I had the exact same concerns as you regarding removal of the center caps, but they really will just pop off using a screw driver covered in a rag or, like I do, wrapped in painters tape. Wrap the tape a good way up the screwdriver shaft and work it in - they'll pop off easily. If you're overly cautious, like I tend to be, lay an old towel on the ground next to the wheel so if one pops off and you don't catch it, it will fall onto the towel instead of potentially shiny side down on your driveway or garage floor.