What does ET value mean?
2 Answers
Tire ET value refers to the offset value, which is the deviation between the mounting surface of the wheel hub and the centerline of the rim, measured in millimeters. Below is an introduction to ET value: 1. Introduction: ET value is also known as ET offset. The ET value is the Off-set value, indicating the offset, which is the deviation between the mounting surface of the wheel hub and the centerline of the rim, measured in millimeters (MM). It can be positive, zero, or negative. 2. Definition: Off-set is defined as the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and the center of the rim. A positive offset (Positive Offset) is when the mounting surface is towards the outer side, while a negative offset (Negative Offset) is when it is towards the inner side of the rim. 3. Considerations: Changing the wheel's offset will alter the vehicle's track width, which is the distance between the centerlines of the tires. Therefore, simply increasing the size of the wheel and tire without changing the offset will not affect the track width.
When I first got into car modifications, I was also confused about the ET value. It actually refers to the wheel offset, which describes the distance between the wheel hub mounting surface and the centerline, measured in millimeters. A positive value means the wheel sits more inward, while a negative value makes it protrude outward, affecting both the car's appearance and handling. I once changed my wheels without matching the original ET value, and they kept grinding against the brake discs during turns, making a screeching noise. The issue was resolved only after switching to the correct ET45. This is quite crucial—ignoring it during wheel changes might increase fuel consumption or accelerate tire wear. Safety-wise, ensuring proper wheel positioning is essential to avoid accidents. Checking the ET value is simple; it's usually engraved on the back of the wheel hub, or you can look it up online by entering your car model. Beginners must understand this before making any changes.
