Crossword Genius

Protective cover of cab up for alteration after hours (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hubcap

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'protective cover' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'cab up for alteration after hours' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'cab' is 'bca' which is present in the answer.
'up' is found in the answer.
'hours' could be 'h' and 'h' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hubcap that I've seen before include "Protective plate for car wheel" , "Metal disc to protect outside of car wheel" , "Cover on a car wheel" , "Wheel attachment" , "Vehicle wheel trim" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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