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Everything you need to know about spacers

     
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In brief: Simoni Racing wheel spacers are components designed to increase the vehicle’s track width, enhance the visual impact of the wheel, and allow for a more precise configuration between wheel, hub, and wheel arch. The range includes standard spacers with standard bolts, black spacers with black bolts, and specific “worry-free” kits selected for certain vehicles.

Simoni Racing wheel spacers: complete guide to selection, materials, installation, and compatibility

Wheel spacers are components installed between the vehicle hub and the wheel. Their main function is to move the wheel outward, increasing the distance between the wheels on the same axle and changing the overall appearance of the vehicle.

They are mainly chosen to achieve a fuller and sportier look, to correct the wheel position in relation to the wheel arch, or to better adapt certain wheel, offset, and braking system configurations.

However, choosing the correct spacer must be done carefully. It is not enough to choose the most visually noticeable thickness: bolt pattern, centering, bolts, clearances, hub diameter, wheel arch space, and actual compatibility with the vehicle must all be checked.

On this page you will find:

  • what wheel spacers are;
  • what they are used for and when to install them;
  • which materials Simoni Racing uses;
  • the difference between standard spacers and black spacers;
  • what “worry-free” spacer kits are;
  • how to choose the correct thickness;
  • what to check before installation;
  • frequently asked questions about spacers, bolts, and compatibility.

What are wheel spacers?

Wheel spacers are metal discs positioned between the vehicle hub and the wheel. Their thickness determines how far the wheel is moved outward.

In practice, the spacer changes the position of the wheel in relation to the hub, increasing the track width and changing the visual presence of the wheel inside the wheel arch.

This modification can have an aesthetic purpose, as it makes the vehicle look wider and more aggressive, but it can also help manage certain technical configurations, for example when fitting wheels with a different offset or when more clearance is needed from certain internal components.

Important note: increasing track width can help change the perceived stability of the vehicle, but road holding mainly depends on tyres, suspension, setup, geometry, vehicle condition, and installation quality.

What are wheel spacers used for?

Wheel spacers are used for various reasons, both aesthetic and technical. Their most obvious function is to move the wheel outward, reducing the “tucked-in wheel” effect in relation to the wing.

The main reasons they are chosen are:

  • sportier look, because the wheel sits more flush with the wheel arch;
  • increased track width, with a wider and more assertive visual presence;
  • offset correction, when the wheel sits too far inward compared to the desired configuration;
  • more internal clearance, in certain configurations with wheels, brake calipers, or specific suspension setups;
  • aesthetic customisation, especially on sports cars, SUVs, off-road vehicles, and tuned cars.

It is important to remember that the spacer must be chosen proportionally. Excessive thickness can cause interference with wings, wheel arches, suspension, or unsuitable bolts.

Materials of Simoni Racing spacers

Most quality wheel spacers are made from aluminium alloy, a material chosen for its good balance between lightness and mechanical strength.

Simoni Racing uses Ergal 7075-T6, a high-strength aluminium alloy treated with an anti-oxidation finish to help prevent corrosion and oxidation.

The term Ergal commonly refers to certain very high-strength aluminium alloys. The designation 7075 identifies a specific alloy composition, characterised by the presence of elements such as zinc, magnesium, and copper.

This combination makes it possible to achieve high mechanical strength while maintaining a lower weight than other materials. For this reason, alloys such as 7075 are used in sectors where the strength-to-weight ratio is particularly important, such as motorsport, aerospace, and mechanical components.

Why the material matters: a wheel spacer operates in an area subject to loads, vibrations, tightening forces, and continuous stress. This is why the quality of the material, machining, and surface treatment is fundamental.

How Simoni Racing spacers are produced

Producing a wheel spacer requires precise machining. It is not simply a metal disc, but a component that must comply with correct dimensions, bolt holes, centering, and contact surfaces.

The production process normally includes several stages:

  1. starting from a 7075 alloy bar or plate in a condition suitable for mechanical machining;
  2. the part is machined using CNC machines to obtain the shape, holes, and centering;
  3. the component undergoes T6 heat treatment;
  4. an anti-oxidation or anti-corrosion surface treatment is applied.

These stages make it possible to obtain a light, strong component suitable for automotive use, provided it is chosen and installed correctly.

Technical note on thicknesses: the declared thickness of Simoni Racing spacers may have a minimal tolerance in the order of fractions of a millimetre. This possible variation is linked to normal mechanical machining processes and subsequent surface treatments of the material. It is a normal production tolerance and does not affect the function of the spacer, provided the product is chosen and installed correctly according to the vehicle, hub, wheel, and bolts.

