how do wheel spacers work

About different types of wheel spacers: Wheel spacer shims, bolt/stud through spacers, bolted spacers with studs and bolted spacers with bolts.

The main purpose of wheel spacers is to give you additional space between the wheel and hub assembly. Basically, it’s not a good thing for the wheel to be too close to other inner components like the wheel well. It would degrade the driving performance of the vehicle if they were close. When making turns, the tire would rub against the wheel liner or suspension components. Wheel spacers simply add a bit more additional space so you don’t have any clearance issues.