Does Adding Wheel Spacers Affect the Car?
2 Answers
Adding wheel spacers does affect the car. Simply put, installing wheel spacers means mounting a metal disc on the wheel hub before attaching the wheel, thereby increasing the vehicle's track width. Theoretically, a longer track width reduces body roll during sharp turns, enhancing stability when cornering. Wheel spacers come in various sizes such as 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40mm. Below are the pros and cons of adding wheel spacers: I. Benefits: 1. Visually, it can make the vehicle appear more robust. 2. After installing wheel spacers, the increased track width can improve the vehicle's stability during high-speed driving and sharp turns, reducing the feeling of floating and body roll. 3. When upgrading to larger brake calipers, wheel spacers can provide the necessary clearance for the calipers. II. Drawbacks: 1. On uneven roads, the vehicle may experience more severe bumps, which can damage the universal joints of the axle. 2. The quality of wheel spacers varies; if a spacer fails, it can also damage the original wheel hub. 3. One of the factors in a vehicle's suspension tuning is to minimize abnormal tire wear. Adding wheel spacers alters the track width, leading to uneven tire wear. 4. The vehicle should not be heavily loaded, as mentioned in the third point, because it can cause abnormal tire wear and sometimes result in rubbing against the fender. 5. If the wheel spacers are of uneven quality, they can cause the vehicle to shake at high speeds.
I once installed wheel spacers, and after the modification, the car indeed felt more stable with less body roll during high-speed cornering, and the appearance became more aggressive, like a race car. However, it's important to note that if the spacers are made of poor-quality materials, such as inferior aluminum alloy, or if they are installed loosely, the wheels might come off, which is very dangerous. My advice is to have them installed by a professional and not to skimp on quality. Also, regularly check the tightness of the bolts. Additionally, spacers increase the load on the suspension, making bearings more prone to wear. Over time, this could add a few hundred dollars to your maintenance costs. Before modifying, check your vehicle's manual for compatibility, as excessive changes in wheel track can affect handling precision, especially on slippery roads where the car may skid more easily. Overall, if you're aiming for improved visual appeal and stability, it can be worth it, but safety should always come first.