What Are Wheel Spacers? A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve been browsing car forums, watching build videos, or checking out custom rides at a show, you’ve probably heard people talk about wheel spacers. But what exactly are they, and why do so many enthusiasts use them? This guide will walk you through the basics of wheel spacers, how they work, and whether they might be the right upgrade for your vehicle.
What Are Wheel Spacers?
Wheel spacers are round metal discs that fit between your vehicle’s wheel hub and the wheel itself. Their job is simple: they push the wheel outward from the hub.
Think of them as a “gap filler” that increases the distance between the mounting surface of your wheel and the hub assembly. They come in different thicknesses—usually measured in millimeters (e.g., 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, etc.)—which determines how far your wheels will sit outward.
Why Do People Use Wheel Spacers?
There are a few common reasons drivers and enthusiasts install wheel spacers:
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Improved Aesthetics (Stance)
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Spacers make the wheels sit more flush with the arches, giving the car a wider, more aggressive look.
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Perfect for eliminating that “tucked in” wheel look that many stock setups have.
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Clearing Suspension or Brake Components
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Sometimes aftermarket wheels or big brake kits don’t fit without interference.
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Wheel spacers create the necessary clearance to prevent rubbing.
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Improved Stability & Handling
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Widening the track width (the distance between the left and right wheels) can enhance cornering stability.
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While the difference isn’t dramatic for daily driving, performance enthusiasts often notice it.
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Types of Wheel Spacers
Not all spacers are created equal. Here are the two main types:
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Slip-On Spacers
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Simply slide over the wheel hub before mounting the wheel.
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Best for small thickness adjustments (e.g., 3–15mm).
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Usually require extended wheel studs for proper lug nut engagement.
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Bolt-On Spacers (Adapters)
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Bolt directly to the hub and provide their own set of studs for the wheels.
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Ideal for thicker setups (15mm+).
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More secure and reliable for larger spacing needs.
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Hub-Centric vs Lug-Centric Spacers
This is an important distinction:
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Hub-Centric Spacers: Designed with a centre bore that matches your vehicle’s hub, ensuring the wheel sits perfectly centred. These are the safest and most recommended type.
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Lug-Centric Spacers: Centre the wheel using the lug nuts instead of the hub. More prone to vibration and not as reliable.
Are Wheel Spacers Safe?
When installed correctly with high-quality parts, yes, wheel spacers are safe. The issues you may hear about (vibrations, broken studs, or wheel wobble) usually come from:
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Using cheap, poorly machined spacers.
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Failing to torque the lug nuts properly.
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Installing spacers that are too large without considering suspension geometry.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Installing
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Legal Considerations: Some regions have restrictions on wheel protrusion beyond the fender. Check local laws before installing.
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Stud/Lug Nut Engagement: Make sure you have enough thread engagement if you’re using slip-on spacers.
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Quality Over Price: Spacers hold a lot of stress. Ensure the ones you purchase are high quality.
Final Thoughts
Wheel spacers can be a great way to improve the look of your car, create clearance for upgrades, or even slightly enhance stability. The key is choosing the right size and type, and making sure they’re installed correctly.
If you’re just starting your customisation journey, wheel spacers are one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
To get started with your wheel spacers click here, and input your vehicle details to find suitable spacers to fit.