Hey guys.
Im going to start running just steelies on my 08 Element Ex. I just prefer the more rugged look to my current alloys.

Anyway, proper center caps are expensive and I actually prefer the look without them.

On modern cars, are center caps necessary? Do they actually protect anything or are they just for looks? I have been told that all modern cars have protected internal gears etc and that center caps are just for show. Just wanted to double check.

thanks!