These caps are soo fragile. Is there a secret to taking them off or on that places less stress on the plastic tabs that would keep the tabs from breaking? Do you think removing them in warm weather should be preferred if possible?

Always do them by hand, never use a mallet. While they are off make sure the metal ring is on the right sides of all the little plastic tabs, that helps reinforce everything.

I always take them off before I go for tires or alignment because I know any shop will screw them up and they aren't obtainable...

Probably is better to remove them when warm. Maybe in cold seasons, drive the car a few miles before pulling the caps off.

I've lost 3 or 4 caps due to broken tabs. The caps will stay one with one broken tab. They'll stay on with 2 broken tabs on opposite sides. But when 2 adjacent tabs break, the caps won't stay on. Usually you lose caps over a hard bump, or during rumple strips.

Best way to avoid breaking tabs - don't remove them frequently. If you know you'll be doing work on the car, plan to do everything with the caps off, even if it's over a period of days or weeks.

Next tip - don't let anyone else but you remove the caps. Take them off before taking the car in. Shop workers will break them every time. They are working so fast, they don't have time to be careful. They'll even use your caps as a "lug nut dish" sometimes. My tire mechanics have even told me they feel the design is defective, and that's what they tell customers when they break them. Yes, they've broken one of mine, and yes, they paid me the $80 for a new one.

Removal - when you take a cap off, use a long, thin flathead driver wrapped in a soft polishing cloth. Look closely around the edge of the cap and you'll see a few slots where you can insert the blade of the driver. Use the driver quickly to pry the cap as far out as you can (driver handle will touch the wheel or tire). Release tension, and the cap should hang out of the wheel opening on it's own. You can try pulling the cap off with your fingers, again do it quickly. If you can't get a good grip on the cap, use the flat head to pry the cap off a little more. Be careful to catch the cap if it pops out.

Install - place the cap into partly in the wheel center, then apply tension with one hand while using a fist to gently tap the cap in. Don't bang it in hard, do it quickly with just enough force. Takes about 2 taps usually.

I know they're fragile, you just need to give them a little TLC. Good luck!

Has anyone ever attempted to Glue or use some sort of adhesive to stick center caps on? On my one cap all the clips came off. i do not feel like spending 30 bucks for a new one right now. but dont want it exposed...ive heard of some people sticking them on. is this a bad idea? i dont need a tire rotation or have any reason to take off the wheel for a while. what u think?

As much as it looks like crap with it off, I personally would not use an adhesive that I would have to try and remove later. Could get messy and adhesive removers could possibly take the finish off your wheel.
Why not wait until you can buy another center cap?

I've heard of the "easy peel" silicone being used to hold them on if the clips have all broken...

Yeah, that would work.

well rick its super ugly..lol i dont know when ill get it.
do u know where to find this "easy peel"
somethin to get at lowes or home depot?

I've done it with epoxy, and with a super glue called CA+. It's a gel with a spray hardner, available at model supply stores. Both times, it worked for a while, but eventually the tabs will break again. It's worth doing though when faced with the alternative - loosing the cap.

Try what AA suggested or:
Just try clear silicone RTV. Put a bead on the back side of center cap where it contacts the wheel. Put some duct tape on wheel and cap to hold it in place while the RTV cures. Preferably overnight. Then gently remove tape.
When you want to remove the cap and sealant it will come off without too much force and the sealant will just peel away without leaving residue.
I've used it as an adhesive before and works good.
Just be sure to clean the wheel and cap very good before applying the RTV and it will stick very good and should last along time if allowed to cure correctly.

I will add that I've reinforced all of my current tabs with adhesive as a preventative measure. The best way to prevent breakage is the remove and install the caps properly.

Yes. The tabs always break from the inside edge. I used a clear epoxy to create a radius on that inside edge. It may not help that much, but it's better than nothing, I think.

I think I will try that also.
I'm only missing one tab from one of my covers so far, I'd like to keep it that way if possible.