How to Change a Hubcap

Co-authored by Evan Ernst

Last Updated: March 6, 2024 Approved

You may need to replace a dinged or scraped hubcap, which can happen from parking too close to or hitting a curb. If you find yourself missing a hubcap, you will need to replace it. You may be able to find a replacement hubcap to match the other hubcaps on your car online, at a tire store that carries hubcaps or at the dealership where you purchased your car.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Change Hubcaps With Lug Nuts

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You're going to be right down by the wheels, so make sure that they can't roll!
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Turn one lug nut counterclockwise with a lug wrench to loosen it.^{[1]
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Research source} Lugnuts are the small, hexagonal screws holding the tire onto the car. This may take some effort if the lug nuts are tight. Once loose, you can unscrew them by hand. If you're really struggling, you can apply pressure to the wrench with your foot to really get them off.
- A lug wrench looks like a crowbar with a circular hole in it. It should be in your trunk with the car, but make sure you have one if not. They are also needed to change a tire.
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Take three of the lug nuts off the hubcap, keeping two nuts on opposite sides on the tire. Lugnuts hold both the wheel and the hubcap on, and you don't want the whole wheel coming off.^{[2]
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Research source} Take care to put the lug nuts somewhere safe so you do not lose them.
- If you have five total lugnuts, take off two that are next to each other and one on the opposite side.
These are what keep the hubcaps on, not just the lug nuts. Set them aside somewhere safe -- you'll need them.
You don't need to completely tighten them on, just to hand tightness. Then use the lug wrench to tighten them just a quarter turn more or so. These three will keep the tire in place as you remove the other two washers.
Without the washers, the hubcap should slide right off.
There will be a small cut out that needs to fit over the valve of the tire. Line this up, then slide the new hubcap on and tighten on the two nuts. Just tighten them by hand for now -- don't worry about full tightness.
Tighten them back on by hand so that your tire is back where it started. You can also slip the washers over the section
Tighten them all by hand at first. Then, working in a circle, tighten them each one quarter-turn at a time until they don't want to move too much. Never tighten one screw completely before moving on to the others -- this can bend or warp the hubcap.^{[3]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Change a Hubcap With Screws

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This is a simple, easy safety measure that should not be ignored. Don't be working on the wheels or under the care without making sure that the car can't move.
If it is not immediately visible, it could be under a plastic piece. Use a screwdriver to pry this small cover off carefully.
Take care to place the screw somewhere safe so it will not roll away or get lost.
Thread it in by hand to start, then grab the screwdriver afterward.
Tighten it enough that it doesn't move, but don't feel like you need to break your back turning it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Change a Hubcap Without Screws or Lug Nuts

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You want to be 100% that the car is unable to move before you start working.
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Pry around the rim of the old hubcap with a screwdriver to loosen it. Use a flat-head screwdriver and lightly pull at certain spots until you feel the cap wiggle loose.
- If something feels like it will break or snap, stop and move to another spot.
- You may have to loosen a few areas to get it off.
Keep prying to pop the old hubcap off.^{[4]
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Research source}
Line it up with the old one, noting where the little whole or cutaway is for the valve stem.
It will not be secure yet.
Lightly tap it into place, working all the way around the rim to perfect it. You should here light "clicks" as it pops in.

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Question

Where can I find old or classic hubcaps?

Evan Ernst
Classic Automotive Enthusiast
Evan Ernst is a Classic Automotive Enthusiast based in Spokane, Washington. Evan and his twin brother Nick are the founders of ClassicNation, an automotive enthusiast website. With over 36,000 YouTube subscribers, Evan and Nick share videos covering one of their many classic car restoration projects, an interesting 'featured ride', or helpful how-to repair videos.

Evan Ernst

Classic Automotive Enthusiast

Expert Answer

To locate old or classic car hubcaps, explore the extensive secondary market online, particularly for rare parts like hubcaps. eBay serves as an excellent source for finding a variety of hubcaps. Another valuable platform is Facebook Marketplace, where enthusiasts often buy, sell, and trade vintage car parts. Additionally, check local sources such as Craigslist or classified sections in newspapers for classic car parts, as these might have hubcaps available locally or nationwide. Keep in mind that for rare items, especially those associated with specific car models, you may need to extend your search beyond your local area. For instance, if you're seeking hubcaps for a 1956 Porsche Speedster, you might discover a suitable set in Florida, even if you're located in Washington State.

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Question

What if there are only 4 lugnuts? Will the 5-lugnut how-to work?

Community Answer

Yes. The only difference with 4 lugnuts is that you can't do the five-point star when you tighten them.

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Question

Do i need to lift the car up with a jack before doing this?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. However, you do use a jack after you loosen the lugnuts, so you get the tire off the vehicle easier.

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Tips

When tightening lug nuts, do not tighten them one after the other, but tighten every other one until they are all tight.

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Helpful 18 Not Helpful 6
If you are missing the screw for the hubcap, remove the screw from one of the other hubcaps and purchase a replacement at a hardware or auto parts store.

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If you do not have a rubber mallet handy, you can use the bottom of a rubber soled shoe or hit it hard with your hand. Be careful not to injure yourself if you are using the hand method.

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Warnings

Be careful when hitting the hubcap with a rubber mallet so you will not ding or damage the new hubcap.

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If you fail to secure the hubcap correctly, you may lose the new hubcap while you are driving.

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