1994 Aston Martin marked an interesting split in the marque’s lineup, pairing the newer DB7 grand touring coupe with the larger, more traditional Virage. That means tire selection across 1994 Aston Martin models is not a one-size-fits-all exercise: the DB7 uses two low-profile 18-inch radial sizes, while the Virage uses a taller 16-inch radial size of its own. The practical decision comes down first to identifying your model, then confirming whether you need the DB7’s staggered front-and-rear arrangement or the Virage’s single size. Getting that straight at the start makes it much easier to choose the right tire style, brand, and wheel fit.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1994 Aston Martin
Three tire sizes are used across 1994 Aston Martin models, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether you have a DB7 on 18-inch wheels or a Virage on 16-inch wheels, since all three sizes are radial but they do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct car and wheel.
Year(s): 1994|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
245/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This DB7-specific size is available from M&H Racemaster, BFGoodrich, and Nitto, all in Blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product including W at 168 mph and Y at 186+ mph. It suits the front position on the DB7’s staggered setup, so the key is matching the correct axle size rather than treating it as a universal 1994 Aston Martin fitment.
Year(s): 1994|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
265/35R18 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter nominal section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This DB7-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product with W at 168 mph and Y at 186+ mph. It is the wider companion size in the DB7’s staggered arrangement, making it the choice for owners who need the proper rear fitment and want to preserve the car’s intended stance and balance.
Year(s): 1994|Fit(s): Virage|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
255/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This Virage-specific size mounts on a different wheel diameter from the DB7 sizes, so it is not interchangeable with the 18-inch fitments used elsewhere in the 1994 Aston Martin range. It is the right path for Virage owners who need the taller-sidewall grand touring look and fitment that suits that model’s more substantial character.
The two DB7 sizes share the same 18-inch wheel diameter and can typically be used on the original wheel set in their intended front-and-rear positions, subject to confirming wheel width.
1994 Aston Martin Models
Two Aston Martin models are covered for 1994, and tire size varies by model. The DB7 uses a staggered pair of 18-inch radial sizes, while the Virage uses a separate 16-inch radial size, so identifying the model is essential before choosing a tire. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the products that apply to that specific Aston Martin.
1994 Aston Martin DB7
The 1994 DB7 ushered Aston Martin into a more contemporary grand touring era, with sleeker proportions and a more modern road-car feel than the larger hand-built models around it. Its tires mount on 18-inch rims and use a staggered arrangement, so front and rear sizing matters when replacing them. Buyers usually want to preserve that factory-style stance and axle-specific fitment rather than substitute a single size all around.
The 1994 Virage carried forward Aston Martin’s traditional high-speed luxury formula, blending substantial V8 grand touring character with coachbuilt presence. Its tire fitment mounts on 16-inch rims and uses one taller-profile radial size rather than the DB7’s lower-profile 18-inch combination. That difference gives the Virage its own tire path within the 1994 Aston Martin range.
Eleven products are available across three tire sizes for 1994 Aston Martin vehicles. The 245/40R18 has four radial Blackwall choices from M&H Racemaster, BFGoodrich, and Nitto, while the 265/35R18 has four radial Blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Confirm your model and axle position first, since speed ratings vary within the DB7 sizes.
These answers cover the split between DB7 and Virage fitments, the DB7’s staggered 18-inch sizing, available Blackwall radial choices, and the maintenance habits that matter most for a low-use 1994 Aston Martin.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1994 Aston Martin vehicles?
1994 Aston Martin vehicles use three sizes, divided by model. The DB7 uses 245/40R18 and 265/35R18, both on 18-inch rims, while the Virage uses 255/60R16 on a 16-inch rim. For the DB7, the 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 also call for different wheel-width ranges: 245/40R18 products span 8.0 to 9.5 inches, with one at 8.5 inches, and 265/35R18 products span 9.0 to 10.5 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. A DB7 owner needs to confirm front versus rear size as well as wheel width, while a Virage owner needs the separate 16-inch fitment. Matching the tire to the car’s actual model and wheel is the fastest way to avoid ordering a size that fits the rim diameter but not the intended position or stance.
What does 245/40R18 mean on a 1994 Aston Martin tire?
On a 1994 Aston Martin DB7, 245/40R18 is a metric radial size. The 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this application, it is one half of the DB7’s staggered 18-inch setup rather than a size shared across the full 1994 Aston Martin range.
That code matters because it tells you both the tire’s proportions and the wheel diameter it must fit. On a DB7, the other 18-inch size is wider and lower in profile, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable just because they share an 18-inch rim diameter. If your car is a DB7, confirm which axle you are replacing before choosing a product.
Do all 1994 Aston Martin models use the same tire size?
No. The 1994 Aston Martin DB7 uses two 18-inch radial sizes, 245/40R18 and 265/35R18, while the 1994 Aston Martin Virage uses a single 16-inch radial size, 255/60R16. The difference is more than a minor variation in width or profile; it also involves a different wheel diameter between the two models.
