i bought a used 2001 LS430 recently. I had new tires put on and shortly after noticed one had fallen off. I wanted to check others and 2 more came off easily in my hand. I noticed one out of the 3 plastic clips were broken on each. I ordered 3 new ones, however I was looking to see how these are supposed to come off safely since the must have been broken at the tire shop and just set in the rim. If I know how to remove them I could take them off myself before any tire work. I haven't been able to find anything online, but it sounds like some are saying entire tire must be removed? Any info is appreciated.

The safest way to remove the wheel center cap is to push/tap it straight out from behind the wheel. This will require you to take the wheel off in order to access the back of the cap.
If you try to pry the wheel center cap off from the front, you will risk tilting the cap excessively and break the plastic tabs used to hold it in place. Also, you can easily damage the plastic cap's edge by prying.

Thanks, I assume the last one to take them off pryed from the front.

I replaced my center caps with a new set on my '06 so I just pried them off from the front and they popped right off without loosing any tabs.

I had a similar issue 6 months ago when I replaced my tires. Every center cap had the tabs broken. The tire shop tech more than likely just pushed them out with the handle of a screwdriver or hammer and broke all the tabs. I believe the spring holding them in should be squeezed in and then remove the cap. In my case, I noticed it as soon as I picked up my car and the shop (sears) gave me 4 new center caps. I'll be warning the next shop when I go for my rotation and balance.

I think I've had 3 snap off and need to be replaced. When I remove the wheels at home, I don't remove the center cap.

I emailed COSTCO and explained what happened and they should be responsible. Recently heard back that they will send me a check for reimbursement. Wasn't cool that local COSTCO broke them in the first place and didn't mention it, but nice that headquarters is stepping up and doing the right thing.

When do these hub caps need to be removed? Like what tire services, cuz if you can take off the wheel without removing hub cap, why would u wanna remove it in the first place then?

The tire center has to use the center of hub to tighten down on machine to replace tire or balance. I always pull mine off before hand. What I do is use a rubber glove with a firm grip and pull off. Most of my tabs are broken off so I made some makeshift pieces to hold in place. Very poor design for a $75k car.