The 2008 Nissan Maxima sits in the later chapter of Nissan’s full-size sport sedan formula, blending front-wheel-drive practicality with a more assertive, driver-focused personality than many mainstream family cars of its time. Tire choice matters here because wheel and trim configuration change the fitment: the Maxima SE uses 245/45R18 radials, while the SL uses 225/55R17 radials. That means the decision starts with identifying the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then narrowing the field by tire character. Available choices range from performance-oriented blackwall designs to Silvertown Radial styles with redline or wide whitewall treatment for owners building a more distinctive look.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2008 Nissan Maxima
The 2008 Nissan Maxima uses two primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. Both fitments are radial, but the SE uses an 18-inch setup while the SL uses a 17-inch setup. Before comparing tire series or sidewall appearance, confirm whether the car is an SE or SL and verify the wheels currently on the vehicle, especially if it has been changed from stock.
In 245/45R18, the 245 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, the 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2008 Nissan Maxima, this size belongs to the SE and gives that trim its larger-wheel fitment. Available choices center on blackwall radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This is the size to evaluate if the car has the SE wheel package and the goal is a performance-oriented modern radial selection.
In 225/55R17, the 225 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 17 is the rim diameter in inches. This size is used on the 2008 Nissan Maxima SL and pairs with that trim’s 17-inch wheel setup. Product choices include blackwall performance-style radials as well as BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options in wide whitewall and redline form for a different visual presentation. It is the correct starting point for an SL owner who wants either a conventional modern look or a more customized appearance.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2008 Nissan Maxima because the SE and SL do not share the same tire size or wheel diameter. Identifying the exact trim is the first step before comparing tire series, sidewall style, or other product differences.
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2008 Nissan Maxima SE
The 2008 Nissan Maxima SE uses a 245/45R18 radial fitment with an 18-inch wheel. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and it points the selection process toward blackwall performance-oriented tires in the correct size and rim range.
The 2008 Nissan Maxima SL uses a 225/55R17 radial fitment on a 17-inch wheel. This opens the door to both conventional blackwall choices and more appearance-driven options such as redline or wide whitewall styling, provided the wheel setup matches the tire requirements.
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 2008 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 2008 Nissan Maxima tire choices center on radial fitments from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Depending on size, shoppers can compare performance-oriented series such as g-Force and NT555 G2, along with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.
Common 2008 Nissan Maxima tire questions usually come down to trim-specific sizing, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, radial tire selection, sidewall appearance, and what to inspect before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2008 Nissan Maxima?
A 2008 Nissan Maxima uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The SE uses 245/45R18, while the SL uses 225/55R17. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not simply interchangeable across the model range.
The first step is confirming whether the car is an SE or an SL, then checking the actual wheels on the vehicle. Many older sedans have had wheel swaps over time, and a trim badge alone is not always enough. Matching the tire to the car’s current wheel diameter and width will keep the search focused on the right fitment.
What size rim does a 2008 Nissan Maxima use?
The 2008 Nissan Maxima uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The SL uses the 17-inch fitment with 225/55R17 tires, while the SE uses the 18-inch fitment with 245/45R18 tires. Both sizes are radial, but the wheel diameter changes with the trim.
Rim diameter should be verified before ordering tires, especially on a vehicle that may have been modified or upgraded with aftermarket wheels. Checking the wheel itself is more reliable than assuming the original trim setup is still in place. Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, tire selection becomes much easier and more accurate.
Why does the 2008 Nissan Maxima have more than one tire size?
The 2008 Nissan Maxima has more than one tire size because the SE and SL use different wheel and tire packages. The SE uses 245/45R18, while the SL uses 225/55R17. That means tire choice is connected to the specific sub-model rather than being shared across the entire Maxima lineup.
This matters because the correct tire is determined by both trim and wheel diameter. A larger-diameter wheel package changes the required tire size even when the overall vehicle is the same model year and nameplate. Confirming the exact trim and measuring the wheels already on the car will prevent ordering a tire that matches the model but not the setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2008 Nissan Maxima?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 245/45R18 for the SE or 225/55R17 for the SL. From there, compare tire construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the general character of the available tire series. On this Maxima, all of the primary fitments are radial, so the decision is about matching the tire to the car’s setup and intended use.
