How to Change a Wheel Cap
One of the easiest things to change on a vehicle is a wheel cap. In fact, it's so easy a child could change a wheel cap, or hubcap as they're also known. Changing a wheel cap takes little to almost no time as long as it hasn't been bent previously in such a way so as to make the edges of the hubcap lodge into the groove of tire rim where the hubcap fits.
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Instructions
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Removing a Wheel Cap
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1
Use either the flat portion of a tire iron or a flat-head screwdriver to wedge between the outer edge of the wheel cap and the tire rim groove into which the wheel cap fits. Firmly push the tire iron or screwdriver farther between the wheel cap and the tire rim.
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2
Twist the tire iron, first one way and then the other way, to loosen the wheel cap fitted clips from fitting into the tire rim. Move 2 inches around the wheel cap and repeat wedging and twisting the tire iron between the wheel cap and the tire rim.
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3
Continue wedging and twisting the tire iron around the wheel cap and tire rim until you can get ahold of the wheel cap with your hand. Grab the wheel cap and pull the wheel cap the rest of the way off the tire rim.
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4
Use the tire iron to unscrew the wheel lugs that are holding the wheel cap in place, if it's a hubcap that is held on by lug nuts. Unscrew the securing screw if the hubcap is a screw-on hubcap.
Replace a Wheel Cap
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5
Line up the replacement wheel cap onto the tire rim groove into which it is to fit. Use the rubber mallet to gently but firmly tap or knock the first wheel cap flexible locking clip into the tire rim groove.
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6
Continue using the rubber mallet to gently but firmly tap the wheel cap locking clips, one by one, into place in the tire rim groove. Use the rubber mallet to go around the edge of the wheel cap one last time to make sure the rim is firmly tapped into place all the way around the wheel.
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7
Use the tire iron to screw the lug nuts back onto the wheel if it is a hubcap that is held into place by lug nuts. Or screw the securing screw back into place if it's a screw-on hubcap.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use too much force putting on the replacement wheel cap; hubcaps can easily dent or bend.
