Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers: Are They Worth Buying?

Wheel spacers are popular for a number of reasons. To some, they are helpful for a practical purpose, while for others, they represent masculinity and toughness. Besides this, they have many other advantages as well.

The appearance of a vehicle can be greatly improved by wheel spacers. Additionally, wheel spacers give your tires more room to breathe, reducing the risk of excessive damage. A wheel spacer allows the vehicle owner to use tires that would normally not fit. Additionally, wheel spacers will enable you to make smoother turns while cornering and controlling body roll.

Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers: which is more effective? Do wheel spacers differ by material? People often have these questions when thinking about purchasing and installing steel and aluminum wheel spacers. Let’s take a closer look below to answer all of your questions.

Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers: A Quick Comparison Table

The following section will explore the differences between aluminum and steel wheel spacers briefly. Afterward, we can determine what makes them unique and what questions most people have about them.

FactorsSteel Wheel SpacersAluminum Wheel Spacers
Brand:Wheel accessories partsAramox
Item weight:‎17.49 pounds‎9.21 pounds
Package dimensions:‎9.06 x 8.9 x 4.88 inches12.2 x 6.3 x 4.33 inches
Hardness level:12.9 grade12.9 grade

In-Depth Difference Between Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers

If your desired end package requires an offset that is not suitable for the wheel, you need to use wheel spacers. Whether you have narrow axles and insufficient wheel offsets, you can use wheel spacers to put the tires under the fenders.

Prior to comparing Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers, it would be beneficial to know why such a component is necessary. Let’s find out.

What Are The Benefits Of Wheel Spacers?

People may desire or require a pair and set of 4 wheel spacers for a number of reasons. The main ones are:

  • If you are upgrading your vehicle’s stopping power, you should leave clearance for the brake calipers.
  • In order to enhance stability, the wheels need to be wider, and the body should roll less.
  • For a sportier and more aggressive stance, set the wheels so that the arches are filled.
  • You should replace your wheel stud pattern or offset it with one that has a different pattern.

Steel Wheel Spacers: What Are They?

Steel is the strongest of all metals, as well as heavy and strong. Steering may become more complex, but steel wheel spacers can also enhance the durability of the spacer. It’s a common use for this metal in wheel spacers, though it tends to corrode more than other materials. It’s caused mainly by natural oxidation. Fortunately, it can often be prevented.

Using a black oxide coating on the spacer will prevent corrosion or an alternative that has similar properties. Using a proper coat, steel wheel spacers could last a lot longer thanks to the strength of the steel.

Aluminum Wheel Spacers: What Are They?

Aluminum is much more efficient, as well as much lighter. Aluminum is still a durable metal, though not as much as steel. Because aluminum wheel spacers are lightweight, they make vehicles easier to handle. Wheel spacers manufactured in a quality manner will be light and durable. In aluminum, corrosion is not as likely to occur as in steel. In this case, aluminum wheel spacers might be a good option since they can be more durable.

Aluminum wheel spacers are prone to wear and tear, making them a common problem. It will be necessary to tighten the bolts frequently due to the softness of the material. If the bolts are not tightened, the aluminum will be worn down.

Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers: What Are The Differences?

Few key differences exist between the two. If you’re planning to purchase one in the near future, you need to know the basics of each.

  • Firstly, corrosion is more likely to occur in steel, which can be minimized by coating the steel with antioxidant paint. 
  • A second difference between aluminum and steel is that aluminum weighs less than steel. 
  • Steel wheel spacers offer better maneuverability, although the durability of the spacers may also affect this.
  • Steel, on the other hand, is a more sturdy material than aluminum. Steel would last much longer due to this fact alone. 
  • Again, the quality of the wheel spacer plays a major role in this feature. Therefore, it’s much better to get excellent wheel spacers than to worry about whether they are aluminum or steel.

Pros of Wheel Spacers:

A vehicle’s appearance is enhanced by wheel spacers. Aside from that, wheel spacers also have many advantages. Let’s find out what they are.

  • By adding spacers to the wheels, the tires will also sit farther apart, thereby preventing excessive knocking.
  • Get your vehicle to handle better.
  • Enables the use of bigger brake calipers.
  • Supports wider/larger tires or wheels.
  • Installation is simple.
  • Cost-effective.
  • A wheel spacer allows the vehicle owner to use tires that would normally not fit. 
  • Provides a unique look/stance for the vehicle.
  • Wheel spacers also enhance cornering and reduce body roll.

Cons of Wheel Spacers:

Wheel spacers also have some negative aspects as well. Here are some of them.

Adding them to the vehicle changes its weight distribution. 

  • Steering effort is increased.
  • Suspension components wear out more rapidly.
  • Reduced ride quality.
  • Adding wheel spacers to a vehicle can add some stress to certain parts & systems. 
  • In fact, the wheels aren’t as close together as they should be.

Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers: Cost Comparison

Wheel spacers made of steel cost more in general. Their durability and weight make them more expensive. These factors drive up the price. 

Despite the fact that aluminum is more affordable than steel, a set of high-quality wheel spacers made of aluminum can still be very expensive.

In reality, the price of wheel spacers can vary depending on the dimensions of the spacer (sizes, inches, thickness, weight, etc.), various seller websites, as well as the country.

Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers: What Should You Pick?

Which is better between Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers? You need a vehicle with enough strength to get you from point A to point B. Steel is the way to go. Aluminum will work just fine if steel is not an option. It is always best to buy high-quality products, whichever kind of metal is used. Make sure the parts are properly maintained.

A wheel spacer made of the same metal as a tire hub may improve the wheel’s longevity. Higher-quality wheel spacers will last longer and perform better than cheaper ones. It is also important to maintain the quality of your vehicle.

You probably already know what you should do and what you should avoid. Finally, it’s up to you which one to take.

FAQs.

Is It Safe To Use Wheel Spacers?

The use of wheel spacers is safe when they are installed correctly. Nevertheless, in some places, wheels without fenders or wheel wells coverage are illegal. They’re designed to keep rocks and debris out. This prevents pedestrians and other vehicles from being struck. Before installing them, check with your local law enforcement.

Is A Steel Wheel Spacer Effective?

Steel is an incredibly strong & heavy metal. This may reduce steering response, but it may also increase spacer durability. The majority of wheel spacers are made from steel, a material that corrodes more easily.

Why Are Aluminum Wheel Spacers More Popular?

An aluminum alloy is a lightweight than other metals. While it is generally durable, aluminum is less robust than steel. A vehicle with aluminum spacers has a lighter overall weight, making it easier to drive and boosting its popularity.

The Bottom Line

Which one should you pick between Steel Vs Aluminum Wheel Spacers? Several materials of wheel spacers are available on today’s market. To choose a safe wheel spacer, you need to consider the material.

Typically, steel is more expensive in comparison to aluminum, but aluminum expands more as the temperature changes than steel does.

Although steel is a stronger material, it is also heavier. In some instances, aluminum can reach steel’s hardness, with less weight, greater malleability, as well as superior corrosion resistance. You should choose one based on your own preference. Have a safe journey.

Similar Posts