What is my stock wheel offset?
In short, your stock wheel offset is the original equipment (OEM) offset value defined by the manufacturer for your exact vehicle, typically listed in millimeters as ET. To know it for your car, check the factory documentation, wheel markings, or the dealer’s specifications for your model and trim. It varies by model, year, and wheel option, so there isn’t a universal number.
Understanding wheel offset and why it matters
Wheel offset (often referred to by the abbreviation ET) is the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline. It determines how far the wheel sits in relation to the hub and fender. Positive offsets push the wheel’s center toward the outside of the car, while negative offsets pull it inward. The right offset keeps the wheels centered under the fenders, preserves proper steering geometry, and prevents brake caliper or suspension contact. Getting the offset wrong can lead to rubbing, altered steering feel, and even safety concerns.
Key terms to know
Understanding related measurements helps you compare options accurately. The bolt pattern (pitch circle diameter) ensures the wheel bolts align with the hub, the hub bore must fit over the hub without spacers, and backspacing or wheel width affects fitment. OEM wheels are designed with a specific combination of offset, width, and profile to match a given vehicle.
How to locate your stock offset
The following steps guide you to the precise OEM offset for your vehicle’s stock wheels. Use these methods to confirm the correct number before buying replacements or making fitment changes.
- Check the vehicle’s documentation. Look in the owner’s manual, service manuals, or the original window sticker for wheel specifications that include the offset (ET) value.
- Inspect the wheel itself for an ET stamp. Many OEM wheels have a marking like ET40 molded or stamped along the lip or inside the wheel where the spokes meet the rim.
- Look up the OEM part number. The wheel’s part number printed on the back or on a sticker can be cross-referenced in the manufacturer’s catalog or dealer portal to reveal the offset.
- Use the VIN to pull the build sheet. Some manufacturers provide online VIN decoding or dealer support tools that list the exact wheel spec assigned to your vehicle by factory configuration.
- Consult a dealer or the manufacturer if you can’t locate the information. Provide your year, make, model, trim, and wheel size to get the precise OEM offset for your stock wheels.
Note: OEM offsets are specific to the factory wheel and tire package installed on your car. Aftermarket wheels may use different offsets, widths, or hub bore sizes, which can affect fitment and clearance.
What to do with offset information when shopping or upgrading
Knowing the stock offset helps you evaluate replacement wheels and tires, ensuring proper fit and avoiding clearance issues with brakes, suspension, and fenders. If you’re considering a different offset, you’ll want to understand how changes of a few millimeters can shift the wheel’s position and influence alignment, steering feel, and potential rubbing.
Practical considerations
When comparing wheels, consider not only offset but also width, diameter, and backspacing. A change of more than roughly 5–10 mm in offset can noticeably alter fitment; wider wheels or lower offsets may require fender rolling or trimming, while higher offsets can push the tire away from the brake components.
Summary
Your stock wheel offset is the OEM ET value assigned to the wheels that came with your vehicle. To find it, consult the owner’s manual, wheel stamping, OEM part numbers, VIN-based build data, or your dealer. Accurate offset ensures proper wheel alignment, steering response, and tire clearance, and helps prevent rubbing or brake interference when upgrading wheels or tires. When in doubt, verify the exact spec with a knowledgeable dealer or the manufacturer.
