what's the difference between a rim and a hubcap?

Question

so i have to replace 1 rim because it keeps making my tire go flat.. already asked that yahoo question. but what is a hubcap? it has these alloy rims on it from the previous owner.

i found out it's 14". will ANY 14" rim do? i assume either steel or alloy would work.. i think steel is cheaper. thanks.

Answer 1

IMO (In My Opinion), your "rim" is the WHEEL the tire is mounted on. Traditionally, a "hubcap" is a trim piece that covers most of that ugly steel wheel up, making it look pretty!
If you need an alloy (aluminum) or steel rim/wheel, make sure it is 14" in diameter, has the same number of lug holes (4 or 5), has the same width (probably 5 1/2" to 7 1/2") and make sure the spacing between the lug holes is correct for your car. Also, "offset" - the distance the mounted wheel hangs out from the car - should match the existing wheels...Whew!
If this is too much, just enter your type of car on the right side of this page:
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/index.jsp?camefrom=&fromIndex=true&index=xx
This will tell you the recommended wheel (rim) size for your car!

Answer 2

The rim is what the tire goes on and the hubcap wel varys in size as it goes on the rim to cover the hub.

Not just and 14" rim will do it has to be for you modle car and if you have alloy rims all the way around then you need to stay with alloy rims cuz there is a difference in wieght. If you want to go with steel rims then you need to buy all 4 rims.

Answer 3

The rim is the circular part that the tire is attached to. The hub cap is the decorative part that snaps on to the front of the rim and covers the lug nuts and bearing cap.

Alloy rims do not normally have hub caps. They are decorative rims, basically that the wheel attaches to, but they look good. They are normally made out of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

You are correct, steel rims are cheaper. Alloy wheels (rims) can be very expensive.

Not just any 14" rim will work - although most will. There are some variances in tire width.

Answer 4

a rim is the circular piece of steel your tire is around, you could have a black rim which is standard, and ugly, thats where the hubcap comes in, a hubacap is a piece of plastic or alloy, or something of the sort in the shape of your tire, 13inch 14 inch, like a flat pizza, and clips into the rim to make it more pleasant to look at. for instance take a look at some cars next time your out, notice it looks like there is a black steel in the back of what looks to be a nice mag, well thats a giveaway of a hubcap, also a mag, which i previousely mentoned, is a nicer more expensive rim, usually chromed or polished steel, those are unmistakable, if you see the caliper of a car (the breaking stuff) thats a mag! usually no one buys a 14 inch mag, not very cool, mags are 16inch minimums in my book, 18 would be optimum, then for mags you need special tires, with low profiles, 1 inch being the most expensive, and coolestm but if you get into that you should post another question, as for the size rim you need, well if your tires are 14 inch (to tell look at the size on the rubber p???/??r13? r14? r15? thats right the number after the 'r') you would need a fourteen inch rim, and check how many bolts your tires are screwed on with, 4? 5? and the rims are usually standard, go to walmart or something, and if your still worried, just tell the guy ur tire size, how many bolts, and he'll go get you your rim!

Answer 5

ok lets answer your questions in order first off a hubcap is a cap that covers the wheel usaully plastic and you can get set for 20 bucks at walmart. no not any 14" wheel will work you need to find a wheel with the correct size lug pattern and backspacing to fit your vehicle. now what is the difference between an alloy wheel and a steel wheel ? a steel wheel is a stamped piece of steel and a alloy wheel is a alluminum alloy wheel wieght and looks are the main differences besides price yes a steel wheel is going to be cheaper.

Answer 6

Difference between the two is that a rim is the outer circumference of the wheel,which the americans call a rim.A hub cap (decoration realy),is a wheel cover which fits onto and covers the wheel.Or in some alloy wheels cover just the studs in the centre of the wheel.Any 14" will not do.Make sure that the stud holes in the centre of the wheel are the same.Alloys can be replaced by steels.It is best if you are changing,that all four are changed to the same type of wheel. ie;all alloy or all steel.

Answer 7

You dont need hubcaps with alloy wheels and you may want a new rim that matches the ones you have unless you want to drop a few hundred dollars or more on new rims all around. If you use regular steel rims (cheapies) then you can have hubcaps if you want.

Answer 8

The TIRE is mounted to the RIM! Will not matter if steel or alloy is used. If your rims are pricey, they can be repaired!
Most all manufactures use a rim with their own lug pattern, some are compatable. Tire store can advise.

Hubcap is a rim/wheel cover that fits over the rim/wheel. Has nothing to do with the tire.

Answer 9

i own a repair shop,and the rim is what the tire mounts on and a hub cap is what covers the rim up to hide it ,or make it look better and there are alloy rims that don't need hub caps on them such as mag wheels and so on but that's the major difference in the two of them,good luck i Hope this help,s.and not just any rim will for your car it has to be one for it,and yes a steel wheel is cheaper and easier to find,good luck.

Answer 10

If it has alloy rims, it doesn't have hubcaps. Only 14" rims that are specified for your model car will work.