Wheel and tyre clearance with coilovers

Send the complete wheel specification

Include wheel width, diameter and offset, tyre size and any spacer already fitted. Tell us the actual wheel model if known. A diameter such as 18 inches leaves the inner wheel position and tyre shape unanswered. Add the target height and the exact suspension kit when asking about clearance.

There is an inner and an outer check

Inside the wheel, the tyre and rim need clearance to the spring, platform, damper body and other suspension parts. Outside, the tyre needs room beneath the body as the wheel steers and the suspension moves. A photograph of a stationary car only shows one position.

The diagram identifies the areas to discuss; the drawn gap is exaggerated and has no numerical recommendation. Final clearance must be checked on the fitted car through the relevant movement, following the kit and vehicle instructions.

Height changes the question

An application’s lowering range is not a guarantee that every wheel and tyre combination clears at each setting. Spring-platform position, tyre shape and geometry can all affect the result. Ask the installer to check the finished combination before settling on a stance from another car’s photograph.

A spacer changes wheel position and introduces its own fitment requirements. It is not an automatic answer to every inner-clearance problem. If one is proposed, confirm the complete wheel, fixing and body-clearance combination.

Make the enquiry specific

Send the kit code and wheel details with a description of the area of concern. If the kit is already fitted, keep clear photos ready showing the whole corner and the closest point. We can check application notes and available options; a measurement on the actual car is needed where catalogue information cannot establish the gap.