What are wheel spacers?

Wheel spacers are devices that are inserted between the wheel and hub to widen the stance of the vehicle. This can be done for aesthetic reasons or to accommodate a wider wheel and tire combination. Wheel spacers come in a variety of thicknesses, and it's important to choose the right thickness to maintain proper wheel offset. Every automotive and tuning enthusiast knows what wheel spacers are for, these aluminum alloy plates that are inserted into the wheel hub. They increase the track between the wheels, align the rim flush with the fender, and give the vehicle a sportier look. Wheel spacers have different uses and functions, and come in a variety of designs.

Different types of wheel spacers

Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers are most commonly used to move the wheel 3 to 7 mm when the inside of the rim hits a suspension component. These spacers don't necessarily have to be ``hub centered'' because the car's original hub lip extends through them and into the wheel at a width of only 3 to 7 mm.

Uses: Internal suspension component hitting the wheel, improves position

What to look for: Make sure the PCD spacers (bolt pattern) match those on your car. Often they are universal and will fit a variety of PCDs. Does the kit include bolts? You'll want bolts that are 5mm longer than stock. Make sure the center bore of the spacer is the same size or larger than the center bore of your vehicle.

Bolts/pins through spacers

The most common type of spacer used to improve the position/appearance of a vehicle. These spacers go between your wheel and the hub, then you use extended bolts that go through the wheel, through the spacer and into the hub.

Uses: To improve position

What to look for: Only use hub-centered spacers if you go beyond a 7mm spacer. Your car's hub lip will slide into the spacer and a new hub lip will extend from the spacer into your wheel. Quality matters with these spacers, forged spacers are the best of the best, don't settle for less, cast iron spacers are not made to the same tolerances and can cause vibration if not completely accurate.

Bolted Spacers with studs

Bolted spacers are used on cars where the studs come out of the hub instead of the bolts going in. You can also change a vehicle's PCD with bolt-on spacers.

Note: Make sure the inner center bore of the spacer matches your car and the outer center bore matches your wheel. Make sure the studs on the spacer match the stud thread of the original so that your standard lug nuts will still fit.

Bolted spacers are commonly used when using a spacer wider than 30mm. Bolted spacers are also used to allow faster wheel changes without having to reinstall the spacer each time you remove a wheel. When changing a vehicle's PCD, bolted spacers are also used.

Note: Make sure the inner center hole of the spacer matches your vehicle and the outer center hole matches your wheel. To be able to use your original wheel bolts, make sure the bolt hole thread on the spacer matches your car.

What are the benefits of wheel spacers?

With a wheel spacer, the car looks wider, which means the rims are more prominent and the whole vehicle looks sportier. Sometimes 10mm is enough to achieve the desired effect. For a harmonious look, place the wheel spacers so that the tires are flush with the wheel arch, but don't squash it. With the right tools and knowledge, wheel spacers are one of the easiest and cheapest DIY tuning projects. Done correctly, you will end up with a more stable car that turns better. With track plates, the car is generally better on the track and handling is improved.

Are there any disadvantages to wheel spacers?

Basically, a properly made wheel spacer looks good, but you have to be aware that it has more than just an optical effect. The whole assembly can change the handling of the car after adjustment and wear increases. Wheel spacers are designed to transfer more power to the car's chassis by changing the leverage. Suffering over time as the arm and everything related to spare parts. Not only wheel bearings, but also ball joints, tie rods and anti-roll bars generally have a much shorter life span with wheel spacers. Not only does the higher leverage play a role, but also the fact that there is more unsprung mass. This can make the car more difficult to drive in a straight line, and ruts can cause the car to skid.

How do I choose the right wheel spacers?

There are many things to consider when choosing the right wheel spacers for your car. You need to make sure that the spacers are the right size for your wheels and that they fit your car's suspension. You also need to make sure that the spacers are made of a strong, durable material. Some materials, such as aluminum, are stronger and more durable than others.

The most important thing to consider when choosing wheel spacers is their thickness. You need to make sure that the spacers are thick enough to safely widen your wheels without putting too much pressure on your car's suspension. Wheel spacers should not be too thick, otherwise they won't fit your car's wheels.

MOSTPLUS wheel spacer kits

MOSTPLUS wheel spacers allow the owner to improve the vehicle's stance, increase the vehicle's track width for better handling and performance, and install larger brakes. MOSTPLUS offers a complete line of wheel spacers for Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche, Skoda, VW and more.