You have decided it’s time to get some new wheels for your car or truck. You may be wondering which kind you should purchase. A lot of people, especially if they are unfamiliar with wheels, may wonder what is the difference between hubcaps and rims. When it comes to hubcaps vs rims, there are some key differences to be aware of before making a purchase. If you are wanting to know the answer to this question, continue reading.

What Is the Difference Between Hubcaps and Rims?

It is common for people to lump hubcaps, rims, and wheels as being the same. After all, they do work together and are a part of the same unit. The truth is, there are key differences between hubcaps and rims. Before purchasing new wheels or components, car and truck owners need to understand the differences.

When you are considering the differences between rims and hubcaps, you need to know the rim is actually the outer edge of the wheel hub. The rim allows the tire edge to rest against it so a complete seal occurs. Without a strong rim, the tire would not hold air.

All About Rims

Rims are often referred to as wheels, even by retailers. People often say they are purchasing rims for their new ride when they are actually purchasing new wheels. The rim is simply a component of the wheel hub and nothing more.

While it serves a specific purpose, you cannot go to a tire shop and ask them to install new rims. You would need new wheels instead, which include the rims or edges of the wheels.

The reason so many people confuse rims with wheels is because of all the fancy wheel designs that are available today. Car and truck enthusiasts can choose a wealth of wheel designs. Some of them are deep and offer a dramatic lip.

All About Hubcaps

The hub of the wheel is where the hardware goes that keeps the tire in place. Although you can certainly leave this area exposed, most people find a plain hub leaves their car or truck looking boring.

Hubcaps solve the problem of boring or even ugly hubs. A hubcap is a decorative disc that completely conceals the hub of the wheel by covering it. Hubcaps are available in a wide array of styles and are even found in different colors.

The reason many people do not know about hubcaps is that you do not find them on modern cars anymore. Today, most car manufacturers use branded center caps to cover the hub. These caps are simply popped off when it comes time to remove the lug nuts so the tire can be changed.

Other Key Differences

Another key difference between the hubcaps and rims is the material. Wheels and rims are always made of metal. Typically, manufacturers make these car components out of steel or a steel alloy.

Hubcaps, on the other hand, are sometimes made of lightweight plastic or metal. Hubcaps are often made of plastic so they do not add weight to the tires and throw the car off balance.

Rims and hubcaps also have different functions. The rim’s job is to keep the tire on the wheel. The rim is like a deep lip that rises around the edge of the wheel.

When the tire is put on the wheel, the edge meets up against the lip, and the lip holds it in place. In other words, the rim’s primary job is to secure the tire. Without a rim, tires would not hold air and they would be forced off the wheel while driving, which could be deadly.

Hubcaps also play a vital role. This disc of metal or plastic helps to protect the lug nuts from becoming rusty due to water and salt exposure. The hubcap also catches a lug nut in its depths, should one come loose while you are driving.

You will actually hear the lug nut bouncing around inside the hubcap. Finally, hubcaps also add a decorative touch of style to a vehicle.

One last difference is how they are removed. Hubcaps can easily be removed with a screwdriver. You simply pry them off. They can be removed and changed without having to remove the tire or the wheel. When it comes to rims vs hubcaps, the way each is removed is different.

To remove the rims on a vehicle, you have to remove the entire wheel. To change out a wheel, you will need to use heavy-duty tools to remove the wheel from the vehicle and then remove the tire.

Hubcaps Are Not as Common as They Once Were

As stated above, hubcaps simply are not as popular as they once were. Car manufacturers are changing with the times, and they realize consumers are more interested in having an appealing design on their wheels.

Today’s car manufacturers are making cars with fancy alloy wheels that do not require a hubcap. In the past, hubcaps were made of heavy-duty metal. Today, they are typically made of cheap plastic and include the car’s branding.

A lot of people decide to replace the hubcaps on their newer car because they feel the manufacturer’s caps look cheap and they do not like the branding. Because hubcaps are more difficult to find these days, some owners simply remove the cap and expose the hub underneath.

Hubcaps are also becoming more obsolete because wheel covers are increasing in popularity among car and truck owners. It is important to note that a wheel cover does the same work as a hubcap but it covers more of the surface of the wheel, effectively covering all areas.

Car and truck owners are also putting wheel skins over their wheels. Wheel skins give the look of wheel covers without the high cost.

One of the best benefits of using wheel covers instead of hubcaps is their universal design. Manufacturers are making wheel covers to fit all cars and trucks so owners do not have to struggle to find the right size for their make and model.

