If you’ve upgraded your car with wheel spacers for a wider stance and improved handling, you might be wondering — can you still use locking wheel bolts?
The short answer is yes, you can — but there are a few important things you need to know first.
In this guide, we’ll explain how locking wheel bolts work with spacers, what to check for compatibility, and how to fit them safely.
What Are Locking Wheel Bolts?
Locking wheel bolts (also known as anti-theft bolts) are special security fasteners designed to prevent thieves from removing your alloy wheels.
Each bolt has a unique pattern that can only be removed with its matching key, adding an extra layer of protection to your wheels.
What Do Wheel Spacers Do?
Wheel spacers fit between the wheel hub and the wheel, pushing the wheels outward.
This gives your car a wider track width, improving cornering stability and creating a flush, aggressive stance.
However, because spacers add distance between the hub and the wheel, they also change how much bolt thread engagement you have — and that’s where compatibility becomes crucial.
Yes, You Can Use Locking Bolts — But They Must Be the Right Length
When adding spacers, your standard or locking bolts might no longer be long enough to safely secure the wheel.
So, if you’re using:
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10mm spacers, your bolts need to be 10mm longer than stock
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15mm spacers, your bolts need to be 15mm longer, and so on
Many manufacturers sell extended locking wheel bolts designed specifically for use with spacers — these are the safest and easiest solution.
Why Proper Bolt Length Matters
If your bolts are too short, your wheels won’t be properly secured to the hub, increasing the risk of:
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Wheel wobble or vibration
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Thread stripping
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Wheel detachment at high speeds
Conversely, if your bolts are too long, they may bottom out on the hub or damage internal components such as ABS rings or hub carriers.
Always measure carefully before fitting new bolts.
Choosing the Right Locking Bolts for Spacers
When buying locking bolts to use with spacers, check:
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Bolt length – Add the spacer thickness to your standard bolt length.
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Thread size – Match your vehicle’s thread (e.g., M12x1.5, M14x1.25, etc.).
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Seat type – Ensure the bolt seat (cone, radius, or flat) matches your alloy wheel.
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Bolt quality – Opt for hardened steel bolts that meet or exceed OEM strength.
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Brand reputation – Use trusted brands that produce extended locking bolts for spacer setups.
Hub-Centric Spacers Make a Difference
If you’re using spacers thicker than 5mm, choose hub-centric spacers.
These have a centre lip that supports the wheel and keeps it perfectly aligned with the hub — preventing vibration and ensuring a tight, even fit when used with locking bolts.
Installation Tips
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Clean all threads before installation.
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Hand-tighten bolts first to avoid cross-threading.
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Tighten using a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s recommended torque (usually 110–140 Nm).
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Tighten in a star pattern to seat the wheel evenly.
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Retorque after 50–100 miles to ensure the bolts are still secure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using standard-length locking bolts with spacers
Mixing different seat types
Over-torquing with an impact gun
Using cheap, low-quality bolts that can strip or snap
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can safely use locking wheel bolts with wheel spacers — as long as they’re the correct length, seat type, and quality.
Always choose extended locking bolts to match your spacer thickness and make sure your spacers are hub-centric for the best fit and safety.
Looking to fit locking wheel bolts to your vehicle? Click here to shop our range of locking products.