What is Wheel Offset?

Offset is the distance between the hub mounting face at the back of the wheel and the wheel’s center line.

Proper offset assures your new wheels and tires package has enough clearance so nothing rubs against the suspension, brakes or vehicle body parts (like bumpers, fenders, mud flaps).

Offset is usually stamped or engraved into the wheel and is measured in millimetres of ‘ET’ [ET is the short form of the German word ‘Einpresstiefe’ which literally translates as ‘insertion depth’]

Backspacing

Backspacing is how much space there is between the back side of the wheel and the mounting surface of the wheel.

Positive Offset

Positive Offset wheels have their mounting surface is further away from the centerline, towards the street.

Zero Offset (ET0)

Zero Offset wheels have their mounting face exactly in the center line of the wheel.

Negative Offset

Negative Offset wheels have their mounting surface tucked inside the centerline, towards the suspension.