A performance-oriented owner may focus on the g-Force and NT555 G2 choices, while a buyer building a more customized look may pay closer attention to the Silvertown Radial options on the 17-inch fitment. Wheel width still matters, and it is worth checking the vehicle’s current wheel specs before narrowing the field too far.
What sidewall styles are available for 2008 Nissan Maxima tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 2008 Nissan Maxima. Blackwall options are available in both 245/45R18 and 225/55R17, while the 225/55R17 size also includes BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial choices with wide whitewall and redline sidewall treatments. That gives the 17-inch fitment a wider appearance range than the 18-inch fitment.
The practical choice comes down to how the car is being presented. A blackwall tire keeps a more conventional modern look, while redline or wide whitewall styling pushes the SL fitment toward a more customized visual statement. Appearance should be balanced with wheel compatibility and the exact trim so the style choice still stays within the correct size.
What brands offer tires for the 2008 Nissan Maxima?
Tires for the 2008 Nissan Maxima are available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in the applicable sizes. BFGoodrich appears across both the 17-inch and 18-inch fitments with several g-Force series options, and Nitto is available in the 245/45R18 fitment with the NT555 G2. Brand choice here is tied closely to size and tire series.
The better way to compare them is by size, series character, sidewall treatment, and wheel compatibility rather than by brand name alone. An SE owner has a different product mix than an SL owner, so the most useful comparisons happen after the correct size is confirmed. That keeps the search grounded in fitment first, then appearance and use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2008 Nissan Maxima?
A period-style 2008 Nissan Maxima still starts with the correct trim-specific size. The SE uses 245/45R18, while the SL uses 225/55R17. Since this Maxima is a modern-era sedan with radial primary fitments, a period-style approach is usually more about preserving the correct overall stance and wheel relationship than recreating an earlier tire construction.
The SL fitment offers more appearance variation because 225/55R17 includes Silvertown Radial options with wide whitewall and redline sidewalls. Those choices create a more customized or collector-oriented presentation, but they should be viewed as style decisions rather than factory-original claims. Owners chasing exact historical presentation should also compare against vehicle-specific photos or marque references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2008 Nissan Maxima?
On a 2008 Nissan Maxima, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. That means the appearance difference is not really a bias-ply versus radial issue, but a matter of sidewall treatment, tread presentation, and how the tire fills the correct 17-inch or 18-inch wheel package for the SE or SL.
A blackwall radial preserves a more typical late-2000s sport sedan look, especially on the SE’s 245/45R18 setup. The SL’s 225/55R17 fitment allows more visual experimentation through redline or wide whitewall styling. Even on a restored or preserved car, keeping the correct size and wheel diameter has a bigger effect on authenticity than chasing an appearance detail that does not match the trim.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2008 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2008 Nissan Maxima. Wheel changes, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, and body or fender modifications can all change how a 245/45R18 or 225/55R17 tire sits on the car. Even when the vehicle started as an SE or SL, its present setup may no longer match the original trim package.
That is why it helps to inspect the car directly before choosing tires. Check wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance around the fenders and steering components rather than relying only on the badge or trim name. A Maxima with aftermarket wheels may still use one of the stock sizes, but it should be verified against the actual hardware first.
What should I inspect before driving a 2008 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before driving a 2008 Nissan Maxima on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and any visible damage, then confirm that the tires match the car’s trim-specific size. It is also smart to check alignment condition, valve stems, and general suspension wear, since worn components can affect how a new set of radials behaves on the road.
A close visual inspection should also include brake clearance, inner fender space, and steering clearance at full lock. Once the tires are installed, keep an eye on air pressure and look for any early signs of rubbing or uneven wear. Catching those issues early is especially important on a sedan that may have seen years of use or modifications.
How often should tires on a 2008 Nissan Maxima be inspected?
Tires on a 2008 Nissan Maxima should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. A quick visual check for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear is worthwhile every time the car is serviced or prepared for a longer drive. On an older Maxima that is not driven daily, age and storage conditions can matter just as much as mileage.
Air pressure should be monitored consistently, and the tires should be rechecked after installation to make sure wear patterns stay even. A car that sits for long periods can also develop issues that are easy to miss at first glance. Regular inspection helps catch aging, air loss, and suspension-related wear before they turn into bigger road-use problems.
