Wheel spacers are a popular modification for drivers who want a wider stance, better handling, or more aggressive fitment—but spacer thickness plays a major role in how your car feels on the road. Whether you're considering 5mm, 15mm, or 30mm spacers, each thickness changes the geometry of your suspension in different ways.
In this guide, we break down exactly how spacer thickness affects steering response, ride comfort, handling, and overall driving dynamics, so you can choose the right size with confidence.
What Wheel Spacers Actually Do
Wheel spacers sit between the wheel and hub, pushing the wheels outward. This increases the track width—the distance between the left and right wheels.
A wider track can improve stability and enhance the look of your car, but the amount you widen it by (spacer thickness) determines how noticeable the changes will be.
How Spacer Thickness Influences Steering Feel
1. Thin Spacers (3–8mm): Slightly Sharper Response
Small spacers change the vehicle’s geometry only slightly.
Effects:
-
Light improvement in cornering stability
-
Almost no noticeable change to daily steering feel
-
Minimal impact on scrub radius
Best for: Minor clearance issues, subtle stance changes.
2. Medium Spacers (10–15mm): Noticeable Steering Difference
This is the range where many enthusiasts begin to feel real changes in steering.
Effects:
-
Increased steering weight (slightly heavier steering)
-
More responsive turn-in
-
Wheels sit more flush with the arches
-
Slight increase in scrub radius
Best for: Flush fitment, sharper steering without major downsides.
3. Large Spacers (20–30mm+): Strong Change in Steering Behaviour
Thicker spacers create significant geometry changes.
Effects:
-
Heavier steering effort, especially at low speeds
-
Stronger feedback through the steering wheel
-
Increased scrub radius can create “tramlining,” where the car follows road grooves
-
Higher strain on wheel bearings
Best for: Wide-body builds, off-road setups, aggressive stance.
How Spacer Thickness Affects Ride Quality
Spacer size also influences comfort—both good and bad.
Thin Spacers (3–8mm)
-
Almost no change in ride comfort
-
Suspension geometry remains close to stock
-
Best for OEM-like ride feel
Medium Spacers (10–15mm)
-
Slightly firmer ride due to wider track
-
More planted feeling on the motorway
-
Generally still comfortable for daily driving
Large Spacers (20–30mm+)
-
Ride may feel harsher over bumps
-
More vibration if not perfectly hub-centric
-
Increased leverage on suspension components
The thicker the spacer, the more the forces shift outward—affecting both comfort and long-term wear.
The Geometry: Why Thickness Matters
Spacer thickness affects several key suspension and steering factors:
1. Scrub Radius
Pushing the wheel outward increases scrub radius, which changes steering weight and feedback.
2. Leverage on Bearings & Ball Joints
Thicker spacers create more lateral load, accelerating wear over time.
3. Track Width
A wider track improves stability but alters the way the vehicle corners and absorbs bumps.
Understanding these factors helps you choose the right thickness for your goals.
How to Choose the Right Spacer Thickness
Ask yourself:
Do you want:
-
Slight improvement with OEM feel? → 3–8mm
-
Sharper handling and flush fitment? → 10–15mm
-
Aggressive stance or wide-body fitment? → 20–30mm+
Important:
Always choose high-quality, hub-centric spacers and ensure your wheel bolts or studs are long enough to maintain safe thread engagement.
Final Thoughts
Spacer thickness has a direct impact on both steering feel and ride quality, and choosing the right size can dramatically enhance your driving experience. Thinner spacers offer subtle improvements, medium spacers provide a noticeable performance boost, and thick spacers deliver aggressive stance and sharper steering—with some trade-offs.
Looking to fit wheel spacer? Simply click here and enter your vehicle details to find spacers that fit.