That split reflects how different the cars are in character and packaging. The DB7 has a newer, lower-profile grand touring setup with separate front and rear sizing, while the Virage follows a taller-sidewall 16-inch approach. If you are unsure which Aston Martin you have, confirm the model and the actual tire size on the car before narrowing down brands or tread style.
Buying the Right Tire
What brands make tires for 1994 Aston Martin vehicles?
1994 Aston Martin tire coverage includes M&H Racemaster, BFGoodrich, and Nitto. The DB7’s 245/40R18 is available from all three brands, and the DB7’s 265/35R18 is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto. All of those DB7 products are radial Blackwalls, spanning street-performance and specialty drag-oriented options within the correct size family.
Brand choice should follow how you use the car, not just the name on the sidewall. A DB7 driven primarily on the road will usually call for a street-oriented radial in the proper axle size, while the M&H option is clearly aimed at a specialty drag application. Start by choosing the correct size for your model and position, then compare the available brand families within that size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1994 Aston Martin tires?
Blackwall is the sidewall style available for the 1994 Aston Martin DB7 sizes, 245/40R18 and 265/35R18. That presentation suits the period and market position of a 1990s Aston Martin grand tourer, where low-profile performance tires were typically paired with understated black sidewalls rather than wide whitewalls or decorative side treatments.
For most DB7 owners, that makes the sidewall decision straightforward: the larger choice is really between brand, speed rating, and intended use rather than between cosmetic sidewall treatments. The Virage fitment follows a different size path, so owners of that model should first confirm the correct 16-inch tire before focusing on appearance details. On either model, sidewall style should complement the car’s original character rather than fight it.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Nitto choices for the 1994 Aston Martin DB7?
For the 1994 Aston Martin DB7, BFGoodrich and Nitto both cover the 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 sizes with radial Blackwall tires. In 245/40R18, BFGoodrich appears in W- and Y-rated forms, while Nitto is offered as a W-rated XL version. In 265/35R18, BFGoodrich again spans W and Y ratings, and Nitto offers a W-rated XL version; both sizes share similar wheel-width windows, with Nitto showing 8.0-(8.5)-9.5 in 245/40R18 and 9.0-(9.5)-10.5 in 265/35R18.
The practical takeaway is to compare speed rating, wheel-width compatibility, and intended use before you decide. A DB7 owner with factory-style wheel widths may find both brands workable, but the exact product still matters because the rating and load figure can differ even within the same nominal size. Once the axle position is confirmed, compare the sidewall marking on the specific tire you want rather than assuming all 245s or all 265s are identical.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1994 Aston Martin tires require?
1994 Aston Martin rim-width needs depend on the model and size. For the DB7’s 245/40R18, products cover 8.0 to 9.5 inches, with one specialty fitment at 8.5 inches. For the DB7’s 265/35R18, products cover 9.0 to 10.5 inches. The Virage’s 255/60R16 uses a different diameter and model-specific fitment path, so the first step there is confirming the actual wheel on the car.
Those ranges matter because a tire can match the nominal size on paper but still be wrong for the wheel if the rim width falls outside the product’s approved window. On a DB7, that is especially important because the front and rear sizes are not meant for the same wheel widths. Verify the wheel dimensions before choosing a tire, particularly if the car has aftermarket wheels or a non-original wheel package.
Can the original 1994 Aston Martin DB7 wheels be used with both tire sizes?
Yes, the 1994 Aston Martin DB7’s two tire sizes share the same 18-inch wheel diameter, so the original wheel set can generally use both sizes in their intended positions. The key point is that wheel diameter compatibility does not mean front and rear wheels are the same width. The 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 products call for different rim-width ranges, reflecting the DB7’s staggered setup.
That means an owner should think in terms of front wheels and rear wheels, not simply two 18-inch tires. If the car still has its original wheel package, keeping each size on its proper axle is the sensible route. If the wheels have been changed at any point, measure or confirm wheel width before replacing tires, since the correct diameter alone is not enough to guarantee an appropriate match.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1994 Aston Martin when the tires are fitted?
A 1994 Aston Martin should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Keep the tires inflated to an appropriate storage pressure and move the car periodically so one section of the casing does not carry the load for months at a time. Because all three 1994 Aston Martin sizes are radials, they generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but they still age from heat, ozone, and inactivity.
Long static storage is hardest on high-performance, low-profile radials because they can develop temporary flat spotting and age cosmetically even when tread wear is minimal. If the car will sit for an extended season, clean the tires, avoid petroleum-based dressings, and consider tire cradles or stands as part of an overall collector-car storage routine. Good storage habits preserve both ride quality and appearance when the car goes back on the road.
How long do tires on a 1994 Aston Martin typically last?
Tires on a 1994 Aston Martin should be judged more by age than by mileage, because collector and grand touring cars often cover few miles but still put years on the rubber. A sensible rule is to begin close inspection and professional evaluation around five to seven years of age, with replacement strongly considered as the tire approaches ten years, regardless of remaining tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
That matters especially on a car like a DB7 or Virage, where performance, weight, and speed capability depend on a sound casing as much as on visible tread. A tire that looks presentable from a few feet away can still be too old for confident road use. If the age is unknown or the code is hard to read, treat the tire conservatively and inspect it closely before planning regular driving.
