Many of the older vehicles on the road today still use hubcaps, while newer cars tend to use wheel covers that are secured in a different way. Aside from the extreme amount of frustration that will likely follow your new discovery of a flat tire, removing a hubcap can be a real pain. Unfortunately, removing that stubborn hubcap is also the first step in the process of steps involved in removing a wheel to change a flat tire. However, they are often not as difficult to remove as you might initially think.

Step 1 – Use a screwdriver or the blade end of a lug wrench as a prying tool against the edge of a hubcap. It is often necessary to pry around the edge of the hubcap in several different places to completely remove it from the rim. You’ll want to create leverage by pushing toward the rim of the wheel, pushing the tip of the screwdriver or lug wrench against the inside of the hubcap. It may take a few more seconds to slowly remove the hubcap by prying different areas of the hubcap rim, but it will greatly reduce the chances of breaking the hubcap and greatly increase the chances of not slamming your heel. hand against her in frustration. Imagine lifting the lid off a paint can.

Step 2 – Once you’ve removed the cap, be sure to turn it upside down so you can use it as a tray to place your wheel nuts or bolts. The reason for this is simple. There’s nothing that can ruin your day as quickly as having your nuts kicked around and thrown down a sewer drain. So, don’t just use the bucket lid as a container or tray for your nuts, but put it somewhere where it won’t be knocked over or stepped on.

And there you have it. Tried and true hubcap removal sure to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.