The 2004 Nissan Maxima sits in the era when the model balanced full-size sedan comfort with a more athletic, driver-focused character. In this generation, wheel and tire fitment matter because trim level changes the setup: the Maxima SE uses 245/45R18 tires, while the Maxima SL uses 225/55R17, and both are radial fitments. That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming whether the car still carries its original wheel diameter. From there, the choice shifts to tire character, with blackwall performance-oriented options available in both sizes and additional wide whitewall or redline selections in 225/55R17 for a more custom or distinctive look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2004 Nissan Maxima
The 2004 Nissan Maxima uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on sub-model as well as wheel diameter. Both fitments are radial, but the SE uses an 18-inch setup while the SL uses a 17-inch setup, so confirming the exact trim and the wheels currently on the car should come before comparing brands, tire series, or sidewall style.
245/45R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2004 Nissan Maxima, this size is used on the SE and supports the larger-wheel fitment for that sub-model. Available choices in this size focus on blackwall radial tires from BFGoodrich and Nitto, including g-Force and NT555 G2 series options. This is the size to evaluate when the car retains its SE wheel setup and the goal is matching the proper 18-inch fitment before narrowing the choice by tire character.
225/55R17 is a metric radial size where 225 is the section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 17 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2004 Nissan Maxima, this size is used on the SL and pairs with that sub-model's 17-inch wheel fitment. Product choices are broader here, ranging from blackwall BFGoodrich performance series to Silvertown Radial options with wide whitewall or redline sidewall treatments. This size deserves a closer look when the car is an SL or when a 17-inch wheel setup is already in place and appearance matters as much as basic fitment.
Sub-model fitment on the 2004 Nissan Maxima is not shared across the range, because the SE and SL use different tire sizes and different wheel diameters. Identifying the exact trim matters before choosing a tire, especially on cars that may have had wheels changed over time.
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2004 Nissan Maxima SE
The 2004 Nissan Maxima SE uses the 245/45R18 radial tire size. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, after which the selection process centers on comparing blackwall performance-oriented options in the proper 18-inch fitment.
The 2004 Nissan Maxima SL uses the 225/55R17 radial tire size. That opens the door to either a straightforward blackwall replacement or a more style-driven choice, since this size is also available with wide whitewall and redline sidewall treatments.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2004 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 2004 Nissan Maxima tires span 245/45R18 and 225/55R17 radial fitments from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Buyers can compare blackwall performance series in both sizes, while 225/55R17 also includes Silvertown Radial choices with wide whitewall and redline styling.
Common 2004 Nissan Maxima tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct SE or SL fitment, confirming 17-inch versus 18-inch wheels, and then choosing between performance-focused blackwall tires or more appearance-driven sidewall options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2004 Nissan Maxima?
A 2004 Nissan Maxima uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The SE uses 245/45R18, while the SL uses 225/55R17. Those sizes are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not simply alternate ways of writing the same fitment.
The practical step is to confirm both the trim level and the wheels currently on the car before selecting a tire. Many older sedans have had wheel changes over the years, and a Maxima wearing a different set of wheels should be matched by actual wheel diameter and width rather than by model name alone.
What size rim does a 2004 Nissan Maxima use?
The 2004 Nissan Maxima uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The SL uses a 17-inch wheel with 225/55R17 tires, and the SE uses an 18-inch wheel with 245/45R18 tires.
Wheel diameter is the first thing to verify because the tire must match it exactly. Once the diameter is confirmed, rim width also matters when comparing actual tire options, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or if the goal is to move between performance-oriented and appearance-oriented tire choices.
Do all 2004 Nissan Maxima sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2004 Nissan Maxima sub-models do not share one tire size. The SE uses 245/45R18 radial tires, while the SL uses 225/55R17 radial tires, so fitment varies by trim.
