If you’re scratching your head over what “offset” means and why it matters, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of offset, where millimeters make all the difference. By the end of this, you’ll be throwing around terms like “negative offset” at your next car meet like a pro—or at least impressing your uncle who thinks he knows everything about cars.

What the Heck is Offset, Anyway?
Offset is basically where your wheel sits in relation to the fender. Picture your wheel as that cool cousin at family reunions—whether it’s sticking out or tucked in makes a big difference. A factory wheel usually sits snug inside the fender, like it’s shy and playing it safe. But if you want your ride to stand out at the family BBQ, you lower that offset, pushing the wheel out more. The lower the offset number, the further out your wheels go, like a bodybuilder showing off at a gym.

Think of it like this: a higher offset number means your wheels are hiding under the fender, while a lower number has them peeking out like, “Hey, check out my gains!” And if you’re going negative, well, now we’re talking full-on wheel poke—like your grandma’s hugs, it’s impossible to ignore.

Think of it like this: a higher offset number means your wheels are hiding under the fender, while a lower number has them peeking out like, “Hey, check out my gains!” And if you’re going negative, well, now we’re talking full-on wheel poke—like your grandma’s hugs, it’s impossible to ignore.