Wheel cover

An apparatus comprising:

• a polymeric wheel cover having a relatively planar disc shape sufficiently large to cover a concavity of a truck wheel rim;
• and
• a retainer system for holding the wheel cover on the truck wheel rim including first metal brackets frictionally attached to an outer tip of the wheel rim, and a friction-based metal retainer engaging a channel defined adjacent the outer tip by the first brackets to thus hold the wheel cover on the wheel rim.

A method for reducing fuel consumption in heavy duty transport tractors and trailers, comprising:

• attaching a wheel cover having a relatively planar disc shape to a truck wheel rim using first retainers frictionally engaging an outer tip of the wheel rim and using at least one second retainer that frictionally engages the first retainers and the wheel cover to secure the wheel cover in an aerodynamic position covering an outboard-facing concave portion of the truck wheel rim to reduce wind resistance during high speed travel.

In a turbulence-reducing apparatus attachable to an outboard side of an existing truck wheel, rim, or axle, to reduce air turbulence around the truck wheel, the apparatus including a wheel cover having a relatively planar disc shape adapted to cover a concavity on an outboard side of the truck wheel, and a wheel-cover-engaging first retainer engaging the wheel cover for holding the wheel cover to the truck wheel, an improvement comprising:

• a plurality of spaced-apart retainers each releasably attached to an outer tip of the wheel rim and having an inwardly-extending finger shaped for releasable engagement by the wheel-cover-engaging first retainer.