For example what would be the difference in 17x8.5 5x114.3+25mm and 17x8.5 5x114.3+50mm. Thanks for any help.

 

Offset specifies the distance between the center plane of the wheel and the mounting surface. Along with the width of the wheels, it specifies how much the wheels stick out away from the car. In the example you gave, the wheels with +25 mm stick out 25 mm more than the ones with +50 mm. In general, you want the offset that best positions the tires in the wheel wells where they will have the most clearance.

Click on the illustration below to read more.

 

Google: wheel offset

Second return:
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels...d=101

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Offset

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types.


Zero Offset

The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.


Positive

The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.


Negative

The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

So +25mm sticks out more than +50mm. Which one would be considered negative offset or would negative be 25mm and 50mm.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hinds90 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So +25mm sticks out more than +50mm. Which one would be considered negative offset or would negative be 25mm and 50mm.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Negative offset would be -25, not +25. Hence the - sign. Neither of those are negative. The +25mm would have a much deeper dish than the +50, if that's what you're so concerned about. But, the fitment would require careful tire sizing.

 

Thanks for the help just trying to understand offset before I go out and by wheels.