Autosavings

Now wait a minuteare they called hubcaps or wheel covers? Is there a difference between the two? And while were at it, why did they start using hubcaps to begin with? These and similar questions have baffled the great minds of the world for many years. So to get to the bottom of these questions, its best to examine the long, tortuous and yes, actually interesting history of the automobile hubcap.

Car enthusiasts have had a running love affair with hubcaps for decades. Some say that the art deco styling of the famous Chrysler Building in New York is a tribute to the hubcap. But, how did hubcaps come about in the first place? Well, originally there was a functional necessity for the cap. See at first, autos were made with wooden spokes like a buggy or wagon wheel. The wooden spokes connected the outer steel rim to the center hub which contained the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing was packed with grease. Something was needed to cover the center hub which could keep the dust out and the grease in. What was needed was a hub cap. Some people today actually spell it hub cap rather than the technically correct spelling of hubcap. So this hub cap (which could have also been called a dust cover) came into existence strictly for functional reasons, but it was a small center cap designed to go over the center hub leaving the wooden spokes exposed. Unfortunately, the wooden spoke wheels were not long for this world. Although they were varnished and sometimes even decorated with pin-striping when new, they would soon begin to age and crack and look pretty lousy. You could always hear from a distance a car with aging wooden spoke wheels creaking down the road.

In the late twenties and early thirties, steel wire-spoke wheels began to replace the wooden spoke wheels. These also required the center cap over the hub, which still left the steel welded wire spokes exposed. By the thirties, function gave way to style and decoration. The hubcaps became larger and stamped with the auto manufacturers name in brass or stainless steel and were utilized as a decorative design feature, but still covered only the hub. The wire-spoke wheels were a problem because they were hard to keep clean and made an annoying wind noise as the cars would go down the street.

In 1934, Cadillac fitted its new model with a stainless steel disc which was held in place by the screw-on center hubcap which fit over the top of the disc. The disc actually covered most of the wheel, covering up the wire-spokes completely. This new styling feature gave the wheel a luxurious streamlined look.

So where does the term wheel covers come in? In 1938, Cadillac began using pressed steel wheels similar to what is used today. They covered the wheels with luxurious full sized hubcapsor wheel covers. So the term wheel cover was born, but for some reason the term hubcap has never yielded its top position as the most commonly used term for that thing-a-ma-jig that covers up the wheel of a car. The important thing is that Cadillac made the full sized wheel cover the symbol of luxury and class. Soon, hot rodders began to seek out the old Cadillac wheel covers for their 1930-1950s custom rods. Probably the most classic Cadillac hubcap was the heavy, brilliantly chromed 1950 wheel cover nicknamed the Sombrero because its profile resembled a sombrero hat. Cadillac owners soon began to realize that their hubcaps were very much in demand. They would usually figure this out when they would go to get in their car and happen to notice that they no longer had any hubcapsouch; another victim of hub capping (hubcap stealing) which was the sad state of affairs in the forties and fifties.

Youve probably heard the term Moon (or racing disc) hubcap which became popular in the fifties. Interestingly enough, the first spun aluminum Moon wheel cover was not invented in the fifties. Bob Rufi, the fastest man alive in 1940, used spun aluminum hubcaps from, of all things, a WWI Jenny war plane to help streamline his 140 mph record breaking speed machine at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Early drag racers used to soup up their cars and on weekends drive them to the drags. Drag racing soon became as American as apple pie. As cars got faster, some safety issues arose. The hubcaps had a nasty habit of flying off and giving unprepared spectators a new part in their hair. New rules were instated that required drag racers to remove their hubcaps before racing, for safety reasons and also for proper inspection of the wheels. Racers began just leaving their hubcaps off after the drags and driving around town like that. Soon, seeing a car with no hubcaps came to mean drag racer. Drag racers began painting their wheels and decorating them with chrome lug nuts and chrome dust covers (center caps). Some believe this led to chrome wheels followed by the mag (magnesium) and aluminum wheels which became very popular in the sixties.

