In 2002 Aston Martin balanced old-world grand touring character with modern high-performance engineering, offering the elegant DB7 alongside the more forceful Vanquish. Both cars belonged to the same marque, but they served different roles and wore different tire packages to match. Across 2002 Aston Martin models, six radial sizes appear, and the choice is driven less by vintage-style construction decisions than by identifying the correct model and axle-specific size combination. The first thing to confirm on a 2002 Aston Martin is whether you have a DB7 or a Vanquish, then verify the exact front and rear size before narrowing down the right tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2002 Aston Martin
Six tire sizes are used across 2002 Aston Martin vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Every size is a radial, so the main decision is confirming whether you are fitting an 18-inch or 19-inch wheel package and matching the correct front and rear sizes to your DB7 or Vanquish. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2002|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
245/35R19 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel, and it is specific to certain 2002 Aston Martin DB7 applications rather than the full model range. This size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall form, with W-rated products to 168 mph. It suits a DB7 owner who needs the correct 19-inch front fitment and wants a modern radial tire with contemporary performance-oriented construction.
Year(s): 2002|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
245/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel, and it is used on DB7 applications rather than across all 2002 Aston Martin models. BFGoodrich, Nitto, and M&H Racemaster offer this size in Blackwall styling, and speed ratings vary by product with W-rated tires to 168 mph and Y-rated tires to 186 mph. It is the correct starting point for a DB7 on 18-inch front wheels, especially when you want to stay with a modern radial format and then choose among available performance-oriented product lines.
Year(s): 2002|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
265/30R19 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 30-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel, and it is specific to DB7 rear applications within the 2002 Aston Martin range. Blackwall radial products are the relevant style for this size. It is the size to confirm for a DB7 using the 19-inch rear package, where matching the proper rear dimension matters more than comparing construction types.
Year(s): 2002|Fit(s): DB7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
265/35R18 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel, and it serves DB7 rear fitment rather than the entire 2002 Aston Martin line. BFGoodrich and Nitto offer this size in Blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product with W-rated tires to 168 mph and Y-rated tires to 186 mph. It is the right rear size for a DB7 on 18-inch wheels when you want a radial tire that preserves the car's intended staggered fitment.
Year(s): 2002|Fit(s): Vanquish|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
255/40R19 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel, and it is specific to the 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish. BFGoodrich offers this size in Blackwall styling, and speed ratings vary by product with W-rated tires to 168 mph and Y-rated tires to 186 mph. It is the correct front size to confirm for a Vanquish, where proper model-specific fitment takes priority over cross-shopping DB7 sizes.
Year(s): 2002|Fit(s): Vanquish|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
285/40R19 is a metric radial size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel, and it is used on the Vanquish rather than across all 2002 Aston Martin models. Blackwall radial products are the relevant style for this size. It is the rear size to verify for a Vanquish, especially because the car's wider rear fitment is part of its original high-performance stance and handling balance.
Two Aston Martin models are covered for 2002. Tire size does vary by model, so identifying whether you have a DB7 or a Vanquish is essential before choosing a tire, and each car uses its own front and rear fitment set rather than a shared year-wide size. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and products.
2002 Aston Martin DB7
The 2002 Aston Martin DB7 carried the marque's grand touring identity with a long-hood, elegant coupe or convertible profile and a more traditional Aston Martin feel than the later Vanquish. DB7 fitments span both 18-inch and 19-inch wheel packages, with staggered front and rear sizing that should be matched carefully to the wheel set on the car. Its tire choice is usually about confirming the exact wheel package already fitted and staying true to the intended GT balance.
The 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish represented a more modern and more aggressive side of the brand, with supercar presence and a wider, more muscular stance than the DB7. Vanquish uses a 19-inch staggered setup front and rear, so the key is preserving the correct size relationship between the two axles. Buyers usually approach Vanquish fitment with an eye toward maintaining the car's original visual proportion and high-speed touring character.
Twenty products are available across six tire sizes for 2002 Aston Martin vehicles. 245/35R19 has 3 BFGoodrich and Nitto radial Blackwall choices, 245/40R18 has 7 BFGoodrich, Nitto, and M&H Racemaster radial Blackwalls, 265/35R18 has 4 BFGoodrich and Nitto radial Blackwalls, and 255/40R19 has 6 BFGoodrich radial Blackwalls. Confirm your exact size first, since speed ratings can vary between products within the same size.
These FAQs cover the model-specific tire sizing used across 2002 Aston Martin cars, how the DB7 and Vanquish differ, what the metric size codes mean, and what to check around sidewall style, speed rating, setup, and long-term collector-car care.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2002 Aston Martin vehicles?
