In 1999 Aston Martin stood at an interesting point between traditional hand-built grand touring heritage and a more modern, performance-focused era. The DB7 carried that balance especially well, combining unmistakable Aston Martin style with contemporary wheel and tire sizing that was far more advanced than the brand's earlier classics. For 1999 Aston Martin, the tire question centers on one model using four radial sizes, split between 18-inch and 19-inch fitments rather than a bias-ply-versus-radial decision. The first thing to confirm is which wheel diameter your DB7 has, then whether you are matching the correct front and rear size combination before narrowing down the exact tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1999 Aston Martin
Four tire sizes are used on 1999 Aston Martin vehicles, and all four belong to the DB7 rather than being shared across multiple models. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car uses 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, since these sizes do not share the same rim diameter. Understanding that split before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1999|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
A 245/40R18 is a radial tire with a 245-millimeter section width, a stated 40-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This DB7-specific size is available from M&H Racemaster, BFGoodrich, and Nitto in blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product including W at 168 mph and Y at 186+ mph. It suits an owner who needs the correct 18-inch front fitment and wants to choose among street-oriented performance radials or a more specialized drag radial depending on how the car is used.
Year(s): 1999|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
A 265/35R18 is a radial tire with a 265-millimeter section width, a stated 35-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This DB7-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form, and current choices carry W and Y speed ratings, with W rated to 168 mph and Y rated to 186+ mph. It is the companion 18-inch rear size for staggered-fitment DB7 applications, so the priority is matching it to the proper wheel diameter and intended road use rather than treating it as a universal Aston Martin size.
Year(s): 1999|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
A 245/35R19 is a radial tire with a 245-millimeter section width, a stated 35-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. This DB7-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form, with W speed-rated options at 168 mph. It fits owners running the 19-inch front wheel setup and looking for a modern radial in the lower-profile sizing associated with later, more contemporary wheel packages.
Year(s): 1999|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
A 265/30R19 is a radial tire with a 265-millimeter section width, a stated 30-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to DB7 applications using the 19-inch rear fitment. It is the size to choose only after confirming that your car uses the 19-inch staggered arrangement, since it is not interchangeable with the 18-inch rear size simply because both serve the same model family.
One model is covered for 1999 Aston Martin: the DB7. Even with a single model, tire size still varies, because the DB7 uses four radial sizes across two different wheel diameters and a staggered front-to-rear layout. Select the model below to narrow your search to DB7-specific fitment history and products.
1999 Aston Martin DB7
The 1999 Aston Martin DB7 was the marque's modern grand touring flagship, known for bringing Aston Martin style to a broader late-1990s audience while still delivering the long-hood, elegant proportions buyers expect from the brand. Its tires mount on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels depending on the setup, so identifying the wheel package is essential before choosing front and rear sizes.
Fourteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1999 Aston Martin vehicles. The 245/40R18 has 4 products from M&H Racemaster, BFGoodrich, and Nitto in radial blackwall form; 265/35R18 has 4 from BFGoodrich and Nitto; 245/35R19 has 3 from BFGoodrich and Nitto; confirm wheel diameter and front-to-rear size before selecting.
These answers cover how 18-inch and 19-inch DB7 fitments differ, what each metric size code means, which brands and blackwall options are available, and what to inspect when maintaining a low-use late-1990s Aston Martin.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1999 Aston Martin vehicles?
1999 Aston Martin vehicles in this range use four tire sizes, all for the DB7: 245/40R18, 265/35R18, 245/35R19, and 265/30R19. The 245 sizes are front fitments and the 265 sizes are rear fitments, with 18-inch and 19-inch versions corresponding to different wheel diameters. Rim width guidance appears for several of these sizes, including 8.0 to 9.5 inches for 245/40R18 and 245/35R19, plus 9.0 to 10.5 inches for 265/35R18.
The practical point is that year and make alone are not enough on a 1999 Aston Martin DB7. You need to confirm whether the car has the 18-inch setup or the 19-inch setup, then match the correct front and rear pairing. That keeps you from mixing diameters or ordering a front size for the rear axle. If your car has been restored, upgraded, or fitted with aftermarket wheels, verify the actual wheel size stamped on the rim before moving forward.
What does 245/40R18 mean on a 1999 Aston Martin tire?
On a 1999 Aston Martin, 245/40R18 is a metric radial size. The 245 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 40 percent of the section width, R designates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. For the DB7, this size serves the 18-inch front fitment.
