Why Are Wheel Spacers Only Added to the Rear Wheels?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why wheel spacers are only installed on the rear wheels: 1. Installing wheel spacers on the car's rims widens the track width, theoretically improving driving stability and better resisting cornering roll. 2. They are used to match some aftermarket wheel products with unsatisfactory ET values. 3. Certain aftermarket wheels have excessively large ET values, which reduce the track width. Therefore, wheel spacers are needed to offset the impact of overly large ET values. Additional Information: The quality of wheel spacer products varies widely. If the material, heat treatment, forging, and machining processes cannot be guaranteed, it is best not to use wheel spacers unless absolutely necessary. This is because any deformation or even damage to the wheel spacers could cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle, leading to a serious accident.
I've been modifying cars for several years, and it's common to see people only adding wheel spacers to the rear wheels, mainly to improve handling and stability, especially for rear-wheel-drive cars. I've tested it on the track myself—widening the rear track enhances rear-wheel grip, preventing tail slides and loss of control during high-speed cornering, giving you more confidence behind the wheel. The reason spacers aren't added to the front wheels is that they can affect the steering system, such as making the steering wheel heavier or causing it to rub against body components, compromising daily driving safety. When choosing wheel spacers, opt for aluminum alloy or high-strength steel, and ensure the bolts are torqued correctly during installation. Don’t forget to check them regularly, as changing the track width increases suspension load, potentially leading to uneven tire wear or misalignment—balancing adjustments are crucial. In the long run, adding spacers only to the rear wheels also looks cooler, but it's best to consult a professional shop before modifying, measuring carefully to avoid potential issues.