Wheel spacers are one of the most popular upgrades in the car modification world—especially for enthusiasts looking to improve stance, handling, or wheel fitment. But with their popularity comes a common concern:
Do wheel spacers cause extra tire wear?
The short answer: Quality spacers installed correctly do not cause abnormal tire wear.
However, poor fitment, incorrect thickness, or installation mistakes can create issues that may lead to uneven wear over time.
This guide breaks down what actually affects tire wear, how spacers fit into the equation, and what you should check to keep your wheels safe and your tires lasting as long as possible.
Do Wheel Spacers Directly Cause Tire Wear?
On their own, properly sized and properly installed wheel spacers do not increase tire wear. They don’t change the movement of the wheel, and they don’t modify how much rubber touches the road.
But they do change wheel position—and that can affect suspension geometry if done incorrectly.
When Wheel Spacers Can Cause Tire Wear
Here’s when spacers might contribute to uneven or accelerated wear:
1. Using Spacers That Are Too Thick
Excessive spacing pushes the wheels too far outward, which can:
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Add stress to wheel bearings
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Slightly adjust camber and toe alignment
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Cause the tire to make contact with the arch or suspension
This can lead to:
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Inner or outer edge wear
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Feathering due to toe misalignment
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Scuffing from rubbing under load
2. Incorrect Wheel Alignment
After installing spacers—especially wider ones—it’s wise to check alignment.
Even a small adjustment in track width can influence:
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Camber
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Toe
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Caster (less common)
If alignment shifts, tire wear follows.
3. Cheap or Poorly Machined Spacers
Low-quality spacers may not sit perfectly flat or may not be perfectly hub-centric, leading to:
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Vibration
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Uneven wheel load
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Irregular tread wear
4. Incorrect Bolt or Nut Engagement
If wheel bolts or nuts:
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Are too short
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Don’t seat correctly
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Lose torque
…the wheel may not sit flush on the hub, creating uneven pressure on the tire.
When Wheel Spacers Do Not Affect Tire Wear
You’re in the clear when:
The spacers are hub-centric
You use the correct thickness
Bolt length is correct and safe
You install them on healthy wheel bearings
You check and maintain proper alignment
In this setup, the tire still sits at the same angle and rolls in the same path—meaning tire wear remains normal.
Can Wheel Spacers Actually Help Tire Wear?
Surprisingly—yes, in some cases.
If your wheels were previously:
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Rubbing suspension components
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Too tucked into the arch
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Causing abnormal camber load
…properly fitted spacers can correct wheel position, preventing contact and reducing uneven wear.
How to Prevent Tire Wear When Using Wheel Spacers
Follow these guidelines to keep your tires healthy:
1. Choose the Correct Spacer Thickness
Avoid pushing wheels too far out.
A professional measurement or test fitting is best.
2. Use Hub-Centric Spacers
These ensure:
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Perfectly centred rotation
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No vibration
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Even tyre contact
3. Get a Wheel Alignment Check
Especially if you:
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Install spacers thicker than 10–12mm
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Notice pulling, vibration, or uneven wear
4. Avoid Cheap, Unbranded Spacers
High-quality materials and precision machining matter.
The Bottom Line
Wheel spacers do not inherently cause tire wear.
But using the wrong size, poor-quality spacers, or neglecting alignment can create issues that lead to uneven tread wear.
If you choose quality components and install them correctly, wheel spacers are a safe, effective upgrade—both for appearance and performance.
Looking to fit wheel spacers? Click here and enter your vehicle details to find spacers that fit!