The 2012 Nissan Maxima sits in the modern sport-sedan tradition, blending full-size comfort with sharper styling and a more assertive road presence than many family cars of its era. That makes tire choice especially important, because this Maxima uses two distinct radial fitments depending on trim and wheel package: 245/45R18 or 245/40R19. Both sizes keep the car in a contemporary performance-oriented tire category, with blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto across several g-Force series. The real key is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then choosing the tread and tire series that best suit daily driving, handling feel, and overall presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2012 Nissan Maxima
The 2012 Nissan Maxima uses two primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Maxima S and SV models use an 18-inch radial fitment, while the SV w/Sport Pkg. uses a 19-inch radial fitment. Once that is confirmed, the decision shifts to comparing available tire series, load specifications, and rim-width compatibility within the correct size.
245/45R18 is a metric radial size in which 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2012 Nissan Maxima, this size is the primary fitment for 18-inch wheel applications. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto blackwall tires across g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2 series. This size is the right place to focus if the car is an S or SV model and still uses its 18-inch wheel setup.
245/40R19 is also a metric radial size, with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim diameter. For the 2012 Nissan Maxima, this size belongs to the 19-inch wheel fitment rather than the standard 18-inch setup. BFGoodrich offers this size in blackwall form across the g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, and g-Force Phenom T/A lines. This is the size to evaluate when the car is an SV w/Sport Pkg. or when the wheel diameter has already been confirmed at 19 inches.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2012 Nissan Maxima because tire size changes with the wheel package. The S and SV share the same 18-inch radial setup, while the SV w/Sport Pkg. moves to a 19-inch radial fitment, so identifying the exact version is the first step before comparing tires.
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2012 Nissan Maxima S
The 2012 Nissan Maxima S uses the 18-inch radial fitment rather than the lower-profile 19-inch setup. That keeps tire selection centered on 245/45R18 choices, where the main comparison points are brand, tire series, rim-width range, and overall driving character.
The 2012 Nissan Maxima SV shares the same 18-inch radial tire fitment as the S model. Tire selection is therefore straightforward as long as the car still has its original wheel diameter, with choices focused on the available 245/45R18 blackwall performance-oriented options.
The 2012 Nissan Maxima SV w/Sport Pkg. uses the 19-inch radial fitment instead of the 18-inch setup found on other Maxima sub-models. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, after which the choice comes down to selecting the right 245/40R19 tire series for the car's intended use and existing wheel width.
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 2012 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 2012 Nissan Maxima tires center on 245/45R18 and 245/40R19 radial blackwall fitments from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The product grid lets you compare g-Force and NT555 series options by wheel diameter, rim-width range, load specification, and overall tire character.
These 2012 Nissan Maxima tire FAQs focus on the two correct sizes, sub-model differences, 18-inch versus 19-inch wheel fitment, available brands and series, and the checks that matter before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2012 Nissan Maxima?
A 2012 Nissan Maxima uses one of two radial tire sizes: 245/45R18 or 245/40R19. The 245/45R18 size applies to the Maxima S and Maxima SV, while the 245/40R19 size applies to the Maxima SV w/Sport Pkg. The difference is tied to the wheel package, not just a tire preference.
The practical first step is checking the exact sub-model and the actual wheel diameter currently on the car. A Maxima that has had wheels changed over the years may no longer match its original configuration, so confirming both the trim and the wheel size helps avoid choosing a tire that belongs to a different setup.
What size rim does a 2012 Nissan Maxima use?
The 2012 Nissan Maxima uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Maxima S and SV models use the 18-inch fitment paired with 245/45R18 tires, while the SV w/Sport Pkg. uses the 19-inch fitment paired with 245/40R19 tires.
Rim diameter is the most important fitment check because an 18-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 19-inch wheel, and a 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel. It also helps to verify wheel width, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, since the available tires carry recommended rim-width ranges that should match the wheel.
Do all 2012 Nissan Maxima sub-models use the same tire size?
No, all 2012 Nissan Maxima sub-models do not use the same tire size. The Maxima S and Maxima SV use 245/45R18 radial tires, while the Maxima SV w/Sport Pkg. uses 245/40R19 radial tires. The distinction follows the wheel and sport-package configuration.
That means tire selection starts with identifying the exact sub-model or, at minimum, confirming whether the car is on 18-inch or 19-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the remaining choices are simpler and involve comparing tire series, load specifications, and rim-width compatibility rather than guessing between two primary sizes.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R18 tire for a 2012 Nissan Maxima?
A 245/45R18 tire for a 2012 Nissan Maxima should first match the 18-inch wheel setup used on S and SV models. After confirming size, useful comparison points include brand, tire series, rim-width range, weight, and load specification. BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer blackwall options in this fitment.
The best way to narrow the choices is to think about how the car is driven and whether the existing wheels are stock or aftermarket. A daily-driven Maxima may lead one buyer toward an all-season-oriented choice, while another may focus on a more performance-centered series, provided the wheel width and overall setup are still compatible.
What brands offer tires for the 2012 Nissan Maxima?
Tires for the 2012 Nissan Maxima are available here from BFGoodrich and Nitto, depending on the size. The 245/45R18 fitment includes both BFGoodrich and Nitto choices, while the 245/40R19 fitment is represented by BFGoodrich options in several g-Force series.
Brand should be only one part of the decision. It still makes sense to compare the specific tire line, the intended driving style, the recommended rim-width range, and any load information shown for that exact size. Staying with the correct 18-inch or 19-inch fitment matters more than choosing a brand name alone.
What tire series are available for the 2012 Nissan Maxima?
The 2012 Nissan Maxima is represented here by BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series, along with the Nitto NT555 G2 in 245/45R18. These series give the Maxima owner more than one path within the correct size and wheel-diameter fitment.
Series selection matters because it helps shape the kind of tire you are putting on the car even when the size stays the same. Once the correct sub-model fitment is confirmed, compare the series alongside wheel-width compatibility and load details so the tire choice matches both the car's setup and its intended road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2012 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2012 Nissan Maxima even when the tire size appears close to the original specification. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, offset differences, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all alter clearance and the way a 245/45R18 or 245/40R19 tire sits on the car.
A modified Maxima should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock and suspension travel before choosing replacement tires. That matters most when moving between 18-inch and 19-inch setups or when the car no longer uses factory-style wheels, since the original sub-model fitment may no longer tell the whole story.
What should I inspect before driving a 2012 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before driving a 2012 Nissan Maxima on new tires, inspect the wheel diameter, wheel condition, valve stems, and tire pressure, then look over the suspension and alignment condition. It also helps to confirm that the new tires match the car's actual 18-inch or 19-inch setup and that there is no rubbing at the fenders or inner clearance points.
A careful road-readiness check should also include tread seating, sidewall condition, and any sign of air loss after installation. On a car that has sat for a while, it is smart to inspect brakes, bushings, and steering components as well, since worn chassis parts can affect how a new set of tires behaves on the road.
How often should tires on a 2012 Nissan Maxima be inspected?
Tires on a 2012 Nissan Maxima should be inspected regularly for pressure, tread wear, cuts, bulges, and sidewall cracking. A quick visual check before routine driving is sensible, and a closer inspection at regular service intervals helps catch uneven wear or aging before it becomes a larger problem.
Inspection becomes even more important if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Tires can age even when tread looks acceptable, so checking for air loss, flat spotting, and signs of weathering is worthwhile. Keeping the tires properly inflated and the car stored away from heat, sunlight, and ozone sources also helps preserve them.
