Everyone knows that hubcaps can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. However, what if one hubcap is dented? Can you drive with a dented hubcap?
Let’s find out.
Oh! If you’re in a rush, here is my quick answer.
Even though it’s possible to drive with a dented hubcap, It’s wise to replace the dented hubcap or remove all hubcaps before re-driving. This is because a dented hubcap can be loosely attached to the wheel and can be dangerous to pedestrians, especially when the vehicle is driving at high speeds.
Let’s figure out if it’s possible to drive with a dented hubcap and the major downsides of doing so.
Table of Contents
Is it okay to drive with a dented hubcap?
Of course, there are some circumstances where our hubcaps get damaged, such as in a serious car accident or by scraping against a boulder or a curb.
Frankly, It doesn’t matter what the reason really is; a dented hubcap needs to be replaced before driving again.
So, you shouldn’t drive with a dented hubcap. Or else, consider getting rid of all four hubcaps and driving without them.
Even though whether hubcaps are necessary or not is a somewhat contentious topic, there is a likelihood that the dented hubcap can get off the wheel as you are driving.
Chances are it can be dangerous for pedestrians. So, it’s wise to replace the dented hubcap or get rid of all the hubcaps.
Finally, I’d like to remind you again, “IT IS NOT OKAY TO DRIVE WITH A DENTED HUBCAP.”
What are the main drawbacks of driving with a dented hubcap?
Even though many people believe that hubcaps don’t serve more than cosmetic purposes, frankly, they are beneficial for your vehicle, including the following.
- Hubcaps protect wheel bolts & nuts from rust and corrosion.
- They protect wheels against dust and other debris.
- Hubcaps protect lug nuts from jamming.
- Reduce wind noise.
So, there are so many good reasons why you should install hubcaps other than just for aesthetic purposes.
However, if you are a little reluctant to replace the dented hubcap and decide to drive the car as it is, you better pay attention to the rest of this article.
Because there are good reasons why you should not drive with a dented hubcap.
1. The wheel can get dirty.
One of the purposes of using hubcaps is to protect the wheel from debris and dirt.
However, if the wheels are not hubcap installed, you will see gravel or dust become logged in the wheels over time.
Moreover, this can result in diminishing the performance of the braking system of your vehicle.
So, a dented hubcap can have holes that leave the hub area open. Remember, keep the wheel bearing out of water and dirt while keeping the grease inside.
2. Lack of protection to lugnuts.
As everyone knows, hubcaps can protect the lugnuts. However, a dented hubcap means a lack of protection to the lugnuts of that relevant wheel.
3. Dangerous for pedestrians.
A dented hubcap can be dangerous for pedestrians as it can get off the wheel, especially when the vehicle driving at a higher pace.
Can you fix a dented hubcap?
If one of the hubcaps got dented, sometimes you have to replace all of the hubcaps. So, it’s better if you can fix the dented hubcap.
But, can you do it?
This mainly depends on the extent of the damage the hubcap had. So, perhaps it can be fixed or nonfixable.
First of all, consider popping the hubcap off and checking the rim for damages. Then, examine if dents on the hubcap are fixable.
I found an excellent video that explains to you how to get rid of those dents from the hubcap.
However, if it’s impossible to repair the hubcap, it’s better to buy a set of hubcaps instead of messing with that hubcap.
Things to be aware of.
Let’s find out a few things to be aware of as a responsible vehicle owner.
Safety: Always think about the safety of yourself and the pedestrian, so it’s better not to drive with dented hubcaps.
Don’t get rid of them: Although removing all hubcaps is aesthetically pleasing in a case where one or more hubcaps are dented, consider replacing them with another set of hubcaps as they serve more than just cosmetic purposes.
Scrutinize the rim: If, in any case, one of your hub caps got damaged due to scraping against a boulder or a curb or after a car accident, be sure to check closely if the rim is damaged.
Check lugnuts: If one of the hubcaps got dented, don’t forget to examine the lugnuts for any damages or loosely fastened bolts.
Fixing the hubcap: If the dented hubcap seems okay and can be fixed, consider reaching out to a local auto repair garage in a case where you don’t know how to fix it or don’t have the necessary equipment. I guess it will cost several bucks.
Conclusion.
It hurts when you see that one of your hubcaps is dented. So, the next question that may come to your mind is whether you can drive with a dented hubcap. So, in this article, we’ve discussed whether it’s okay to do so and why you shouldn’t do that. Hope you found this helpful.
