2018 Ford F-150 Tire Size & Pressure Guide

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Size: 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 275/65R18, 275/55R20 (varies by trim)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 35-40 PSI (front and rear, consult your specific vehicle's door placard)
• Bolt Pattern: 6x135mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.5J, 18x7.5J, 20x8.5J (varies by trim)
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Varies depending on tire size and application (e.g., 113S, 116T)
• Spare Tire Size: Typically full-size, matching one of the OEM sizes or a closely related size.
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2018 Ford F-150 offered a variety of tire and wheel combinations across its many trims. Below is a general overview:

Note: Wheel offset typically ranges from +34mm to +44mm for most F-150 trims, while the Raptor has a more aggressive offset around +34mm for its wider stance.

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it's time for new tires, considering your driving habits, terrain, and budget is crucial. Here are a few popular and highly-rated replacement options for your 2018 Ford F-150:

• Michelin Defender LTX M/S: A premium all-season highway tire known for its excellent tread life, quiet ride, and strong wet and dry traction. (Price Tier: $$$)
• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2: A legendary all-terrain tire offering exceptional off-road capability without sacrificing too much on-road comfort. Ideal for those who venture off paved roads frequently. (Price Tier: $$)
• Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT: An exclusive all-terrain tire offering a balance of aggressive off-road traction and good on-road manners. Features a durable tread compound for longevity. (Price Tier: $$)
• Firestone Destination LE3: A solid all-season tire designed for light trucks and SUVs, offering a comfortable ride, good handling, and reliable all-weather performance at a competitive price point. (Price Tier: $)

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI (Heavy-Duty Trucks Only)

For a light-duty truck like the 2018 Ford F-150, you should generally adhere to the recommended cold tire pressures found on your vehicle's door placard. This pressure is optimized for ride comfort, handling, tire longevity, and fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions and typical loads.

However, if you frequently haul heavy loads that approach your truck's maximum payload capacity or tow substantial trailers, you may consider temporarily increasing your tire pressure closer to the maximum cold inflation pressure listed on the tire's sidewall. This is especially true if you have installed "LT" (Light Truck) tires, which have higher load capacities and often require higher pressures to carry their maximum load.

Always consult your owner's manual and the tire manufacturer's recommendations. Over-inflating your tires for daily driving can lead to a harsh ride, premature tire wear in the center of the tread, and potentially compromise handling. Under-inflating, especially with heavy loads, can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to tire failure.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

The correct lug nut torque is crucial for keeping your wheels securely fastened and preventing issues like warped rotors. For the 2018 Ford F-150, the recommended lug nut torque is typically 150 ft-lbs (204 Nm).

When tightening lug nuts, always follow a star or crisscross pattern. This ensures even seating of the wheel against the hub. Tighten the nuts in a few stages, gradually increasing the torque until the final specification is reached. After driving for about 50-100 miles after a wheel removal, it's a good practice to re-check the lug nut torque to ensure they haven't loosened.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

The Ford F-150 is a robust truck, but like any vehicle, it can experience certain tire-related issues:

• Uneven Wear: Misalignment, worn suspension components, or improper tire pressure can lead to uneven tire wear (e.g., feathering, cupping, or wear on one edge). Regular rotations and alignments are key to preventing this.
• TPMS Malfunctions: While generally reliable, TPMS sensors can sometimes send erroneous readings due to battery life, damage, or extreme temperature fluctuations. A fault code or a persistent TPMS warning light usually indicates an issue.
• Rapid Wear (aftermarket large tires): If you've installed significantly larger or heavier aftermarket tires, especially those with aggressive tread patterns, you might experience accelerated wear compared to the OEM sizes due to increased rolling resistance and potentially altered suspension geometry.
• Vibrations: Tire balance issues, bent wheels, or internal tire damage can cause vibrations, especially at certain speeds. If you notice new vibrations, have your tires and wheels inspected.

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