15mm wheel spacers

A 15mm spacer moves each wheel 15 mm outward, adds 30 mm of track width, and gains 15 mm of clearance between the wheel and the strut.

A spacer is geometrically identical to reducing offset by the same amount. Fitting 15mm spacers to ET45 wheels gives you the exact stance of ET30 wheels.

What changes

MeasurementChange
Wheel position15 mm outward
Effective offsetReduced by 15 mm
Outer clearance (to the arch)−15 mm
Inner clearance (to strut and spring)+15 mm
Track width+30 mm

Where the rim edges end up

Starting from a typical ET45 wheel, with distances measured from the hub face:

ET45 wheel, before and after 15mm spacers
WidthOuter beforeOuter afterInner beforeInner after
6.5J37.5 mm52.5 mm127.5 mm112.5 mm
7J43.9 mm58.9 mm133.9 mm118.9 mm
7.5J50.3 mm65.3 mm140.3 mm125.3 mm
8J56.6 mm71.6 mm146.6 mm131.6 mm
8.5J62.9 mm77.9 mm152.9 mm137.9 mm
9J69.3 mm84.3 mm159.3 mm144.3 mm
9.5J75.6 mm90.6 mm165.6 mm150.6 mm
10J82.0 mm97.0 mm172.0 mm157.0 mm

Hardware

At this thickness many cars need longer bolts or extended studs. Check thread engagement before fitting — a spacer that leaves the original bolts short is genuinely dangerous.

Spacers also need to be hub-centric: the spacer must locate on the car's hub, and the wheel must then locate on the spacer's own lip. A spacer that is merely bolt-centric leaves the wheel hanging on the bolts, which causes vibration and fatigues the studs.

Spacers change scrub radius and increase the bending load on wheel bearings, and thicker spacers do this more. This is a real mechanical change, not a cosmetic one. If you are unsure about thread engagement or hub centring, have it checked by someone who can inspect it properly.

Other thicknesses

How are these fitment figures calculated?

Fitment North calculates declared wheel and tyre geometry from the dimensions shown on the page, using the same tested method as the wheel-offset and tyre-size calculator. Tyre diameter uses rim diameter plus two calculated sidewalls; offset comparisons split width changes across inner and outer edges before applying the offset difference. Results are measurement aids, not vehicle approval. Confirm ratings, clearances and manufacturer guidance before fitting parts.