A spring-action retention clip for use with the retaining ring of an automotive wheel cover, trim ring or the like. The clip includes a pair of snap-in tabs at its axially outer end for locking the clip into a pair of slots in a radially directed flange portion of the retaining ring. The clip is provided with a reverse-bent, bubble-like rounded portion at its inner end for resiliently engaging the safety bead depression in the radially facing flange of the vehicle wheel. The bubble end portion joins the body of the clip by way of an angular intermediate portion which permits deflection of the bubble portion as the wheel cover or trim ring is installed on the wheel until the bubble end snaps into the safety bead depression. The bottom portion of the bubble end portion includes a center leg which is directed radially inwardly then axially outwardly around the axially inward end of the flange portion of the retaining ring. The leg functions to facilitate installation and to prevent the retention clip from reversing itself when the wheel cover is installed on the wheel.