Choosing the right wheel spacer thickness is key to getting your stance, clearance, and fitment just right. Too thin, and you won’t see much difference. Too thick, and your wheels may poke past the arches or rub under load. Here’s how to choose the perfect size for your setup.
Understanding Spacer Thickness
Wheel spacers are measured in millimetres — typically available in sizes from 3mm up to 30mm (or even more for aggressive wide-arch setups). The thickness determines how far your wheels sit outward from the hub, which changes both appearance and geometry.
Flush Fitment and Arch Alignment
If your goal is a clean, flush fitment, measure how much your wheels sit inside the arches and use a spacer to bring them level with the bodywork.
A good rule of thumb:
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3mm–5mm: Subtle change, ideal for brake clearance.
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8mm–12mm: Slightly wider stance, perfect for fine-tuning OEM wheels.
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15mm–20mm: Noticeable improvement in stance, popular for most street setups.
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25mm+: Aggressive look or wide-arch builds — usually bolt-on style spacers.
Function Over Fashion
While stance is important, spacer thickness should also consider tyre clearance and suspension movement. Lowered cars on coilovers may need slightly thinner spacers at the front to avoid rubbing under compression. Always check clearance lock-to-lock and through full suspension travel before finalising your size.
Hub Centric Fitment and Bolt Length
When increasing spacer thickness, you must ensure proper hub centric engagement and bolt or stud length. For slip-on spacers up to 15mm, extended wheel bolts are usually sufficient. Beyond that, bolt-on spacers (with their own studs and nuts) are the safer choice.
The Bottom Line
The ideal spacer thickness depends on your wheel offset, suspension setup, and desired stance. A few millimetres can completely transform the look and feel of your car — just make sure you choose high-quality, hub centric spacers for perfect alignment and safety.
✅ Explore the full range of Killer Offset, Demon, and Bimecc hub centric spacers at Stanced UK – precision-engineered for stance, clearance, and control.
