The original wheels fitted by your car manufacturer could also be rather plain or they’ll became scratched, rusty and dirty with age. But there are several belongings you can do to enhance their appearance and therefore the overall look of the car.
One way is to suit a group of after-market wheels, which are available during a big variety of designs. Fitting an entire set of latest wheels can, however, be expensive. a cheaper and quicker thanks to give your wheels a new look is to suit a group of wheel trims.
Styles of Trimming wheels
A vast range of wheel trim kits are available in different styles, sizes, colour and chrome finishes. Some are available ready to fit, others can be painted to match the colour of your car. Below is just a small selection of trims available. The Taurus (A), Libra (B), Tornado (C) and Hawk (D) are from the Autoplas range. The Mirado (E), Primo (F), B-G 100 (G), Flash Harry (H), Classic (I) and Trimrings (J) are from the Brown and Geeson range.
Look in accessory shops or manufacturers’ catalogues to ascertain what’s available and what would fit your car – you’ll find a huge range on the market, from quite basic sets in plain matt finishes to brightly coloured and chromed finishes. Some trims appear as if expensive alloy or wire spoked wheels.
Many of the trims are made up of reinforced plastic which is both resilient and has some resistance to shattering and stone-chip damage. So, aside from enhancing the general look of your car, the trims also can provide a degree of protection for the wheels.
Embellishers
Wheel embellishers are almost like the trim covers. These are designed to suit just round the rim of the wheel and also are available in chrome or matt finishes. These look best once they are fitted to wheels that have alittle central wheel nut cover.
Fitting
The trims and embellishers simply clip into place on the wheel rim. Before fitting, however, it’s worthwhile giving the wheels a fast coat of rust-retarding black paint, especially if they already look badly rusted. This not only hides the rust, it also ensures that the wheel won’t show through the trim.
1. Clean the wheels
Before fitting the wheel trims, clean the wheel of all dirt and road grime with a stiff brush and a general degreasing agent. If the deposits are heavy, work the degreaser well in with the brush and allow time for it to take effect before rinsing thoroughly with water. Dry off the wheels with a rag.
2. Preparation
3. Painting
The effect of the wheel trims are going to be spoiled if you’ll see a scratched or rusty wheel through them. this is often easily solved by giving the wheels a fast coat of paint. confirm the wheel is completely dry, then apply masking paper to the tyre round the wheel rim.
4. Fitting
you’ll use either a spray-on or brush-on paint for the wheels. Black paint will provide the simplest contrast for the trim. The wheel doesn’t need to be faraway from the car before painting. Apply the paint and permit it to dry thoroughly before fitting the trims.
5. Fitting the wheel trims into position
Offer the trim up to the wheel. Make sure the tyre valve cut-out, often formed in the trim moulding, is correctly positioned. Working around the circumference of the trim, knock it into position with your hand. Remember not to bend the trim too far or try to knock it on with a hammer leading to it shattering.
Some trims may fit under the wheel nuts.
