Wheel Offset

[chgruver]

I know I am showing my ignorance, but I am considering at least switching out my stock steel wheels for some that don't need a hubcap to keep from looking like a spare tire, mainly because it is hard to get to the valves to add air with the hubcaps. I was wondering how the offset would affect the performance and fuel economy, would a wheel that had a smaller offset by about 7mm cause the tires to stick further out to the side than stock? Also what is the offset of the stock steel wheels? Thanks.

[wilbur]

stock wheel offset +46 I believe

[wilbur]

mitsubishi offers wheel options from sparco and a few other companies at the dealer i believe the wheels are approx. 15x5.5 or 6 with a +38 offset. you should be fine with +39 offset wheel depending on the width
make sure you get them to put your tire pressure sensors in your new wheels

[roscoe1972]

1. What would be ideal for the offset for 15in wheels in terms of handling +38 range or closer to +46 (Would the lower # stick out farther)
2. What is the best size tire for a 15 wheel?
3. Anyone think running wider tires will wear the suspension prematurely?

[wilbur]

check out this thread
http://mirageforum.com/forum/showthr...hout-wheel-rub

[wilbur]

check out this thread
http://mirageforum.com/forum/showthr...Help-with-rims!

[wilbur]

check out this thread
http://mirageforum.com/forum/showthr...tires-how-wide

[wilbur]

check out this thread
http://mirageforum.com/forum/showthr...t-a-dealership

[cyclopathic]

1. What would be ideal for the offset for 15in wheels in terms of handling +38 range or closer to +46 (Would the lower # stick out farther)
2. What is the best size tire for a 15 wheel?
3. Anyone think running wider tires will wear the suspension prematurely?

#3. It is usually not the width but low profile. Less shock absorbed - more suspension wear.

#2 I would stick with external size close to OEM; at least it is close to spare.

#1 it is a good question. I had used spacers to reduce scrab radius, and 5mm made big difference for Yaris platform. Not sure what impact will be on Mirage.

[namco]

1. What would be ideal for the offset for 15in wheels in terms of handling +38 range or closer to +46 (Would the lower # stick out farther)
2. What is the best size tire for a 15 wheel?
3. Anyone think running wider tires will wear the suspension prematurely?

1. The lower the number usually means it sticks out further. But its a combo of width plus offset since overall width plays a role in fitment.

2. 195 50 15 matches the usa spec size of 165 65 14 in terms of overall fitment according to tirerack.com

3. Wider tires give more grip and less gas mileage, thinner tires give less grip but more gas mileage. Same goes with running more or less air pressure. More air pressure will result in less grip thus more gas mileage, where as less pressure will give more grip and less gas mileage. As far as suspension wear, its thought that a tire with a shorter sidewall will be stiffer thus transfering more of an impact to the suspension system instead of absorbing it in the tire flex. Me personally, gas mileage is not my goal, thus im going 16" rims with 195 45 16 and eventually getting a full set of adjustable coilovers. Suspension to me is gonna wear out when it wears out. So no big deal. To others.....