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When it comes to upgrading your vehicle's appearance and performance, custom wheels can make a major impact. However, choosing the right set of rims requires more than just choosing a style you like. Understanding how to measure your custom wheels is important so that they fit properly and improve your vehicle's look and function.
Here, Tires To You South Austin walks you through the measurements and considerations for selecting the perfect custom wheels for your ride.
Two key measurements play a great role in determining how your new wheels will fit and look on your vehicle: offset and backspace. While offset is often the more discussed measurement, understanding backspace is equally important and can actually make the offset calculation easier.
To measure backspace, you'll need to remove the wheel from your vehicle and the tire from the rim. Place the wheel face down on a flat surface. Using a straight edge, such as a metal bar or yardstick, lay it across the wheel as close to the center as possible. Measure from the mounting surface (where the wheel connects to the vehicle) to the outer edge of the rim's back. This distance is your backspace measurement.
Offset is the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. To find the centerline, imagine splitting the wheel into two equal halves from front to back. Calculating offset involves a simple formula: measure the total width of the wheel from front to back, divide that number in half, and subtract the backspace measurement. The result is your offset.
Offset can be either positive or negative, which affects how the wheel sits in relation to your vehicle's body. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the front face of the wheel and creates a flusher appearance with the body. A negative offset pushes the mounting surface towards the back and gives the wheels a deeper and more protruding look.
While achieving the look you want is important, you should ensure proper clearance for your vehicle's safety and performance. Clearance refers to the space within your wheel well for the wheel, tire, suspension components, and brake system. Poor clearance can lead to rubbing, suspension issues, and even brake caliper interference.
While understanding these measurements is valuable, selecting custom wheels with significant changes in offset or size can be complex. Working with professionals who have experience in custom wheel fitment can help you avoid issues and achieve the look you want without compromising your vehicle's performance or safety.
Many custom wheel retailers in Austin now offer online wheel visualizers that allow you to see how different wheel options will look on your specific vehicle model. This can be incredibly helpful in making your decision and making sure you're happy with the appearance before making a purchase.
Tires To You South Austin is your go-to destination for expert advice, professional fitment, and a wide selection of custom wheels in Austin.
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Tires To You proudly serves the local Cedar Park and Austin, TX area. We understand that buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any tire service, from flat tire repair to tire rotation. Let us earn your business. Schedule an appointment today.
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