Wheel Offset 101: What it is, why it Matters, and Why You Should Care

We’re quite sure that whenever you have gone to purchase a mint fresh set of off road wheels, there has been some discussion about the offset.

Wheel offset is one of those technical things that makes many people rather upset. That’s because most do not quite understand them!

This is especially in the context of powerful SUVs and off-roading vehicles that are reliant on specific rims to a great extent. Off-roading is serious business and you must understand even the smallest technicalities to beat the most monstrous surfaces.

That’s the reason why you must have a pretty good working idea about off-road wheels and tires. It will help you become a seasoned off-roader in a pretty limited amount of time!

Without too much ado, here’s what you should know.

Okay, what exactly is wheel offset?

Whenever off-road wheels are mentioned, do remember that they are a combination of the rims and off-road capable tires. Both have to be kept in mind when you are referring to a ‘wheel’, even if you are using aftermarket rims.

A proper offset ensures that both the rims and the tires remain in grand shape for several years to come and provides several memorable off-roading experiences.

There are 2 main types of offsets: positive and negative.

The offset is the angle at which the wheel is mounted vis-a-vis your vehicle’s suspension system.

A positive offset is when the tire is edged towards the suspension and the entire thing (off-road wheels and tires) is mounted pretty close to the chief components of the suspension system. Positive offsets are mostly used in aftermarket rims for off-roading.

A negative offset is when the tire is at an angle that pushes it outside the suspension and its various components. You might have seen racing cars with negative offsets (especially racecars from decades ago) where the tires appear to jut out of the car.

What’s the deal with a positive offset?

A positive aspect effectively brings your car’s tires inside the arch of the chassis. The mounting angle is more pronounced and it helps when you are outfitting your powerful vehicle with bigger tires.

This is perhaps the biggest reason why positive offsets are of great significance in off-roading. When you purchase your next set of off-road wheels (from high-end brands like Enkei, Fuel, American Racing, Method, Vision, or Lexani and a lot more), there is always a chance that you will end up with bigger rims.

That last part also means bigger tires. Oversizing has been a natural instinct for most off-roaders, and it has gradually overcome stiff resistance to being accepted even among puritanical circles.

When you are trying to accommodate larger off-road wheels and tires, you will require a positive aspect.

A few problems that arise from excessive positive offset include:

1. Faster wear of the brakes and TPMS malfunctions.
2. Handling goes out of the window.
3. Fuel consumption is always a significant concern.
4. It might result in a degree of instability when you’re on unpaved surfaces.

What about negative offsets?

As you probably have figured out, a negative offset pushes out the tires from under the arch. At a glance, the vehicle certainly seems peculiar.

It is not recommended for oversizing since bigger tires and rims will create friction with the interiors of the vehicle (from brakes to mud flaps/fenders) and will certainly cause some damage to the suspension’s numerous parts.

The best thing about a negative offset is that it is suited for 4-WD vehicles and aids in better off-roading. The overall stability of the car, regardless of the surface you are driving upon, is also greatly improved.

All said, even if you have bought an ideal set of off-road wheels and tires, there will still be some problems, especially if you are going for higher negative offset angles.

The main problems are:

1. A decrease in the quality of the handling.
2. The suspension system is under a lot more stress than during other conditions.

Of these, the second point is of major concern. Please remember that the suspension system cannot be repaired; it requires complete replacement. It is often a costly endeavor.

I see. But how does this affect me?

Well, if your chosen off-road wheels are badly balanced, terribly aligned, and the offset is not calculated properly, you will face a lot of problems whenever you are trying to accelerate and brake at higher speeds.

Without the right angle of mounting, you will certainly lose a lot of handling control. This might increase the chances of having an enjoyable off-road trip and is a lost opportunity.

You must take into account the element of backspacing the next time you go in for off-roading. Remember that offset angles might actually help your car look a bit more stylish. But substance should always trump style, especially since you are spending a small fortune on branded rims!

Lastly, if you are still drowning in doubt, please ask the professionals. We often go for quality advice from California’s AudioCity USA, a noted retailer.

You can visit your favorite garage for similar high-quality advice as well.