Wheel spacers are a common and inexpensive choice for car owners who want enhanced handling and performance. They can widen the stance of a vehicle by making extra space between the inside space of a wheel and the mounting flange. This makes all the wheels pop out a little from the initial place. The distance you want the wheels to pop out from depends upon the size of the spacer.
Benefits of Wheel spacers
Handling: Hubcentric wheel spacers are well-known among motorsport and circuit drivers looking for a budget-friendly method to widen the vehicle’s track. This improves the stability of a vehicle and allows wider tyres to install on your wheels for enhanced grip and traction.
Braking: Commonly, performance car drivers require excellent braking in their vehicles to ensure optimal safety. So they install big brake kits in their vehicles that are large and can rub against the wheel. Wheel spacers can push the wheel a bit further and allow the big brakes to work efficiently.
Styling: Spacers give you the ability to install alloy wheels on your car with an offset that is incompatible with your vehicle. Spacers create a small space between the wheels and influence the offset. This can allow the alloy wheels to fit without rubbing the brakes or connected suspension parts.
Which wheel spacer is perfect for your car?
There is a wide range of cheap and expensive wheel spacers on the market from different brands. What you should check is if the wheel spacer are
Made with high-quality material and has a durable build
The wheel spacer is constructed with lightweight materials
Any wheel space you install on your vehicle should be TÜV approved
The wheel spacer that you purchase should be from a reputable company that tests the products thoroughly.
Are spacers safe?
Wheels are used for supporting the weight of the vehicle and some consider spacers can compromise the balance. But, the weight is not supported by the wheel studs and wheel spacers are safe to use. Also, ensure you always choose top-brand spacers manufactured with billet aluminium.
Difference between Wheel Adapter and Wheel Spacer
Wheel spacers can enhance a wheel offset in a vehicle, and wheel adaptors can improve the bolt pattern in a car. Wheel adaptors come in handy when you want to install aftermarket wheels that are different from the manufacturers' bolt patterns. A wheel adapter can also offer some level of offset because of its size.
Do wheel spacers create alignment problems?
No. Installing wheel spacers on your vehicle will not impact the alignment. Also, if you have already made caster, camber, or toe adjustments in your car, then convey this information to the technician.
Lug and Hub Centric wheel spacers
The bolt on a wheel spacer is commonly available in hub centric and lug centric designs.
Lug-Centric
These wheel spacers are dependent upon the conically lug nuts for centring a wheel or spacer with the hub. When the lug nuts get tightened, the self-centring action begins. Moreover, a lug-centric hub has a larger inside diameter and is the less preferred wheel spacer of the two.
Hub-Centric
In Hub-Centric, the large hole in the middle of the rim will be the correct fit for the hub of your car. Hub-centric spacers are costlier than Lug-centric spacers but provide better on-road safety and performance.
Disadvantages of Wheel Spacers
Vibration in the Wheels
Automotive manufacturing companies have engineered their vehicles to deliver a safe and comfortable drive. Installing wheel spacers on your car can affect the geometry and create vibrations in the wheels.
Early Wear
Stock components of the wheels get thoroughly tested to ensure they deliver the best fit. Widening the wheelbase can increase pressure on different parts such as bearings or hubs, and make them wear quickly.
Consult an experienced technician if you are still unsure about BMW, Audi or Ferrari Wheel Spacers UK and need additional guidance.