For those who do not know much about wheel spacers, they are essentially installed in the middle of your car’s wheel and hub for pushing the wheel from suspension components in order to avoid rubbing. Wheel spacers are also good for providing the vehicle with a wider track. This can help to improve the overall aesthetics and performance of your car, making it more aggressive and functional.

There is an unfortunate element attached with wheel spacers, and that is how to choose the right one. Many times, people do not know what they should be looking for to choose the wheel spacer that would suit their vehicle the most. You have to lay down the necessary groundwork for determining and measuring the correct size as virtually every vehicle has a different requirement. Therefore, you will need spacers of different sizes for different vehicles.

You could be browsing the market looking to buy wheel spacers for your vehicle. It could probably be because you incorporated jumbo brakes, searching them for a custom wheel set, or maybe you just looking to improve the stance of your car by making it wider giving it the VIP treatment. Simply said, you have decided that getting the right spacers will do the job for you by solving your vehicles problems. The problem is that you may not be aware how to choose them. Well, there is nothing to sweat about, as we will discuss all that you need to be aware about choosing the right wheel spacer for your ride.

Considering the Thickness of Wheel Spacers

The first question that comes to most people’s mind when they look at wheel spacers is regarding their variety in thickness. You will probably wonder which spacer thickness would best suit your needs. Going for something too thick could still leave wheel and caliper interference. If you choose too thick of a spacer, chances are that the tire could hit the finders. On the other hand, if you choose the “just right” thickness, it will provide you with adequate brake clearance while also avoiding the fender from rubbing.

It would be wise to take close look at all the spacers available. Most shops have spacers with varying thicknesses ranging from 1/8 to 1’’ or even more. It is crucial to be completely certain about the size you are about to choose. Even a 1/4’’ difference could break or make the fitment.

Precisely Determining the Wheel Spacer Size You Need

As we have established, wheel spacer thickness can be different depending on the independent customizations you have incorporated in your car. Because of this, determining the right thickness of the wheel spacer becomes vital. Measuring the tire/wheel combo and guessing how much further ahead the wheel likely has to sit would be a good place to start. However, it is not a consistent method. You also do not have the option of trying to fit different sizes and choosing only the one that works. No need to worry though, there is an effective solution for this that will save time, effort, and money.

Utilizing Flat Washers (Plain) to Determine the Right Wheel Spacer

Use flat washers for determining the exact spacer thickness amount for the configuration of your vehicle. You can even use them on drum or disc brake setups. When you use the flat washers, make sure that the diameter on the inside is big enough to fit for the washer on the bolt or wheel stud. You may need multiple washers for every stud. For instance, the usual five bolt wheels could require about eight washers for every stud. You could need forty to fifty washers if there is an unfavorable scenario.

How To Measure Wheel Spacers?

1. Place a straight edge flush with the face of the wheel and tire combination. Make sure the straight edge touches the tire in two spots to keep the straight edge even with the tire.
2. Use the measuring device to measure from the inside of the straight edge to the inner fender lip. (see diagram)
3. Make sure that the measurement is taken at the point where the wheel and tire is closest to the fender. For instance, on a car with a large amount of negative camber the tire and wheel may be closest at the front or rear edge of the fender.