Yes you increase the space between the inner lip (back side) of the wheel and the suspension components, But you decrease the space between the outer wheel lip (face) and the fender. So while you gain clearance on one side, you lose it on the other.

 

Could I roll the fenders? I have never done it but I can try to find someone to do it locally.

 

There is more room on the other side, but spacers don't make your wheel any wider. You can often size up a bit on the width of the tire, but if you do too much the tire ends up being designed for a rim much wider than yours is. That means the tire isn't being secured as it normally would, which could be dangerous. I would definitely doubt that you can safely increase the width of your tires enough to really protect your rims as well.

Best idea may be to try to teach your wife, and just wait for her to get her own car. Then you can just have your wheels refinished back to perfection. And you can always charge her each time it gets scratched up to help pay for that, or I'm sure you could figure something out

 

I guess my last question would be: What is the widest tire that could be fitted into my rims? I currently have 285/30/20 on back so I know this would be a good size but with spacers would this tire work up front?