Editing Hubcap (section)

{{short description|Decorative disk on an automobile wheel that covers at least a central portion of the wheel}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}

[[File:Artillery style hub with brass hubcap.jpg|thumb|right|A threaded brass hubcap on a [[cart]] wheel with [[artillery wheel|artillery style hub]]]]
[[File:Hubcaps (616854954).jpg|thumb|right|Various automobile hubcaps]]

A '''hubcap''' or '''hub cap''' is a decorative disk on an [[automobile]] [[wheel]] that covers at minimum the central portion of the wheel, called the '''hub'''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of Hub |url= https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hub |publisher=Merriam-Webster Dictionary |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref> An automobile hubcap is used to cover the wheel hub and the wheel fasteners to reduce the accumulation of dirt and moisture. It also has the function of decorating the car.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=D4QpAQAAIAAJ&q=hubcap+reduce+dirt+and+moisture.+It+also+has+the+practical+decorating |page=222 |title=History News |publisher=American Association for State and Local History |year=1976 |via=Google Books |access-date=25 April 2023}}</ref>

A hubcap is technically a small cover over the center of the wheel, while a '''wheel cover''' is a decorative metal or plastic disk that snaps or bolts onto and covers the entire face of the wheel.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.carwashmag.com/issues/apr-2013/IDA-Certification.cfm |title=IDA Certification – Study Guide: Wheels and Tires |first=Prentice |last=St. Clair |work=Auto Laundry News |date=April 2013 |access-date=13 January 2014 |archive-date=15 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140115034400/http://www.carwashmag.com/issues/apr-2013/IDA-Certification.cfm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Cars with stamped steel wheels often use a full-wheel cover that conceals the entire wheel. Cars with [[alloy wheels]] or styled steel wheels generally use smaller hubcaps, sometimes called [[center cap]]s.

Alternatively, a wheel cover or spare tire cover can be an accessory that covers an external rear-mounted [[spare tire]] found on some automobiles.