Nissan Altima Tire Size Guide: Best Fit

Photo Source/Copyright: NISSAN USA

If you’re asking whether the name of your car determines the best wheel configuration, rest assured that on the Altima, the choice of tires is determined by the trim level and not by the name on the trunk lid, which is the reason why two owners can take their vehicles away from the same dealership with different tires. In the current lineup, the question of the correct tire size for the Nissan Altima is reduced to just two factory-specified sizes, these being divided clearly between the SV and SR lines. The sticker on the driver’s door jamb is the correct source for your particular car since it shows the wheels that the vehicle originally came with. The easiest way to verify this is by reading the sidewall code.

What the Numbers on Your Sidewall Mean

Each tire has the code 215/55R17 engraved on its sidewall, each part of the code representing a separate piece of information.

1. 215 → the section width, measured in millimeters
2. 55 → the aspect ratio, or sidewall height as a percentage of section width
3. R → radial construction
4. 17 → the wheel diameter, measured in inches

Nissan gives the tire the same size designation but includes the speed rating in the code, so a placard marked P215/55VR17 gives an exact representation of the 215/55R17 indicated on the sidewall. If a tire with a significantly different overall diameter is used, the speedometer will become miscalibrated because the instrument counts revolutions based on a fixed rolling circumference.

Factory Fitments by Trim Level

The current lineup consists of four layouts, which result in two different types of tire fitments. The choice of drivetrain is irrelevant since both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles have the same type of rubber fitted at each of the four corners. The following shows how the tire size for the Nissan Altima varies throughout the lineup.

• SV → 215/55R17
• SV Special Edition → 215/55R17
• SR → 235/40R19
• SR Midnight Edition → 235/40R19

The 19-inch wheels are about 20 millimeters wider and have a much shorter sidewall, and since these trims are equipped with the sport-tuned suspension, the combination is deliberately designed to provide a firmer ride over broken surfaces because a shorter sidewall has less depth to absorb the impact before it gets to the cabin.

Where Your Inflation Numbers Come From

The present fittings require thirty-three pounds per square inch at both the front and the rear, with no difference between the axles. This one number applies to the whole lineup and makes the situation much simpler. The door-jamb placard should still be regarded as the reliable point of reference since it’s printed to correspond with the wheel and tire package installed at the factory rather than with a general average for the model.

The Easy-Fill Tire Alert is included in all versions and honks once when a tire reaches its desired pressure, meaning that a handheld gauge can only be used as a check rather than as the main tool. The tire-specific monitoring reports the pressure according to the wheel position, thus identifying which corner requires attention. Since cold weather causes a measurable drop in pressure, it’s advisable to check the tires before long journeys.

Knowing When to Replace

The main reason for replacing your tires is tread depth, and by checking your Nissan Altima tire size before you order, you make the process easy when it’s time to replace them. Even if some tread depth is still left, any signs of sidewall cracking, visible bulges, and irregular wear on the tread surface should still be examined closely.

Routine rotation ensures even wear in all four positions and helps the part achieve its full service life; wear on one edge or along a single axle is generally a sign of misalignment rather than a problem with the tires.

Common Questions

Q: Is it possible to have a size different from the factory fitment?

A: In order for a spare tire to have the same load index and speed rating as the original tire and to have a total diameter similar to the original, it’s necessary to stay within that range since going outside it will affect the accuracy of the speedometer and may complicate the tire pressure monitoring system, making a fitment check beforehand a good idea.

Q: Is it necessary for winter tires to be the same size as the factory size?

A: Nissan advises that the snow tires should be the same size and have the same load rating as the original equipment tires; therefore, you should check the tire size for your Nissan Altima against the placard before ordering a winter set so that you won’t end up with a mismatch that’s only noticed when the tires are mounted.

Q: Does changing to the larger wheel alter the pressure target?

A: On the contrary, since the factory-fitted tires both have the same figure of thirty-three psi, changing from the seventeen-inch to the nineteen-inch wheel involves replacing the tire without altering the reading you’re aiming for on the gauge.

Our service team will check whether the tires fit your vehicle and will carry out the fitting and balancing using equipment that’s calibrated for factory wheels. You can look through the tire sets that are available or book a bay by arranging a service appointment with us.