Q: What are wheel spacers? Do I need them?
Wheel spacers are metal rings that are installed between a vehicle’s wheel and the wheel hub (or the mounting surface of the wheel). Their primary function is to increase the distance (or offset) between the wheel and the vehicle’s suspension or fender. Wheel spacers are typically used to achieve a desired stance, improve wheel clearance, or adjust the offset of the wheel for better fitment.
Key Functions of Wheel Spacers:
- Improve Wheel Fitment:
- Wheel spacers allow a vehicle to run wider or more aggressive wheels that would not otherwise fit without rubbing against the suspension components, fenders, or brakes. By pushing the wheels outward, spacers help achieve the desired stance and prevent interference with the vehicle’s body.
- Enhance Aesthetic Appearance:
- Many car enthusiasts use wheel spacers to create a more visually appealing stance. Spacers can give the vehicle a wider stance, making it look more aggressive or balanced, which is especially common in performance, off-road, or custom vehicles.
- Increase Track Width:
- Wheel spacers increase the track width (the distance between the left and right wheels). A wider track improves vehicle stability, handling, and cornering ability, especially at high speeds or during aggressive driving. This is a common modification for sports cars or vehicles that participate in racing.
- Correct Wheel Offset:
- If a vehicle’s wheels are too tucked in or too far out (due to factory design or aftermarket modifications), wheel spacers can be used to adjust the wheel offset. They help to position the wheels more centrally within the wheel wells or achieve a more desirable offset.
- Prevent Rubbing:
- In some cases, after lowering a car or adding a suspension modification, the tires might rub against the inner fenders or suspension components. Using a wheel spacer can provide extra clearance to prevent this rubbing and protect the tires and suspension parts.
related FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
What tire size should I pair with a specific wheel size?
Should I go for larger diameter wheels?
Do aftermarket wheels improve performance?
Can I use spacers instead of different wheels?
Do I need hub-centric rings?
What do terms like “bolt pattern,” “offset,” and “backspacing” mean?
Will your Unplugged Performance wheels fit my vehicle?
Square vs staggered: which is better for handling and tire wear?
What is the ideal tire size for a square setup on Model 3?
Do you sell touch up paint?
Will UP Forged Wheels fit over Tesla Performance Brakes?
What is the lug nut torque specification for a Tesla (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck)?
Why does my Tesla show a TPMS fault when parked near other wheels?
What are the advantages of titanium lug nuts for my Tesla?
Can UP Forged Cybertruck Wheels like the UP-03 Beadlock, CYBRHEX, or CYBRSPOKE fit other trucks?
Will UP Forged Wheels like the UP-03, UP-05, or UP-RW Road Warrior fit cars other than Teslas?
Can you remove the Aero Disc Covers from the UP Forged UP-RW Road Warrior Wheels?
What kind of construction do Unplugged Performance wheels have?
I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?
What is a forged wheel? Are they better than OEM Telsa Wheels?
Do I need conical or ball seat lug nuts?
Will Unplugged Performance Aluminum or Titanium Lug Nuts fit my OEM Wheels?
Will my OEM lug nuts fit UP Forged Wheels?
What is a Beadlock?
What is Bead Knurling?
Can I reuse my OEM TPMS?
What is TPMS?
Do I need to replace my tires when upgrading wheels?
What is the benefit of upgrading to wider wheels?
What is the difference between staggered and square wheel setups?
Do UP Forged Wheels come with a warranty?
What is the proper way to clean aftermarket wheels?
Do I need to get an alignment after installing aftermarket wheels?
Can UP Forged wheels affect my car’s performance?
What is the meaning wheel backspace?
What is the meaning of wheel offset?
How do I know what size wheel will fit my car?
INSTALLATION guide
For the do it yourselfer or trained mechanic, our in-depth installation guides provide step by step detailed instructions on fitting your Tesla with Unplugged Performance Parts.
more FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS you might find interesting
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
Custom Orders & Pre-Orders
General questions
Installation questions
Ordering & Payment
Other / Miscellaneous
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WARRANTY QUESTIONS
Did you know that 90% of our customers express concerns about their vehicle warranty.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
RATED 4.97
(301 REVIEWS)
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With real reviews from real customers, shop UP products for your Tesla Model S, 3, X, Y and Cybertruck with confidence. Leave reviews and earn up to 2000 UP Rewards points each, redeemable towards exclusive UP Products.
I love these. They match the blue and black of the plaid. A small but tasteful addition to its style.
Additionally, there are some weight savings.
raviprabhakar
October 03, 2022
Phenomenal brake pads. As my daily grocery getter and occasional spirited driving, yes these may be overkill for some but with how fast the M3P is you can't go wrong with better stopping power. I've had these pads since April and would highly recommend to anyone that does occasional track days...
Benedict D.
October 07, 2022
Shout out to Andrew at Unplugged Performance! Customer service is excellent. Great communication with everything. Knowledgeable about all products. Will do more business with UP.
Edmundo R.
January 10, 2023
Extremely well built and engineered. Best on the market.
Cordell
November 24, 2025
These are exactly what I was expecting. I waited over a year for them. Pandemic backorders and all. It took me about 6 hours to install with help from a friend. The fronts were the worst part. You have to have the spring compressors mounted just right and really compress them a lot to assemble the...
