Driving a car with shiny Put Wheel Covers On can completely transform its look. Besides the aesthetic enhancement, wheel covers also protect the wheels from road debris and harsh weather conditions.

Putting wheel covers on is an easy DIY project that doesn’t require any special tools. However, you need to choose the right size and style of covers suitable for your vehicle’s wheels. This article will guide you through the whole process – from measuring wheel diameter to removing old covers and fitting new ones.

How To Put Wheel Covers On?

Measure Diameter Of Your Wheels

The first step is to accurately determine the diameter of your wheels. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a measuring tape to measure the full diameter including the rubber tire portion. Wrap it around the entire wheel.
2. Alternatively, cut out a piece of paper the wheel’s width and roll it around the circumference. Mark where it overlaps to get the diameter.
3. Note down the measurements for all four wheels, as they may vary slightly.
4. Add around 1/2 inch extra to the diameter while buying covers. This allows fitting them easily.

Accurately measuring wheel size ensures you get properly fitting Put Wheel Covers On. Ill-fitting covers will constantly slip and move while driving.

Buy Right Size Wheel Cover

When shopping for wheel covers, look for ones at least 1/2 inch larger than your wheels’ diameter. Other aspects to consider:

1. Material: Avoid PVC, vinyl, and plastic. These can damage the wheel finish. Opt for chrome, aluminum, or steel covers.
2. Design: Pick covers that aesthetically match your vehicle’s make and model.
3. Security: Covers fixed with elasticized bands or Chrome tabs stay on better than snap-on types.
4. Set of 4: Buy a full set of covers for all wheels to maintain symmetry.
5. Brand: Reputable brands like Lund, Omega, or Toyota offer good quality covers.

Getting the right size and style of Put Wheel Covers On ensures they fit properly and enhance your car’s look.

Remove Old Wheel Covers

Before putting new wheel covers on, remove any existing ones:

1. Pry off snap-on plastic covers carefully using a flathead screwdriver. Take care not to damage the wheels.
2. For covers with a center cap, unscrew the retaining bolt or clip using a wrench.
3. Covers fixed with lug nuts will need to be removed with the nuts using the wheel’s lug wrench.
4. Clear dirt and residues from wheel wells using rubbing alcohol on a cloth.

Taking off old covers is necessary for proper fitting and positioning of new Put Wheel Covers On.

Fit The New Wheel Covers

Follow these steps to install the new wheel covers correctly:

1. Identify the valve stem on the wheel’s backside. Align its position with the valve stem indicator on the cover.
2. Place the cover gently over the wheel and press down with your hands to fit it.
3. For covers with elasticized bands, stretch them over the circumference snugly. Avoid overstretching.
4. Covers fixed with center caps/bolts should be screwed back in place over the new cover.
5. For hubcap style covers, attach lug nuts to secure them. Do not overtighten them.
6. Ensure covers are aligned properly on all four wheels before driving off.

Taking the time to fit Put Wheel Covers On properly ensures they stay fixed and do not fly off at high speeds.

Test Drive Your Vehicle

Before considering the job done, take your vehicle for a short test drive:

1. Drive slowly around a few blocks with the new covers on all four wheels.
2. Listen closely for any rattling or fluttering sounds that indicate loose covers.
3. Check for vibrations through the steering wheel that point to imbalanced or eccentric covers.
4. Realign, adjust, or replace any improperly fitting covers.
5. For hubcaps with lug nuts, tighten them further if required after the drive.

Test driving your car checks if the Put Wheel Covers On are properly fitted or need re-adjustment.

Care And Maintenance

Follow these tips to make your new stylish wheel covers last long:

1. Wash them regularly along with the rest of the car to keep clean. Avoid harsh detergents.
2. Wax the covers occasionally for added shine and protection from elements.
3. Ensure lug nuts are tightened to torque specs periodically.
4. Replace damaged or dented covers promptly.
5. Use wheel cover locks to deter theft.

With periodic cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your Put Wheel Covers looking pristine for years.

Wheel Cover Alternatives

Here are some other options if you don’t want typical flat wheel covers:

1. Wheel skins: Vinyl wraps that bond directly over the wheel for a molded look.
2. Custom paint: Get your wheels professionally spray painted any color.
3. Rim blades: These fit between spokes for a sporty appearance.
4. Alloy wheels: Lightweight alloys completely replace your existing wheels.
5. Wheel caps: Low profile plastic caps attach over hubcaps.

Consider alternatives like wheel skins or alloy rims to customize your car’s appearance beyond regular Put Wheel Covers On.

Can You Put Wheel Covers On Any Rim?

Yes, wheel covers can be installed on most types of rims, including steel, alloy, and custom rims. The key is to measure the diameter and width of your existing rims accurately. Wheel covers come in a range of sizes to fit rims from 13 inches to 22 inches in diameter. 

The covers should be about 1/2 inch larger than the rim’s diameter for a good fit. Pay attention to the offset as well when selecting covers to ensure proper positioning on the rim. 

Getting professional guidance for selecting wheel covers is advisable if you have unconventional or oversized rims. With accurate sizing and offset, wheel covers can spruce up the look of any rim type.

How Do You Put A Wheel Cover On A Steering Wheel?

Steering wheel covers slip on easily like a sleeve over the wheel. First, clean the wheel using soap water and let it dry completely. Determine if you want a full wrap around cover or one that fits over half the wheel. 

For full covers, stretch the cover over the wheel uniformly starting from the bottom. Pull it over the center and smooth out any wrinkles for a snug fit. Half steering wheel covers can be slipped on similarly but only over half the diameter. 

Secure them using the provided screws or Velcro strips on the underside. Ensure any logos are aligned properly. Avoid overly thick covers that make steering difficult. Regular cleaning maintains steering wheel covers.

What Holds The Wheel Cover In Place?

Wheel covers are held in place by various mechanisms depending on the type. Hubcaps attach via mounting brackets, spring clips, or plastic pop clips on the backside which grip the wheel rim securely. Full wheel covers attach via lug nuts threaded over wheel bolts to hold them in place. 

Others use elasticized bands on the back that create tension to stay on the rim. Some plastic wheel covers designed for specific vehicles use central plastic retainer clips. High-end chrome wheel covers attach via threaded chrome tabs or rings. 

The tabs fit into wheel rim slots to prevent slipping. So the retention system could be clips, bands, bolts, or custom tabs depending on wheel cover type.

Why Put On Wheel Covers?

Wheel covers serve multiple benefits beyond aesthetics. They protect the wheel rim underneath from curb damage, debris kicks up from other vehicles, and harsh weather elements. Covers minimize abrasion and corrosion issues for alloy and steel wheels over time.

They provide an easier cleanable surface than bare rims which accumulate brake dust. Wheel covers improve fuel economy marginally by reducing turbulence in wheel wells. Theft protection is also enhanced if lug nut covers are used which need special tools for removal.

Further benefits include reducing road noise and ability to customize looks. So besides appearance, properly fitted wheel covers protect rims, boost economy, minimize noise, and deter theft.

Conclusion

Installing wheel covers gives an instant makeover to your car’s visual appeal. With the right techniques and some care, you can Put Wheel Covers On easily without specialized tools. Measuring wheel size, buying proper fitting covers, removing old ones, and securely fitting new covers are the key steps outlined in this article. Enhance and protect your vehicle’s factory wheels using stylish new covers fitted using this guide.

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