip socket and the backside of the metal clips. Some wheel covers come with the retention rings already installed. If yours are preinstalled, you can skip this step.

   
   
2. 2
   Position the bent portion of the retention ring into the wheel cover's valve notch. This will go around the valve stem when you are ready to attach the wheel cover to the wheel. Settle the retention ring into the slots all the way around the wheel cover.
3. 3
   Line up the valve notch with the valve stem on car's wheel. Take note of the position of any lug nuts, center cap (if it has one), and the overall shape of the wheel rim. Make sure everything is lined up properly. The wheel cover should fit perfectly and securely over the lug nuts and center cap, but it should not fit tightly.
4. 4
   Hold the wheel cover parallel to the rim, but make sure it's not quite touching yet. Apply even pressure when installing wheel covers. Start at the 3-o'clock and 9-o'clock position, and push the wheel cover into place with evenly applied, simultaneous pressure on both sides. Move to the 12-o'clock and 6-o'clock position, and repeat the process you just completed for the 3-o'clock and 9-o'clock position.
5. 5
   Go all the way around the wheel cover, and finish snapping it into place. Use simultaneous pressure to 2 sections at a time. For example, after snapping in the 3-o'clock, 9-o'clock, 12-o'clock, and 6-o'clock positions, move to the 10-o'clock and 2-o'clock position, followed by the 4-o'clock and 8-o'clock position. Try to keep the wheel cover as close to parallel as possible throughout this process.
6. 6
   Repeat all the steps for the remaining 3 wheel covers.

   
   

Tips

• You do not need a special tool to install hubcaps. In fact, using a hubcap tool might break your hubcaps.
• If you need to install the retention rings, place the wheel covers face-down on a non-scratching surface or use the foam separator sheets that were included in the packaging. This will prevent the chrome or paint from getting scratched while you put on the retention rings.

Warnings

• Do not attempt to drive with your wheel covers on if they do not seat, or snap into place, securely.
• Do not attempt to work your way around the wheel cover little by little. Always seat the wheel cover by applying pressure to 2 sections at a time. Any other method could break your wheel covers.

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