What Are Rim Spacers For?
- One of the primary benefits of wheel spacers is the increased level of grip and handling they can provide to a car. The spacers locate the wheel and tire farther from the chassis, which serves to widen the track. This is the reason that companies such as H&R and Eibach make wheel spacers for a variety of cars. Wheel spacers are often used on cars that are used on the race track, modified street cars and even race cars.
- By placing the wheel and tire further away from the suspension, wheel spacers can also make a vehicle look better or more aggressive. A wheel and tire that comes right out to the edge of a vehicle's bodywork generally looks more pleasing than a wheel and tire that is sunk into the wheel well.
- Wheel spacers are also often used to solve wheel fitment issues. If a wider wheel is installed on a vehicle, there may be fitment issues that may cause the wheel and or tire to interfere with the suspension components or bodywork of the vehicle. By relocating the wheel and tire farther from the original mounting position with wheel spacers, additional clearance may be gained that will eliminate the problem.
- While wheel spacers are valid performance and appearance upgrades, there can be some potential issues with them. Because the wheel and tire are located farther from their original mounting location, additional stress is placed on the hub and wheel mounting area. Over time, this could lead to additional wear and tear on these components. Wheel spacers may also cause the steering to become heavier and can affect the alignment settings on the suspension. If the wheel spacers are too wide, the wheel and tire package may interfere with the fender lip and bodywork of the car and allow the tire to make contact with the bodywork.