Wheel Skins: The Smart, Affordable Alternative to Wheel Replacement

The hubcap or wheel cover is the oldest known wheel accessory. Its history can be traced back to the very first wooden wheels. What started as a functional necessity has evolved and grown to be a modern aesthetic upgrade.

The Evolution of the Hubcap

The early design flaws of the traditional hubcap are long gone. Today’s fitments and materials ensure that a vehicle taking a hard turn or bounding down a bumpy road won’t leave a hubcap in the gutter. These improvements have revitalized interest in wheel covers and caps and have spawned a host of technological advancements in their manufacturing. The computer imaging used to map an exact fit not only makes new covers and caps fit better to endure harsh conditions, but they also look better.

Why Wheel Skins Are the Modern Solution

The aftermarket provides a host of new product solutions for consumers looking to upgrade stock wheels or repair/replace and disguise them. Products ranging from custom wheels, wheel simulators and the traditional hubcaps give retailers a broad selection of products and price points to meet any customer’s needs.

While options are important, finding a product solution that is reliable, affordable, easy to install and looks good on the vehicle should be the goal of every retailer. The most innovative wheel cover that has revolutionized the aftermarket in recent years is the wheel skin. Unlike traditional wheel covers that use a one-size-fits-all approach, wheel skins are made for specific wheels.

The high fit tolerances, beautiful finishes and wide assortment make wheel skins an ideal product offering for any retailer looking to boost sales and improve margin while attracting new customers that would normally not consider themselves in the market for wheels.

How to Sell Wheel Skins Successfully

Knowing your customer and how wheel skins can save them money while improving the appearance of their vehicles can help you boost sales.

Know the key benefits of using wheel skins

Wheel skin customers vary greatly, and the largest markets are typically served by restylers and detailers. Wheel skins provide an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade the look of a vehicle and can be packaged with other restyling accessories, such as grille overlays. Car dealerships are the single largest customer demographic for wheel skins and provide significant upsell opportunities.

Pitch wheel skins as a cost-saving alternative to replacing wheels

The vehicle’s wheels take the brunt of the punishment in everyday use. Scraping a curb while parking or taking a corner can result in costly repairs or even more costly replacements. Wheel skins are a fraction of the cost, and are an effective solution to hide cosmetic damage.

OE-style appearance of wheel skins

Wheel skins are designed to mimic the original wheel. Unlike traditional wheel covers, which offer a style completely different from the wheel, wheel skins fit the specific wheel like a glove. A big advantage for customers who aren’t looking to change the design of their wheels.

Wheel skins are leading a resurgence of the wheel cover aftermarket and your business can get in on the action. Kurt Kruse, Impostor Series Wheel Skins product manager, at Coast to Coast International, describes the product as having “the single biggest potential to drive sales for wheel cover accessories, especially for restylers. We believe the Impostor’s patented center hub technology is leading the comeback.”

The Impostor Series Wheel Skins are stocked in multiple warehouses across the country, making them readily available for fast and convenient installation scheduling.