what does ofset mean?

[92wip4dr]

im looking at rims and most say 40mm offset and some say 45mm offset so what does this mean?! what changes? i dont understand..

[Straight Success]

Click on the link in the second gray box titled Offset.

[dysfunk]

^ good link

Offset

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types (measured in millimeters).*

Zero Offset

The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Positive

The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.

Negative

The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle.

*Backspacing, similar to offset, is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel (measured in inches).

[92wip4dr]

oooooooooooooo ok makes sense now thanks! and another question, im getting 17x7 or 17x7.5 rims and i dont know what tire sizes there are.. im used to my 215 35r18's so do i get 215 ? r17 or can i go wider than 215?

[Kevin Chinnn]

oooooooooooooo ok makes sense now thanks! and another question, im getting 17x7 or 17x7.5 rims and i dont know what tire sizes there are.. im used to my 215 35r18's so do i get 215 ? r17 or can i go wider than 215?

I definitely would NOT recommend wider than 215. Btw, do u want any tire stretch? If so, anything wider than 215 wont provide it. 215 may not either

[Domesticated]

I run 215/40/17's on my 7" wheels and hate it. 205 is ideal, 195 would look and respond a bit better.

[deevergote]

I prefer an aspect ratio of 45 on 17s, rather than 40. 45 makes for a taller tire, and gives better protection for the rim against potholes. I dented up my old 17s because I bought them with 205/40/17 tires.

205 should be fine. 215 will fit but MAY rub if you turn sharply, and are lowered. Any larger will almost definitely rub. My wheels were 7.5" wide, and 205s looked decent on them. I put 215s on them later, and it looked beefy. Never did put them back on the CB7 to see how they fit, though.

[nine_deuce]

I have a 205/40/17 on my 7 inch wide wheels, and as mentioned, the 40 series sidewall is a BIT smaller than I would have liked to go with but it works, and with my Function and Form Type 1 coil overs, the ride isn't bad at all. Granted, I'm not super low, either.