That code matters because it tells you more than width alone. A 245/40R18 will not substitute directly for a 245/35R19, even though both are 245-millimeter front sizes, because the wheel diameter and sidewall profile differ. On a grand touring car like the DB7, those differences affect stance, gearing feel, and clearance. Matching the full size code is the cleanest way to preserve intended proportions and avoid front-to-rear imbalance.
Do all 1999 Aston Martin models use the same tire size?
Within 1999 Aston Martin coverage here, only the DB7 appears, but it does not use a single uniform tire size across every wheel setup. The DB7 uses four sizes total: 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 for one staggered arrangement, and 245/35R19 and 265/30R19 for another. That means the size varies even though the model name stays the same.
For a buyer, that makes wheel identification the first step rather than an afterthought. A quick check of the tire sidewall already on the car or the wheel diameter itself will usually settle whether you need the 18-inch or 19-inch combination. Once that is confirmed, the choice becomes straightforward: one front size and one rear size matched to the same wheel package. That is especially important on a DB7 because staggered sizing is part of the fitment logic.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1999 Aston Martin tires?
1999 Aston Martin DB7 tires in these sizes are available in blackwall form. That applies across the 245/40R18, 265/35R18, and 245/35R19 offerings, and it aligns naturally with the late-1990s grand touring character of the car. No wide whitewall or vintage-style sidewall treatment enters the picture here, which keeps the look consistent with the DB7's original era.
For most owners, that means the visual decision is simpler than it would be on an older collector car. Instead of choosing among period decorative sidewalls, you can focus on the right size, speed rating, and brand character while keeping an appearance that suits a modern Aston Martin. If your car is headed for a judged event, blackwall styling remains the safe visual direction unless a model-specific authority for your exact car says otherwise.
What brands make tires for 1999 Aston Martin vehicles?
1999 Aston Martin DB7 sizes are covered by M&H Racemaster, BFGoodrich, and Nitto. The 245/40R18 front size is available from all three brands, while the 265/35R18 rear and 245/35R19 front sizes are covered by BFGoodrich and Nitto. Those choices keep the DB7 in the realm of modern radial performance tires rather than vintage reproduction constructions.
That brand spread gives owners room to choose by intended use. A street-driven DB7 will often point toward mainstream performance radial lines from BFGoodrich or Nitto, while the M&H Racemaster option in 245/40R18 is more specialized in character. The simplest way to narrow the field is to start with the exact axle size you need, then compare speed rating, load capability, and recommended rim width within that size rather than mixing priorities across different diameters.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Nitto choices for 1999 Aston Martin DB7 tires?
For 1999 Aston Martin DB7 fitments, BFGoodrich and Nitto overlap in several sizes but do not always mirror each other exactly. In 245/40R18, BFGoodrich options include a 97Y XL all-season and a 93W performance tire, while Nitto's NT555 G2 carries a 97W XL designation; all use blackwall radial construction and fit broadly within the 8.0 to 9.5 inch rim range. In 265/35R18, BFGoodrich offers both W- and Y-rated choices, while Nitto's NT555 G2 carries a 97W XL designation within the same general 9.0 to 10.5 inch rim range.
The practical takeaway is that the decision often comes down to how closely you want to target your use. If you want to prioritize matching a specific speed rating, load index, or tire line character, compare those details within the exact size your DB7 uses on that axle. If you simply need a modern blackwall radial in the correct dimensions, both brands cover key DB7 fitments well. Avoid comparing a front size to a rear size, since the staggered setup changes the conversation.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1999 Aston Martin tires require?
Rim width guidance for 1999 Aston Martin DB7 tires varies by size. The 245/40R18 front size fits rims from 8.0 to 9.5 inches wide, with one drag-oriented option centered around 8.5 inches. The 265/35R18 rear size fits rims from 9.0 to 10.5 inches wide. The 245/35R19 front size also fits rims from 8.0 to 9.5 inches wide on the products that publish a width range.
That matters because a tire can have the correct diameter and still be a poor match for the wheel if the rim is too narrow or too wide. On a DB7, the safest approach is to confirm the actual wheel width before choosing among products in the same size, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a prior owner changed the package. Staying inside the tire maker's approved rim-width range helps preserve steering response, tread shape, and sidewall support.
Do 1999 Aston Martin tires require inner tubes?
1999 Aston Martin DB7 tires in these sizes are modern radial fitments, and several products carry tubeless markings such as TL or XLTL in the size designation. That points the DB7 squarely toward tubeless-type tire use rather than traditional tube-type collector fitment. No tube-type marking appears among the DB7 products with published size details.