How often should tires on a 1994 Aston Martin be inspected?
Tires on a 1994 Aston Martin should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing or high-speed trip. Look for sidewall cracking, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and pay attention to any change in steering feel or vibration once the car is moving. On a staggered DB7 setup, compare front and rear tires separately because each axle uses a different size and can wear in different ways.
Frequent inspection is one of the simplest ways to protect an infrequently driven exotic car. It takes only a few minutes to catch age-related cracking, a damaged valve stem, or a tire that has gone soft in storage. That quick pre-drive check is especially worthwhile before a club event, tour, or interstate run, when a preventable tire issue can quickly spoil the day.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1994 Aston Martin DB7?
A 1994 Aston Martin DB7 belongs to a period when radial construction was standard practice for modern performance grand touring cars, and its fitment reflects that with 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 radial sizes. The car uses a staggered arrangement rather than a single tire size at all four corners. Original-equipment brand choice can vary by market and production details, so the most reliable confirmation for a particular car comes from surviving factory literature, marque specialists, and original-car examples.
For restoration purposes, the important part is usually getting the size, construction, and visual character right before worrying about a specific brand name. On a 1990s Aston Martin, an 18-inch low-profile radial Blackwall appearance is much more faithful to the era than a tire with an obviously older style or incorrect proportions. If your car will be judged, check event-specific standards with an Aston Martin club or concours registrar.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1994 Aston Martin?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1994 Aston Martin, especially if the car is being presented for originality or careful preservation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice whether the model has the right overall tire proportions, the correct radial construction for the era, and a sidewall appearance that suits a 1990s Aston Martin. On a DB7, using the proper staggered 18-inch sizes is part of that visual correctness.
Even when a judging sheet does not score every tire detail formally, incorrect sizing can alter stance, wheel-arch fill, and the car’s whole presentation. A Virage on the wrong low-profile modern size, or a DB7 fitted with mismatched front and rear dimensions, can look visibly off to the trained eye. For event-level accuracy, compare against period photos and seek guidance from marque clubs that understand Aston Martin standards.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S for the 1994 Aston Martin DB7?
For the 1994 Aston Martin DB7, both BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and g-Force COMP-2 A/S appear in the correct 18-inch sizes, but they differ in sidewall marking and rating details. In 245/40R18, the Sport COMP-2 is a 93W tire with a 1,433 load figure at 51 psi, while the COMP-2 A/S appears as a 97Y XL form with a 1,609-pound figure at 50 psi. In 265/35R18, the Sport COMP-2 appears as a 93W tire and the COMP-2 A/S as a 97W XL form.
That comparison is useful for owners who want to stay within one brand family while still choosing the product that best matches the car’s use. The practical questions are speed rating, load figure, and whether the tire’s character aligns with your driving expectations. Because both series share the correct DB7 sizes, the better choice depends on the exact axle position and the sidewall specifications of the individual tire you plan to fit.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1994 Aston Martin tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1994 Aston Martin tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and matched to the intended use of the car. The DB7’s available 18-inch tires include W-rated products with a 168 mph ceiling and Y-rated products with a 186+ mph ceiling, which are well above normal U.S. highway speeds. Safety depends at least as much on age, condition, inflation, and the car’s own brakes and suspension as it does on the maximum speed symbol stamped into the sidewall.
The key is to treat speed rating as one part of the picture rather than the whole story. An older tire with plenty of tread is still a poor highway choice if it has aged out, and a freshly fitted high-speed radial cannot compensate for neglected suspension or alignment. Before regular road use, make sure the tire size, age, pressure, and overall mechanical condition of the Aston Martin all support the way you intend to drive it.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1994 Aston Martin tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1994 Aston Martin should follow the car’s factory recommendation for its model and tire size, while also respecting the tire maker’s own maximum load-and-pressure marking. Among DB7 products, 245/40R18 examples include 1,235 at 44 psi, 1,433 at 51 psi, and 1,609 pounds at 50 psi, while 265/35R18 examples include 1,433 at 51 psi and 1,609 pounds at 50 psi. Those figures are tire capacity references, not universal running pressures to apply automatically.
That distinction matters because a maximum pressure printed on the tire is not the same thing as the pressure the car should be driven at day to day. Use the Aston Martin handbook or door-jamb guidance for the baseline setting, then verify that the chosen tire supports the car appropriately within its rated range. Keep front and rear pressures separated on a DB7, since the car uses different tire sizes at each axle.
What should I check before taking a 1994 Aston Martin on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1994 Aston Martin on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, and uneven wear, then set pressures with the tires cold. Check that the tires match the correct model fitment, especially on a DB7 where front and rear sizes differ, and confirm the spare is present and serviceable if the car carries one. A quick walkaround should also include valve stems, wheel condition, and any sign of rubbing or contact inside the wheelhouse.
A longer drive deserves a broader mechanical check as well, because tire condition is only one part of road readiness on an older exotic car. Suspension wear, brake performance, fluid condition, and alignment all influence how the tire behaves once speed builds. Spending a few extra minutes before departure is far easier than trying to solve a preventable tire or chassis problem on the side of the road.