Hubcaps vs Rims: Repair

When your rims or hubcaps become damaged, you can feel a lot of stress. You mustn't panic because it is not the end of the world. Hubcaps are simple to replace. The biggest problem you may run into with purchasing a hubcap replacement is being able to find an OEM part.

You will likely be better off purchasing an aftermarket package that includes four hubcaps, especially if your caps are older.

A damaged hubcap is nothing to be worried over. Even if you cannot find another hub, your wheel will work just fine without the hubcap until you can get it replaced. If you are having a truly difficult time finding hubcap replacements, you could always install wheel covers.

Structural damage done to the wheel is much more serious, especially if the damage has caused the rims to become bent or dented. If there is major damage done to the rims, you will need to replace the entire wheel.

Unfortunately, damage can be done to rims in accidents and because of road debris. If your wheel becomes damaged, it needs to be replaced because it is likely to cause damage to the tire or be a danger on the road.

Bottom Line

Now, you know the key differences between hubcaps and rims. Having this knowledge will help you better understand how your wheel assembly and tires work to keep you safe. If damage occurs, take appropriate action to keep your ride safe and secure. When it comes to hubcaps vs rims, this information has you covered.

Whether you prefer a Jeep, truck, or SUV for off-roading fun, the right wheels are essential. One of the biggest subjects of debate among off-roading enthusiasts is wheel size. 16 vs 17 inch wheels–which is better?

Ask a bunch of off-roaders the question above and you are going to get a lot of different answers. Many people will say bigger is always better for off-road wheels but is this factual? With this guide, we will get down to the nitty-gritty and help you choose the wheel size that will be perfect for off-roading fun and adventure.

Ground Clearance Is the Most Important Consideration

For off-roading, ground clearance is going to be your most important consideration. Raising the ride height of your vehicle is essential when leaving the pavement and heading for mud.

The higher ground clearance will ensure your vehicle can go over rocks, stumps, logs, and anything else that comes in its path, without experiencing damage to the underbody and frame.

Although there are multiple approaches to increasing ground clearance, one of the easiest and least expensive methods is increasing your wheel size. When considering raising the ground clearance height, you may wonder if bigger wheels are always better.

The answer to this question is maybe not. Yes, sometimes bigger is better for off-roading wheels. When choosing between 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, there are pros and cons to both.

16-Inch Off-Road Wheels

The Good

First, let’s discuss the good things about 16-inch off-road wheels. One reason many off-roaders choose 16-inch wheels is that a smaller wheel allows you to purchase tires that have a higher sidewall. This matters because it gives you a softer ride.

Airing down is also easier with smaller wheels. For those new to off-roading, airing down is simply removing some of the air in your tires to get better traction.

Other reasons for choosing 16-inch wheels are cost and selection. Tires for 16-inch wheels are less expensive than those for 17-inch models, and you will have a lot more selection.

The Not So Good

While not a deal-breaker for everyone, installing tires with taller sidewalls causes slightly more tire flex when driving on pavement. For some drivers, this equates to vague handling.

17-Inch Off-Road Wheels

The Good

Many off-roaders prefer bigger wheels and for good reason. With 17-inch wheels, you can install bigger brakes on your ride. Bigger brakes mean better stopping power-something every off-roader needs.

If you install 17-inch wheels, this means you can use bigger tires. Bigger tires help to increase the towing capacity of your ride. With the shorter sidewall on your tires, driving on the pavement is going to be much more stable.

The Not So Good

With bigger wheels comes a downfall. When you install bigger wheels on your ride, you increase the unsprung mass. This is the weight of your suspension and underbody. When the unsprung mass is increased, the suspension and braking system experience more strain.

Because you will be using tires with a shorter sidewall with your 17-inch wheels, it’s important to note the lower profile makes the tires more susceptible to damage. Also, bigger tires are more expensive.

Is a Bigger Wheel Better for Off-Roading?

As we mentioned above, the goal of safely off-roading is to raise your ground clearance without reducing stabilization. Bigger wheels satisfy this beautifully. By installing bigger wheels, you can raise the height of your ride without a lift kit.

With bigger wheels come bigger tires and the ability to install bigger brakes. While off-roading, bigger brakes are always a sound upgrade because they give you a lot more surface area for stopping power.

You should try to go bigger with your wheels, but not too big. Going too big decreases your tire sidewall size. This could compromise your handling.

Ideally, you want to use low-profile tires with taller sidewalls to give you that tire flex you need for off-roading fun.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing between 16-inch and 17-inch wheels, the right one is determined by the way you drive. Do you primarily use your vehicle for off-roading or do you drive it daily and only off-road on the weekends?

