You’ve found the perfect set of aftermarket wheels for your Holden Commodore. The design is right, the diameter looks perfect, and the price works.

Then you notice the numbers:

20x8.5 +35.

Or perhaps:

20x8.5 +45.

They are both 20-inch wheels. They are both 8.5 inches wide. So they should fit almost identically, right?

Not exactly.

The 10mm difference in offset can significantly change where the wheel sits relative to your suspension, brake components and guard. A wheel that looks perfect on one Holden can sit too far inside—or too far outside—on another vehicle.

That is why Offset is one of the most important numbers to understand before ordering aftermarket wheels.

At WheelsZone, we deal with Holden and HSV fitment every day, and one of the most common mistakes we see is treating offset as an appearance number rather than an engineering specification.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly what wheel offset means, how it interacts with wheel width and tyre size, and what you should check before ordering wheels for your VE, VF or HSV.

1. What Is Wheel Offset?

Wheel offset is the distance between the wheel's centreline and the mounting surface that sits against the vehicle's hub.

It is normally expressed in millimetres and written as ET, such as ET35, ET40 or ET45.

The basic rule is simple:

• Positive Offset: The mounting face sits toward the outside/front of the wheel relative to its centreline.
• Higher Positive Offset: The wheel generally moves further inward toward the suspension.
• Lower Positive Offset: The wheel generally moves further outward toward the guard.

Most modern Holden Commodore and HSV wheels use a positive offset configuration.

This is why a 20x8.5 ET35 and a 20x8.5 ET45 do not occupy the same physical position on the car.

Higher Positive Offset

A higher positive offset moves the wheel further inward.

This can create:

• Inner clearance problems: The wheel may sit closer to suspension components.
• Strut or shock clearance issues: Particularly relevant on vehicles with modified suspension.
• Brake and suspension interference: The inner barrel and spokes still need sufficient clearance.
• A visually tucked-in stance: The wheel may sit further inside the guard than intended.

Lower Positive Offset

A lower positive offset moves the wheel further outward.

This can create:

• Tyre rubbing: The tyre may contact the guard or liner during steering or suspension compression.
• Guard interference: The wheel and tyre can extend closer to—or beyond—the guard.
• Tyre protrusion: The outer sidewall or tread may sit outside the bodywork.
• Compliance considerations: Excessive protrusion or insufficient clearance may create legal or inspection issues depending on the vehicle and jurisdiction.

So when someone says “Just get a lower offset for a more aggressive stance”, there is an important question they are leaving out:

Lower compared with what wheel width, tyre size and suspension setup?

2. Offset Is Not Just About Appearance

This is one of the most important concepts when choosing aftermarket wheels.

Many enthusiasts associate low offset with an aggressive stance:

“Lower ET = better fitment.”

But that's not how wheel engineering works.

Offset is only one part of the fitment equation.

A correct wheel specification needs to be considered together with:

• Wheel width
• Tyre width
• Tyre profile
• Vehicle model and generation
• Suspension height
• Brake package
• Inner suspension clearance
• Guard clearance

This is why two Holden Commodores can run the same diameter wheel but require different offset specifications depending on the exact configuration.

The correct goal is therefore not simply “the lowest possible offset.”

The goal is:

Flush fitment with adequate clearance.

3. Why a 20x8.5 +35 and 20x8.5 +45 Do Not Fit the Same

Let's use a simple Holden fitment example.

Imagine two wheels:

• 20x8.5 ET35
• 20x8.5 ET45

The diameter is identical.

The width is identical.

The only difference is the offset.

But that difference is 10mm.

Because the ET35 wheel has a lower positive offset, its mounting face is positioned differently relative to the wheel centreline. As a result, the wheel sits approximately 10mm further outward than the ET45 version, assuming all other dimensions remain identical.

At the same time, the ET45 wheel sits approximately 10mm further inward.

Ten millimetres may sound insignificant.

In wheel fitment, it isn't.

A 10mm change can be the difference between a tyre clearing the guard and rubbing during compression—or between having comfortable inner clearance and coming dangerously close to a suspension component.