Even so, the wheel itself still matters. If a wheel has been replaced, restored incorrectly, or altered from its original configuration, confirm that it is suitable for tubeless radial service before mounting tires. On a late-1990s Aston Martin, that is usually straightforward, but it is still worth checking bead-seat condition, valve stems, and wheel integrity at the same time. A clean, airtight wheel is just as important as choosing the correct tire size.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1999 Aston Martin when the tires are fitted?
A 1999 Aston Martin should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone-producing equipment, and damp conditions that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires properly inflated, move the car periodically if possible, and start with a clean, dry storage surface. Low-profile radial tires like the DB7 uses generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but they still age from time, environment, and long periods of sitting.
If the car will be parked for an extended season, many collectors either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces long-term static loading. That helps limit flat spotting and keeps the contact patch from sitting in one position for months at a time. A breathable car cover and a climate-stable garage do more for tire life than most owners realize, especially on a grand touring car that may only come out for fair-weather driving.
How long do tires on a 1999 Aston Martin typically last?
On a 1999 Aston Martin, tire age usually matters more than mileage. Collector and weekend-use cars often wear very little tread, yet the rubber can still harden, crack, or lose flexibility over time. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires carefully around the five- to seven-year point and to treat roughly ten years from the date code as a serious replacement threshold even if the tread still looks serviceable.
That guideline is especially relevant for a DB7 because many survive as low-mileage grand tourers rather than daily drivers. Check the DOT date code on each tire, not just the spare or one visible sidewall, and consider the age of all four as a set. If steering feel has become skittish, wet-weather behavior has fallen off, or the sidewalls show weathering, age may be the real issue long before tread depth says the tire is finished.
How often should tires on a 1999 Aston Martin be inspected?
Tires on a 1999 Aston Martin should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, punctures, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and any sign that pressure has dropped since the last outing. Because the DB7 uses staggered sizes, confirm both front and rear pressures rather than assuming one reading tells the whole story.
A more thorough inspection every few months is wise even if the car barely moves. Check valve stems, inner shoulder wear, and the spare if the car still carries one, since collector cars can go long stretches without anyone looking closely. Short local drives often hide problems that a sustained highway run will expose. Regular inspection also helps catch alignment or suspension issues early, before an expensive low-profile tire wears unevenly.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1999 Aston Martin tires safe for highway driving?
1999 Aston Martin DB7 tires in these sizes are modern radial designs, and several carry W and Y speed ratings. W is rated to 168 mph, while Y is rated to 186+ mph, which places these tires well within serious high-speed touring territory when matched to a sound car and used within their load and inflation limits. The M&H Racemaster 245/40R18 option is a more specialized radial and should be chosen with its intended use clearly in mind.
In real-world driving, the condition of the car often matters as much as the speed symbol on the sidewall. A DB7's suspension condition, alignment, brakes, and age of the tires all influence confidence and safety at highway speeds. For that reason, choose a tire that matches your actual use, not just the highest letter available, and inspect age, pressure, and condition before assuming any performance-rated tire is ready for a long, fast road trip.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1999 Aston Martin tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1999 Aston Martin should be set by the car's factory guidance first, then checked against the tire maker's maximum-rated pressure and load information for the exact size you are using. Among DB7 tire options, examples include 245/40R18 with capacities up to 1,609 pounds at 50 psi, 265/35R18 with capacities up to 1,609 pounds at 50 psi, and another 245/40R18 application at 1,235 pounds at 44 psi. Those figures are tire limits, not blanket vehicle-pressure recommendations.
The important point is not to transfer one pressure number casually from one size or product line to another. A 245/40R18 front tire and a 265/35R18 rear tire serve different positions, and the car's placard or owner's manual remains the correct starting point for road use. If your DB7 has non-original wheels or a changed tire package, verify the setup carefully so inflation is matched to both the tire and the vehicle rather than guessed.
What should I check before taking a 1999 Aston Martin on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 1999 Aston Martin, inspect every tire for weather cracking, cuts, punctures, sidewall bulges, and uneven wear. Confirm cold inflation pressures, look over valve stems, and make sure the tires are not aging out even if tread depth still appears strong. On a DB7, also verify that the front and rear sizes are correctly paired, since the car uses a staggered setup rather than four identical tires.
Tire inspection is only one part of a proper pre-drive check on a late-1990s grand tourer. A longer run is also the right time to review brake feel, fluid levels, cooling system health, and the condition of the spare or roadside backup plan. Tires are often the most visible part of the preparation, but they work best when the rest of the car is equally ready. A careful once-over before departure usually prevents the most common road-trip surprises.