A center cap, or centercap, is a decorative disk on a car wheel used to cover a portion of the wheel. They are often used on cars to hide the lug nuts and/or the bearings and give the wheel a more streamlined look for the car. When first introduced to the automobile industry, the center caps were responsible to keep dirt away from the spindle nut and wheel bearings of tires, but today are looked at primarily for status purposes while still helping with the original purpose.

Although similar in design, center caps and hubcaps are both used primarily for the same reasons, but center caps generally stay on more effectively and most do not require installation via lug nuts. However, some center caps are attached both ways – this design is mostly found on SUV’s and depends on the type and design of the wheels. Installation of center caps depends on the type you purchase, but most are fairly easy to install.

In addition to being a status symbol for all cars, center caps are also considered to be a performance enhancement to your vehicle. Center caps vary in design, style and sizes depending upon the make and model of your car. There are many different designs to choose from to help keep your tires looking complete. It’s better to have center caps on your tires in order to keep dirt out of them, and to ensure a complete look. They are a necessary car accessory if you care about the look of your tires and you can end up investing a lot of money into a complete, matching set – or you can simply buy a cheaper version online or in an auto parts store. No matter which way you look at it, you’ll be better off with have a good looking car with a complete look to your tires.