For some, a car is just something to get you from A to B, while for a few, a vehicle’s appearance is of utmost importance. Most of us come somewhere in the middle. Over time, as a vehicle starts to show wear and tear, there are a few things that can be done to keep it looking smart without costing a fortune. One such option is investing in wheel trims. Wheel trims don’t just look nice; they are usually made of reinforced plastic, which will offer a level of protection to your wheels against chips and stone damage.
There is a seemingly never-ending choice of wheel trims available, in a range of colours, shapes and finishes as well as budgets. The wheel trim or wheel embellisher that you choose will depend on your personal taste, the size and type of wheel, and your budget.
Finding the right size wheel cover
Wheel covers are generally universal; all you need to know is what size you need. This is relatively easy to find out; take a look at your tyre and you will see a series of numbers and letters. At the end of the series, you will see the letter R followed by a number (14, 15, 16 etc.). These last two numbers tells you the size of the wheel trim that you need.
Fitting wheel trims
Wheel trims are fairly easy to fit, but they do need a little bit of gentle force; tight pressure is needed in order to stop them from falling out again! Begin by removing existing wheel trims; you may need a screwdriver to help prise them off if they are tight. Once you have removed the trims, it is worth giving your wheels a clean and, if they are looking rusty, a coat of paint.
Once you are ready to apply your trims, line them up with the wheel and make sure the tyre valve is aligned with a cut out. Work your way around the edge of the trim, gently knocking it into place as you go. This will get harder as you go around, as there will be greater tension. Don’t be tempted to use a hammer or excessive force, as you may damage the trim. Most trims cover the wheel completely, but some sit under the wheel nuts; if this is the case, you will need to remove the nuts before you fit the trim.
If you are struggling to find the right wheel trim, or to fit your wheel trims, pop into a local garage or your local dealership to ask for advice. A dealership will be able to provide you with branded trims designed for your vehicle, while a local garage may be able to offer you generic, lower cost alternatives. Both will be able to help you with getting the right fit. At Trust A Garage we are committed to keeping our customers safe on the roads. For more tips, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.