The 2006 Nissan Maxima sits in the period when Nissan was still giving its full-size front-drive sedan a distinctly sport-oriented personality, blending everyday comfort with sharper styling and stronger road presence than many mainstream family cars. That makes tire choice especially important, because this Maxima uses two different radial fitments depending on trim: 245/45R18 for the SE and 225/55R17 for the SL. Those sizes shape not only wheel compatibility, but also the look and stance of the car. Available choices range from performance-focused blackwall radials to restoration-flavored wide whitewall and redline treatments, so the right selection depends on whether the goal is factory-style proportions, appearance, or everyday road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2006 Nissan Maxima
The 2006 Nissan Maxima uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. The SE uses an 18-inch radial fitment, while the SL uses a 17-inch radial fitment, so confirming trim and wheel diameter comes first. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to the type of radial tire you want, including performance-oriented blackwall options or, in the 17-inch size, more appearance-focused sidewall treatments.
245/45R18 is a modern metric radial size in which 245 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2006 Nissan Maxima, this size is used on the SE and gives that trim its 18-inch fitment. Available choices in this size center on blackwall performance-style radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto, including several g-Force series and the NT555 G2. It is the size to evaluate when the car retains the SE wheel setup and you want to confirm both wheel compatibility and the driving character of the available tire lines.
225/55R17 is a modern metric radial size that uses a 225-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim. On the 2006 Nissan Maxima, this fitment belongs to the SL, so it should be matched to the correct trim and wheel package. Product choice in this size is broader, with blackwall performance-style radials as well as BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions in wide whitewall and redline form. That makes it a useful size for owners balancing road use with a more customized or nostalgic appearance.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2006 Nissan Maxima because the two trims do not share the same tire size or wheel diameter. Identifying whether the car is an SE or an SL is the first step before comparing tires, since each trim uses its own radial setup.
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2006 Nissan Maxima SE
The 2006 Nissan Maxima SE uses the larger 245/45R18 radial fitment and should be matched to an 18-inch wheel setup. That keeps tire selection focused on performance-style blackwall radials, while making wheel diameter confirmation especially important if the car has ever been changed from stock.
The 2006 Nissan Maxima SL uses the 225/55R17 radial size on a 17-inch wheel. That opens the door to both conventional blackwall performance radials and more appearance-driven choices such as wide whitewall or redline sidewalls, depending on how the car is being presented and driven.
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 2006 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 2006 Nissan Maxima tires vary by trim-specific size, brand, tire series, and sidewall style. The 18-inch SE fitment focuses on BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall performance radials, while the 17-inch SL fitment adds BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options in wide whitewall and redline form.
Tire questions for a 2006 Nissan Maxima usually come down to trim-specific sizing, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, radial tire selection, sidewall appearance, and the checks worth making before road use or after modifications.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2006 Nissan Maxima?
A 2006 Nissan Maxima uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on trim. The SE uses 245/45R18, while the SL uses 225/55R17. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are built for different wheel diameters, so they are not the same fitment presented two ways.
The practical first step is confirming whether the car is an SE or an SL and then verifying the actual wheels currently on the vehicle. A Maxima that has been changed to different factory wheels or aftermarket wheels may no longer match its original trim-based fitment, so tire selection should follow the wheel diameter and overall setup actually on the car.
What size rim does a 2006 Nissan Maxima use?
The 2006 Nissan Maxima uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The SL uses the 225/55R17 tire size on a 17-inch wheel, and the SE uses the 245/45R18 tire size on an 18-inch wheel. The final number in each tire size confirms the required rim diameter.
Rim diameter needs to match the tire size exactly, so a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel, and an 18-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel. It is also worth checking wheel width before choosing among available products, especially if the car has replacement wheels or a setup that differs from its original trim configuration.
Do all 2006 Nissan Maxima sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2006 Nissan Maxima SE and SL use different tire sizes. The SE uses 245/45R18, while the SL uses 225/55R17, so trim level directly affects both the tire size and wheel diameter used on the car.
That difference matters because tire selection starts with the exact sub-model and the wheels currently installed, not just the model name. An owner shopping by Maxima alone could easily end up comparing the wrong size, so it helps to verify the trim badge, inspect the current tire sidewall, and confirm that the car still has the wheel package intended for that fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2006 Nissan Maxima?