That's why simply knowing that a wheel is 20 inches is nowhere near enough information to determine whether it will fit correctly.

4. Wheel Width and Offset Must Be Calculated Together

This is where wheel fitment becomes more interesting.

Offset cannot be evaluated independently from wheel width.

Consider these two examples:

• 20x8.5 ET40
• 20x9.5 ET45

The second wheel has a higher positive offset, which would normally move the wheel inward.

However, it is also 1 inch wider.

That additional width is distributed around the wheel's centreline, meaning the wider wheel can still extend significantly further outward than the narrower wheel.

This leads to a very important fitment principle:

That's why experienced wheel fitment calculations consider both the inner position and outer position of the wheel rather than looking at ET alone.

Why This Matters for Staggered Holden Setups

Many performance-oriented Holden and HSV builds use staggered wheel specifications, with a wider wheel at the rear.

For example, a setup using:

Front: 20x8.5
Rear: 20x9.5

cannot be evaluated simply by saying that the rear has a different offset.

The additional rear width changes the inner and outer wheel positions, while tyre width can further change the final clearance.

This is why a proper Wheel Offset and Width Guide is much more useful than simply publishing a list of popular ET numbers.

5. Common Holden Fitment Mistakes

Aftermarket wheel fitment problems usually don't come from one single specification. They happen when one number is considered without the rest of the system.

Mistake #1: Only Looking at Offset

A customer sees a wheel advertised as ET35 and assumes it will fit because another Holden owner is running ET35.

But what if the other vehicle is running a 9.5-inch-wide wheel while yours is 8.5 inches?

Same ET. Completely different wheel position.

Always evaluate offset together with wheel width.

Mistake #2: Copying Someone Else's Fitment

Online build photos are useful for inspiration, but they are not always reliable fitment references.

The vehicle in the photo may have:

• Lowered suspension
• Different spring or coilover specifications
• Rolled or modified guards
• Different tyre brands
• Different tyre widths
• Different brake packages
• Different alignment settings

Even two vehicles of the same model can have different real-world clearance.

Copy the specification, not just the photograph.

Mistake #3: Chasing the Flush Look at Any Cost

A perfectly flush wheel can look incredible.

But a wheel that sits 2mm further outward is not necessarily better than one sitting 2mm further inward if it means constant tyre rubbing.

A proper fitment should balance:

Appearance + clearance + handling + practicality.

The best aftermarket wheel setup is one that looks aggressive without sacrificing functional clearance.

Mistake #4: Installing Wide Tyres After Choosing the Wheel

The wheel may clear the guard perfectly with one tyre size.

Change to a wider tyre, and suddenly the sidewall extends closer to the guard.

This is particularly important with low-profile performance tyres, where small changes in tyre width and section shape can affect the final position.

That's why wheel and tyre selection should be treated as one fitment system.

6. Holden Wheel Offset: Why VE and VF Fitment Needs Careful Checking

When discussing VE Commodore wheel fitment or VF Commodore wheel offset, there is no single ET number that automatically guarantees perfect fitment for every configuration.

The correct specification depends on the wheel width, diameter, tyre combination, brake setup and suspension configuration.

For many common Holden VE/VF aftermarket applications, offsets in the +35 to +45 range are frequently encountered, but that range should be treated as a starting point for fitment evaluation—not a universal rule.

For larger staggered applications, particularly where a 9.5J or 10J rear wheel is being considered, the offset needs to be evaluated alongside the increased wheel width.

This is particularly important when fitting performance wheels around large brake packages such as HSV or Brembo setups.

Fitment Pro-Tip: If you're comparing two wheels with different widths and offsets, don't ask only “Which ET is lower?” Ask where the inner and outer edges of each wheel will actually sit relative to the hub, suspension and guard.

7. What Happens When the Offset Is Too High?

A wheel with excessive positive offset can sit too far inside the vehicle.

From a visual perspective, the wheel may look recessed rather than flush.

