If you’ve ever looked at a low‑rider with a super‑wide stance, you’ve probably wondered how they get that aggressive look. The secret is often simple: wheel spacers. These little metal plates sit between your hub and the wheel, pushing the tyre outward. The result is a broader track, better alignment with fender flares, and sometimes even a firmer grip in corners.
At their core, wheel spacers are thick discs made from aluminium, steel or even titanium. They bolt onto the hub using the same lug nuts that hold the wheel, then the wheel bolts onto the spacer. Because they add material to the wheel’s mounting surface, they change the distance between the wheel and the suspension components. Most kits come in common thicknesses – 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and sometimes up to 30 mm, depending on how wide you want to go.
First off, a wider track can improve handling. When the wheels sit farther apart, the car’s centre of gravity spreads out a bit, which can reduce body roll in sharp turns. You’ll also get more room for larger brake calipers or wider tyres without rubbing the inner fender. Aesthetic appeal is a big draw too – the car looks more planted and aggressive when the wheels fill the wheel wells.
Another practical upside is clearance. If you’ve upgraded to a lower suspension or larger wheels, spacers can save you from constant scraping. They also make it easier to fit aftermarket rims that might otherwise sit too far inside the wheel arch.
But don’t assume bigger is always better. Adding too much offset can stress the bearings and affect steering feel. That’s why the right thickness matters, and why matching the spacer’s bolt pattern to your hub is essential.
Installation isn’t rocket science, but a few steps keep things safe. Start by lifting the car and removing the wheel. Clean the hub surface and the back of the wheel – any dirt can cause wobble. Place the spacer on the hub, making sure the bolt holes line up perfectly. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque spec, first on the spacer and then on the wheel. It’s a good idea to re‑torque after a short drive, because the fasteners settle.
Never use spacers that require extra bolts unless you have the proper hardware. Those “hub‑centric” spacers depend on the car’s hub to centre the wheel; they’re usually the safest choice. If you need bolt‑on spacers, double‑check that the spacer has the correct centre bore for your hub.
Lastly, watch your wheel bearings. If you hear growling or feel vibration after installing spacers, it could mean the bearings are overloaded. In that case, consider a shorter spacer or upgrade the bearings.
By following these steps, you’ll get the visual punch and handling boost you want without compromising safety.
Will spacers affect my warranty? Some manufacturers see them as a modification, so it’s worth checking your warranty terms. Usually, if installed correctly, they don’t cause issues.
Do I need to re‑align after installing? Yes. Changing the wheel’s position alters the steering geometry, so a professional alignment keeps the car tracking straight.
Can I use spacers on all cars? Most cars can, but high‑performance or track cars sometimes need specially engineered spacers to handle extra loads.
Wheel spacers are a cheap way to upgrade both looks and performance. Choose the right thickness, install them properly, and you’ll notice the difference the next time you hit a corner or roll out of the garage.
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