That difference affects more than the tire alone because it also changes the wheel diameter. A buyer comparing tires for this Maxima should start by identifying whether the car is an SE or SL, then verify that the wheels on the vehicle still match that setup before narrowing the choice by brand, series, or sidewall style.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2004 Nissan Maxima?
Start with the correct sub-model fitment and wheel diameter. A 2004 Nissan Maxima SE uses 245/45R18, while an SL uses 225/55R17, and both are radial sizes. From there, the decision becomes one of tire character, appearance, and wheel compatibility within the proper size.
Look at how the car is actually used and how it is equipped today. Some options lean toward a more performance-oriented blackwall presentation, while some 225/55R17 choices also add custom-style sidewall treatments. Rim-width range is worth checking before purchase, especially when the Maxima has aftermarket wheels or a non-stock stance.
What sidewall styles are available for 2004 Nissan Maxima tires?
Sidewall style depends on size. In 245/45R18, the available choices are blackwall. In 225/55R17, the range is broader and includes blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline options.
That makes the SL fitment especially flexible for buyers who care about presentation as much as size. A blackwall tire keeps a modern, straightforward look, while wide whitewall or redline treatments create a much more distinctive visual effect. The key is to choose the style only after confirming the car is using the correct 17-inch wheel setup.
What brands offer tires for the 2004 Nissan Maxima?
BFGoodrich and Nitto offer tires for the 2004 Nissan Maxima within the covered sizes. BFGoodrich appears in both 245/45R18 and 225/55R17, while Nitto is available in 245/45R18.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps more to compare the correct size first, then look at tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width compatibility, and the kind of driving or appearance you want from the car. That approach keeps the selection tied to fitment rather than to name recognition alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2004 Nissan Maxima?
A period-style 2004 Nissan Maxima still needs to start with the correct trim-based size. The SE uses 245/45R18 and the SL uses 225/55R17, both in radial construction. After size is confirmed, the visual direction becomes the main choice rather than the basic fitment itself.
For a more restrained, era-appropriate look, a blackwall tire keeps the presentation clean. On an SL using 225/55R17, wide whitewall and redline options introduce a more customized appearance. Buyers focused on exact historical authenticity should compare any style choice against period photos, marque references, and the car's own equipment history.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2004 Nissan Maxima?
On a 2004 Nissan Maxima, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means appearance differences come less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from sidewall treatment, tire series, and the wheel-and-tire combination used on the specific SE or SL setup.
A blackwall radial keeps the car closest to the understated look most buyers expect from an early-2000s sport sedan. On 225/55R17, wide whitewall and redline versions create a noticeably more customized presentation. The visual result should be judged with the actual wheel diameter and overall stance in mind so the finished look remains balanced.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2004 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2004 Nissan Maxima. Wheel changes, suspension lowering, altered offset, or body clearance differences can all change how a 245/45R18 or 225/55R17 tire sits and behaves on the car.
A Maxima with aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual wheel diameter and width before a tire is chosen. Clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range also matters, especially near full lock or full suspension travel. That verification becomes more important when the car no longer matches its original SE or SL wheel setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2004 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before driving a 2004 Nissan Maxima on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall tire pressure. It also helps to confirm there is no rubbing at the fenders or suspension and that the tires match the actual wheel diameter on the car.
Roadworthiness depends on more than fresh rubber alone. Alignment condition, worn suspension parts, and uneven wheel fitment can affect how the new tires wear and feel in service. A short initial drive followed by a pressure check and another look for clearance marks is a sensible way to catch problems early.
How often should tires on a 2004 Nissan Maxima be inspected?
Tires on a 2004 Nissan Maxima should be inspected regularly, not only by mileage but also by age and storage history. Tread wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, and recurring air loss are all reasons to examine the tires closely even if the car is not driven very often.
A monthly pressure and condition check is a good habit, with extra attention before longer drives. Cars that sit for extended periods can develop age-related issues that are easy to miss at a glance. Looking over the sidewalls, tread, and wheel areas consistently helps catch problems before they turn into road-use concerns.
