Do Wheel Spacers Void Warranty?
Wheel spacers are a popular modification among car enthusiasts due to their aesthetic advantage. Is there more benefit to installing this upgrade? Do wheel spacers void warranty? There are lots of questions to address when you need to modify your vehicle to ensure that it does not affect handling and functionality while enhancing the look of your vehicle.
So, what’s the truth about spacers? This guide offers everything you need to know about wheel spacers and why you need this accessory.
Key Takeaways
• Wheel spacers are a budget-friendly and easy-to-install aftermarket upgrade that gives your vehicle a more aggressive look and wider stance.
• Adding wheel spacers improve handling and stance, while making your vehicle more stable.
• Adding wheel spacers can put things out of proportion and increase component wear.
• Installing wheel spacers won’t void your warranty, but it is important to choose the right wheel spacers and properly install them for safety.
What are Wheel Spacers?
A wheel spacer is a part that is inserted in between the wheel and the stock mounting hub of your vehicle. Adding a wheel spacer creates a visible difference in your car’s look, particularly the wheels.
It is a popular aftermarket accessory that is known as a budget-friendly modification. When these thick washers are installed between the wheel and the hub assembly, it adds space and increases the vehicle’s track width. Adding this upgrade can also give your vehicle an aggressive look as it pushes the wheels out of the body.
Types of Wheel Spacers
If you’re in the market for wheel spacers to upgrade your vehicle, you have two options.
• Hub-Centric Wheel Spacers – A hub-centric wheel spacer is considered the safest addition to your vehicle if you want to enjoy the benefits of wheel spacers. It is bolted onto the hub assembly, allowing it to slide onto the wheel studs. Choose this design if you want to improve your car’s stance and stability.
• Lug-Centric Wheel Spacers – A lug-centric wheel spacer is attached with the use of lug nuts. Its appearance is similar to a large washer that fits between the wheels and the hub assembly. Choose this design if you want uniform pressure distribution on the wheels and lug nuts.
Why Do You Need Wheel Spacers?
Aside from enhancing the aesthetic value of your cars, it’s important to know what their purpose is for.
Wheel spacers are a practical modification if you meet a certain criteria. In particular, wheel spacers work best on vehicles with slightly larger tires and those running on stock wheels. This upgrade works best if you need clearance following an aftermarket brake or suspension upgrade.
Not only do these aftermarket upgrades provide extra space, they prevent the tire sidewalls from rubbing while you’re driving.
On the other hand, certain vehicles are not ideal for using wheel spacers. It is particularly unsafe on 4×4 vehicles and heavy trucks. If you want to achieve the aggressive look offered by wheel spacers, it is best t consult a professional about whether your vehicle is a good candidate for wheel spacers before you do.
Do Wheel Spacers Void Warranty?
No, adding wheel spacers will not void your car’s warranty. But each dealer and warranty provider has different regulations on this, so it is best to consult with them before you install this upgrade.
Adding wheel spacers can affect the driving and safety of your vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to use only high-quality wheel spacers approved by your manufacturer and have them installed professionally. Improper installation can cause damage to your vehicle and other internal components, such as suspension, over time.
Pros and Cons of Adding Wheel Spacers
Is adding a wheel spacer right for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons of this upgrade.
Pros of Wheel Spacers
• Wheel spacers offer the perfect stance as it pushes out the tires and give it a better appearance.
• Wheel spacers improve handling by giving you better grip and stability, especially when cornering.
• Wheel spacers allow you to use wider and bigger tires without rubbing. However, you must stick within the manufacturer’s recommended maximum tire size. Will oversized tires void your warranty? Check out the guide to ensure you can keep your warranty if you choose to upgrade your tire size.
• Wheel spacers are necessary when you upgrade your brakes or suspension, especially if they don’t fit the stock wheels.
Cons of Wheel Spacers
• Wheel spacers make your vehicle heavier and takes more effort when turning at lower speeds due to the changing characteristics of internal components.
• Wheel spacers could throw things out of proportion, increasing the component wear on your vehicles.
• Wheel spacers could decrease ride quality and cause more vibrations when driving.
The Bottom Line
If you need to install wheel spacers, you can do so but make sure to have a professional auto mechanic perform the installation. They have the expertise and knowledge to recommend the right type of wheel spacers and the proper way to install them. Otherwise, it could be a safety risk and you could even cause damage to your vehicle and enhance its wear and tear.
FAQs
Do wheel spacers affect driving?
Yes, it will affect driving in many ways. It can improve stability and handling by providing wider stance. However, it can change the driving feel as it may also alter the suspension geometry and steering characteristics. It may also lower driving performance if the tyre rubs against the suspension components when making turns.
Are wheel spacers safe?
Yes, they are generally safe when you use the right spacers and if they are installed properly. The wrong fit can cause suspension problems and issues with the brake components, which can lead to loss of control. It is crucial to get the high quality, right size, and compatible spacer, and must be installed properly.
How long do spacers last?
Ideally, they should last forever. However, their lifespan is determined by a lot of factors, such as the quality of material (billet aluminum last the longest), driving conditions, installation, usage (high-performance or racing applications wears out faster), and maintenance (proper torque will help maintain its integrity)>
Are spacers safe for daily driving?
Yes, as long as they are the right one (compatible and correct size), and does not affect the vehicle’s suspension geometry.
How do I know if I need wheel spacers?
If you want to install bigger and wider tires but you have problems with the tire clearance, wheel offset, or you want to install larger brakes, then you may need wheel spacers. Also, if you simply want a wider stance for a better driving performance or even appearance, then wheel spacers can help. Additionally, the right wheel spacers can help with the brake clearance and convert into hub-centric wheels.
Do wheel spacers affect alignment?
No, wheel spacers will not affect wheel alignment. You don’t need an alignment for simply adding spacers.
