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What are the Pros and Cons of Wheel Spacers?

Wheel spacers, used to set the wheels further out from the car, can change the appearance and performance of a vehicle. Last month, we featured a blog post about getting proper wheel and tire fitment for your classic car. Today’s post is a follow up to that where we’ll discuss the pros and cons of wheel spacers.

We followed up with Dave from Schott Wheels, and he said that it’s critical that there be adequate wheel stud and lug nut engagement at all times.  When adding a spacer, it reduces the amount of engagement by the thickness of the spacer added.  

The absolute minimum wheel stud and lug nut engagement must equal the diameter of the wheel stud.  More engagement is recommended though.  For example, if the wheel stud is a ½-20, there must be at least ½” of engagement, but 3/4” is recommended.  Sometimes that requires changing to longer wheel studs to maintain adequate engagement. 

Some of the pros of wheel spacers include:

  • Improved handling: By widening the vehicle’s track, wheel spacers can improve lateral stability and handling. This can be especially beneficial in cornering and high-performance driving situations.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Wheel spacers can enhance the appearance of a vehicle by pushing the wheels out to be flush with the fenders, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look.
  • Fitment correction: Spacers can be used to fit custom wheels that may not have the ideal offset for your vehicle. They can help in clearing inner wheel well components or suspension parts.
  • Better clearance: They provide additional clearance for larger brake kits, which is often a necessity in performance upgrades.
  • Customization options: Spacers offer an easy way to customize the stance of your vehicle without the need for new wheels.

Cons of why you might not want to install wheel spacers:

  • Possible increased stress on suspension components: Spacers can put additional strain on wheel bearings and suspension components due to the increased leverage effect. This can potentially lead to faster wear and tear or even failure of these parts.
  • Potential for improper installation: If you do not install them correctly, wheel spacers can lead to wheel alignment issues, uneven tire wear, and even accidents. It’s crucial that they are properly torqued. Use hub-centric spacers for better alignment.
  • Impact on ride quality: The altered geometry can sometimes lead to changes in ride quality, potentially making the ride harsher or affecting the steering feel.
  • Possible legal and warranty issues: In some regions, the use of wheel spacers might not be legal for road use, or they might void the warranty of your vehicle.
  • Increased fuel consumption: The wider track can lead to increased air resistance, which might slightly increase fuel consumption.
  • Risk of poor quality parts: The market is flooded with low-quality spacers that can be dangerous. It’s crucial to purchase high-quality, vehicle-specific spacers to ensure safety.

Factors in making your decision about installing wheel spacers:

  • Do your research: Ensure to research your specific vehicle make, model, year,  and the quality of spacers you’re considering. Choose the highest-quality, hub-centric spacers you can afford for the best fitment and safety.
  • Get professional installation: Consider having the spacers installed by a professional mechanic who will ensure they’re fitted correctly and that your vehicle’s alignment and suspension settings are adjusted accordingly.
  • Consider your driving needs: Finally, weigh the aesthetic and performance benefits against the potential downsides in terms of wear, safety, and legality.

If performance and aesthetics are essential to you, and you’re willing to invest in high-quality parts and professional installation, wheel spacers can be a worthwhile addition to your classic car restoration project. However, if you’re concerned about the long-term effects on your vehicle’s components, you might decide against them.

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