When it comes to upgrading your vehicle with a set of aftermarket wheels and tires, there are a ton of numbers that get thrown your way and honestly, it can get a little confusing. So we’re here to help! Here is everything you need to know about understanding the sizing of aftermarket wheels.
What is Bolt Pattern
First things first, you’re going to want to make sure that your new wheels are going to bolt up to your vehicle once you get them. Making sure you are selecting the correct bolt pattern is going to save you from a sad day of finally getting your new wheels and they won’t bolt up to your hub. Searching your vehicle year make and model is a quick and easy way to find your vehicle’s bolt pattern. However, if you want to make extra sure, you can look on the backside of your OEM wheels and you will find the bolt pattern stamped into the wheel around the hub or the back of the spokes.
Wheel Sizing and Offset
Making sure you are selecting the correct bolt pattern is going to save you from a sad day of finally getting your new wheels and they won’t bolt up to your hub. Searching your vehicle year make and model is a quick and easy way to find your vehicle’s bolt pattern. However, if you want to make extra sure, you can look on the backside of your OEM wheels and you will find the bolt pattern stamped into the wheel around the hub or the back of the spokes. 
It is still important to understand the sizing of aftermarket wheels. There are three major size components that you should keep in mind when looking for an aftermarket set of wheels. Those are; Diameter, Width, and Offset.
Diameter
Diameter is measured as the overall diameter of the barrel of the wheel. Not to be confused with the overall diameter of the wheel’s lip. The recorded diameter of a wheel is in reference to the diameter of the area the tire will be mounted to.
Width
Width is as simple as it sounds, and is going to be the overall width of your wheel.
Offset
Offset is the difference in the measurement between the mounting surface of the wheel and the center of the wheel. This measurement is measured in millimeters. The higher the number, or more positive the offset, the more the outer lip of the wheel will be brought in closer to the vehicle. The lower the number, or in some cases negative offset, will push the outer lip of the wheel further away from the vehicle.
Denotation: You will see aftermarket wheels list their sizes in the following format;
Diameter x Width +/-offset. For example 20×9 +1
Here at Tire Wheel Experts, we pride ourselves on making it easy for you to find wheel and tire packages that fit right the first time for your truck, jeep, or suv. We take care of the hard stuff so you can enjoy your new wheel and tire setup worry free.
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