How to Find Center Caps for Aftermarket Wheels

Wheel center caps are made of plastic, a rather fragile material. It can easily get damaged, deteriorate in harsh conditions or even fall off somewhere along the road. To find a replacement wheel center cap you should take off and inspect the remaining one to find its unique code. This information will help you look for the aftermarket center caps that fit your wheels perfectly.

The aftermarket wheel center caps come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to meet any taste. You can find aftermarket center caps from various aftermarket wheel manufacturers, and they often come with either an adhesive or screw-on fastening.

These aftermarket additions can instantly customize the look of your car, truck or SUV to better stand out from the crowd. But a wheel center cap is arguably more than just a cosmetic addition to any car, as it prevents dirt and moisture from entering the area where the spindle nut and bearings are located. This protective feature not only looks great but also serves an essential purpose in shielding wheel parts from corrosion and damage.

A 3-Step Guide to Finding Centercaps for Aftermarket Wheels

Aftermarket wheels often differ in size and other specs from the OEM wheels, and they require aftermarket parts (lug nuts and studs, caps, etc) for installation and repairs. However, there is a downside to this. Aftermarket part manufacturers make products that, in contrast to original parts, fit a range of different vehicle makes and models. So looking for the right size and specs of center caps for aftermarket parts can be tricky. Here is how to find the fitting center caps for your vehicle online:

1. Inspect the wheel center cap to identify its type.

To determine the correct center cap for your aftermarket wheels, you must take a good look at the existing one. Search for numbers and letters printed inside. This code is specific to the brand and model of the center cap. It is important that you write this code down or take a picture, as it will be essential when searching for an exact match of the center cap online or in your local area.

2. Browse for the wheel center caps.

With the code, you can quickly and easily find the center caps for your aftermarket wheels. Simply type it into Google's search to get an entire list of possible vendors with matching caps options. On the other hand, you can also visit the local car accessory stores' websites and use the code of your center cap to get the best results.

3. Check for measurement and dimensions.

Visit the website to verify that your measured center cap dimensions match those found on the site. Double-check and ensure they are an exact match, and you are all done.

This guide will teach you how to find center caps for your aftermarket wheels quickly and easily.

How Do I Measure My Center Cap Size?

When discovering the ideal size for your wheel center cap, you should measure its inner diameter, outer diameter, and depth. The best tool for measuring center caps is a caliper, but if you do not have one, then it can be done with a ruler or a tape measure. However, it is best to double-check the results if you don't have a caliper, especially a diameter.

How to Measure the Outer Diameter

To accurately measure the outer diameter of your center cap, ensure that you measure from its front as it is at its widest point. If you are using a caliper put it parallel to the surface for this. Do not put it at a 90-degree angle to the cap, or you can miss the right spot.

To measure the outer diameter with other tools you might need to take extra steps to find the widest part first. Otherwise, the numbers can be a bit off the mark.

How to Measure the Inner Diameter

To measure the inner diameter of your center caps, place a caliper across the opening on their backside. This measurement is taken in a straight line between the two furthest snap clips.

How to Measure the Depth

Measure the clips' length, which is roughly equal to that of the center cap's depth. Under typical conditions, this measurement should not vary greatly. Make sure you properly gauge your center caps for precision results.

Keep in mind that you should measure the center caps specifically, and the size of the center bore can not help you. Don't be misled, the center bore of a wheel has nothing to do with its size or that of its center caps. Instead, it is simply the diameter of the hole in the rear side of car wheels that ensures they stay perfectly centered over their respective mounting hubs when fitted on cars.

Are Wheel Center Caps the Same Size?

Wheel center caps come in various sizes designed to fit different wheel sizes and styles. It is important to measure the size of your existing center cap before ordering a replacement, as some aftermarket wheels may require a specific size. If you are installing a new wheel, it will usually include the correct size center cap.

It is essential to understand that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) center caps and aftermarket center caps differ significantly. OEM center caps are specifically designed for their respective original vehicles, while aftermarket center caps may fit multiple aftermarket wheels of different styles and sizes. This means that OEM center caps may be incompatible with a set of aftermarket or customized wheels.

Will OEM Center Caps Work on Aftermarket Wheels?

Original equipment center caps can fit aftermarket wheels, but the chances are slim. It is better to just replace them with matching aftermarket caps instead. To ensure a perfect fit, carefully measure the size of your aftermarket wheel's center cap before you begin searching for new ones. That way, you can select caps that will be precisely the right dimensions to suit your wheels perfectly.

Aftermarket wheels usually work best with aftermarket parts. This happens because the original equipment manufacturers tend to make parts for a specific vehicle or only several models of the same make. However, aftermarket parts must fit as many vehicles as possible, so their specifications differ a lot.