DRIVER SUPPLY WHEEL RESOURCE CENTERHub / Buying & Fitment Guides / Materials Guide: ABS, Steel, Aluminum & Chrome
GuideMaterials Guide: ABS, Steel, Aluminum & Chrome
What wheel accessories are actually made of — synthesized from WheelCovers.Com's materials coverage.
| Material | Strengths | Watch Out For | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS Plastic | Light, cheap, rust-proof, endless designs | UV fade, brittle in extreme cold | Wheel covers, budget hubcaps |
| Steel | Maximum durability and impact resistance | Weight; rust if coating is chipped | Classic hubcaps, HD applications |
| Aluminum | Light, corrosion-resistant, performance feel | Dents easier than steel, costs more | Performance-oriented caps |
| Stainless Steel | Rust-proof, mirror polish, decade-long life | Highest price | Wheel simulators, trim rings |
| Chrome-Plated ABS | True chrome look, light, affordable | Needs chrome care against pitting | Wheel skins, dress-up caps |
The definitive head-to-head is WheelCovers.Com's Comparing Steel and Aluminum Hubcaps; Hubcaps 101 covers the plastic/aluminum/chrome spectrum, and Top 10 Innovations looks at eco-friendly recycled materials and lightweight tech.