If you dedicate your vehicle to off-roading, go with the 16-inch wheels and a bigger tire. You will find with this combination that you get more traction and will be less likely to suffer tire damage in the rough.

If you drive your vehicle daily, it needs to handle well on pavement. For this type of driver, we would suggest 17-inch wheels with low-profile tires. Although this combination will sacrifice some of your off-road capability, you will find your on-road driving experience is much more stable and predictable. You will also be thankful for the better gas mileage this setup will offer you.

When choosing between the two, make sure you weigh the good and the bad and think about how you use your ride the most. Off-roader diehards are going to want to focus on 16-inch wheels and those who only off-road in their free time will find the 17-inch wheels to be ideal.

Which Will You Choose?

We have given you a lot to think about regarding your wheel size. While there is a minor sacrifice to be made no matter which one you choose, it is important to choose a wheel size based on how you drive your off-road ride.

Both wheel sizes will give you an amazing level of freedom on the off-road, but the bigger wheel offers that little something extra that makes each obstacle you go over even more exciting.

Perhaps you are building an exceptional off-roader that will become a mud warrior. You will love the added ground clearance 17-inch wheels offer. You can go over more stuff without the scrub.

It all comes down to your personal choice when comparing 16 vs 17 inch wheels. With the right combo, your off-road ride will shine. No matter your choice, enjoy every minute of the ride!

Dealing with exhaust leaks can be stressful. With this guide, we will teach you ford f150 how to check exhaust leak, so you do not have to waste your Saturday pinpointing a seemingly impossible-to-find leak.

Exhaust leaks are common and can happen for many reasons. Knowing how to find these leaks will save you time, money, and plenty of aggravation, especially if you are a DIYer who prefers handling repairs yourself.

Symptoms of an Exhaust Leak

An exhaust leak can affect your Ford F150 in different ways, and none of them are good. You must be able to recognize the signs of an exhaust leak and then learn how to take care of them. The following are the most common signs F150s will experience with an exhaust leak.

• You will almost always find a louder than normal rumbling sound coming from the exhaust. It will sound like an unmuffled exhaust.
• You may also smell foul smells coming into the cab. These can be dangerous!
• Your check engine light is likely to light up.
• Your gas mileage will begin to tank.
• You may start to feel the gas pedal vibrate.

If you have noticed any of the above signs, it is time to start an investigation into where the leak is stemming from. Finding the exhaust leak and fixing it as soon as possible is critical.

Can You Continue to Drive with an Exhaust Leak?

It is not safe to continue to drive when you have an exhaust leak. While it may not damage your truck’s engine, exhaust leaks that are coming into your cab can be dangerous. Remember, carbon monoxide does not have a smell and may go undetected!

Causes of Exhaust Leaks

Exhaust leaks can have multiple causes. The following are some of the most common reasons for an exhaust leak in an F150.

• Faulty exhaust manifold gasket
• Faulty manifold to exhaust gasket
• Manifold cracks
• Rusted exhaust

How to Find an Exhaust Leak on Your Ford F150

You are going to need to check the following areas to determine where the exhaust leak is stemming from. Some of these are easier to check than others. If you find any of the following steps too difficult to perform, make sure to take your Ford F150 into the shop and allow the professionals to scope out the problem and save you the hassle.

• The exhaust manifold gasket is one of the most likely to fail on a Ford F150. This is the exhaust gasket that connects the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head. To check this gasket, you will need to inspect the bolts that hold it in place. Are they still in sound condition? Are they in the right place? Missing? Are they still torqued to the proper specifications? If not, the gasket is inexpensive to replace.
• Next, you will need to check the other side of your exhaust manifold. If the gasket on this side is failing, you will hear a loud sound coming from this area.
• Check the manifold for any cracks. A cracked manifold will no longer be able to do its job properly and will cause exhaust leaks. If you do find a crack, there is, unfortunately, no easy fix. You will need to replace the manifold.
• You should also check the exhaust system for rust openings. If the system has rusted out, it can allow for leaks, and this requires an exhaust repair or replacement, depending on the severity. Most Ford F150 owners take their trucks in when this issue is present, so it can be handled by the professionals.

Is There a Way to Prevent Exhaust Leaks on Your Truck?

Prevention is important but is not fool-proof. You will need to check your gaskets from time to time and ensure the bolts are torqued properly. It is also a wise idea to check your exhaust system for any signs of rust and take care of them promptly.

Even with proper care, your Ford F150 is likely to have a gasket failure at some point. This does not mean you neglected your truck. It simply happens after so many miles. Manifold gaskets will typically last between 50,000 to 75,000 miles, though this can vary. Replacing them accordingly will keep your F150 working as it should.

