What Is Wheel Offset And Backspacing?

Automotive terminology may be difficult for some to wrap their heads around. After all, how can something so simple as a wheel be so complicated? But once you understand the basics of automotive design, it all starts to make sense.

Wheel offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. While backspacing is a measure from the mounting surface to the outermost edge at the back of a wheel.

So, let's take a closer look at two key terms related to wheels: offset and backspacing.

What Is Wheel Offset For?

Wheel offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. In other words, it's the space between the hub mounting pad and the centerline of the wheel. If you want to know how the wheel offset works, you should realize the difference between positive, negative, and zero offsets.

A wheel with a negative offset would have the hub mounting pad closer to the back face of the wheel than the centerline. Most wheels have a positive offset because it improves handling characteristics and helps keep the tire under the vehicle fender during cornering. It also allows for more suspension travel. A zero offset wheel has a hub mounting pad that is even with the centerline of the wheel.

In order to calculate what wheel offset needs your car, you should take the following measurements:

• The width of the wheel
• The diameter of the wheel
• The width of the vehicle's axle

These three measurements are essential to know what offset is right for your car. You can use an online calculator to figure out what offset you need.

What Does Backspacing Mean On Wheel?

Backspacing is a measure from the mounting surface to the outermost edge at the back of a wheel. In other words, it's the space between the hub mounting pad and the outer edge of the wheel. Backspacing is important because it determines how many tires will stick out from under the fender and how close the wheel will be to the suspension.

You can calculate backspacing by measuring the width of the wheel and subtracting half of that measurement from the distance between the hub mounting pad and the outer edge of the wheel. For example, if the width of the wheel is 8 inches and the distance between the hub mounting pad and the outer edge of the wheel is 4 inches, then the backspacing would be 3 inches.

Wheels with more backspace have less clearance on the inside of the wheel and can potentially rub up against the vehicle’s suspension, steering system, and other components. Less backspace means more clearance on the inside of the wheel and little risk of rubbing. Again, those who have (or are planning) on lifting their vehicles and adding larger tires should look for wheels with lower backspacing.

Should I Choose OEM Options Or Upgrade A Vehicle?

OEM wheels come with a zero wheel offset and backspacing. So, when it comes to upgrading your vehicle, you should consider changing the offset and/or backspacing.

A wheel with a different offset will change the scrub radius of your car. A scrub radius is a distance from where the tire contacts the ground to the point where the steering axis intersects the ground. To put it simply, it's the distance between the centerline of the wheel and where the tire meets the ground. A larger scrub radius will make your car harder to turn but will improve straight-line stability. A smaller scrub radius will make your car easier to turn but may cause instability at high speeds.

If you're planning on upgrading your tires, you should also upgrade your wheels. Larger tires require wider and taller wheels. Wider wheels provide more stability and a smoother ride. Taller wheels improve wheel clearance and can help you avoid obstacles on the trail.

Upgrading your wheels is a great way to improve the look and performance of your car. But, before you buy new wheels, make sure you know the right offset and backspacing for your car. Otherwise, you may end up with a set of wheels that rubs up against your suspension or doesn't fit your tires.

How To Figure Out What Offset And Backspacing Is For Me?

We have already mentioned before, that to figure out the offset, you need to know the width of the wheel, the diameter of the wheel, and the width of the vehicle's axle. You can use an online calculator to figure out what offset you need.

As for backspacing, drivers have to diagnose it themselves. It is highly recommended that you take your car to a mechanic and have them check the backspacing for you. This will ensure accuracy and prevent any damages to your car. In order to calculate proper backspacing, you need to know the width of the wheel and the width of the vehicle's axle. You can use an online calculator to figure out what backspacing you need.

You should also consider changing your offset and/or backspacing if you're planning on upgrading your tires. In this way, you can avoid rubbing and ensure that your wheels fit your tires.

If you're unsure about what offset or backspacing is right for your car, you can always consult with a professional. They will be able to help you figure out the perfect offset and backspacing for your car and needs.

Conclusion

So, the main difference between backspacing and wheel offset is that backspacing is a measurement of the distance between the hub mounting pad and the outer edge of the wheel while offset is a measure of the position of the hub mounting pad in relation to the centerline of the wheel.

While backspacing only affects the clearance on the inside of the wheel, offset also affects the scrub radius of your car. A larger scrub radius will make your car harder to turn but will improve straight-line stability. A smaller scrub radius will make your car easier to turn but may cause instability at high speeds.