Are Wheel Spacers Safe? (or Should They Be Avoided?)
Wheel spacers can be used if you want to install custom wheels, especially wheels that are not correctly aligned on your vehicle. Simply put, wheel spacers provide additional space between the wheel and the wheel hub, which helps you adjust the offset to correct the position of the wheel you want to install.
In addition, the extra space makes the wheel more stable when turning. This feeling of stability is most noticeable when turning corners.
Overall, wheel spacers are more likely purchased for aesthetic reasons, as people prefer the way they push the wheels outward. However, there are also concerns that wheel spacers make driving less safe. There is a lot of controversy on this subject among various car enthusiasts and auto mechanics.
In general, wheel spacers are actually safe if installed correctly. Even if it seems like an easy task, we don’t recommend trying to install it yourself. It’s usually best to hire a professional mechanic who has experience successfully installing wheel spacers.
That being said, only install wheel spacers if you think they’re really necessary. Most people don’t need wheel spacers, so it depends on how much you care about the appearance.
So, are wheel spacers really safe? Let’s review some safety concerns regarding wheel spacers and decide for yourself if they are worth the risk.
Stay safe with wheel spacers
First, you should never use the same wheel bolts or wheel bolts when installing new wheel spacers. You need longer bolts and screws to properly secure the wheel to the vehicle.
Otherwise, you will be putting yourself at risk with short bolts and screws when you go out. You should also consider keeping the amount of thread as low as possible. The length of the threads is best matched to the diameter of the bolt.
The most important thing is that all bolts and nuts are tightly tightened. Do not loosen them as this increases the risk of an accident.
If you tighten your components to the correct torque, you will not have any problems. Even more importantly, if you don’t know how to do it, get a mechanic to do it for you. To answer your first question, wheel spacers are almost always completely safe, provided you take the necessary precautions. That means they need to be securely fastened to prevent the wheel spacer, wheel, and wheel hub from bending.
Whether you’re commuting bumper-to-bumper or driving at high speeds outside of town or on a race track, wheel spacers, if installed correctly, are no more dangerous than a factory setup.
If you experience issues with wheel bolts, it’s usually due to loose wheel nuts due to insufficient tightening force. On the other hand, don’t overtighten your lug nuts either, as overtightening them will overstretch the bolts. Finding the right balance of strength will ensure the bolts remain strong.
Myths Debunked
It is a common myth that wheel spacers affect the physics of the wheel and wheel hub. This is simply not true because physics is not affected by wheel spacers.
After all, you do not install the wheel spacer on the center of the hub. There is no load on the lip of the wheel spacer either. We only assist with wheel assembly.
It is important to use long wheel bolts with wheel spacers, but if you choose larger wheel spacers, you do not need to install long wheel bolts. Just choose longer bolts than the factory standard bolts. If you are still confused, ask your mechanic what they recommend.
