Increasing offset focus mk 3

theone8181 · 28 Jul 2015 at 07:26

Hi guys, ive been looking at winter wheel/tyre combos for the focus (i no some of you disagree with them but i'd rather have them then not). The standard wheels are 18's with a 55 offset, is it going to compromise anything by having a 45 offset? I realise it will make the track a tad wider but is there much of a downside?

Cheers

Chris

Steedie · 28 Jul 2015 at 09:21

EDIT - Nevermind, misunderstood

rodenal · 28 Jul 2015 at 09:30

Can't see you having major issues - they might look a little odd and potentially you'll maybe need to be careful on full lock

xs2man · 28 Jul 2015 at 09:32

It'll just push the faces of the wheels (well, the whole wheel really, but you'll only notice the faces) out towards the arch by 10mm, same as running spacers, it will likely look better for it too. Usually you go down a wheel size when moving to a winter package, so you shouldn't experience any rubbing or whatever. But even staying at the same wheel / tyre sizes, 10mm doesn't usually make enough of a difference to create rubbing issues on standard wheel sizes. Of course, if you have moved up a couple inches diameter, and an inch or so width from OE spec, this might change.

Dogbreath · 28 Jul 2015 at 10:17

10mm is enough to affect the steering, potentially causing tramlining and more kickback through the wheel.

Lopéz · 28 Jul 2015 at 13:58

You'll probably get more steering kickback like Dogbreath mentions. I increased the offset on my old Golf by something like 30mm a side and that was very noticeable, on a rough surface you had to show it who was boss.

xs2man · 28 Jul 2015 at 16:40

10mm is nothing though. I've done it many times and felt no effect whatsoever. 30mm is a sizeable chunk though.

Clarkey · 28 Jul 2015 at 17:26

I doubt you will notice much of a difference at all. My Nissan is 21mm less offset (increased scrub radius) on the fronts, I don't really feel any negative effects. I think the BMW was even more than that with the spacers I had, same story, felt no difference. With it being FWD it might be a slightly different story though, I think increased scrub radius also increases torque steer on those.