Your wheels need to be set up correctly in order to accommodate a bolt on hubcap. The lug nuts need to have outside thread for the hubcaps that screw down, or the lug nuts need to be flanged or contain a washer insert for the hubcaps that bolt on behind the lugs.

In addition, all of the bolt on hubcaps are made to fit a particular wheel rim. The depth that the hubcap sits need to be perfect in order for the locking mechanism to reach the lugs and every wheel is different. Also the holes in the hubcap need to be the same distance apart as the wheel in order to bolt up and this differs from model to model. In other words, there are no universal "bolt on" hubcaps on the market because every vehicle is different.

Some car companies have been bolting them on for years. Honda hubcaps have always bolted on as have Saturn's. Others such as some GM and recently many Chevrolet hubcaps also bolt on. Certain Chrysler and dodge hubcaps are starting to bolt on after several years of poor design, most notably the mini vans.

Some such as Toyota hubcaps, Volkswagen hubcaps and most Ford hubcaps do not as of yet bolt on and these are the covers that most have problems with. So what can you do?

Most non lockable factory original hubcaps are designed with a wire retention system. The clips, or tabs that hold the retaining wire on the wheel covers are made of plastic and lost are quite fragile. Careless handling causes these tabs to break which takes the critical tension from the wire. This is when the losses happen.

Most of these hubcaps will remain on the wheel if handled properly, so careful handling is critical when removing and installing the hubcaps. If the hubcaps are already damaged and you wish to replace them with good quality Custom hubcaps. Make sure you select a style that is constructed with metal retaining tabs. The auto parts and bargain store brands are usually constructed with retaining tabs that are more fragile that the original ones that you are replacing, so make sure you choose a quality hubcap with a solid metal retaining system. Not unlike other purchases, you get what you pay for.

For all of your hubcap and wheel needs, visit Hubcap Heaven and Wheels. at http://www.hubcaps-wheelcovers.com

Kurt is the VP and general manager of Hubcap Heaven and Wheels in Cleveland, Ohio