A Comprehensive Guide on Determining Wheel Offset: 7 Simple Steps Illustrated with Images
1
Place the wheel on the ground with the underside facing upwards. If the tire is still attached to your vehicle, you will first need to detach the lug nuts and tire from the vehicle. Begin by using a jack or hydraulic lift to elevate the vehicle and ensure it is in a secure position. Then, remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the tire. Situate the tire on the ground with the underside facing upwards.[1]
Safety Precaution: Before commencing the tire removal process, remember to follow general safety guidelines. Turn off the car engine, put on safety glasses, and deactivate any automated startup functions on the vehicle.[2]
2
Gently position a straight-edge ruler across the tire's midpoint. Place the ruler in a way that it lies flat on the wheel, ensuring the middle of the straight edge aligns directly with the wheel hub.[3]
- The hub refers to the central metal part of the wheel.
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3
Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the straight edge. Position a ruler or tape measure perpendicular to the straight edge near the wheel's midpoint. Adjust the straight edge so that it rests near the hub's center, with one end touching the ground beneath the tire. Observe the measurement on the ruler or measuring tape at the straight edge's bottom, where it intersects with the tire.[4]
- For instance, the floor-to-straight-edge measurement may be 244 mm (9.6 inches).
- For the most precise measurement, employ a straight-edge ruler with millimeter increments. If you don't possess a millimeter-marked straight edge, multiply the measurement in inches by 25.4 to convert it to millimeters.
4
Halve the measurement to ascertain the center line. Divide the floor-to-straight-edge measurement by 2 to obtain the centerline measurement for the tire. This value is necessary for calculating the offset.[5]
- For example, if the measurement is 244 mm (9.6 inches), then the center line measurement would be 122 mm (4.8 inches).
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1
Measure from the hub to the bottom of the straight edge. Reposition the ruler or measuring tape so that one end aligns with the hub at the wheel's center. Place the other end against the straight edge positioned above the tire.[6]
- For instance, the distance from the straight edge to the hub might be 172 mm (6.8 inches).
2
Deduct the measurement of the center line from the distance of the hub. The resulting figure will indicate your offset. Make sure to record or remember this value for future reference.[7]
- For instance, if you obtained 172 mm (6.8 in) for the hub measurement and 122 mm (4.8 in) for the center line measurement, your final figure would be 50 mm (2.0 in).
- If your hub measurement is 100 mm (3.9 in) and your center line measurement is 122 mm (4.8 in), your final figure would be −22 mm (−0.87 in).
3
Take note of whether the figure is positive, negative, or zero. A positive figure indicates a positive offset, a negative figure represents a negative offset, and a zero figure signifies no offset. Knowing the offset of your vehicle's wheels is important in order to ensure the correct type of wheels are purchased.[8]
- For example, if you have a front-wheel drive car, positive offset wheels with a specific measurement may be necessary.
- You might have an interest in acquiring negative offset wheels or "deep dish" wheels to complement your car's design, but it's essential to consider your car's specifications, as there may be a limit to how deep you can go.
Tip: The offset is negative if the measurement of the center line exceeds the hub measurement. Additionally, a calculator can determine whether the result is positive or negative.
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Updated: August 27, 2019
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Categories: Tires and Suspension
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