Finally, in the 1970s auto manufacturers began fitting their new vehicles with ABS plastic hubcaps. These wheel covers look like chrome or brushed aluminum caps. By the 1980s, ABS plastic wheel covers virtually replaced the use of steel hubcaps by auto manufacturers. Although plastic might sound cheap or flimsy, the fact is, ABS plastic is rugged and durable and most importantly, it is light. The lighter the hubcap, the less likely that it will fly off. Now, you need to know that some plastic wheel covers made by auto manufacturers are not that great at all; they fly off too easily. Being sturdy, rugged and light alone is not enough. The wheel cover needs to have a good solid retention system. The best is an all steel 360 degree retention ring that can really grip the steel wheel and help the hubcap stay on the wheel.

Now that you have become an expert on the world history of hubcaps, you can dazzle all of your friends at the next party with your amazing knowledge of the mysterious hubcap. Well, maybe not dazzle themmaybe more like not completely bore them to death. Hopefully, you enjoyed the overview and actually learned something along the way.

When you purchase a vehicle chances are you want to outfit it the way you want it to look, no matter how many options or accessories may have come with it. There is just something about a car that begs for a personal touch beyond what a factory, dealership, or previous owner can give to you. Companies specializing in automotive accessories know this and have you in mind when it comes to designing and developing products they think that you will like. Lets take a look at some proven products that have been popularized by the accessories crowd.

Car Covers — More and more car owners are opting to purchase a car cover to protect their investment. Even owners who regularly garage their vehicles know that investing in a car cover can go along way toward protecting a vehicles finish beyond what a top notch wax can do. Dust, dirt, debris, and falling objects can harm a garaged vehicle while bird poop, rain, snow, ice, pollution, tree sap, and the sun can mar the finish of a car left outside. One company, Covercraft, has designed over 600 car covers ranging from one layer basic covers to four layered covers offering top protection and fitted with side mirror pockets.

Brake Dust Shields — How very nice it is to have a set of expensive alloy wheels on your ride. How awful it is to have those wheels looking like crap because of brake dust. A weekly chore to clean and they never look quite right! Besides, applying wheel cleaner gets expensive and tedious. Brake dust shields solve the problem as they are easily fitted into the wheel just like an inside hub cap. They are a very cost effective and inexpensive solution to a noticeable problem.

Dash Trim — Pimp your ride! No, really! Chances are your dashboard doesnt do a whole lot for youor your car. Why not trim it with model specific dashboard trim? Made of high quality velour, dash trim looks cool and comes available in a variety of colors including red, taupe, tan, brown, black, beige, and more. Some are even covered with low pile poly carpeting for that special look. Dash trim can also protect your dashboard from cracking and reduce sun glare.

Splash Guards — There was a time when mud flaps were basically made from rubberized material and available in just a few sizes: small, medium, and large. They never looked or fitted quite right; even though they served a useful purpose. Enter splash guards. Taking the idea of mud flaps one step further, splash guards are customized for individual models for an undeniably good looking fit. Made of durable material, splash guards are designed to match the look of nerf bars and running boards to ensure that you have a product that doesnt stand out like a sore thumb!

Brush Guards — Owning a 4×4 means you do some off-roading or at least you travel where the average vehicle doesnt go. This can mean driving down unpaved roads surrounded by overgrown brush and branches, any of which can scratch your car or break your headlamps. With a stainless steel brush guard in place, you can prevent damage and keep your truck looking great. Combined with a center grille guard or push bar, your brush guard will help protect your truck from damage.

Fender Flares — Bushwhacking never got better than with a brush guard and fender flares installed on your truck. With custom fitted brush guards, your front end is assured of protection, but the sides of your truck are still vulnerable. By installing fender flares, you can keep your wheels from throwing mud and dirt on the sides of your truck. Fender flares are designed to enhance the look of your truck and add value to its worth.

Depending on your vehicle there are as many as 500 auto accessories you can purchase to give your truck, van, SUV, or car that special look; such is an industry in tune with what consumers want and need. Shop around for the best accessories available to you at the lowest prices.