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What is Wheel Offset?
When looking for new rims and tyres, car drivers stumble over technical terms again and again. One of the biggest mysteries for many is the wheel offset. However, it is precisely this that can have a significant impact on your tyres' performance. Therefore, it is all the more important that you inform yourself before you buy, and the matter of the offset is not as complicated as many may think, and we’ll explain more about it in this article.
How can I find or measure my wheel offset?
One option is to look in your vehicle registration document and see if the rims are registered there. If you do not have any papers at hand, the offset is easy to measure: determine the rim centre from the rim width. Then measure the distance between the flange and the outer edge on the inside of the rim and subtract this measurement from the value of the rim centre.
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FAG Wheel bearing kit
Photo corresponds to scope of supply, 136,5, 85 mm
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The offset can have positive or negative values – or even be zero. The latter is the case when the centre of the rim coincides exactly with the contact between the wheel flange and the car wheel hub. This is why, if you have lightweight alloy wheels, they will protrude further than heavier wheels. A positive value means that the contact surface is shifted outwards in relation to the centre of the rim and the rim sits lower. A negative value means that the rim sits less deeply.
Can I change the offset?
If you modify the offset, you change the geometry of the steering axle and therefore the driving comfort. For each vehicle, the manufacturer specifies values, which are described in the general operating permit or a parts certificate. Drivers who do not comply with these values can become a danger in road traffic and are liable to prosecution.
If the rim width is the same and the offset is too large, this could cause the wheel to drag on the inside of the wheel housing. You can remedy this comparatively easily by using spacers and appropriately extended bolts on all four wheels. If the offset is too small, the wheel may rub against the outside of the wheel housing. This problem can only be solved by making the mudguards wider. You can get some tips about how to make sure everything is properly installed, and the car wheel brace is tightened correctly, in our article - Wheel fasteners: how to install them properly.
Remember, you should always compare the size specifications of new rims with the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer. If the values deviate, you will have to have them approved – but that's not a problem if you can drive legally and, above all, with your dream rims that you can get in our car tyres online shop.
Plan ahead
No matter how many precautions you may be keeping in mind, something can always happen to your tyres while you are on the road. For the worst-case scenario, always keep an emergency car tyre repair kit in your car.
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