Types of wheel spacers

Not all spacers are the same. They differ in thickness, centering system, type of bolts, and application.

Type Approximate thickness Features Installation notes
Thin spacers Up to around 5 mm Used for small adjustments to the wheel position. Always check the remaining bolt length and centering.
Spacers with hub-centric lip From around 10 to 20 mm Equipped with centering to improve the fit between hub and wheel. Require bolts suitable for the chosen thickness.
Spacers with double bolt system From around 25 to 35 mm Wider solutions, often used on SUVs, off-road vehicles, and pick-ups. The spacer is fixed to the hub and the wheel is fixed to the spacer.

Standard spacers and black Simoni Racing spacers

The Simoni Racing wheel spacer range includes different solutions designed to meet different aesthetic, technical, and installation needs.

In addition to standard spacers with a light finish and standard bolts, Simoni Racing also offers black spacers with black bolts, designed for those who want a more discreet, coordinated, and sporty aesthetic result.

Type Features When to choose them
Standard spacers with standard bolts Spacers with a light finish paired with standard bolts. Ideal for classic configurations, light-coloured wheels, or applications where a dark finish is not required.
Black spacers with black bolts Spacers with a black finish paired with coordinated black bolts. Suitable for those looking for a sportier and more uniform aesthetic effect, especially with black, gunmetal, or dark wheels.
Specific “worry-free” kits Kits already selected for specific vehicles, with matched thicknesses and bolts. Useful when you want to choose a solution already configured for a specific car model.

The choice between standard spacers and black spacers is therefore both technical and aesthetic. Measurements, bolt pattern, centering, bolt type, and vehicle compatibility always remain the main aspects to check before purchasing.

“Worry-free” spacer kits for specific vehicles

In addition to spacers selected according to measurements, bolt pattern, centering, and bolts, Simoni Racing also offers a series of spacer kits already configured for specific vehicles.

These kits are called “worry-free kits” because they are designed to simplify the choice of the correct product. Instead of separately selecting front spacers, rear spacers, and bolts, the customer finds a ready-made solution with measurements matched to a specific application.

One example is the DR016018BR1010 kit, consisting of 2 front spacers measuring 17.5 mm and 2 rear spacers measuring 20 mm with bolts included, offered for specific applications such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio, when compatible with the vehicle configuration.

Advantage of worry-free kits: they help users more easily choose a combination of spacers and bolts already designed for a specific vehicle, reducing the risk of purchasing components that are not consistent with each other.

Even for specific kits, it is still important to always check compatibility with the version, year, installed wheels, braking system, suspension setup, and actual vehicle configuration.

How to choose the correct spacer thickness

Choosing the thickness is one of the most important aspects. A thickness that is too small may not provide the desired result, while an excessive thickness may create interference with wings, wheel arches, suspension, or braking system components.

To choose correctly, you need to check:

  • the available space between tyre and wing;
  • the current position of the wheel in relation to the wheel arch;
  • the wheel bolt pattern;
  • the hub diameter;
  • the hub mounting depth;
  • the type of original bolts;
  • the required length of the new bolts;
  • the presence of any lowered suspension setups or non-original wheels.

Measurement must be carried out with the car on level ground and with the wheels fitted. It is advisable to always keep a few millimetres of margin between tyre and wing, also considering suspension movement while driving.

Warning: the ideal measurement does not depend only on aesthetics. Suspension setup, vehicle load, steering angle, suspension compression, tyre type, and approval of the configuration must also be considered.

Bolts: why they are essential

When installing a spacer, the bolts must be suitable for the added thickness. If the spacer increases the distance between the wheel and the hub, the bolt must also be chosen with a consistent length.

Bolts that are too short may not guarantee sufficient tightening. Bolts that are too long may interfere with internal hub or braking system components. This is why it is essential to use bolts that are compatible in length, thread, seat, and shape.

Simoni Racing offers kits with matched bolts, both in standard versions and in versions with black spacers and black bolts.

Installing wheel spacers

Installing wheel spacers requires care and precision. Installation must be carried out on clean surfaces, with compatible components and correct tightening.

In general, the main steps are:

  • raise the car safely;
  • remove the wheel;
  • thoroughly clean the hub surface;
  • check that there are no residues, rust, or impurities on the contact surface;
  • position the spacer, checking correct centering;
  • fit the wheel using the correct bolts;
  • tighten the bolts to the torque specified by the manufacturer;
  • carry out a check after the first few kilometres of use.

