A wheel applique (44) is secured to a wheel using a method that changes the dimensions of one or both elements during an abutment phase of the method. The method includes the heating of the wheel (36) so that a diameter defined by a rim flange protrusion grows thus providing clearance for the wheel applique to pass by it. Once the wheel applique (44) has passed by the rim flange protrusion (18), the wheel is cooled to ambient temperature eliminating the clearance and resulting in the wheel applique (44) being locked against the wheel due to the positive engagement of the periphery of the wheel applique and the rim flange protrusion of the wheel.