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to distinguish an exhaust leak and what causes them, you are ready to get started. The steps for finding these leaks are not difficult, though they can be frustrating if you are looking in the wrong areas.

With the above steps on ford f150 how to check exhaust leak, you are now prepared to find that annoying leak and take care of the necessary repairs, so your Ford F150 is running like a dream again.

Your truck will only be as powerful as the amount of horsepower it has. Unfortunately, not all trucks are equipped with a high amount of horsepower, and the lack can sometimes cause you to lose power. Thankfully, there are ways to boost horsepower in a truck, and they will not cost you a lot. Allow this information to guide you on improving the performance power of any truck.

7 Ways to Boost the Horsepower of Your Truck

So, your truck just does not seem to be as powerful as it should be, and you are having trouble reaching speed on the highway. Instead of panicking, there are some tried and true ways to boost the horsepower without breaking the bank or your back. Consider the following to get started.

• One of the first things you should always do when horsepower is lacking is to get a tune-up. You must stay on top of maintenance to ensure your truck does not lose horsepower. Getting a tune-up will help you to see a return in horsepower.
• Another problem truck drivers do not think about is carrying around excess cargo. For every pound of extra cargo, your horsepower and engine efficiency will reduce by 1 to 2%. Ditch extra cargo, and you will see improvements.
• A cold air intake is also a good choice for improving the horsepower in a truck. Your truck need cannot be met fully without a cold air intake. A cold air intake will also improve the sound of your truck. It also provides your engine with more oxygen for better combustion.
• An aftermarket exhaust system can also be beneficial in helping you gain horsepower. The best exhaust system for your truck may not be a stock model. A better exhaust system will deliver more airflow and gas escape, for a higher function.
• Purchasing a new engine tuner and installing it can often help increase horsepower in most trucks. Unfortunately, stock engine tuners are not always ideal for creating a lot of horsepower. A tuner will make it shift better and you will see gains in performance.
• You should also consider purchasing an STS turbo kit. On a big truck, you are going to want to install a turbocharger. Turbochargers help to make an engine more responsive, so the horsepower is greatly increased.
• You should also consider an aftermarket supercharger. Superchargers have much less delay, so the engine performs much better and is supercharged, just as the name suggests. In fact, superchargers are often much more reliable than turbochargers, but you will have to go with what you prefer or your automotive specialist recommends.

Why Is Horsepower So Important?

Horsepower is extremely important because it is all about speed and keeping a truck running properly. The reason an engine’s power is measured in horsepower is that cars were invented to complete the work horses once did for people.

In its simplest of terms, horsepower is the amount of power your truck engine exhibits. If you are looking to go faster in your truck, more horsepower is what you need.

Understanding the Relationship Between Horsepower and Torque

Because both horsepower and torque lead to greater speed, many people confuse the two terms. It is wise to increase both to ensure your engine will perform at its highest level. Horsepower will better control your speed, while torque will help you pull those heavy loads without the engine beginning to sputter.

Conclusion

If your truck is not getting up to the speed you prefer, upping the horsepower is entirely possible. If you follow the above steps, it will be easy to increase the power and speed of your truck.

To get the best results make sure to choose the perfect air filter for car. With the above ways to boost horsepower in a truck, you will find your ride is performing better than ever before.

Even if you have a new truck, it may be helpful to boost the horsepower and torque because stock equipment does not always provide the highest level of horsepower. Do not be afraid to experiment with the above, and you will see major gains in power like never before.

How to Change Your Ford F150 Spark Plugs

The engineers over at Ford did not make changing spark plugs the easiest of tasks. They can be a little hard to reach. That being said, the job is not all that difficult with the right knowledge and tools. If this is your first time changing the plugs on your Ford F150, you may find it takes longer than you would have expected. After the first time, it is just like riding a bike, you never forget.

It is important to note that you will not be able to see each spark plug. You will have to remove them blindly, but if you know the correct positions, this will not be too difficult.

• First, always remove the negative battery cable before removing any spark plugs. This protects you from accidental shocks.
• Remove the plastic engine cover.
• Unplug the fuel injector connectors and the ignition coil.
• Remove the coil retaining bolt using a 7mm socket. Loosen it with the socket and then unthread it by hand the rest of the way, being careful not to lose the screw in the engine valley.
• Pull the ignition coil upwards to remove it. This takes a rather firm tug. If the insulator boot separates from the coil, do not worry because this is normal.
• Use compressed air to remove all dirt and debris from the bore. Failing to take this step could cause dirt and debris to enter the cylinder, and this is something you do not want.
• Use a 5/8^th inch or 9/16^th inch spark plug socket with the correct extensions to remove the spark plug.
• Verify the correct gap and then replace the old spark plug with the new one. Do not over-tighten. Repeat this until all spark plugs have been replaced.
• Put the coils back in and bolt them. Then reconnect everything, with the last item being the battery cable.

