How To Measure Wheel Offset

Measuring wheel offset is one of the most important aspects of selecting the right wheels for your vehicle. This measurement plays a significant role in determining how your car will handle, how your wheels and tires will fit, and ultimately, how your vehicle will look. In this blog, we'll outline everything you need to know about measuring wheel offset, so you can choose the perfect Velgen Wheels for your ride.

Understanding Wheel Offset

Wheel offset is the distance between the hub mounting surface and the wheel's centerline. It is usually measured in millimeters and given as a positive, negative, or zero value.

Negative offset means the hub mounting surface is closer to the inside of the wheel, while positive offset means it is closer to the outside. A zero offset means the hub mounting surface is precisely in the wheel's centerline.

Measuring Wheel Offset

To measure wheel offset, you need to find the hub mounting surface, which is the flat area on the back of the wheel that contacts the hub. This mounting surface can be measured by placing a straight edge across the wheel and measuring from the mounting surface to the wheel's centerline. Once you have the distance between the hub mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel, you can determine the wheel's offset. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheel Offset

When selecting wheels for your car, you need to consider several factors. The primary concern should be getting the right wheel offset so your wheels fit properly on your car.

If your wheels have too much positive offset, they will stick out too far from your car, creating clearance issues that can lead to rubbing and even damage your vehicle. If your wheels have too much negative offset, they will be tucked too far into the wheel well, leaving them looking too tucked under from the fender.

Additionally, the offset you choose plays a role in how your vehicle handles. A lower offset will bring the wheel farther away from the suspension, reducing the scrub radius and improving handling on the track. On the other hand, a higher offset will bring the wheel closer to the suspension and increase the scrub radius, providing better comfort and response on normal roads.

What About Backspacing?

Wheel backspacing is another important measurement that refers to the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and the wheel's back edge. In other words, it is the measurement from the back edge of the wheel to the mounting surface where the wheel mounts to the hub. Wheel backspacing is typically measured in inches or millimeters.

How Velgen Wheels Can Help

We at Velgen Wheels understand how intimidating it can be to calculated wheel offset and determine what is going to be the best fit for your car. Our professional wheel experts are here to help you find the perfect look for your vehicle. To contact a Velgen Wheels associate to discuss wheel offset or the perfect wheel for your car, call or fill out our contact us form.