If you’ve ever had to replace the tyres on your vehicle, then you will already know how important it is to identify the correct tyre size. Tyre size doesn’t just impact the performance and handling of your vehicle, but also its fuel efficiency and durability – with mismatched tyres often responsible for causing uneven wear and significantly reducing the lifespan of tyres.
Having said that, however, there are occasions when drivers might want to opt for wider or larger tyres to accommodate mixed terrain driving, to alter the look of their vehicle, or to tailor its performance.
In these instances, it can be useful to know what’s out there to counter and balance a change in tyre size – maintaining the proper balance and ensuring the vehicle remains safe to drive. One such solution is known as a wheel spacer.
What is a Wheel Spacer?
A wheel spacer is a metal disc which is slotted between the wheel hub and the structure of the wheel. This spacer is designed to push the wheels outwards, widening the footprint of the vehicle and spacing the wheels further out from each other to aid balance and stability.
What many drivers find particularly intriguing is that these spacers are not large – but the impact they can have on a vehicle and its driving performance is huge…
What Impact Do Wheel Spacers Have?
There are several impacts and benefits of fitting wheel spacers.
- They create greater clearance between the tyres and the vehicle, allowing for slightly wider tyres should you be navigating harsher terrain or looking for a more robust driving experience.
- Widening the footprint and stance of the tyres means that the vehicle is easier to handle, navigates corners more smoothly, and enhances comfort.
- Many drivers covet the aesthetic benefits of tyres that standout from the vehicle with a little more prominence, creating an aggressive off-road look.
Suffice to say, the impacts of wheel spacers bridge aesthetic benefits with functional handling improvements and the ability to fit wider tyres to the vehicle and maintain both its safety and stability.
But what do drivers need to consider when fitting wheel spacers – and are there any hazards or limitations to bear in mind?
Potential Hazards and Issues With Fitting Wheel Spacers
The most important thing to know about wheel spacers is that they are a safe and beneficial fitment – provided they are installed correctly and are constructed using hard-wearing and reliable materials.
Poorly made and improperly installed spacers can add extra stress to the wheels and can impact the responsiveness of handling, steering and braking. If they are not installed properly, they can also cause issues with wheel and tyre alignment – which is why you should only use wheel spacers that are fitted by professionals.
Where to Find the Right Wheel Spacers for Your Wheels
When choosing wheel spacers for your vehicle, you need to look at the hub and bolt pattern of both the spacer and the existing wheel base, to ensure it aligns correctly and fits seamlessly onto the bolts. You then need to select the right thickness and be sure to choose wheel spacers with sufficient load capacity to match your vehicle’s driving needs and your driving style.
The best approach is to seek professional advice – firstly on whether wheel spacers are necessary, and secondly to check that the spacers you are considering will be both safe and effective. You can then get a professional to fit the wheel spacer, with regular inspections required to maintain good alignment.
