Wheel spacers are one of the most popular and cost-effective upgrades for improving stance, handling, and brake clearance—but only if they’re compatible with your vehicle. Choosing the wrong spacers can lead to vibration, unsafe fitment, or even wheel failure. Before you add any to your basket, it’s essential to understand exactly what to check.
This guide walks you through everything you need to confirm to ensure your new wheel spacers fit perfectly and safely.
1. Know Your Vehicle’s Bolt Pattern (PCD)
The bolt pattern—also known as the Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD)—dictates how many bolts your hub uses and the diameter of the circle they form.
For example:
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5×112 = 5 bolts spaced around a 112 mm circle
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4×100 = 4 bolts spaced around a 100 mm circle
If the spacer’s PCD doesn’t match your car, it will not fit, so this is step one.
How to Check:
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Look in your owner’s manual.
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Use an online vehicle fitment lookup.
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Measure manually if needed.
2. Check Your Centre Bore Size
The centre bore is the large hole in the middle of the wheel spacer.
It must match—or be larger than—your vehicle’s hub bore.
A matching bore ensures the setup is hub-centric, which is the safest and most stable fit.
What to Avoid:
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A spacer with a smaller centre bore than your hub—it won’t fit.
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A spacer that leaves the wheel lug-centric (supported only by bolts), unless designed that way.
3. Measure the Correct Spacer Thickness
Spacer thickness affects wheel clearance and fitment. Too thin, and your wheels may still rub; too thick, and they may poke out too far.
What to Measure:
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Inner clearance: Ensure brake calipers, suspension arms, and shock bodies clear the wheel.
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Outer clearance: Make sure wheels won’t rub the arch under compression or steering.
Tools to Help:
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A straightedge and tape measure
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Online spacer size calculators
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A wheel fitment specialist (if unsure)
4. Confirm the Bolt/Stud Size and Thread Type
Your spacers must match your vehicle’s thread size, pitch, and seat type (cone, ball, or flat).
Common sizes include:
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M12×1.5
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M14×1.5
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1/2-20 UNC
Incorrect threading can cause cross-threading, stripping, or dangerous loosening.
5. Check if You Need Bolt-On or Slip-On Spacers
There are two main types:
Slip-On Spacers:
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Slide over the hub
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Require longer wheel bolts or studs
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Best for thin spacers (3–10 mm)
Bolt-On Spacers:
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Bolt directly onto the hub with their own hardware
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Wheels bolt to the spacer’s studs/bolts
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Ideal for thicker spacers (15 mm+)
Choose the style that suits your required thickness and wheel design.
6. Ensure Your Wheels Have the Correct Pocket Depth (for Longer Bolts)
If using slip-on spacers, you’ll likely need longer wheel bolts.
If the wheel’s bolt-pocket depth is too shallow, the longer bolts may bottom out, causing unsafe fitment.
Solution:
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Measure bolt hole depth
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Use correct extended bolts
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Choose stud conversion if needed
7. Verify Brake and Suspension Clearance
Spacers are often used to clear:
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Big brake kits
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Reprofiled calipers
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Coilovers or upgraded suspension arms
Even with spacers, clearance should be checked:
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At full steering lock
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Under compression
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With wheels fully torqued
8. Choose High-Quality Spacer Material
Look for:
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Forged aluminium (6061-T6 or 7075-T6)
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CNC machining
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Corrosion-resistant finishes
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Hub-centric lip and step
Avoid cheap cast spacers—they can crack or deform under load.
9. Buy from a Reputable Specialist
A trustworthy wheel accessory supplier will:
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List exact specifications
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Provide compatibility guidance
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Offer bolt and spacer kits together
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Supply high-quality hardware
This reduces the risk of guessing the wrong size.
Final Thoughts
Wheel spacers can transform your car—but only if they’re correctly matched to your vehicle’s hub, wheels, and hardware. By checking PCD, centre bore, thickness, thread type, and bolt length before buying, you'll enjoy a safer and more precise fitment.
An easy way to find what spacers fit your vehicle is to click here and enter your vehicle details. We have an advanced compatibility checker which shows what spacers will fit your vehicle.