The Difference Between Rims, Wheels and Hubcaps

The truth is that "rims" are actually just one part of the wheel. It is the outer edge of the wheel which holds the tire. It is the outer circular design and surrounds the decorative area of the wheel's hub and spokes. The tire's edges lay against the rim, specifically the tire bead.

The wheel, on the other hand, is the name for the total circular unit with spokes, lug nuts and other parts that are used to keep the tire fixed on. The tire is wrapped around the wheel which turns the tire with it, providing traction and therefore movement for the vehicle.

We find it helpful to refer back to our tire and wheel glossary.

Rims are often referred to by what are actually wheels, especially for flashy, aftermarket products. This is probably because aftermarket wheels come in dramatic designs like deep dish/deep lip and concave wheel options that focus or depend on a prominent wheel lip.

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At the end of the day, we're right there with you whether you call them rims or wheels.

There's no shame in admitting you've wondered what the difference is between a hubcap vs a wheel cover. It's an easy mistake to make, especially since in some parts of the country, the terms are used interchangeably, incorrectly or one term is used instead of the other.

First, what is a hub cap? Hubcaps are the decorative disks that cover the hub of a wheel. Hub caps, at minimum, cover the wheel hub but can cover more. The wheel hub, or wheel hub assembly, is the center section of the wheel that attaches to the vehicle. This is where you'll find the center cap (where you'll find the vehicle manufacturer or logo) and lug bolts.

Hub caps normally cover the lug nuts, leaving the wheel holes and spokes visible, and are usually clipped or hammered on. Center caps were originally used to keep dirt out of the spindle nut and wheel bearings, however, modern cars use them to cover the lug nuts and bearings.

A wheel cover covers the whole diameter of the wheel. They are fastened on similarly to hub caps. They can look like actual wheels because they include plastic imitation spokes.

So, in order of size of the protective area, it goes central cap, hub cap, and finally wheel covers. Central caps cover just the absolute center of the wheel, where the lug nuts and other connective wheel assembly parts are located. Hub caps protect the area of the center cap but typically cover more area. Wheel covers contain the whole face of the wheel. All offer aesthetic and practical benefits to the wheel.

Hub caps protect the lug nuts but a wheel cover protects the entire wheel surface. Potential dangers include weather conditions, rust, abrasions, damage from accidents and scratches to name a few. Wheel covers are also a cheap way to change the appearance of your vehicle. Instead of replacing an entire set of stock wheels for aftermarket beauties, you can install wheel covers at a fraction of the cost (plus the protection bonus they offer).

Wheels are the structures that move the tire and vehicle forward. They're the "legs" of the vehicle, if you will.

Hubcaps effectively cover the center portion of the wheel, including the lug nuts and bolt assembly. Hubcaps are hammered or bolted onto the wheel and rim assembly itself.

You may not typically see (or at least notice) hub caps on modern cars as often anymore. This may be because wheels are typically made from aluminum or a metal alloy instead of steel. Steel is vulnerable to salt, road chemicals and winter weather. Therefore, hubcaps are used to keep them safe from these elements and make the wheels last longer.

Generally, aftermarket wheels will not require a hubcap and instead will use branded center caps to cover the bolt assembly.

Damage to a hubcap or wheel isn't the end of the world. They are fairly cheap to replace but may be difficult to find a match, especially if you're looking for an OEM version. While still an option, we recommend just purchasing a new set.

If your wheels or rims are damaged, they can be fixed depending on the location, material and severity of the damage. Materials like chrome will have to be treated at a specialized wheel repair shop. Painted wheels can be color-matched and sprayed over again but the fact is that some curb rash and other damage just can't be buffed out.

Structural damage like bent or cracked spokes and dents or damage from road debris will likely require an entire wheel replacement.

The good news is that new wheels are an integral part of performance, aesthetics and fuel economy for vehicles. Aftermarket wheels also play a part in increasing the resale value of your vehicle, especially compared with factory or stock wheels, hubcaps and wheel covers.

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Do note that if your wheel is so damaged that it needs to be replaced, you should also have your vehicle's alignment and suspension checked. Alignment affects overall drivability and ride comfort and also can affect tire tread wear; you don't want a bad alignment to wear out your tires prematurely or cause uneven wear.

Some America's Tire stores offer wheel alignment service; if yours does not, many of our store managers maintain good relationships with auto repair shops in our communities and we can provide referrals.