Alex Petrov
07.03.2025 год.
Wheel Spacers – A Small Detail with a Big Impact
The topic of wheel spacers is extensive, but we will try to summarize it as much as possible. If they are high-quality and properly installed, spacers can be an extremely useful tool. They improve the vehicle's stability, prevent the wheels from rubbing against the brake calipers, and allow for better fender fitment—without the need to purchase new wheels.
Not just aesthetics, but functionality as well
Let’s start with a well-known motorsport – drifting. The scene in Bulgaria is different, but if we look at Europe and the U.S., we’ll see a much more structured approach. Often, the chassis becomes the limiting factor in terms of durability, leading to the conclusion that everything else – from the engine to the tires – needs to be at a high level to withstand the stress. In the drifting world, especially in Europe and the U.S., thick wheel spacers—ranging from 20 to 40 mm—are commonly used, particularly on the rear axle, which endures the most strain. Just imagine the stress on the components: at one moment, the tires are completely locked while entering a turn with the handbrake pulled, and in the next, they are spinning at over 140 km/h.
If we cross the ocean and look at Japan, we’ll see the same trend in the Time Attack scene. There, cars with setups similar to Hill Climb racing rely on such extreme aerodynamic downforce that, theoretically, they could drive upside down in a tunnel. To accommodate aggressive widebody kits, drivers often resort to thick wheel spacers, as the chosen wheels rarely come in the exact required specifications.
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Types of Wheel Spacers in Motorsports – Bolt-On vs. Slip-On
Regardless of the discipline, when wheel spacers are used in motorsports, they almost always refer to the Bolt-On type. These spacers are mounted to the hub using a set of bolts or nuts and feature their own studs on which the wheel is secured. This provides quick and easy repairs—if a stud gets damaged, it can be replaced in minutes without the need to disassemble the hub, which is crucial in racing conditions.
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The second type is Slip-On spacers, which require extended studs or bolts. While they are not as commonly used in motorsports, they serve the same purpose. Their main advantage is that they allow for the use of thinner spacers (usually in the range of 1-15 mm) when there isn’t enough space to install a Bolt-On spacer with its own studs.
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Wheel Spacers for Everyday Use – What to Consider?
For everyday cars, the type of spacers you choose doesn't matter much, but Slip-On options are usually more expensive. The reason is that, in addition to the spacers themselves, you'll need to buy extended bolts or replace the studs, which adds extra cost.

One of the major problems in Bulgaria is poor craftsmanship. Commonly encountered are spacers made from regular aluminum, which is too soft and deforms easily, even with proper installation. Even more risky are low-quality bolts – a fact that should not be underestimated.
It’s no coincidence that an original BMW wheel bolt costs around 5 BGN each (100 BGN for a set), while spacers with "a set of bolts" from a local shop can be found for 120 BGN. The difference in quality is huge and can be critical for safety.

For this reason, spacers, bolts, and nuts should always be purchased from trusted shops and manufacturers. If a wheel detaches while driving, it doesn’t matter whether the speed is 20 km/h or 120 km/h – the consequences can be serious.
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