2018 Toyota Tacoma Tire Size & Pressure

Quick Answer

• OEM Tire Size: 245/75R16, 265/70R16, 265/65R17, 265/60R18
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): 29–30 PSI (Front), 29–30 PSI (Rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 6x139.7mm
• Wheel Size: 16x7", 17x7.5", 18x7.5"
• Load Index/Speed Rating: 109S-113S
• Spare Tire Size: Matches OEM tire size on a steel wheel
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it's time to replace the tires on your 2018 Toyota Tacoma, you have a wide array of excellent options depending on your driving style and budget. Here are a few popular choices:

• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Premium Priced): These are a perennial favorite for Tacoma owners, especially those who venture off-road. The KO2s offer exceptional traction in dirt, mud, and snow, along with a surprisingly comfortable ride on the pavement. They are known for their durability and long tread life.
• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Mid-Range Priced): If your Tacoma primarily sees highway and city driving, the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is an outstanding choice. These tires excel in wet and dry conditions, offer a quiet and comfortable ride, and provide excellent tread life. They are a great all-around tire for daily driving.
• Falken Wildpeak A/T3W (Value Priced): The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W offers a fantastic balance of off-road capability and on-road manners at a more accessible price point. Tacoma owners praise them for their aggressive looks, good performance in various conditions (including snow), and competitive pricing.
• Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT (Mid-Range Priced): Exclusive to Discount Tire, the UltraTerrain AT is a robust all-terrain tire that delivers strong performance in challenging conditions while maintaining good road manners. It's a solid option for those seeking a durable tire with a confident grip.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

While the 2018 Toyota Tacoma is a capable pickup, it's considered a light-duty truck, not a heavy-duty one. Therefore, you generally should not inflate your tires to the "max load PSI" listed on the tire's sidewall. This pressure is the maximum a cold tire can hold and is intended for commercial or heavy-duty applications, often with significantly heavier loads than a Tacoma can carry.

For your 2018 Tacoma, always refer to the tire pressure placard located on the driver's side door jamb. This placard provides the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for the front and rear tires, specifically for your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Over-inflating your tires can lead to an overly harsh ride, premature wear in the center of the tread, and potentially compromise handling and braking.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

The correct lug nut torque is crucial for wheel security and to prevent issues like warpage or loosening. For the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, the recommended lug nut torque is 83 ft-lbs (112 Nm).

Always tighten lug nuts in a star or cross-hatch pattern. This ensures even pressure distribution on the wheel hub assembly. Start by hand-tightening all lug nuts, then progressively tighten them to the recommended torque in two or three stages, following the star pattern. This is especially important after a tire rotation or roadside tire change.

Common Tire Issues for This Vehicle

Owners of 2018 Toyota Tacomas generally report good tire wear and performance, but like any vehicle, some common issues can arise:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is often a symptom of improper tire inflation, a misaligned suspension, or unbalanced wheels. Regularly check your tire pressure and have an alignment inspection if you notice uneven wear patterns.
• Cupping/Scalloping: This wavy wear pattern on the tire tread indicates problems with suspension components (shocks or struts) or tire balance issues. It can lead to increased road noise and reduced ride comfort.
• Road Noise with Aggressive All-Terrain Tires: If you opt for more aggressive all-terrain tires, you might experience an increase in road noise compared to stock highway-oriented tires. This is a trade-off for enhanced off-road performance.
• TPMS Sensor Issues: While generally reliable, TPMS sensors can sometimes malfunction, leading to a warning light on your dash. This can be due to a dead battery in the sensor, damage, or interference. If the light comes on, ensure your tire pressures are correct first, then consider having the system diagnosed.

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