Wheel Offset is the distance between the centerline of your wheel and the hub mounting surface. It is measured in millimeters and can be positive, negative, or zero offset.

Positive offset is when the mounting surface is located toward the outside of the wheel. This is commonly found in most factory wheel setups.

Negative offset, on the other hand, is when the mounting surface is located toward the inside of your wheel. This gives your vehicle a more aggressive look and wide stance. Negative offset wheels are ideal for off-road vehicles as it widens the overall track of the vehicle and allows for better grip and performance.

Lastly, zero offset is when the centerline of your wheel coincides with the center of your hub mounting surface.

The last thing anyone wants is to order a new set of wheels and find out they don't fit properly. Understanding wheel offset prevents potential issues down the road, including the following:

By choosing a wheel with the correct offset, you reduce the chance of rubbing issues on the fenders, struts, and other suspension components.

An incorrect offset can cause damage to both rims and tires. Although it may look aesthetically pleasing in certain situations, an aggressive offset will cause premature wear to tires and could eventually lead to unwanted wear and tear on drivetrain components.

Another disadvantage of having the wrong offset is the poor handling characteristics. Tires are engineered to have a maximum contact patch when they’re mounted with the correct offset. By having the wrong offset, you reduce the amount of grip. This may lead to inadequate brake performance and subpar handling characteristics.