Conclusion

Now, you know the steps involved in how to change the spark plugs on a Ford F150 4.6L engine. Although a couple of the plugs can be a bit tricky to get to, the process is not overly difficult.

With a little practice, you will find it to be a straightforward process. Besides following the steps above, it may be helpful to check out a few how-to videos for a visual.

Way to clean exhaust tip for a shiny look

Cleaning the excessive black soot

• The release of unburnt fuel during combustion results in carbon deposition, and it is challenging to remove. Let us discuss the steps to clean this stubborn soot.
• First of all, put on gloves and eyewear. Now take the wheel bucket, wheel woolies, and brushes that you used for scrubbing your wheels.   
• Use an all-purpose cleaner and spray it on the tips. Allow it to rest for two minutes, but make sure it should not dry. Now dip the scrubber in strong wheel soap and scrub the inner lip. Rinse and see the result.

Wash Routine

• Avoid shooting/spraying water directly on the exhaust chamber. Once you cleaned the exhaust tip using the above process, check whether all the carbon is washed off or not. If it is not perfect, then again soak the tips with a cleaner. Use steel wool on carbon buildup.
• Apply medium pressure and clean it by rotating the wool. Do not overdo as it can lead to scratch. Reassess again, and if more work is required, then generously repeat the above process.

Polishing for shine and luster

• Using steel wool aggressively can sometimes result in scratches. So you can use metal polish to faint these scratches. Put this polish on a microfiber towel and rotate the towel on the surface.

Protecting the polish

At last, protect the polish of an exhaust tip using a wheel sealant or metal coating. It makes cleaning easy in the future. Apply two to three layers for extra protection. This is an optional step but recommended because it keeps the exhaust tips protected for a long time.  Polishing the exhaust tips will always be necessary, but adding an extra layer of protection is not a bad idea.

Final Words

Many exhaust tips are now made of titanium, and they produce somewhat a bluish gradient color, which can be lost in polishing. If you love this look, then only use a degreaser and water for removing the soot and apply a sealant for extra protection.  In most cases, using the steel wool followed by a metal polish do the work and gives the desired result. Attentively cleaning your exhaust tips will keep them looking new for many years.

Check Best Spark Plugs for jeep if you need.

​Most of the vehicle enthusiasts have experienced a bad battery. The Ford F-series trucks are no exception. Many updates came over the years, but the battery removal remains the standard operation. A good battery is one of the significant components for vehicle operation as it assists in starting the engine and keeping the electronics in pace. It is because of a battery-only that you can play music and charge your phone even when the F-150 engine is not in use.

Like every component, the battery also loses power gradually over time, especially in the cold weather.  It is necessary to buy the best battery for f150 and get it tested from time to time.

How do F-150 batteries work?

The batteries of Ford F-150 produce energy to power your accessories, lights, and engine. Most of the automotive batteries rely on an acid-lead chemical reaction. These batteries come in the category of SLI means to start, light, and ignition. Once the energy from the batteries reaches the engine, the alternator provides power.

Changing the Battery of Ford F-150

Let us discuss the ways to change a battery of Ford F-150.

• Know the details of the engine compartment

The first step is to carefully note down the battery dimensions and the connection types of the terminal. You must also see the amp-hour rating, which is the number indicated on the battery.  It is necessary to replace the battery that has a larger rating or the same size. 

• Detach the battery

Now hold the rubber tubing and remove the negative terminal and then the positive terminal. Be aware of the metal terminal to avoid the shock.

Remove the battery

Take 8mm socket wrench and remove the battery by holding down clamp. Batteries have caustic sulfuric acid that emits hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable and can lead to an explosion. Thus, it is crucial to handle the battery carefully.

Cleaning the battery terminals

Clean and carefully inspect the battery terminals. You can use any of the products that are made specifically for cleaning the battery terminals. Make sure to remove any dirt or acid buildup in the compartment. Now sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the battery compartment and then flush it with clean water.

• Installing the new battery

Place the new battery of Ford F-150 in the tray and then tighten the clamps.  Attach the cable on the positive terminal.

What are the signs that Ford F-150 needs a new battery?

The most common signs of bad batteries are if your f-150 is slow to start once you turn the key or if the battery connectors and cables are corroded. You may hear the clicking sound when you turn the key or if electronics work appropriately, but the vehicle does not start.