If you're an automotive enthusiast, you probably know what wheel gaps are. It's the vertical distance between your car's tire and fender. Many cars from factories have large wheel gaps due to automotive laws and regulations, and other considerations such as different wheel sizes that are offered as a factory option.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that not all cars can have their wheel gap eliminated. Some cars come with a lot of wheel gaps, and it is impossible to eliminate them. However, most cars can have their wheel gap reduced with some modifications.
Most of the time it’s an aesthetic thing as many sports cars come with large wheel gaps and people who like the sports car don’t like the “4x4” look on them. Lowering the car makes the overall look more aggressive and sporty looking. Besides the aesthetic aspects, it makes the car's center of gravity lower to slightly improve handling. And depending on how you lowered the car, there are other benefits or functionalities that come with the suspension parts.
You can reduce wheel gaps by running larger-diameter wheels or taller sidewall profile tires. For example, assuming tire sidewall height remains unchanged, by upsizing from 19” to 20”, the wheel gap is reduced by 0.5”, but by doing so, the bottom of the car is also raised by 0.5” (1”/2=0.5”). Running taller sidewall tires has a similar effect. This method is limited to the amount of wheel gap you can reduce and often lead to a very meaty-looking tire setup.
Using a lowering spring is the most popular and economical method to lower a car. It lowers the car by replacing the stock spring with a shorter one so the car sits lower compared to the factory height. Depending on which spring you get, you can lower the car anywhere from ¼” to a couple of inches. The downside is that the springs are non-adjustable meaning the ride height is fixed once the springs are installed. Before purchasing the springs, make sure the spring’s size, spring rate, and shape are suitable for your car’s model and make. Aftermarket springs can also help firm up the ride if you think your stock suspension is too soft by choosing a stiffer spring. Some reputable spring manufacturers are Eibach, H&R. Tein, KW, Megan Racing, HKS, BC Racing, etc.
This is the professional way of lowering a car however depending on which Coilover you get, it can cost 10 times the cost of lowering springs. It lowers the car by replacing the factory suspension system with new struts and parts. The benefit of coilovers is that you can dial in the suspension height and behaviors to your liking. Aftermarket coilovers usually give you options for adjustable height, rebound, compression, stiffness, and more. So in addition to lowering your car, you can change your car’s handling by fine-tuning the setting on coilovers. Reputable coilover brands are KW Suspension, Bilstein, Tein, HKS, BC Racing, Ohlins, Eibach, and more.
Unfortunately, there is no other way to properly and safely reduce wheel gaps other than the methods stated above. You may have seen people say putting on spacers can help, however, it only brings more visual attention to the wheel gap and makes the gap appear even larger.
It's essential to consider the legal implications of modifying your car's suspension. Lowering your car's suspension can affect its handling and may not be legal in some areas. It's important to check local laws and regulations before making any modifications.
In conclusion, eliminating wheel gaps in a car can improve its appearance and handling. Lowering spring is the best option if your budget is limited, while coilovers offer comprehensive tuning options with a premium price tag.
