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.
I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?
How much range loss should I expect from wider wheels and tires on an EV, and how do I minimize it?
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.
Aerodynamics
What’s the most cost-effective PPF coverage for an EV that racks up highway miles?
Does adding aero hurt range, and how do you choose ‘high-efficiency’ aero parts?
How do you avoid aero-induced understeer/oversteer when adding a wing or aggressive front aero?
What aero parts are worth it for stability: front lip, splitter, side skirts, diffuser, or wing?
Custom Orders & Pre-Orders
General questions
Installation questions
Ordering & Payment
Other / Miscellaneous
WARRANTY QUESTIONS
Did you know that 90% of our customers express concerns about their vehicle warranty.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
RATED 4.96
(314 REVIEWS)
LEAVE A REVIEW
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.
Dominic Marcu - Racing Driver
perfect! with their help I can have the desired setup for the competition car. the car becomes more rigid and stable
Dominic M.
April 12, 2023
We got these (BBK) installed on our S Plaid was the best think we could have upgraded first. They feel so great when stopping on the big end on the tracks, So much light weight as well from the factory stock brakes.
Thanks
'@EvSmokeATX
November 10, 2022
I ordered my satin graphite UP x BBS Flugplatz wheels in March 2022 and got them delivered and installed in June 2022. The wheels were ceramic coated after delivery. I am running 255/35 Falken tires (all-seasons). These wheels have an amazing design and paint finish. They do a great job at exposing...
Kyle R.
November 03, 2022
I recently purchased the Carbon Fiber long tail decklid spoiler for my Model X, the quality is outstanding, the finish and attention to detail of the spoiler is amazing. Looking forward to installing it on my X when it's being wrapped.
f1dinesh
August 15, 2023
Oh, wow; it is insane that one bar can dramatically alter the dynamics of the car. It is so much more planted and stable during those freeway maneuvers, which was the primary reason I bought the bar. The car is just solid at all speeds. Really solid. What is shocking is that the comfort levels seem...
kjalleda
January 19, 2023
SUBLIME... best description not only does this make your Y look HOT, it make bumps better! Quicker recovery, firmer turns, everything is better! and Blake is the best advisor out there. Pays attention, follows up and ensures everything is working as expected from delivery to install. Great team!!!
forthestores
June 27, 2023
I have both the rear camber arms and the rear toe arms together making the rear alignment easy and quick to change. I adjust back and forth between street alignment for daily commuting and autocross race alignment for race day. These are easy to use and the settings are very repeatable. Customer...
Joseph A.
April 05, 2025
Tesla Model Y Luxury Suspension Kit
RATED 4.0
Good retrofit for a known problem w early Model Y's. Delivery of the parts was very delayed taking nearly three months after order. The installation experience was fine and seemed to be professionally done, however two retention clips on the aeroshield were missing after installation and were...
gabushman
August 01, 2025
Simply love the design of this front splitter. Worked with Kirk on Monday evening, scheduled for pick up Friday morning in Hawthorne, and got it installed the same afternoon. Such a stunning piece, there’s nothing else like it in the market. I love it!
Simon
January 04, 2026
Tesla Model Y Luxury Suspension Kit
RATED 5.0
My 2021 Model Y performance rode very harsh and bumpy. Like the suspension bottomed out on every pothole. I did the suspension upgrade and it’s a HUGE difference. My car rides great now. It handles the potholes no big deal now. I wish I had done this three years ago when I got the car. Sandy...
stevelakeport
September 20, 2024
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up to get the latest updates on UP Products, news, galleries and offers!
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.
TESLA MODEL S - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
- Tesla Model S / Model S Plaid (2021 - 2025)
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S / Plaid Wheels
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S / Plaid Performance Brakes
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S Plaid Performance Suspension
- 2021 - 2025 Model S / Model S Plaid Interior Upgrades
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S Plaid Racing Safety
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S / Plaid Big Brake Kits (BBK)
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid / Model S Drag Racing Upgrades
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid Coilovers
Tesla Model 3 - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
Tesla Model X - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
Tesla Model Y - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades & Wheels
Tesla Cybertruck - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades & Wheels
Tesla Wheels & Rims - Model S, 3, X, Y & Cybertruck Wheels
GUARANTEED SAFE CHECKOUT WITH THESE PREMIUM PAYMENT OPTIONS
TESLA, TESLA MOTORS, and all related brands, marks and intellectual property including but not limited to TESLA ROADSTER, TESLA CYBERTRUCK, MODEL S, MODEL 3, MODEL X, MODEL Y, and the "TESLA," "T" logos designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Unplugged Performance has no official relationship with Tesla Motors.
THESE PRODUCTS CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS WHICH ARE KNOWN BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, OR BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.P65WARNINGS.CA.GOV
COPYRIGHT © 2026 UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE®. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
THE UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE® MARK AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PLEASE REVIEW THE TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY BEFORE USING OUR WEBSITE.
THE UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE® MARK AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PLEASE REVIEW THE TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY BEFORE USING OUR WEBSITE.