Not all spacers are created equal. Wheel spacers have become a popular choice among drivers looking to improve the stance, handling, and wheel fitment of their cars, but while some are made of high-quality materials, with precision manufacturing techniques, others are mass-produced, and that’s reflected in their lower quality.
High-quality wheel spacers ensure proper wheel alignment, maintain clamping force, and can endure extreme loads without deforming or cracking. Poorly made wheel spacers, on the other hand, can introduce vibrations, uneven tire wear, or even cause wheel failure.
But what are high-quality wheel spacers? What makes them better? Why does it matter? You need to know what makes wheel spacers high-quality because they sit between your wheels and hubs, and as such, they directly affect your driving safety and performance. Here is what you need to know:
What are High Quality Wheel Spacers?
High-quality wheel spacers are designed to increase the distance between the wheel hub and the wheel. This change widens the vehicle’s track width, which can improve stability, cornering performance, and overall aesthetics.
There are several differences between high-quality spacers and cheaper alternatives: it all comes down to material, machining accuracy, hardware strength, and fitment precision. Simply put, high-quality wheel spacers are designed to match factory hub and wheel specifications exactly, which ensures a secure, vibration-free installation.
When buying wheel spacers, don't try to save money by choosing a cheaper option. Your choice will significantly impact your car’s performance and overall safety, which is why you shouldn’t prioritize low prices over quality.
5 Key Features of High Quality Spacers
Now, you probably wonder what exactly makes wheel spacers high-quality. Here are the 5 key features of high-quality spacers:
1. Premium Materials
High-quality wheel spacers are made of high-quality materials. The best wheel spacer material is T-6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This material offers an excellent balance of strength, durability, and lightweight performance.
For comparison, low-quality wheel spacers often use low-grade aluminum or other mixed metals that are more prone to cracking under stress.
2. Top Grade Hub-Centric Design
When buying wheel spacers, many car owners struggle to choose between hub-centric and lug-centric spacers. We recommend that you choose a hub-centric spacer. These spacers are machined to match the vehicle’s hub bore perfectly.
This allows them to sit flush against the hub and center the wheel properly. As a result, they reduce vibration and ensure the vehicle’s weight is supported by the hub rather than the lug studs alone.
3. Precision Machining
High-quality spacers are CNC-machined with extremely tight tolerances. This means that they fit your car perfectly, with no room for any deviation.
Such wheel spacers have flat mating surfaces, accurate bolt patterns, and consistent thickness. By comparison, poor machining can lead to uneven contact, which causes wobble and premature wear.
4. High-Quality Studs/Bolts
It’s not enough to have high-quality wheel spacers. The quality of the studs and bolts that come with them also matters. If the studs or bolts aren’t durable enough, you can still encounter numerous issues with your spacer fitment, even if the wheel spacers are of the highest quality.
Look for hardened, heat-treated studs or bolts. They should be zinc-coated or dacromet-treated for corrosion resistance. Such bolts and/or studs are engineered to handle repeated torque cycles without stretching or snapping.
5. Corrosion Resistance and Finish
High-quality wheel spacers have a proper anodized or coated finish. This is important because wheel spacers inevitably get exposed to moisture, salt, and road debris. Without a corrossion restistance and proper finish, this will corrode them and make them more prone to damage and breakage.
This is especially important if you are looking for wheel spacers for an ATV or any other car that may be driven in harsh climates or off-road conditions.
High Quality vs. Low Quality Wheel Spacers
|
Feature |
High-Quality Wheel Spacers |
Low-Quality Wheel Spacers |
|
Design Type |
Hub-centric design for proper load distribution |
Lug-centric design with less precise fit |
|
Material Quality |
Made from high-grade, strong metals |
Made from softer metals (low-grade aluminum or mixed metals) |
|
Durability |
Highly durable, suitable for long-term use, and rough or uneven terrain |
Less durable, prone to wear and failure over time |
|
Bolts/Studs |
Strong, high-quality bolts or studs |
Weaker bolts or studs that compromise safety |
|
Safety and Performance |
Better stability, safety, and overall performance |
Reduced safety and performance |
|
Cost |
Higher upfront cost |
Lower upfront cost |
|
Long-Term Value |
Cost-effective over time; reduces risk of damage and repairs |
May lead to expensive repairs, negating initial savings |
Best High Quality Wheel Spacers From Orionmotors
If you are wondering where to find high-quality wheel spacers, take a look at Orionmotors. Depending on the thickness you are looking for, here are our best options:
Best 1-inch Wheel Spacers
This 5x4.5 wheel spacer kit widens your axle track by 2 inches to improve stability, handling, and control. It is made of T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with highly corrosion-resistant Dacromet-coated hardware and has a hub-centric design. Compatible with select 1994–2014 Honda and Acura models.
Best 1.5-inch Wheel Spacers
The 4pcs 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers 1.5-inch Wheel Adapters with Studs will add 3 inches to your axle track to enhance stability. At 5 inches (38mm) thick, these powerful wheel adapters mount onto their 6x5.5 (6x139.7) bolt pattern to let you add larger wheels or improve your old wheels' performance and handling, with excellent wheel balance and a more aggressive stance.
It is made of lightweight yet durable T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with highly corrosion-resistant Dacromat-coated hardware. These spacers are designed for easy removal and long service life, and they are backed by a 1-year warranty.
Best Quality 2-inch Wheel Spacers
This Orion Motor Tech wheel spacer is compatible with many Polaris and Kawasaki ATVs from 1987 to 2012. It adds 4 inches of track width, and it is made of lightweight and durable T6 aircraft-grade aluminum.
Two inches (50mm) thick, these powerful wheel adapters mount onto their 4x156 bolt pattern to let you add larger wheels or improve your old wheels' performance and handling, with excellent wheel balance and a more aggressive stance.
Final Thoughts on Good Quality Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are a great way to achieve a wider stance to improve stability and handling, as well as to make your car look better. However, you need to look for high-quality wheel spacers if you want to get the desired results.
But what are high-quality wheel spacers? There are several features you should watch out for, such as material, precision machining, hardware quality, etc. If you don’t want to spend money on low-quality wheel spacers, take a look at Orionmotors Tech spacers instead!
