Wheel offset (ET)

Wheel offset: everything you need to know

Wheel offset is, in fact, one of the most important of its geometric parameters. The reason it matters so much is this: if a wheel does not match in diameter, number of bolt holes or the spacing between them, you will most likely simply be unable to fit it onto the hub at all, whereas a wheel with the wrong offset (if the deviation is small) will usually sit on the hub without any trouble and seem to do its job normally. How far can you trust that “seem”?

On various car forums motorists often argue about “how far, and in which direction, a wheel’s offset may differ from standard”, and the opinions expressed are often diametrically opposed.

A sales assistant at a specialist tyre shop will most likely tell you that a small deviation from the car maker’s offset requirements is perfectly acceptable, and that if the complete wheel sits properly on the hub and does not foul the suspension or the bodywork as it turns, such a wheel can definitely be fitted to the car. A seller of wheel spacers, for his part, will tell you that reducing a wheel’s offset is no problem at all, whatever the exact figures. And that is understandable: his goal is to sell you wheels, wheel spacers and other goods. Your goal is to buy exactly what suits your car.

So what is the truth? Let’s work through all of it in order, and without rushing.