Wheel covers were not always known as such. When they were first introduced to the market, hoods were usually called dusty or greasy caps. They cut through the central hub on the wheel (wood, steel, or even wire) and became an increasingly common place in early 1900 (around 1932). Until this period, most hubcaps and hubcaps were made of brass and plated with nickel. Over time, manufacturers began to use less heavy and less expensive metals, such as aluminum.
Tie to sex
By the last 30th, almost every vehicle had caps that clicked in place and not inserted into place. The wired versions were often fed with a spring-loaded retaining clip, which has been the main method for many years and is still used in caps to this day.
In the 40s, companies switched to less expensive steel wheels that could be mass produced. Unfortunately, these wheels were unappealing and quickly corroded and rust if not taken care of. Wheel caps, finally, strongly needed another, simply avoiding dust in the lubrication of the wheels. To improve the appearance, companies began to produce "luxurious" wheel covers, made of chrome plate or stainless steel for a higher gloss on the car. The size was still small, focusing mainly on the central hub.
The evolution of caps
To add more luxury to cars, manufacturers began to produce an outer rim that attaches to the wheel. This outer rim was either stainless or chrome and was used to accentuate the center caps. Shortly before the outer rim and the center caps were connected to create covers with full coverage.
As soon as full-sized caps were in the game, people realized how heavy they were. When you rotate heavy metal disks over long distances, there is a good chance that they took off themselves, and that they did. While central hubcaps fell less, many-wheel-mounted tires began to adorn many service stations, because motorists would lose them on nearby highways. The service stations will then sell these covers to make a small profit.
The problem still persists today, but less often. Many replicas are made of ultra-light aluminum or plastics that adhere tightly. Some manufacturers, such as Honda, have developed systems that lock the hubcaps and covers in place to ensure their safe placement.
Rethinking the wheel ...
The German vehicle has another twist on the wheel cover. These models are first attached to the wheel, and then attached to the car, as if the driver or vehicle mechanic changed the tire. These wheel covers are usually made of aluminum and are specifically designed to improve the air flow inside and around the wheel to create a wider range of downforce depending on the shape of the hubcaps. Used since 1970, especially in the racetrack, these wheel caps prove that the caps can be as functional as they are decorative when it comes to automatic accessories.
