How to Measure the Wheel Center Caps
How to Measure the Wheel Center Caps
Wheel center caps exist to protect the center of the axle and the wheel hub of a vehicle from dirt and grime that can be kicked up from the road and thus cause excessive wear. Wheel center caps typically come in a simple design, usually bearing the logo of the car's manufacturer. There are also many other options that allow vehicle owners to display their personal tastes. Car and truck owners may choose to adorn wheel center caps with images of favorite cartoon characters, for example, by purchasing decals that are designed to fit over wheel center caps.
Place the center cap on a table or solid work surface, so that the opening of the center cap is facing upward. There are three measurements to take on a center cap for proper fixture on a wheel and vehicle. The inner diameter gives the measurement needed to fit over the wheel hub when the center cap is on the vehicle. The outer diameter gives the measurement needed to fit the center cap through the wheel. The depth of the center cap is manufacturer specific, sometimes for aesthetic purposes, and other times for wheel hubs that extend through the wheel (4x4 vehicles with manual locking hubs).
Place a tape measure or tape ruler across the opening on the center cap. Measure the inner diameter of the center cap. The inner diameter is the distance between the two inner walls of the center cap, measured in a straight line across the center cap. Mark this measurement on a piece of paper with a pen, as the "I.D" or "Inner Diameter."
Measure the outer diameter at the base or opening of the center cap, as this is the widest portion of the cap. The outer diameter is a measurement between the two outer walls of the center cap at its widest point, made in a straight line. Mark this measurement onto a piece of paper with a pen, as the "O.D" or "Outer Diameter."
Hold the center cap so that the opening is facing downward in your hand. Place a tape measure inside the center cap until you hit the face of the center cap, on the inside of the cap. This measurement is the depth measurement, and is the measurement from the inside front of the cap to the base of the cap on the other end made in a straight line. Mark the measurement on a piece of paper with a pen, as "Depth."
Also, there are 3 options how to find the proper size of your wheel center cap:
(1) By the part number of your original center cap
(2) By the dimensions of your wheel
(3) By the dimensions of your original center cap
