Abstract: A wheel trim adapter adapted to be securely affixed to the wheel of a vehicle without the use of tools, wherein the adapter can be used in a system for affixing a wheel trim or wheel cover to said vehicle, and methods for using same.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an affixment system for securing wheel cladding to a vehicle wheel, with the wheel including a hub and a plurality of radial spokes extending between the hub and a wheel rim. Each wheel spoke includes at least one aperture for seating a mushroom head expansion clip mounted to the inner face of corresponding spokes of the wheel cladding.

Abstract: A noise abatement ring having a low coefficient of friction is captured in an annular channel on the inner face of a wheel cover and abuts a vehicle wheel when the wheel cover is mounted to the wheel. The wheel cover is assembled by registering radial tabs formed on a wall of the channel and spaced from the base of the channel with notches formed in the ring and seating the ring into the channel. Thereafter, the ring is rotated relative to the wheel cover into a captive position, wherein the tabs and notches are no longer registered and with the tabs overlying reduced thickness stepped portions of the ring. A leaf spring latch, formed in one piece with the ring, seats into a detent on the inner face of the wheel cover to prevent rotation of the ring from the captive position.