2016 Ford Explorer: Tire Sizes, Pressures, & Wheel Specs

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Sizes:

  • P245/60R18
  • P255/50R20
  • P255/45R20 (Sport trim)

• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure:

  • Front: 35 PSI
  • Rear: 35 PSI

• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3mm

• Wheel Size:

  • 18x8.0J
  • 20x8.5J

• Load Index/Speed Rating:

  • 107T (P245/60R18)
  • 107H (P255/50R20, P255/45R20)

• Spare Tire Size: T165/80D17 (Temporary)

• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it's time for new tires on your 2016 Ford Explorer, you have a wealth of options designed for various driving styles and budgets. Here are a few popular choices:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium Tier): Known for its exceptional longevity, all-season traction, and comfortable ride, the Defender LTX M/S is a top choice for Explorer owners looking for a premium touring tire. Expect excellent wet and dry performance and a quiet cabin. Price: $$$

• Goodyear Assurance MaxLife (Mid-Tier): This tire is engineered for maximum tread life, offering an impressive mileage warranty. It provides reliable all-season traction and a smooth ride, making it a great value for those prioritizing durability and everyday performance. Price: $$

• General AltiMAX RT43 (Value Tier): A favorite among budget-conscious buyers, the AltiMAX RT43 delivers solid all-season performance, good wet traction, and a surprisingly quiet ride for its price point. It's a dependable option for daily driving. Price: $

• Continental CrossContact LX25 (Premium Touring): This tire offers a balanced blend of comfort, quietness, and all-season capability. It excels in wet braking and provides confident handling, making it an excellent choice for a refined driving experience. Price: $$$

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

The 2016 Ford Explorer is not a heavy-duty truck, and therefore, you generally should not inflate your tires to the "Max. Press." listed on the tire's sidewall. This maximum pressure is for the tire itself, not necessarily for your specific vehicle application. Always refer to the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side door jamb for the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for your vehicle. Inflating to the maximum sidewall pressure can result in an overly harsh ride, premature tire wear, and potentially compromise handling and braking.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Proper lug nut torque is crucial for wheel safety and to prevent issues like warped brake rotors. For the 2016 Ford Explorer, the recommended lug nut torque is 100 lb-ft (135 Nm). It's important to tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel against the hub. After driving for about 50-100 miles after a wheel removal, it's a good practice to re-torque the lug nuts to confirm they are still properly tightened.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

Owners of a 2016 Ford Explorer might encounter a few common tire-related issues:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper tire inflation, an out-of-spec wheel alignment, or worn suspension components. Regular tire rotations (every 5,000-7,500 miles) and alignments are key to preventing uneven wear.

• TPMS Malfunctions: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warns you if a tire is underinflated. Sometimes, the sensor itself can fail due to battery depletion or damage. While the frequency is 315 MHz, replacement sensors should always be programmed to the vehicle.

• Road Noise: As tires wear, or if an aggressive tread pattern is chosen, increased road noise can become noticeable. Some touring tires are specifically designed to minimize road noise, so consider this when selecting replacements.

• Pothole Damage: Larger diameter wheels, especially those on the 20-inch options, coupled with lower profile tires (like the P255/45R20 on the Sport), are more susceptible to damage from potholes. This can lead to sidewall bubbles, bent rims, or even blowouts.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.