Recommended installation: for correct installation, it is always advisable to contact a professional, especially in the case of thick spacers, double bolt systems, aftermarket wheels, or modified suspension setups.

What to check before purchasing

Before purchasing a spacer kit, it is important to collect all the necessary technical data. Compatibility does not depend only on the car model, but also on wheels, tyres, braking system, and the actual vehicle configuration.

Element to check Why it is important
Bolt pattern It must match the hub and wheel.
Centering Helps ensure correct coupling between hub, spacer, and wheel.
Thickness Determines how far the wheel is moved outward.
Bolts They must be correct in length, thread, and seat.
Installed wheels Original and aftermarket wheels may have different dimensions.
Suspension setup and tyres They can change the available space inside the wheel arch.

Why choose Simoni Racing spacers?

Choosing a wheel spacer means modifying a component directly connected to the wheel assembly. This is why it is important to assess the material, machining, surface treatment, and correct matching with bolts and vehicle.

The main strengths of Simoni Racing spacers are:

  • Ergal 7075-T6 material, light and strong;
  • precise machining, designed for coupling with hub and wheel;
  • anti-oxidation treatment, useful for counteracting corrosion and oxidation;
  • wide range of thicknesses, for different aesthetic and technical needs;
  • standard and black versions, with coordinated bolts;
  • specific kits for selected vehicles, designed to simplify the choice;
  • solutions for sports cars, SUVs, off-road vehicles, and customised cars.

Simoni Racing objective: to offer strong, carefully made wheel spacers that can be selected according to the vehicle configuration, with standard solutions, black versions, and kits already designed for specific applications.

Frequently asked questions about wheel spacers

What are wheel spacers used for?

Wheel spacers are used to move the wheel outward, increasing the track width and changing the position of the wheel in relation to the wheel arch. They are mainly used to improve the vehicle’s look and to adapt certain wheel and offset configurations.

Do spacers improve car stability?

Increasing track width can change the perceived stability, but road holding mainly depends on tyres, suspension, setup, geometry, and the general condition of the vehicle.

How do I choose the correct thickness?

The thickness should be chosen by measuring the available space between tyre and wing, while checking wheels, offset, hub, suspension setup, and bolts. It is important to always maintain a safety margin to avoid interference while driving.

Does Simoni Racing offer black spacers?

Yes, Simoni Racing also offers black spacers with coordinated black bolts. They are designed for those who want a more discreet and sporty aesthetic result, especially when paired with black, gunmetal, or racing-look wheels.

What is the difference between standard spacers and black spacers?

Standard spacers have a light finish and standard bolts, while black spacers have a black finish and coordinated black bolts. The main difference is aesthetic, but both solutions must be chosen according to measurements, bolt pattern, centering, and compatibility with the vehicle.

What are “worry-free” spacer kits?

“Worry-free” kits are spacer kits already configured for specific vehicles. They include front spacers, rear spacers, and selected bolts to simplify the choice of the correct product.

Is the declared spacer thickness always identical to the tenth of a millimetre?

The declared thickness may have a minimal tolerance in the order of fractions of a millimetre, due to mechanical machining and subsequent surface treatments. This is a normal production tolerance and should be considered when choosing and checking the component.

Are specific bolts needed to install spacers?

Yes, when the spacer thickness requires it, suitable bolts must be used in terms of length, thread, and seat. Incorrect bolts can compromise installation and safety.

Are spacers universal?

Not all spacers are universal. Compatibility depends on bolt pattern, hub diameter, centering, thickness, wheel type, and bolts. Before purchasing, all technical data must always be checked.

Can I install spacers myself?

Installation requires care, cleaning of the contact surfaces, correct bolt selection, and tightening to the specified torque. For this reason, it is advisable to contact a qualified installer.

Are Simoni Racing spacers made of aluminium?

Simoni Racing spacers are made from Ergal 7075-T6, a high-strength aluminium alloy chosen to combine lightness, robustness, and mechanical strength.

Discover Simoni Racing wheel spacers

The Simoni Racing range includes standard wheel spacers, black spacers with black bolts, kits with bolts, and specific “worry-free” solutions for selected vehicles.

Choose the most suitable spacer for your vehicle by always checking measurements, bolt pattern, centering, bolts, installed wheels, and actual vehicle compatibility.

Other Frequently Asked Question


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