In the world of car customization, there are several things people simply can’t agree on. One such thing includes wheel spacers, and whether they are safe or not. If you want to know if wheel spacers are safe, you will get several contradicting answers.
Many car enthusiasts believe that wheel spacers are perfectly fine and don’t pose any safety risks. However, many other car enthusiasts believe wheel spacers cause tire rubbing, which makes them unsafe, among other reasons.
So, are wheel spacers safe? Or are they actually unsafe? This article will tell you all you need to know, so keep reading!
Why And When Wheel Spacers Are Safe
For a start, wheel spacers can be safe, but only if their installation meets certain requirements. These requirements are as follows:
- Using high-quality hub-centric spacers - Look for spacers made of aircraft-grade or forged aluminum. They are far less likely to break down or cause any other issues.
- Proper Installation - This also ensures that the installed wheel spacer doesn’t cause any malfunctions in the future.
- Paying attention to the car’s specifications - Different car models have different specifications and requirements, and if the installed wheel spacer matches them, that will significantly increase the safety.
- Moderate thickness - Wheel spacers that are max 30mm thick are generally safe, and certainly safer than thicker spacers.
As you can see, wheel spacers can be safe, but you need to pay attention to these requirements when installing them.
Explore more wheel spacer pros and cons.
When Wheel Spacers Might Be Unsafe For Your Car
The most common concern is that wheel spacers cause tire rubbing. They have also been reported to cause increased wear and tear on wheel bearings. Some mechanics think that installing wheel spacers is basically adding points of failure.
While all these concerns are valid, they are quite avoidable if you know how to choose the best wheel spacers for your car. One common mistake people make is choosing lug-centric wheel spacers on cars that are designed for hub-centric mounting. This means the wheel spacer won’t mount on your car properly.
Another extremely common mistake is choosing wheel spacers that are too thick. Sure, they look cool, but they also push the wheels too far out. As a result, the whole suspension system is under more stress, and wheel bearings get worn out much faster.
Unfortunately, many wheel spacers on the market are made of low-quality materials, which makes them prone to cracking and breaking down.
There is also the poor installation - for example, using old studs or not torquing the bolts properly. Pair that with low-quality wheel spacers, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Final Verdict: Wheel Spacers, Safe or Unsafe?
Overall, there isn’t only one answer to “How safe are wheel spacers?” In short, they can be unsafe, but if you follow the tips and recommendations from this article, installing wheel spacers can be completely safe.
After all, installing any other car part or modification can also be unsafe if you don’t do it properly. Wheel spacers are no different, so if you want to install them, do it. Just pay attention to quality, proper installation, and your car’s specifications.
How To Choose Wheel Spacers For Your Car
First of all, unless your car requires lub-centric spacers, always choose the hub-centric ones. Then, pay close attention to these things:
- Bolt pattern and hub diameter of your car wheel bearings - this is important to know for finding the matching wheel spacer.
- Ideal spacer thickness - don’t go over 50mm. Choose the option that suits your car’s overall look the best.
- Choosing the right materials - look for spacers made of T-6 aircraft-grade aluminum, as they will be able to withstand prolonged use.
Additionally, when choosing wheel spacers, consider your car’s suspension geometry and whether it can accommodate the change without affecting alignment. Also, check local laws. Some regions have regulations about spacer usage. You don’t want to invest time and money into wheel spacers and then find out they are forbidden.
Lastly, avoid stacking spacers to get a wider stance. Instead of installing several thin spacers, choose single, properly sized spacers. That will help maintain structural integrity and consistent performance.
Overall, take your time when making your choice. Consult your mechanic or other car enthusiasts. This isn’t a choice that you should make in haste. Carefully examine all options and choose what’s best for your car’s appearance, performance, and safety.
Affordable Wheel Spacers For Your Car
There is another important requirement for choosing wheel spacers for your car that we didn’t mention - affordability. While quality and compatibility with your car are certainly the top priorities, price is also a crucial factor in making your decision.
You don’t want to buy overpriced wheel spacers that don’t justify their price. Instead, go for affordable and high-quality wheel spacers that you can find at Orionmotors:
4pcs 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers
This wheel spacer kit adds 2.5 inches to your axle track for better handling, stability, and control. It is made from T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with corrosion-resistant bolts and a hub-centric design. It’s a perfect choice for you if you are looking for a long-lasting performance and safe installation.
4pcs 4x6.1 ATV Wheel Spacers
This wheel spacer kit widens your vehicle’s axle track by 4 inches. As a result, it boosts handling, stability, and traction on rough terrain. It is made from forged T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with heat-treated, zinc-coated bolts. A perfect choice if you want to achieve a more aggressive stance with your car.
Conclusion
So, do wheel spacers cause tire rubbing? Sometimes, yes, but you can avoid this issue, as well as other safety issues, by following the tips from this article. Choose high-quality spacers, install them properly, and resist the urge to get wheel spacers that are too wide. Don’t forget to choose hub-centric spacers (unless your car supports lug-centric mounting only). Enjoy the new look of your car?
Here is a complete guide on whether you should go for hub-centric or lug-centric wheel spacers
