hub caps...2 q's - please answer!?

Question

This may be a stupid question - but i was curious. i really now nothing about cars other than how to drive them.

the other day my wheel hit the curb and cracked (2003 Hyundai Elantra).

first off out of curiosity - what is the purpose of a hub cap? is it just for decoration cause the tire looks bare w/o it or does it protect the tire? i can obviously drive my car w/o it, so what is it's purpose.

secondly how much does a new hub cap cost?

do you know any places or web-sites that sell them cheap or are they cheap - I really don't know.

I was borrowing the car from my mom so I owuld like to replace it, but if it is too expensive she won't care but i'd like to get a new one.

Answers appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hub caps are purely ornamental.

OEM hub caps are notoriously expensive. That is why there are so many aftermarket hub caps available.

There is a wheel repair shop in my area that sells used OEM hubcaps for a very reasonable price. Perhaps there is such a place in your area. A good body shop should be able to point you to a place that repairs wheels.

Answer 2

The hub cap hides the lug bolts that hold the wheel on. If you hit a curb the car should be taken to an alignment shop and be checked out. You may have damaged the front end alignment which will cause severe tire wear and could be dangerous to drive. A tire shop would be a good place to go.

http://www.pvilleparts.com/links.htm

Answer 3

It wouldn't hurt to have a tire/alignment shop take a look at the tire, sidewall damage is not always apparent to the untrained eye. Wheel covers are NOT cosmetic although they do make the wheel/tire combo look better, they help protect the threads on the lugs from damage by rocks and other road debris.

Answer 4

You will need to get a new hubcap from a dealer or replace all ot the hubcaps as hubcaps sold by third party dealers usually come in sets of four and do not match the OEM hubcaps. A hubcap is not necessary as it is primarily a cosmetic item.