How To Widen Wheel Base Without Spacers?

When thinking of car upgrades that can affect its performance, most people tend to think of things like upgrading the engine or adding a spoiler. But one of the most important aspects of a car's performance is its handling - and that can be greatly affected by the width of its wheels.

The width of a car's wheels is determined by the distance between the inner and outer edges of the tire. And while most cars come with wheels that are a standard width, there are ways to change that. If you want to widen wheel base without spacers, we are here to help.

Why You May Need To Widen The Wheel Base?

Do you really need this upgrade? What if your car already has a wide wheelbase?

There are several reasons you might want to widen your car's wheelbase. Maybe you're looking to improve the handling of your car, or you're simply trying to make it look more aggressive. Whatever the reason, there are ways to widen your wheelbase without using spacers.

Spacers are devices that are placed between the wheels and the body of the car, effectively increasing the width of the wheelbase. But while they may be effective, they can also be dangerous. If not installed properly, spacers can cause the wheels to become misaligned, which can lead to accidents.

Note, that when you have a narrow wheel base, your auto is more likely to roll over in an accident. Widen wheel base can improve the safety of your car and at the same time add to its aesthetics. But does a longer wheel base ride smoother? The two main benefits to a longer wheelbase are a smoother ride and increased stability/capability on steep inclines or declines. However, when you talk about an overall increase in length with shorter overhangs, you create a vehicle that is bordering on unsafe at high speeds.

Wheelbase size varies among manufacturers, but a city car might typically have a wheelbase of 2,430 mm, while a family hatchback could have one measuring 2,700 mm. SUVs tend to have the longest wheelbases at around 2,980 mm. For instance, off-road lovers would prefer cars with a wider stance as it provides more stability on uneven terrain. And in case you live in snowy areas, a wider wheelbase can help you get through the snow more easily.

How To Widen Wheel Base Without Spacers?

So now that we've answered the question "Why should you widen your wheelbase?", it's time to take a look at how it's done. And while spacers are one way to do it, they're not the only way. When you get aftermarket wheels, you have the opportunity to choose a wider width than your factory wheels. For example, if your car came with 15-inch wheels, you could upgrade to 17- or 18-inch wheels. And while that may not sound like much of an increase, it can make a big difference in the width of your car's wheelbase.

Another way to widen your wheelbase is by using another wheel offset and backspacing. Wheel offset is what determines how far the wheel is placed in or out from the center of the car. And while a positive offset means the wheel is pushed out, a negative offset means it's pulled in. If you move the wheel mounting point towards the inside of the wheel (closest to the car), the wheel will be pushed out more towards the outside of the car. The amount it is offset starts positive, but as the number gets smaller, it becomes negative.

If you want to create a wider stance by not only pushing the wheels out but also running wider wheels, all of the same concerns still apply. You will need to be especially careful of clearance between the inside rim and suspension bits like spindles, shocks/struts, springs, etc. Thusly, you will be able to significantly widen your car's wheelbase without using spacers.

No matter what route you decide to take, remember that widening your wheelbase can have its advantages and disadvantages. So be sure to do your research before making any changes to your car. And if you're ever in doubt, always consult a professional. They'll be able to help you make the best decision for your specific situation.

Is wheel widening safe?

The 90-degree angle weld is its weakest spot and common stress, like hitting a pothole, can cause it to collapse instantly. This failure not only deflation of the tire but can also be deadly. A driver could easily lose control and crash.

To reduce the risk of a wheel coming off, it is important to have the welds inspected regularly and to never overload the vehicle. If a tire does come off, always replace it with a new one rather than trying to reattach the old one.

A wider stance can give your car improved handling, but it also comes with some risks. When you widen your wheelbase, you're effectively changing the geometry of your suspension. And while that can improve cornering and stability, it can also make your car more prone to rolling over. So if you're going to widen your wheelbase, be sure to do it safely and responsibly.

How much wider can I go on wheels?

You can usually fit a tire up to 20 mm wider than the original if it's on the same rim. The actual width of the tire expands 5 mm for every 0.50 inch (12.5 mm) increase in rim width. Typically, if you exceed this width, the tire will start to rub on the suspension or body of the car.

And in case you don`t want to use spacers, you can try installing a coilover suspension system. This will enable you to adjust the height and width of your car independently. So if you want to lower your car, you can do so without affecting the width of your stance. Installing a coilover suspension system is a more involved process than using spacers, but it's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a more permanent solution.