More importantly, the inner edge of the wheel can move closer to:

• Suspension struts
• Shock absorbers
• Control arms
• Brake components
• Other suspension hardware

Even if the wheel physically bolts onto the vehicle, that does not automatically mean the fitment is safe or appropriate.

“It bolts on” and “it fits correctly” are two different things.

8. What Happens When the Offset Is Too Low?

Going too far in the opposite direction creates a different set of problems.

With a very low positive offset, the wheel moves outward.

This can increase the likelihood of:

• Tyre-to-guard contact
• Guard liner rubbing
• Contact during steering lock
• Contact under suspension compression
• Excessive wheel or tyre protrusion

Lowering a vehicle can make this even more complicated because suspension geometry changes as ride height decreases.

That means a wheel that clears perfectly on a standard-height vehicle may rub after lowering.

Again, the answer isn't simply “use a higher ET.” The entire setup needs to be considered.

9. What Should You Check Before Ordering Wheels?

Before purchasing aftermarket wheels for your Holden or HSV, work through the following checklist.

If you can answer all nine questions before ordering, you have already eliminated many of the most common wheel-fitment mistakes.

10. The Right Offset Is a Balance, Not a Number

There is no magic offset that makes every Holden fit perfectly.

The correct offset depends on the complete wheel and tyre package.

For example, a performance-oriented Holden may use a wider rear wheel with a different offset from the front. A lowered vehicle may require additional clearance consideration. A car equipped with large HSV or Brembo brakes may require a wheel design with sufficient spoke and barrel clearance.

That's why professional wheel fitment is about understanding the relationship between:

Wheel Width + Offset + Tyre Size + Suspension + Brakes + Vehicle Geometry.

When those factors work together, you can achieve the look you're after without creating unnecessary rubbing or clearance problems.

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11. WheelsZone: Fitment Before the Finish

At WheelsZone, we believe choosing an aftermarket wheel should involve more than selecting a design and colour.

For Holden and HSV owners, the technical specifications matter just as much as the appearance.

Whether you're looking for wheels for a VE Commodore, VF Commodore, HSV Clubsport, GTS, Senator or another Holden performance build, the correct PCD, centre bore, wheel width and offset are essential parts of the equation.

Our Holden & HSV wheel collection is designed around vehicle-specific applications, giving enthusiasts a starting point for matching the right wheel specification to their build.

Because the best fitment isn't the wheel with the most aggressive ET number.

It's the wheel that gives you the stance you want while maintaining the clearance you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel Offset

What does wheel offset mean?

Wheel offset is the distance between the wheel's centreline and its mounting surface. It is measured in millimetres and is commonly expressed as ET, such as ET35 or ET45.

Does a lower offset make the wheel stick out more?

Yes, when comparing wheels of the same width, a lower positive offset generally moves the wheel further outward toward the guard. However, wheel width must also be considered because a wider wheel can change the inner and outer position significantly.

Is ET35 more aggressive than ET45?

For two wheels with identical width and diameter, ET35 will generally sit approximately 10mm further outward than ET45. Whether that is a better fitment depends on available guard and suspension clearance.

What is a good wheel offset for a VE Commodore?

There is no single universal offset for every VE Commodore. Many aftermarket applications use offsets around +35 to +45, but the correct specification depends on wheel width, tyre size, suspension, brakes and the desired fitment.

What is a good wheel offset for a VF Commodore?

VF Commodore fitment should be evaluated using the complete wheel specification rather than offset alone. Wheel width, tyre size, brake clearance, centre bore and suspension configuration all affect the final fitment.

Can the same offset fit different wheel widths?

Yes, but the wheels will not necessarily sit in the same position. A wider wheel with the same offset extends further both inward and outward than a narrower wheel.

Can lowering a Holden change wheel fitment?

Yes. Lowering or modifying the suspension can change available clearance and suspension geometry, potentially creating rubbing that was not present at standard ride height.

How do I stop my Holden wheels from rubbing?

First identify where the contact occurs. The solution may involve adjusting wheel width, offset, tyre size, suspension setup or guard clearance. Simply choosing a lower or higher offset without identifying the source of the rubbing may create another clearance problem.