17/03/2023
Offset
When buying a wheel rim, the word "offset" is occasionally mentioned and especially when changing to wider wheels, this term is often encountered. We will tell you what it actually means and explain the consequences of a too low and too high offset.
What is the offset?
Offset is the distance between the center of the rim and the wheel connection. This may sound complicated to the layman at first, but the two terms are quite simple at second glance. The rim center is the center of the rim and represents the suspension of the rim on the wheel connection. The wheel connection (or wheel connection surface) is part of the vehicle and the place where the rims are mounted.
The offset is the distance between the center of the rim and the wheel connection (of the vehicle) and is given in millimeters (mm). The offset thus represents, how deep the rim is in the wheel housing under the vehicle.
Positive and negative offset
If the distance between the base of the wheel and the center of the rim is ideal, then the rim fits perfectly and one can speak of an 0 offset. Each vehicle has an exact offset prescribed. If there are deviations in an installed rim this can be against the law.
But how does it look if this is not the case and the rim is lower or higher? We have listed the two cases here:
Positive offset ET+
A positive offset exists when the distance between the wheel shoulder and the center of the rim is the largest. In other words, the wheel shoulder is the furthest away from the center of the rim. The rim is therefore very far inside and therefore very deep. You can also call it a too low offset.
A possible consequence can be the grinding of the rim inside on the wheel housing. Spacers are recommended for this. However, this requires longer bolts for wheel mounting.
Negative offset ET-
With negative offsets, the situation is the other way around: the center of the rim sit s further outside the wheel housing, which means that the rim sits very far out. The wheel shoulder is "deep" in the center of the rim.
Consequences could be a grinding of the rim on the outside of the wheel housing as well as a widening of the track width. The former can be compensated by widening the fender, for the latter, care should be taken to ensure that the front and rear axles have the same track width.
Where can I find the offset?
The offset is specified by the manufacturer in the General Operating Permit. Furthermore, it can also be found (usually stamped) on the rim itself with the "IS" abbreviation or under „offset“.
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