Guide to Wheel Spacer Disadvantages and Advantages

Guide to Wheel Spacer Disadvantages and Advantages

It is undeniable that wheel spacers has become increasingly popular among truck owners across the European region. However, before making the leap into this modification, it's crucial to understand the potential drawbacks and wheel spacer disadvantages that could affect your vehicle's safety, performance, and legal compliance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key advantages and disadvantages you should consider, discuss technical inspection requirements for wheel spacers and introduce you to superior alternatives from MAXLINER that can achieve similar aesthetic and functional benefits without the associated risks.

What Are Wheel Spacers?

Wheel spacers or widening shims are precision-engineered aftermarket components designed to create additional space between your vehicle's wheel hub and the wheel itself. These circular discs, also called widening shim or rim shim, are typically manufactured from high-quality aluminum or steel materials and come in various thicknesses ranging from 5mm to 45mm or more.

How Do Wheel Spacers Work?

The installation process involves mounting these spacers onto your truck's existing hub assembly, effectively pushing the wheels further outward from the vehicle's body. This modification increases your vehicle's track width —the distance between the left and right wheels on the same axle. The result is a wider, more aggressive stance that significantly changes both the appearance and handling characteristics of your pickup truck.

In general, there are several types of wheel spacers or widening shim available:

  • Hub-centric bolt-on spacers: Attach directly to the vehicle's hub with their wheel studs

  • Lug-centric bolt-on spacers: Bolt directly to existing wheel studs (less recommended)

  • Hub-centric slip-on spacers: Slide over existing lug nuts with hub-centering rings

  • Lug-centric slip-on spacers: Attach directly to lug nuts (not recommended for safety reasons)


Benefits of Wheel Spacers

While this article focuses on the disadvantages, it's important to understand why wheel spacers have gained popularity among truck enthusiasts. 

  • Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

By pushing wheels outward, widening shim creates a more aggressive, planted stance that many find highly attractive. This gives pickup trucks a sportier, more muscular look that stands out on French roads from Paris to Provence.

  • Improved Handling and Stability 

“Heel spacers can positively impact vehicle dynamics by increasing lateral stability, enhancing the grip and traction, reducing rollover risk, and potentially improving cornering confidence, especially during spirited driving on winding Alpine routes.

  • Accommodation of Larger Components

Widening shim provides the necessary clearance for installing larger brake calipers, wider tires, aftermarket wheels, and creates space for upgraded suspension components.

Wheel Spacer Disadvantages

Now, let’s explore the disadvantages and potential risks of installing a cale de jante.

  • Increased Stress on Suspension Components

One of the most significant wheel spacer disadvantage is the additional stress placed on your truck's suspension system. When you install wheel spacers, you're fundamentally changing the original geometry of your vehicle. The wider track creates increased leverage on wheel bearings, ball joints, and other suspension components. This additional stress can lead to premature wear and potentially costly repairs.

  • Compromised Ride Quality and Handling

While some enthusiasts claim improved handling with wider tracks, the reality often includes decreased ride quality. The altered suspension geometry can result in a harsher ride, increased road noise transmission, and unpredictable handling characteristics, especially during emergency maneuvers on French autoroutes or winding Alpine roads.

  • Legal and Technical Inspection Challenges

In France and other EU countries, vehicle modifications must comply with strict regulations. The inspection requirements for wheel spacers are particularly stringent:

  1. Maximum allowable track width extensions are limited (typically 5mm from the fender edge)

  2. Only certified and approved spacer sets can be legally used

  3. Proper documentation and declaration are mandatory

  4. Failed compliance can result in fines and vehicle registration issues

Many vehicle owners discover these legal complications only during their mandatory technical inspection, leading to expensive modifications or removal procedures.

  • Installation Risks and Safety Concerns

Improper installation of wheel spacers represents a serious safety risk. The installation process requires precise torque specifications, compatible bolt patterns and thread lengths, professional-grade tools and expertise, as well as regular maintenance and retorquing. Even minor installation errors can result in wheel separation, a catastrophic failure that puts you and other road users at risk.

  • Warranty and Insurance Implications

Installing aftermarket rim shim often voids manufacturer warranties and can complicate insurance claims. Most insurance companies may deny coverage for accidents involving modified vehicles that don't meet legal requirements.

  • Potential for Wheel Well Interference

Depending on your truck's specific dimensions and the spacer thickness, you may experience tire rubbing against wheel wells, especially when turning or under suspension compression. This interference can damage both tires and bodywork, leading to costly repairs.

Rather than risking the numerous wheel spacer disadvantage, you can achieve enhanced aesthetics and functionality through MAXLINER's comprehensive range of premium accessoires pour pick-up.


MAXFENDER FLARE: Professional Styling Without Compromise

MAXLINER's MAXFENDER FLARE accessory provides the wide, aggressive stance you desire without the risks associated with wheel spacers. Our professional-grade fender flares offer: 

  • Enhanced Visual Appeal: Creates a dynamic, sporty appearance that rivals any spacer setup

  • Superior Protection: Guards against road debris and stone chips during off-road adventures in the French countryside

  • Easy Installation: No-drill fitment that won't void warranties or create insurance issues

Available in scratch-resistant black texture or color-matched finishes, MAXFENDER FLARE transforms your truck's appearance while maintaining safety and legal compliance.

While the appeal of wheel spacers is understandable, the associated disadvantages present significant risks to truck owners. From legal complications to safety concerns and warranty issues, the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits.


Ford Ranger Specialists

On top of MAXFENDER FLARES, we also offer a variety of accessories for Ford Ranger owners across the globe. MAXLINER offers specialized solutions, including:

Transform your truck safely, legally, and professionally with MAXLINER

Explore MAXLINER FENDER FLARES today and elevate your truck's performance and style.

MAXLINER offers various accessoires for pick-up trucks, including MAXCOVER, MAXPRO, MAXTAILGATE LIFT, MAXSIDE MOLDING, MAXSLIDING TRAY, MAXLINER WEATHER SHIELD, MAXLINER UTILITY BOX, and more. All are engineered to provide enduring protection, great function, and improve your car's performance.
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