Wheels, tires, rims, and hubcaps: Everything you need to know

When you think of your car's wheels, you probably think of the round, black things that rotate to get you where you need to go. Some drivers use the terms wheels to refer to the entire system - tires and all - and while most people will understand that reference, it's not entirely correct. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the differences between the car tires, wheels, rims, and hubcaps so you can better understand how they all work together to get you where you need to go.

How are car tires different than wheels, and what are rims and hubcaps? 

Wheels: As noted, some drivers think that they can just call the tires "wheels" and the two terms are synonymous. But wheels and tires are actually not the same things at all. Wheels are not the circular black rubber element of the setup; that's the tire. Instead,  wheels are the round metal part in the middle of the tire. Wheels are composed of the rim, the disc, and the hub. We'll get more into what rims are in a bit. 

Tires: Your car tires are the black rubber part of the setup. This part grips the road and provides traction for your vehicle, while the wheel is the part of your car responsible for turning the tires. They work together, but when it comes down to it, they are two different parts entirely. 

Rims: Rims are sometimes confused with wheels; they SEEM to be the same thing at first glance, but they're actually not. As discussed, a rim is a part of the wheel. Wheels are composed of hubs, discs, and rims; rims are the metal piece on the outside of the wheel that helps hold the tire in place and seal it to the wheel. Rims are also the part of the wheel that you can get fancy with - you can change the size, material,  and appearance of them to customize your car to your preferences. They're typically made of steel, aluminum alloy, or carbon fiber. 

Hubcaps: Rims and hubcaps are another set of items that often get confused. As we mentioned, rims are the outside of the wheel. Hubcaps are actually inside of the rim; they cover the hub of the wheel. While the rims are there to seal the tires to the wheels, the hubcaps protect the lugnuts from moisture, dirt, dust, and rust. They can also be there for decorative purposes. You'll often find hubcaps on heavy-duty trucks to keep dirt out and protect the wheel bearings. 

That's the basic breakdown. As you can see, while all of these car parts are separate entities, they're part of a complex system that works to get you to your final destination. That's why it's important to maintain and if necessary, repair or replace all of them. When one part stops working, the others undoubtedly will, too. 

Schedule car tire care today at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about car tires, wheels, rims, hubcaps, or any other component of your Orlando Toyota? Call us! Toyota of Orlando's car service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. You can also stop by at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.