A hubcap is a piece of material designed to cover the wheel. It plays a role in keeping your wheels functional and looking their best. Learn how these car parts came to be in the following guide.

The Story of the Hubcap in the Automobile Industry

The Beginning

Originally, car wheels were made with wooden spokes around the center hub, which held the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing was covered with grease that tended to accumulate dust on the road. The vehicle required covers to keep that dust out and lock in the grease, so caps were created for just the central hubs. Though they helped keep the wheels in good condition, wood still wasn’t ideal as it cracked in the elements.

In the late 1920s, the wooden spokes were replaced with steel wire. This new design still required a hub cap for the same purpose, but it was made of metal to fit seamlessly into the wheel design.

The Evolution

In the 1930s, the size of the caps grew. Manufacturers found that the larger cover helped keep the wire spokes clean and prevented the obnoxious sound of wind moving through the spokes while on the road. Along with this streamlined appearance, the caps became more decorative with the manufacturer’s name and designs.

In the 1970s, the manufacturers started using ABS plastic rather than metal, which is finished to look like chrome or brushed aluminum. ABS plastic is more affordable and lighter, which lessens the likelihood of the cap flying off on the road.  

Old hubcaps can be recycled at Metalico Rochester along with your other car parts in Rochester, NY. This metal recycling plant will pay a fair price for your scrap and recycle your extra car parts in an environmentally friendly way. Learn more about their process on their website, and call (585) 436-0713 with any questions.