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.
Can I run a wider tire on UP aftermarket wheels for better grip?
Where can I find the correct tire size for my UP aftermarket wheels?
Do I need different tire sizes if I install Unplugged Performance aftermarket wheels?
What size tires does the Tesla Model S use?
What size tires does the Tesla Model 3 use?
What off-road tires are available for the Tesla Model Y?
What size tires does the Tesla Model Y use?
What size tires does the Tesla Cybertruck use?
Does Unplugged Performance install tires?
How do I know which tires fit my Tesla?
Can you put off-road or all-terrain tires on a Tesla?
What tire brands does Unplugged Performance carry for Tesla?
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
Where has Unplugged Performance raced their Tesla race cars?
How much does it cost to build a full-spec Tesla Model 3 race car with Unplugged Performance?
Does Unplugged Performance offer full race car build and support services for Tesla vehicles?
Does Unplugged Performance offer a Tesla racing program consultation along with specialized products and services?
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 4.97
(375 REVIEWS)
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Added these high quality RAC arm set to the D&S PRO coilover suspension lift kit. The ride is amazing after installation and alignment. Highly recommend.
Mike N.
January 18, 2025
An absolutely must have product!
I have a 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range and since the beginning could not stop noticing how rough the ride was. In the Bay Area the roads are ridiculously uneven and are in terrible conditions with bumps, potholes, uneven payments and much more on the roads leading...
yoseft5167
July 04, 2023
As part of my purchase of the Luxury Coilover Suspension for my Model Y, I included both the Front Upper Control Arms and Rear Camber Arms, to mitigate any issues with uneven tire wear. When I purchased the UP / BBS Flugplatz wheels with tires, I was relieved that the additional 2 pieces were...
p.flores
September 16, 2022
A perfect look on the UP-03 wheels I got for my model 3!
Frank
August 09, 2023
Excellent service and very professional!
Joey
April 10, 2026
This has been the most important upgrade I’ve made to my car besides the UP carbon ceramic brakes. The adjustability of these suspension parts is second to none. UP does amazing R&D to come up with the best solutions for Teslas, and this product is no exception. Born from race tech they use on...
Sof
October 19, 2022
These coils-overs provided my vehicle with the necessary lift and dampening required to conquer truck trails on the way isolated camp sites (San Bernardino Forest Yellow Post).
Love this product.
Another great feature is the ability to access the dampening adjustments with little effort. (Top frunk...
josephschneider77
November 04, 2022
Installed traction and trailing arms on 2024 Model 3 Performance, keeps the rear end more stable, especially on hard acceleration and deceleration at the track.
Shimmy
October 23, 2024
These are absolutely THE BEST brakes (https://www.instagram.com/p/CveWNmjvKwT/) They work flawlessly lap after lap with it's nonstop stopping power, they will last forever. Incredible value for money and Highly recommend to anyone considering using their Tesla for both track and street.
f1dinesh
August 15, 2023
The Burnt Titanium looks fantastic. Gives the car a little flair. I love the Burnt Titanium, I have multiple accessories that match it.
Les M.
April 17, 2026
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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.
TESLA MODEL S - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
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