Why Chevrolet trucks have square wheel wells actually has a scientific answer
- Chevrolets were known for having square wheel wells once upon a time
- The design was brought in during the 70s
- There’s a simple reason behind the unusual square design
Published on Mar 15, 2025 at 10:48 AM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Mar 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Did you know that the real reason Chevrolet trucks have square wheel wells is actually all to do with science?
The trucks with the four-edged feature were brought to life by General Motors in the 70s.
But just why were they not the traditional, simple round ones we all know and love?
It’s all about moving as quickly and smoothly as possible, you see.
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Square wheels wells? What the what?
The Chevy truck is probably one of the most recognisable vehicles on the road – it’s no secret that people love them.
From this man who was sick of paying rent so he converted his truck into fully functional home, to it’s incredible towing power when put up against a Tesla, it’s no wonder that the vehicle is famed, especially all over the US.
But do you actually know why the trucks have square wheel wells?
Buckle up as we explain the simple reason behind it all.
The square is all to do with aerodynamics
Yes, that’s right – that’s the simple reason behind the signature design.
It’s all because the square bodies were tested in the 70s and after the research proved that they were quite the useful shape, they stuck around.
You see, the whole concept was introduced by General Motors with its models in the third gen C/K-line of pickup trucks.
They were known as ‘square body’ vehicles, with every aspect living up up to its name…
Well, other than headlights – which were actually designed in a wind tunnel. Clever right?
The shape of the trucks then remained a staple for years until they were eventually phased out.
But even then, the square wheels carried on their reign and stayed until 2019.
So, the design really did have quite the impact.
Chevrolet switched back to rounded ones in 2019
Yep, we know – confusing.
You see, although the wheels were really aerodynamic as a square shape, both science and technology had advanced a long way since the 70s.
So in a bid to keep up with the tech of the time and, of course, provide all that truck-based aesthetic goodness – it was back to rounded wheels once more.
What do you think? Was square the way to go?
Or should rounded have stayed the whole way through?
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