Tim H.
January 05, 2023
I'm currently putting together my custom UP INVINCIBLE® kit from Unplugged Performance with the help of Frank, and the transformation is insane. The lineup includes the HD Front Bumper with the optional 11-inch LED light bar that absolutely lights up the night, the bulletproof Heavy Duty Rear...
CyberRiri
December 03, 2025
UP Pikes Peak Race Team Soft Shell Jacket by North Face
You can see my photos under Steve Guevara. The UP Jacket I first noticed on the Pikes Peak video on the set in the shop and I asked KIRK, “Do you have some of those”? He pulled two Medium beauties from the vault and added a couple of...
smgdcw
November 17, 2022
Purchased a 19 x 9.5 UP-03 wheels. They look awesome, feel lighter when you're steering, and I'm able to gain 1-2 % of range when driving around town. Shahar helped me through the purchasing process and set me up with a relatively painless cross-border shipping arrangement. Keep up the good work!
Lamown
September 16, 2025
My wife drives a Model Y as her daily driver and for a commuter car the model Y suspension can be very harsh. Purchased the luxury coilovers and sway bars to help with this. Only 1 mechanic in North Carolina was certified to do it that was in the unplugged performance network and I had problems...
massary.2
June 01, 2023
Tesla Model 3 Front Lip Spoiler
RATED 5.0
Paint match was perfect. Fit is perfect. It’s exactly what I was looking for, exceeded expectations.
Edmundo R.
January 10, 2023
This Ascension-R Racing seat just arrived from Unplugged Performance (https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv8f-5cvDuE/) It looks absolutely well manufactured, high quality and lightweight making it a must have accessory on any Tesla going to the track! Looks stunning and well designed!!
f1dinesh
August 15, 2023
Tesla Cybertruck Heavy Duty Rear Bumper with Hardcore Trailer Hitch Receiver - UP INVINCIBLE®
RATED 5.0
Had UP install the HD rear bumper with hardcore trailer hitch receiver including flood lights. Utility is awesome, the arms are robustly built and carry my full-size spare, a 20" beadlock wheel with Wildpeak AT4Ws with ease. No rattling whatsoever, the tire is locked in. Swing arms themselves can...
Megatron
November 19, 2025
Got these with my order of Moderate Springs and Street/Track Sway-bars and they do what they are intended to do. Got my alignment darn near within spec which will help with tire wear. I haven't had them for long so I can't comment on durability but they sure are built sturdy as hell. If you are...
850arrrsaylikepirate
December 19, 2022
Tesla Model Y Alcantara Headliner Kit
RATED 5.0
Finally!!!! Been waiting on UP to both have a decent Black Friday sale and to have this item on it and whatdoyaknow…..HALF OFF! I wish it was all gray everywhere, but I’ll do the touch up myself and get it 100% how I need it!!!
Montage Ø.
November 07, 2025
I purchased a set of these Sway bars along with a few other upgrade components for my Model 3 (https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv8c-F2PEYP) The sway bars improve the ride quality, reduced body roll making the car more rigid and stable. Installation and setup was easy, being adjustable is an added bonus....
f1dinesh
August 15, 2023
Really nice jacket. A must have for a UP enthusiast!
Montage Ø.
November 12, 2025
You can see my photos on the site under Steve Guevara to see the detailed work that went into the front fascia unit. I said before that my skeptical wife told me to pick out the car that I wanted, so I liked the TM3 the best as my kids are away at college and now it is my turn to be spoiled. I also...
smgdcw
November 16, 2022
Such an underrated improvement to my car, reducing unsprung weight of each wheel rotating at speed, improves steering, cornering performance and very aesthetically pleasing! It's incredible how much lighter they are from the stock lug nuts, which feel like heavy weights after handling these titanium...
Sof
October 19, 2022
The sway bars are phenomenal. I installed these in my 2025 model 3 performance. I already had the moderate lowering springs from unplugged and after adding the sway bars and the end links made a massive difference. There's barely any body roll and the car feels more planted even when heavy...
mauricio p.
April 27, 2025
Wanted an upgrade to the stock suspension that allowed maximum versatility for traversing truck trails towing a camping trailer as well as providing comfort for daily commuter driving. Called and spoke with Kirk Nason at Unplugged Performance in Hawthorne, CA and ordered the D&S PRO coilover kit,...
Mike N.
January 18, 2025
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Unplugged Performance is the world leader in premium performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles. With our USA-made line of stylish and high-performance parts, our sole focus is on holistic development and improvement of all Tesla cars.
Unplugged Performance was founded and incubated by the team behind the world-renowned automotive customizer Bulletproof Automotive. Unplugged Performance is the world's leading company focused on the customization and sports performance of Tesla Motors vehicles.
All of our parts are researched and engineered on our own development vehicles with the intention of improving every aspect of the driving and ownership experience. Unplugged produces an exclusive range of premium upgrades to give a new sporty performance identity to Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck.
Improving on perfection is no easy task, and to do so Unplugged products are professionally designed, prototyped, and manufactured in-house in Hawthorne, CA, and in collaboration with the best motorsports suppliers. The supercar performance of Tesla vehicles meets supercar-grade enhancements with Unplugged Performance.
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