Alloy Wheels Offset, PCD, Plus-Sizing and Up-Stepping

Offset means what?Offset is normally stamped orheavier. Reducing the profile of your tires will also
engraved into the wheel and is measured in millimetersdecrease your car's damping deflection under
of ET: ET is the short form of the German wordcompression the ride quality will get worse. Other
Einpresstiefe which translates as insertion depth.Offsetdisadvantages can include the need for more
is the distance between the hub mounting face at theexpensive tires, your brakes looking undersized and
back of the wheel and the wheel's centerline.Negativepeople's grannies laughing and calling your car a
Offset wheels have their mounting face toward thebuggy.You got the Alloy Wheels and then
rear of the wheel - powerful rear-wheel drive carswhat?Before you do anything, ensure to see that you
often have wheels with negative offset.Zero Offsethave the right sort of bolts - Bolts and studs have
wheels have their mounting face even with thevarious diameters, threads and settings, your wheel
centerline of the wheel and are by definitionsupplier should be able to advice on this. Also check to
ET0.Positive Offset wheels have their mounting facesee that you the 4 plastic spigot rings which help the
toward the front face of the wheel. Front wheel driveinterface between the wheel and the hub.Next you
vehicles usually have positive ET wheels. Eighties &need to jack your car up; do this in a secure way, and
Nineties Volkswagen wheels are generally ET38.PCDbe sure to use axle stands, chock wheels still in
means what?PCD stands for pitch circle diameter andcontact with the ground and apply the parking brake.
is the diameter of a circle drawn through the centre ofOffer a wheel up to the car and check that the bolt
your wheel's bolt holes. P.C.D. is measured in millimetersholes line up, that the wheel locates on the hub
and also indicate the number of studs or bolts theproperly and that there is wheel arch, suspension strut
wheel will have. Volkswagen Alloy Wheels are usuallyand brake caliper clearance. If you have upgraded
either 4x100: i.e. 4 bolt holes drilled through the centreyour brakes be SURE to seek advice and measure
of an imaginary 100mm circle, or 5x100: for VR6s, GTiseverything thoroughly before you order.The wheel
and MK4s.Center bore means what?The center borebolts or nuts must be tightened to the manufacturer's
of an alloy wheel is the size of the hole at the back ofprecise torque. Be sure to re-torque after a 100 miles
the wheel which the hub fits into. To help the wheels toor so as they will compress slightly; tighten them
seat properly this hole needs to be an exact match toincreasingly till they're 3/4 tight then lower the car and
the size of the hub.Most modern wheels are what'scomplete the process.Take care of your Alloy
called hub-centric. This means that the hub whichWheelsAs anybody who's stepped into a motor factor
protrudes from your car, and mates with thein the last 10 years will tell you, there's a huge variety
equivalent sized hole at the back of your wheel, is loadof specialist wheel cleaners on the market, all designed
bearing. All that the studs or bolts do is holding theto help make the job of cleaning your new rims that
wheel onto the hub.If you have lug-centric wheels, thelittle bit easier, unfortunately the real key to a great
state of your studs or bolts is obviously morefinish is hard work.Before you fit your wheels, give
important - be sure to replace these from time to timethem several coats of good quality car polish back
and always 3/4 tighten the wheels off the car toand front. This will help prevent the road salt, brake
make sure they're centered.Plus-Sizing anddust and dirt keying to the surface on first use. Be
Up-Stepping means what?Plus-Sizing or Up-Steppingsure to treat the surface of your alloys as well, if not
are two terms given to the practice of rising thebetter, than you would your paintwork. Remember, you
diameter of your wheels whilst at the same timehave spent a small fortune of your alloys and they're
reducing the profile of your tires to keep the overallgoing to be subject to the harshest conditions of just
rolling radius the same.Benefitsabout any part of the car!Frequent washing with mildly
Plus-Sizing will develop the handling of your car! Eachsoapy warm water; and remember to hose all the
step will decrease the proportion of flexible tire sidewallloose abrasive grit off first. This is the best way to
to rigid alloy. This will improve response, will help keepkeep wheels clean. Do not use abrasive cleansers,
the tire tread square to the road and will improve yourelectric buffers or wire wool pads on your wheels.
car's feedback. If done correctly speed and odometerWhere it is possible let your wheels cool before
accuracy will retain and the car lookcleaning them and keep away from car-wash
better.Disadvantageswheel-cleaners at all times.Huge amount of information
Often, tire inches are lighter than wheel inches.about Alloy Wheels on this site - go check out.
Plus-sizing can make your overall wheel/tire package