Wheel Offset: Everything You Need To Know
Expert Wheel OffseT advice from the Pro Team at 4x4 Tyres
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Wheel offset is a really important consideration when you’re choosing new wheels for your 4×4 or van. Get it right, and you’ll have the stance and performance you want without compromising the way your vehicle handles, steers or rides. Get it wrong, and you’re likely to end up with suspension and steering problems.
Unlike other wheel measurements like PCD and stud pattern (which are much harder to get wrong because the wheels simply won’t fit onto the hubs), doing your homework on offsets is essential if you want your vehicle to drive properly. Read on for advice from the experts at 4×4 Tyres.
Looking for a deeper dish look for your 4×4?
On everything from Series 2 Land Rovers to Amaroks and Rangers, a deeper dish can really look the business and improve handling and grip. You just need to know what will work and what won’t. To get a deeper dish look, choose a wheel with a more negative offset than your standard wheels. Just be sure to get some good advice on what will fit your vehicle and what modifications you might need. Our experts can help – just ask.
Left image: 0 offset.
Middle image: a more positive offset pulls the tyre towards the vehicle.
Right image: a more negative offset pushes the tyre away from the vehicle and gives a deeper dish look.
What is wheel offset?
Measurement of the distance from the centre line of the wheel to the hub of the vehicle. A more negative offset will push your wheels out away from the chassis (the wheel has a deeper dish). A more positive offset will set your wheels further into the wheel arches (the wheel has less of a dish).
Negative
A negative offset in the context of mounting a wheel or tire refers to a situation where the mounting surface is situated towards the inside of the wheel’s centerline. Specifically, this means that the hub mounting surface is located closer to the suspension of the vehicle than the outer edge of the wheel. This type of offset results in a wheel that is tucked further under the vehicle’s wheel arch, giving it a more aggressive, sporty appearance. Additionally, negative offset wheels can provide improved handling and performance by positioning the wheel and tire closer to the suspension components. It’s important to note that negative offset wheels require careful consideration to ensure that they are compatible with your vehicle’s specifications, including brake calliper clearance and wheel arch clearance.
Zero
Zero offset refers to the situation where the mounting surface of a wheel is located precisely at the centerline of the wheel. This type of offset results in a wheel that is equidistant from both the suspension and the wheel arch of a vehicle. It is also commonly referred to as a neutral offset. Wheels with a zero offset are designed to maintain the factory positioning of the wheel and tire, ensuring that they sit perfectly in the centre of the wheel well. This type of offset can be useful for those who want to maintain the stock appearance of their vehicle or need to ensure that their wheels and tires do not interfere with the suspension or wheel arch clearance. Additionally, a zero offset can provide better handling characteristics compared to wheels with a negative offset. Overall, the zero offset is a popular choice among car enthusiasts who prioritize functionality over style, and it is often used for racing applications or other high-performance situations where precise handling is critical.
Positive
A positive offset is a term used to describe the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel. In this case, the mounting surface is located closer to the outside of the wheel’s centerline. The result of a positive offset is that the wheel and tire are tucked further inward towards the suspension and away from the wheel arch. This type of offset is generally preferred by car manufacturers as it provides a safer and more stable ride, with improved handling and steering response. A positive offset also reduces stress on suspension components and provides better clearance for larger brake callipers. In addition, this type of offset helps maintain the overall width of the vehicle, which can be important for stability and aerodynamics. Overall, a positive offset is a smart choice for those who prioritize safety and performance in their vehicles.
What does ET mean?
ET comes from the German phrase for offset – Einpress Tiefe. You’ll usually see an offset stated like this: ET35 (in this case meaning a positive offset of 35mm).
How is wheel offset measured?
Measured from the centre line of the wheel as you look at it end-on. A measurement of 0 offset means that the wheel hub will be on the centre line of the wheel’s width.
The measurement is made in millimetres, even though the wheel width is stated in inches. So for a wheel with an offset of ET-50 (50mm negative offset), the wheel hub would sit about 2 inches back from the centre line of the wheel.
What wheel offset do I need?
Because wheel offset varies between manufacturers, there’s no industry standard for it. The offset you need will depend on what you want to use your vehicle for, or if you want to move away from the factory look.
How to find the offset of your existing wheels
It’s pretty important to know what the factory offset is for your vehicle as a starting point. Steel wheels, it’s usually stamped into the metal on the back of the wheel. On alloy wheels, the offset is cast into the wheel rather than stamped.
Conclusion
Going for a different offset is a great way to modify the stance of your vehicle and improve the way it handles on and off the road. Just make sure you get the right advice before you pick a new offset for your 4×4, truck or van. We’re here to help if you need any advice.
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If you’re still looking for help and advice about your specific wheel and tyre needs, just get in touch with our expert team by email, chat or phone and we’ll be glad to help. get in touch with our pro team for expert advice.
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