Wheel spacers can transform your car’s stance, improve handling, and allow for perfect wheel fitment — but only if installed correctly. Even a small mistake can lead to vibration, uneven wear, or safety issues. Whether you’re fitting spacers for looks or performance, avoiding these common fitment errors will ensure a smooth, secure, and professional installation.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size
One of the most common mistakes is selecting spacers that are too thick or too thin.
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Too thick: Wheels may rub against the arches or fenders.
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Too thin: You may see little to no visual or handling improvement, and clearance issues could remain.
How to avoid it:
Measure carefully from your wheel’s outer edge to the fender. Use a straight edge and feeler gauge to determine the exact spacer thickness you need for a flush fit.
2. Mixing Up Hub-Centric and Lug-Centric Spacers
Not all spacers are created equal.
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Hub-centric spacers are designed with a center bore that perfectly matches your car’s hub, ensuring the wheel’s weight is properly supported.
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Lug-centric spacers rely on the bolts or studs alone — which can lead to vibrations and unsafe fitment if not perfectly centered.
How to avoid it:
Always choose hub-centric spacers that match your car’s exact hub diameter. They provide better balance, stability, and safety.
3. Using Bolts That Are Too Short or Too Long
Your bolts must have enough thread engagement to secure the wheel safely.
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Too short: The bolts may strip or fail to hold the wheel securely.
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Too long: The bolts can bottom out or damage the hub assembly.
How to avoid it:
Use extended wheel bolts specifically designed for the thickness of your spacers. For example, if you install 10mm spacers, your bolts should be 10mm longer than the originals.
4. Failing to Clean the Hub and Wheel Surfaces
Dirt, rust, or debris between the hub, spacer, and wheel can cause uneven mounting surfaces. This leads to vibration, misalignment, or even wheel wobble.
How to avoid it:
Before installation, clean all contact surfaces using a wire brush and brake cleaner. The spacer should sit completely flush against the hub.
5. Not Torquing Bolts Correctly
Overtightening or undertightening wheel bolts is a serious safety risk. Incorrect torque can cause:
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Damaged threads or warped spacers.
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Uneven clamping pressure leading to vibration or wheel loss.
How to avoid it:
Always use a torque wrench and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s torque specs. Recheck torque after driving 50–100 miles to ensure nothing has loosened.
6. Installing Poor-Quality or Unverified Spacers
Cheap, low-quality spacers may be made from weak materials or lack precise machining. These can warp, crack, or fail under stress.
How to avoid it:
Buy spacers made from high-grade aluminium (like 6061-T6 or 7075-T6). Look for CNC machining, corrosion-resistant coatings, and manufacturer certifications.
7. Skipping Regular Inspections
Even the best spacers need occasional checks. Neglecting maintenance can allow small issues — like bolt loosening or corrosion — to become major safety problems.
How to avoid it:
Inspect your spacers during tire rotations or seasonal changes. Look for cracks, rust, or uneven wear and retorque your bolts if necessary.
Conclusion
Wheel spacers can deliver stunning looks and sharper handling — but only if installed with precision and care. By avoiding these common mistakes and using the right tools, measurements, and components, you’ll ensure your setup is both safe and stylish for miles to come.
Looking to fit wheel spacers to your vehicle? Click here to view our range of spacers and find what fits your car.