Not using wheel trims affect anything?

[falconsflame]

Hi there! This is probably a silly question but it has been bugging me a while.

Do wheel trims actually protect anything in the wheel from dirt/rust etc? I've got a pretty cheap car with only three trims, it's more economical just to go without them I think!

Thank you!

 

[ysidfa]

As far as protecting you car from anything, I can think the effects would be negligable.
But If they are relatively smooth in appearance with not many spokes then they can improve fuel economy.


Tom

 

[sludgeguts]

Those trims held on by springy wire often damage the wheel, when you take the trim off you can see where the wire has made contact with the wheel - generally rust marks. It's not disastrous but can look unsightly.

First thing I used to do with a car was remove the trims & revamp the wheels, rotating with the spare. Clean them up & apply a good thick coat of anti-rust type paint.
Annoyingly, trims supplied often cost an arm and a leg. Somebody loses one & you could end up having your nicked.

 

[Numptey]

I only have 3 left as well, lost one somewhere which is odd considering how tight they were. I think I will go down the repaint the standard ones for a try at something different

 

[homeward]

Those trims held on by springy wire often damage the wheel, when you take the trim off you can see where the wire has made contact with the wheel - generally rust marks. It's not disastrous but can look unsightly.

Thankfully, the Punto ones are held on by three of the wheel bolts...

 

[Ziggy122]

Summer without - hence alloys to help keep the brake cool and reducing the chances of brake fade

Winter - keep em on
Many swap to steelies (for winter tyres)
But it shields the brake a lil better and can keep em a lil warmer - since its soo cold i dont know how much warmer they'd be

Ziggy

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Thankfully, the Punto ones are held on by three of the wheel bolts...

Wheres the 4th then

 

[homeward]

Wheres the 4th then

I don't know why: but the fourth hole on each wheel is slightly different; whereas the other three have a kind of lip, which is what the bolts tighten up against...

(Sorry: this sounds like gibberish. See the picture of this item on eBay -- it might make things a little clearer....)

Hopefully, someone with more of a brain than me will come along later, and explain why...! :idea:

 

[Ziggy122]

So you can pull the trim off when changing a wheel - before it lands on your foot

ziggy

 

[Andy Monty]

Likewise when refitting you can get the wheel held in place by one bolt

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

:yeahthat:

Once tightened the 4th does hold it in place also