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
(317 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.
I bought my spoiler as soon as my new Model 3 2021was delivered to Vancouver in March 2021. A friend of mine had suggested getting this one specifically and when we added it to my new white Tesla with its dark glass roof-and my extra tinted windows this Black Carbon spoiler added a perfect finishing...
Brian M.
September 29, 2022
Great complement to my Model Y's coil overs and sway bar set up. Significant handling improvements overall. Best of all, these camber arms give me the peace of mind of not worrying about uneven tire wear after dropping my ride height 1 inch. Car looks and feels great on the road.
James_M
September 05, 2022
Tesla will just replace the entire control arm, with THE SAME inferior rubber bushing. Was happy to find these UPGRADED bushings to solve the problem for good. Excellent customer service as well.
James T.
January 15, 2025
Model S / Model S Plaid (2021+) UP x PFC Large Sweep Brake Rotor and Pad Set (For OEM Caliper)
RATED 5.0
I upgraded to these from my stock rotors and pads primarily for the lighter unsprung weight as I take my car to the drag strip on occasion. There was a noticeable difference in how early I was to stop in the slow-down zone after the 1/4 mile. I also bought their Stainless Steel Brake lines and...
Kyle S.
September 24, 2022
I purchased these as set with my coil overs and these are definite must to install. These bushing add great handling to your steering. Steering is more accurate and responds well to the drivers needs. Highly recommend!
jesus.ruiz.2389
February 02, 2023
Was hesitant to purchase but after seeing my before/after alignment report I am so glad I did. For everything Tesla does well, alignment from the factory needs work. UP perfectly aligned my M3. Highly recommend this product if you are installing the dual rate lowering springs. Call and ask for Kirk...
Jordan C.
June 09, 2023
Best bang for your buck upgrade for your Tesla. Unplugged Performance installed these a few months after I got my Model 3 and was an immediate and significant difference. Eliminated body roll and sway in corners and car stays so much flatter. The difference is significant and very noticeable. Such...
zackfeldstein9
September 23, 2022
Great experience. The Unplugged team was very helpful and answered all of my questions regarding the drop and clearance. The photos in the gallery were super helpful as well.
lwrcspr
August 20, 2025
I purchased this Unplugged Performance Ascension-R Carbon Fiber Rear Wing for my Model 3 and I'm very happy with it. It not only looks good but it's adjustable and increase downforce as well. I will placing another order soon for my Model Y. Highly recommended! Link:...
f1dinesh
August 07, 2023
Very impressed with this tire and wheel set. I have a blue Model Y and I think that the Satin Asteroid Graphite go really well with my car’s color. I also went with the Yokohama 275/40/20 wide tire set up and they make the ride way more comfortable than before, a perfect addition to my UP comfort...
James_M
October 15, 2022
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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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