Wheel covers vs lug covers/center caps - which looks better?

[fkk]

Which do you prefer, LAT 20" wheels with wheel covers, or with lug covers/caps? I originally bought the covers and caps for my 19" snow tire wheels. I am considering also using them for my 20" wheels, even though I know I'll take a milage hit if I go that way. Which looks best?

 

[TSilva]

Without it for sure! I am about to do the same thing. Just waiting for the lug nuts and center cap to get here.

 

[Buffalo Bob]

Interesting. With 20's, I prefer the look with the aero covers on. I took the aero covers off my 19" tires, and have the silver cover with the black caps. On the 20's, I think too much of the brake drums and calipers show through, but I could see how someone else could argue exactly the opposite. What you like best is where you oughta go! You can't go wrong!!!

 

[fkk]

Interesting. With 20's, I prefer the look with the aero covers on. I took the aero covers off my 19" tires, and have the silver cover with the black caps. On the 20's, I think too much of the brake drums and calipers show through, but I could see how someone else could argue exactly the opposite. What you like best is where you oughta go! You can't go wrong!!!

I agree that on 19”, aero covers off looks best. On 20” the decision was harder. I discussed with a friend, and decided to take the aero covers off, and to put them back on for road trips. They’re off for now, but may go back on soon.

 

[Neurio]

I agree that on 19”, aero covers off looks best. On 20” the decision was harder. I discussed with a friend, and decided to take the aero covers off, and to put them back on for road trips. They’re off for now, but may go back on soon.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll get scratches on your wheels with the aero covers on. Dirt gets trapped under them and the micro vortices of air while driving cause the dirt to scratch the wheels. Happens on the Dream 21s too. If it doesn't bother you, no big deal. If it will bother you, then pick one - always on or always off. I also think the clips themselves might scratch a bit with putting them on and removing them.

Because of this, I decided to just leave mine on all the time, in part too because I bought them used and they already had the scratches.

 

[fkk]

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll get scratches on your wheels with the aero covers on. Dirt gets trapped under them and the micro vortices of air while driving cause the dirt to scratch the wheels. Happens on the Dream 21s too. If it doesn't bother you, no big deal. If it will bother you, then pick one - always on or always off. I also think the clips themselves might scratch a bit with putting them on and removing them.

Because of this, I decided to just leave mine on all the time, in part too because I bought them used and they already had the scratches.

I didn’t know that. Thanks for the tip.

 

[gavram]

I go back and forth...off generally looks sportier to me but the rest of the car is so sleek looking that I sometimes think the covers add to the "sleekness"

 

[j4gates]

Saw a Fathom Blue AGT with the stealth 20s and no wheel covers at the King of Prussia S&D center...best visual combo I've seen.

 

[scal_air]

It's a gestalt type thing. I think it involves the color of the car (including metal roof or glass), the size of the wheels, and of course the eye of the beholder. Two other things - it seems to provide minimal added range and you will also get scratches with the covers on due to gravel being lodged between the wheel and insert. Taking them off and on will scratch too where the clips come in contact. Minor and easily polished out I imagine...

 

[gmglass]

Naked - all day long!

 

[Lucken]

Naked - all day long!

If you leave your house in that condition, there are laws against that.