2018 Nissan Altima Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service the 2018 Nissan Altima. It’s a popular, reliable midsize sedan, but like any vehicle, maintaining the correct tire specifications is crucial for safety, fuel economy, and tire longevity. Whether you are patching a flat, rotating your tires, or shopping for a completely new set, here is everything you need to know about the 2018 Nissan Altima's tire size, pressure, and wheel specs.

Quick answer

• OEM tire size: 215/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18 (depending on trim level)
• Recommended cold tire pressure: 32 PSI front / 32 PSI rear (varies slightly up to 33 PSI on 18-inch wheels; always check the driver's door placard)
• Bolt pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5")
• Wheel size: 16x7.0", 17x7.5", or 18x7.5"
• Load index/speed rating: 95T (16"), 94V (17"), 94V (18")
• Spare tire size: T135/90D16 (compact temporary spare)
• TPMS frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Nissan offered several wheel and tire packages for the 2018 Altima, tailored to different trim levels. Always verify your current tire sidewall to ensure you are buying the correct size.

Recommended replacement tires

If your tread depth is below 4/32" or your tires are over six years old, it's time for replacement. Here are a few excellent options for the 2018 Altima across different price points:

• Premium: Michelin Defender T+H – Unbeatable tread life, quiet ride, and excellent all-season traction.
• Mid-Range: General AltiMAX RT43 or RT45 – A great balance of price, wet-weather grip, and comfort.
• Budget: Falken Sincera SN250 A/S – A highly capable, affordable all-season tire that doesn't compromise heavily on safety.

When to inflate to max load psi

Note: This section typically applies to Heavy Duty (HD) trucks towing massive payloads. Because the 2018 Nissan Altima is a midsize passenger sedan, you should never inflate your tires to the "Max Press" listed on the tire sidewall. Inflating to the maximum sidewall pressure (often 44 or 51 PSI) will cause a harsh ride, uneven center-tread wear, and a higher risk of blowouts. Always stick to the 32–33 PSI recommendation found on the driver-side door jamb placard, even when the car is fully loaded with passengers.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Properly torquing your wheels is vital. Over-tightening can warp the brake rotors, leading to a pulsation in the brake pedal, while under-tightening can cause the wheel to loosen while driving.

• Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm
• Lug Nut Torque: 83 ft-lbs (113 Nm)
• Thread Size: M12 x 1.25

Always use a calibrated torque wrench and tighten the lug nuts in a star (crisscross) pattern to ensure even clamping force.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

The 2018 Altima is generally gentle on tires, but there are a few common issues we see in the shop:

1. Rear suspension alignment issues: If the rear tires are cupping (developing scalloped dips in the tread) or wearing heavily on the inside edge, the vehicle likely needs a four-wheel alignment.
2. TPMS sensor battery failure: The 433 MHz TPMS sensors on this generation of Altima typically last 5 to 7 years. Because this is a 2018 model, you may start seeing the low tire pressure light flashing before going solid, which usually indicates a dead sensor battery requiring sensor replacement.
3. Vibration at highway speeds: The Altima’s chassis is quite sensitive to wheel imbalance. If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel or seat at 60–70 mph, a road-force balance is highly recommended.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.