Wheel spacers, also known as wheel adapters, basically increase the distance between the hub and the wheel itself. They are typically made with steel, aluminum, or magnesium and are available in a variety of thicknesses.
These spacers are only available as an aftermarket part and don’t come pre-attached to any vehicles.
So it’s essential to know how these spacers work, when and where to use them, whether they are safe or not, etc. To know all this, continue reading.
What Is The Purpose Of Wheel Spacers?
Wheel spacers are simple, yet effective, automotive accessories that serve several important purposes.
Basically, their main purpose is to create distance between the wheel and the vehicle’s body, resulting in added clearance and a distinct visual aesthetic.
But they offer a range of benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics. The main reasons for using wheel spacers are:
Provide Larger Brake Clearance
Providing a larger brake clearance is the primary purpose of any wheel spacer. Though the factory installed brakes don’t, most aftermarket braking systems require additional space behind the wheel to fit properly.
Here the wheel spacer comes into play. It pushes the wheel further away from the brake components and creates the necessary place/room. This helps to properly fit any larger brake rotors or calipers.
Increased Aesthetic Appeal
Wheel spacers are also popular among automotive enthusiasts for their aesthetic appeal. This is an inexpensive way to give your vehicle an aggressive stance and a visually appealing, wider look.
Improved Mechanical Performance
In addition to their visual impact, wheel spacers generally improve vehicles’ mechanical performance. They basically increase track width, which enhances stability during cornering and reduces body roll.
Wheel spacers also distribute the weight more evenly across the tires, resulting in better traction and improved control, especially in high-speed maneuvers.
Improve Handling
Wheel spacers significantly enhance the handling characteristics of any vehicle. They increase the wheelbase spacers, which improve the vehicle’s stability, make it more resistant to rollovers, and enhance grip during cornering.
They also increase stability, reduce the vehicle’s tendency to sway, and ensure a more controlled and confident driving experience.
Improve Vehicle Stability
Wheel spacers play a crucial role in improving vehicle stability, especially for SUVs, trucks, and some off-road vehicles. They effectively increase the vehicle’s footprint.
This provides better stability and reduces the risk of rollovers. Additionally, it provides extra protection for riders who are less experienced.
Provide Better Traction
Wheel spacers also enhance traction because they increase the contact area between the tires and the road surface. This increases control and ground contact, which is especially useful in snowy or wet driving conditions.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Wheel spacers also contribute to improved fuel economy in certain situations. Basically, these spacers can reduce rolling resistance, which slightly improves fuel efficiency.
However, the effect is usually marginal and may vary depending on driving conditions and other factors.
How Do Wheel Spacers Work?
Generally, wheel spacers work by providing a little extra clearance around the sidewalls of the tires, the frame, body, interior wheel wells, and suspension components. They also provide additional clearance for aftermarket brake upgrades.
In terms of materials wheel spacers are made, you’ll find mainly two- aluminum or steel wheel spacers. But, in design and aesthetics, there are plenty of variations.
As a result, they work in different ways. Here are some different types of wheel spacers and how they function.
Bolt-on Spacers
These types of wheel spacers are installed using bolts on the hub of the vehicle. They are available in two designs:
- Hub-centric Wheel Spacers
Typically, Hub centric wheel spacers look like a large/huge washer that fits inside the gap between the wheel and hub. They are made to closely match the OEM wheels exact fit.
This connection is made through a metal hub centric ring. It ensures that the wheel is perfectly centered on the hub. Which helps to evenly distribute the load across the hub and prevent any possible wobbling or shimmying.
Proper alignment maintenance also serves to prevent premature damage and wear on suspension components.
- Lug-centric Wheel Spacers
Lug centric wheel spacers, also known as lug-centric or stud-centric spacers, are designed to center the wheel on the hub using the lug nuts.
Here, it’s crucial to torque the lug nuts or bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the wheel is centered on the hub.
Unlike hub centric spacers, they don’t have a center bore that matches the hub diameter. And it keeps a gap between the center hole of the wheel and the hub.
Besides, they are typically less expensive and are not as stable/reliable as Hub centric spacers.
Slip-on Spacers
Slip-on spacers, also known as slip-over spacers, are generally the simplest, most cheap, and most commonly used spacers. As the name suggests, they are slipped onto the existing studs or bolts of the vehicle’s hub assembly.
Generally, Slip-on spacers are thinner than bolt-on spacers. They are available in various thicknesses, which allows you to achieve the desired track width and stance.
They are relatively easy to install and remove. This feature makes them a popular choice for those who want occasional/temporary adjustments.
Do All Wheels Need Spacers?
No, not all wheels need/require spacers. Generally, it depends on various factors, like: installing larger tires or brakes, or trying to correct a negative offset. Here are some reasons why not all wheels require spacers:
Wide track
If your vehicles already have a wide track width, then adding extra spacers isn’t necessary. Because they could lead to tires rubbing against the fenders or other suspension components.
Wheel width
If your vehicle’s wheel width is matched appropriately to the tire size and the vehicle’s specifications, you won’t need to use any spacers.
Proper offset
Wheel offset refers to the distance between the mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel. A right offset for a particular vehicle always keeps the wheels in the right position. This eliminates the need for spacers.
Enough suspension clearance
There are specific suspension components and clearances for every vehicle. If there is already adequate space between the suspension components and the wheel, the addition of spacers may not be required.
N.B.** When deciding whether wheel spacers are necessary, you should evaluate these factors and take into account the specific requirements of your vehicle. It’s also important to conduct thorough research, consult with professionals, and follow local regulations to ensure a successful and safe modification.
Are Wheel Spacers Safe To Use?
Yes. They are safe. Basically, both the main types (Bolt-on and Slip-on) of wheel spacers are considered safe if you install them correctly and follow the appropriate guidelines.
N.B.** You can check out this video to know how to properly install these:
But the Bolt-on type of spacer is considered more safe and reliable than the Slip-on one. Because bolt-on spacers evenly distribute the weight and can handle/bear more pressure.
Still, remember that if these spacers are not installed/set up properly or if the wheel studs are not strong enough, they can easily bend or break. It could cause the wheel to come off the car, which would be a very dangerous situation.