What is the offset on the BRZ wheels?
When it comes to modifying or maintaining your Subaru BRZ, understanding the specifications of your wheels is crucial. One of the most important aspects to consider is the wheel offset. In this article, we’ll break down what wheel offset means, the specific offset for the BRZ, and why it matters for your car’s performance and aesthetics.
What Is Wheel Offset?
Wheel offset refers to the distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline. It is measured in millimeters and can be positive, negative, or zero:
- Positive Offset: The mounting surface is closer to the front (outer side) of the wheel. This is common in most modern cars.
- Negative Offset: The mounting surface is closer to the back (inner side) of the wheel, giving the wheel a deeper dish appearance.
- Zero Offset: The mounting surface is perfectly aligned with the centerline of the wheel.
The offset affects how the wheels sit in relation to the car’s fenders and suspension components. Choosing the right offset ensures proper fitment and avoids issues like rubbing or poor handling.
What Is the Stock Offset for the Subaru BRZ?
The stock wheel offset for the Subaru BRZ typically ranges from +42mm to +48mm, depending on the specific model year and trim. For example, the standard 17-inch wheels on many BRZ models have an offset of +48mm. This positive offset ensures that the wheels sit flush with the fenders while maintaining proper clearance from the suspension components.
Why Does Wheel Offset Matter?
Choosing the correct wheel offset is essential for several reasons:
- Fitment: The right offset ensures that the wheels fit properly without rubbing against the fenders or suspension.
- Handling: Incorrect offset can negatively impact your car’s handling and stability, especially during cornering.
- Aesthetics: Offset affects how the wheels sit in the wheel wells, influencing the overall look of your car.
- Safety: Improper offset can lead to uneven tire wear and stress on suspension components, potentially causing damage over time.
Can You Change the Offset on Your BRZ?
Yes, you can change the offset when upgrading or replacing your wheels, but it’s important to stay within a safe range. For the Subaru BRZ, offsets between +35mm and +48mm are generally considered safe for most aftermarket wheels. However, always double-check fitment with your specific setup, especially if you’re using wider tires or lowering your car.
Conclusion
Understanding the wheel offset on your Subaru BRZ is key to maintaining its performance, safety, and appearance. Whether you’re sticking with stock wheels or upgrading to aftermarket options, ensure that the offset is compatible with your car’s specifications. If you’re unsure, feel free to consult with a trusted auto service professional—like us at Kevin’s Autos—who can guide you through the process and help you make the best choice for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my factory wheel offset?
You can find offset measurement embossed at the back of the wheel. It's either on the mounting plate or on the spoke's rear. It often ends with the letters "ET," but it can also be in the beginning. So, both ET45 and 45ET mean 45 mm offset.
What is the offset on stock FRS wheels?
+48 offset
The stock wheels for the Scion FRS are 17x7 inches with a +48 offset for both front and rear. This means that they have a width of 7 inches and an offset of +48mm from the centerline of the wheel mounting surface.
What wheel offset is best?
Remember This About Wheel Offset
Offset measurements can be tricky. Even if the tire and wheel have enough clearance, the wrong offset can decrease vehicle stability. Generally, with new wheels, you don't want the new offset to be more than 5 millimeters different from the old offset.
What does 44mm offset mean on rims?
Similar to measuring positive, negative offset is how far behind the centerline of the wheel the backpad sits. If the backpad is 44mm behind the centerline, the offset is -44. Like too much positive offset, even too much negative offset can pose risks. It may cause improper handling and more stress on the suspension.
What is the offset on my rims?
"The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel."
What is 35 offset on a wheel?
If the face is toward the outside, it has positive offset. Positive offsets can be used to clear big brakes. If the face is toward car, it has negative offset. Think deep dish wheels. +35 means the face of the wheel is 35mm from the centerline toward the outside.
Does negative offset stick out more?
Positive offset refers to a wheel in which the mounting flange is pushed closer toward the outer lip, resulting in a recessed, sunken-in appearance. Inversely, negative offset refers to the mounting flange positioned further inward from the wheel's centerline, thus prompting the wheel to protrude further from the body.
What size tires are on the brz?
Subaru BRZ Tire Size: P215/45R17 or P215/40R18 are ideal. Subaru Forester Tire Size: Opt for P225/55R18 or P225/60R17, and always double-check the Subaru Forester Tire Size for your specific vehicle. Subaru Ascent Tire Size: Choose P245/50R20 or P245/60R18.
What is the offset on Subaru BRZ wheels?
The Subaru BRZ bolt pattern is 5x100. 18" Wheels is the most popular sizing for all generations of Subaru BRZ. Paired with a 35mm offset (ET35), you can achieve a more flushed look.
What is +20 offset?
WHAT DOES POSITIVE OFFSET MEAN? If the back pad is in front of the wheel's centerline, towards the wheel's face, the offset is positive. So a wheel with the back pad 20mm in front of the centerline of the wheel, the offset becomes +20.
