Must-Have Products for Your Wheels and Tires

Wheels are metal components connected to your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems. Power from the engine is transferred to the wheels to propel your vehicle and steer it on the road.

The condition of your wheels and tires also impacts your vehicle’s stability and ride quality. Due to their location and function, they can easily get damaged without proper care and maintenance.

Here’s a list of wheel parts you may need to replace and accessories you should consider installing to keep your wheels in excellent condition at all times.

Wheel Center Caps

One of the best products you can get to protect your vehicle’s wheels is a set of wheel center caps. These cover the outer face of your wheels, preventing damage from road debris and contaminants. Wheel center caps are typically made of metal and plastic, and they are fitted over the middle part of the wheel.

These caps prevent moisture and debris buildup on the wheels. Contaminants, such as grime and road dirt, build up inside the axle and damage the hub from the inside. Wheel center caps can help prevent this from happening.

They also shield the wheel from physical damage such as scratches and dents, protecting the integrity of your vehicle. Wheel center caps also alter the overall aesthetic of the wheels, making them more pleasant to look at.

Hub Caps

Another must-have product for protecting your wheels is hub caps. These disc-shaped covers protect the wheel hub from corrosion or impact damage. Much like wheel center caps, hub caps prevent moisture and debris buildup in the wheel.

Old hub caps are typically made of metal whereas modern hub caps are made of hard, sturdy plastic. These caps come in many different finishes, such as brushed aluminum and gray. This means you can personalize your vehicle.

Hub caps themselves cover the central part of the wheel and are held in place by fasteners. They differ from wheel center caps and rims in how they’re designed to guard the hub cap, and only the hub cap, as opposed to the axle or the entirety of the wheel respectively.

Just make sure to clean your hub caps regularly since they tend to trap brake dust and cause brake noise. Spray out your wheels whenever you can.

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Tire Covers

Harsh weather conditions can damage unprotected tires in many ways, so it’s important to minimize their exposure to the elements. Drivers will need tire covers for whenever there’s rain, snowfall, and harsh sunlight.

Without proper tire covers, ultraviolet light from the sun will weaken tires and cause dry rotting. Metal will corrode when exposed to rain, snow, and ice. Without proper tire covers, you might need to replace your tires prematurely.

Tire covers come in many sizes and are typically made of canvas, polyester, or vinyl. They’re easily installed, going around your tires while your vehicle is parked.

Dust Caps

One of the best ways to maximize your tires’ lifespan is to maintain the recommended tire pressure. This is why it’s important to replace damaged or missing dust caps.

These components are attached to the end of the tire valve and are designed to prevent contaminants like dirt, dust, and other debris from entering the valve. It’s also important to seal off the valve to prevent tire pressure from dropping.

Dust caps are commonly made of materials like plastic and metal. You’ll find universal caps that can typically fit any vehicle.

Driving with a deflated tire can permanently damage it. Controlling and steering your vehicle with a flat tire may also become more difficult, putting you at greater risk of crashing on the road.

Wheel Spacers

Another example of a simple but highly effective product that keeps your wheels in good condition is wheel spacers. These accessories are installed on a vehicle to prevent wheels from rubbing against other components such as the brakes, the suspension, or the vehicle body.

These are a must-have for drivers who’ve installed custom wheels on their vehicles. They create enough space to accommodate aftermarket parts, preventing them from damaging nearby components due to unwanted friction.

Wheel spacers are typically made of high-quality metals like steel, aluminum, and cast aluminum.