Start with the correct trim-specific size: 245/45R18 for the SE or 225/55R17 for the SL. From there, compare radial tire character, wheel-width compatibility, and the way the car is actually used. Some options lean toward modern performance-style blackwall presentation, while others in the 17-inch size add a more distinctive visual treatment.
A useful comparison includes brand, tire series, sidewall style, and any meaningful differences in load capacity or product weight. Drivers keeping the Maxima close to its original everyday role may prefer a straightforward blackwall radial, while owners building a more personalized look may focus on whitewall or redline choices that suit the car’s stance and presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 2006 Nissan Maxima tires?
Sidewall choices for the 2006 Nissan Maxima depend on tire size. Blackwall radials are available in both primary sizes, while the 225/55R17 fitment also includes BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options with wide whitewall and redline sidewalls. That gives the 17-inch SL fitment more appearance variety than the 18-inch SE fitment.
Sidewall style affects the visual character of the car more than the fitment itself, so the right choice depends on how the Maxima is being presented. A blackwall keeps the look more contemporary and understated, while a wide whitewall or redline adds a custom or retro-inspired accent. The important thing is keeping the correct size and confirming wheel compatibility before choosing strictly by appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 2006 Nissan Maxima?
The available tires for a 2006 Nissan Maxima come from BFGoodrich and Nitto. BFGoodrich appears in both primary sizes and spans several tire series, while Nitto is represented in the 245/45R18 fitment with the NT555 G2. Brand choice here is tied closely to the specific trim and size being matched.
Comparing brands makes the most sense after the correct size has been confirmed. At that point, the real differences to weigh are the tire series offered in that size, blackwall versus specialty sidewall treatment, and wheel-width suitability for the wheels on the car. That approach keeps the decision grounded in fitment first and appearance or driving style second.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2006 Nissan Maxima?
A period-style choice for a 2006 Nissan Maxima begins with the trim-correct size, since the SE and SL do not use the same fitment. From there, a blackwall radial keeps the look closest to the sport-sedan presentation common to the era, while the 225/55R17 SL size also allows more stylized alternatives through the Silvertown Radial line.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car will actually be driven. An owner preserving a stock-like visual theme may stay with a conventional blackwall, while a customized build may lean toward redline or wide whitewall styling in the 17-inch size. Exact originality claims are best confirmed through vehicle-specific sales literature, window-sticker records, or marque documentation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2006 Nissan Maxima?
On a 2006 Nissan Maxima, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires in both sizes. That means the visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from the sidewall treatment, overall profile, and whether the car wears 17-inch SL wheels or 18-inch SE wheels.
The most noticeable appearance decisions are blackwall versus specialty sidewall styling and the wheel-and-tire proportion created by the trim-specific size. A 225/55R17 tire with a redline or wide whitewall presents very differently from a 245/45R18 blackwall performance radial. Matching that look to the vehicle’s intended style is usually more important here than construction type alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2006 Nissan Maxima?
Yes. Modifications can change whether the original 245/45R18 or 225/55R17 fitment still makes sense on a 2006 Nissan Maxima. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can all affect clearance and the way a tire sits within the wheel opening.
That is why the current setup should be checked before choosing replacement tires by model year alone. The wheel diameter must match the tire, and the wheel width should suit the tire being considered. It also helps to inspect inner and outer clearance at full steering lock and under compression so the selected tire works with the Maxima’s actual configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 2006 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before putting a 2006 Nissan Maxima into regular road use on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the trim and wheel diameter, and check that inflation is set correctly for the vehicle. It also helps to look over the suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.
A short, careful test drive is a smart follow-up once the tires are mounted. Listen for rubbing, watch for vibration, and make sure the car tracks properly through turns and braking. Any sign of contact, unusual wear pattern, or air loss deserves attention early, especially on a car that may have had wheel changes or long periods of irregular use.
How often should tires on a 2006 Nissan Maxima be inspected?
Tires on a 2006 Nissan Maxima should be inspected regularly, even if the car is driven only occasionally. A visual check for tread wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven shoulder wear is worthwhile before routine driving, and pressure should be monitored consistently rather than only when a problem is obvious.
Collector-minded or lightly used cars deserve even closer attention because tires can age while the tread still looks acceptable. Storage conditions, long stationary periods, and underinflation can all shorten useful service life. Looking over the tires monthly and before longer drives helps catch age-related issues early and gives the Maxima a better chance of running smoothly and safely.