2002 Aston Martin vehicles use six radial sizes split by model. The DB7 uses 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 on 18-inch wheels, or 245/35R19 and 265/30R19 on 19-inch wheels. The Vanquish uses 255/40R19 and 285/40R19 on 19-inch wheels. Rim width guidance appears for several sizes: 245/35R19 fits 8.0 to 9.5 inches, 245/40R18 spans 8.0 to 9.5 inches with one drag radial at 8.5 inches, 265/35R18 fits 9.0 to 10.5 inches, and 255/40R19 fits 8.5 to 10.0 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a correct match. You need to identify the model first, then confirm whether your car has the 18-inch or 19-inch DB7 package or the 19-inch Vanquish package, and finally verify whether you are replacing a front or rear tire. Aston Martin used staggered sizing on both models, so front and rear positions are not interchangeable even when the wheel diameter is the same.
What does 245/40R18 mean on a 2002 Aston Martin tire?
On a 2002 Aston Martin, 245/40R18 is a metric radial tire 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 identifies radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the DB7, this is a front size used with the 18-inch wheel package rather than a universal Aston Martin size for the year.
Understanding that code helps prevent a common mistake: assuming any 245-width tire will work if it looks close. The 40-series profile and 18-inch wheel diameter are part of the package, and changing either one alters the fit. If your DB7 is on 18-inch wheels, 245/40R18 belongs at the front and should be paired with the matching 265/35R18 rear size, not mixed with the 19-inch setup.
Do all 2002 Aston Martin models use the same tire size?
No. The 2002 Aston Martin DB7 and 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish use different tire sizes, and the DB7 itself appears with two separate wheel packages. DB7 fitments are either 245/40R18 front with 265/35R18 rear or 245/35R19 front with 265/30R19 rear. Vanquish fitment is 255/40R19 front with 285/40R19 rear. Every size is radial, but the dimensions are model-specific.
That difference matters because these are not casual substitutions. A Vanquish owner should not cross-shop DB7 sizes just because both cars are 2002 Aston Martins, and a DB7 owner should confirm whether the car wears the 18-inch or 19-inch combination before selecting a tire. Checking the sidewall on the car now, along with the wheel diameter, is the quickest way to narrow the search to the correct fitment family.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2002 Aston Martin tires?
Blackwall is the sidewall style used across the available 2002 Aston Martin tire sizes. That applies to the DB7 sizes 245/35R19, 245/40R18, and 265/35R18, as well as the Vanquish front size 255/40R19. In the context of an early-2000s Aston Martin, a Blackwall appearance is also the most natural visual match for the factory-era character of these cars, which were designed around modern low-profile performance tires rather than wide whitewalls or vintage-style side treatments.
For most buyers, that simplifies the decision because the main variables become size, speed rating, and product line rather than decorative sidewall appearance. If your goal is an original-looking presentation, a plain Blackwall keeps the emphasis on the wheel design and body shape the way Aston Martin intended. From there, compare tires within the correct size and axle position instead of trying to solve the look with a different sidewall treatment.
What brands make tires for 2002 Aston Martin vehicles?
Three brands cover the available 2002 Aston Martin sizes: BFGoodrich, Nitto, and M&H Racemaster. The 245/35R19 DB7 size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto, 245/40R18 from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and M&H Racemaster, 265/35R18 from BFGoodrich and Nitto, and 255/40R19 from BFGoodrich. Every one of those offerings is a radial Blackwall tire, which suits the modern performance character of both the DB7 and Vanquish.
Brand choice should come after fitment confirmation, not before. Once you know the exact size and axle position, you can compare the available product families in that size for details such as speed rating, rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire is oriented more toward all-season street use or a more specialized performance application. On a 2002 Aston Martin, getting the right dimensions matters more than forcing a favorite brand into the wrong fitment.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 2002 Aston Martin?
For the 2002 Aston Martin sizes where both appear, the main measurable differences are speed rating, weight, and sometimes published load information. In 245/35R19, the g-Force Comp-2 A/S and g-Force Phenom T/A are both rated 93W, but the Phenom T/A carries a published load figure of 1,433 pounds at 50 psi and weighs 26.34 pounds, while one Comp-2 A/S version weighs 28 pounds. In 265/35R18 and 255/40R19, the Phenom T/A carries a Y speed rating to 186 mph, while comparable BFGoodrich W-rated versions are capped at 168 mph.
That comparison is most useful when you are already shopping within the correct size for your DB7 or Vanquish. A buyer focused on matching the highest published speed rating available in a given size may prefer the Y-rated Phenom T/A where offered, while another may choose among the BFGoodrich options based on the exact model line and fitment details. The important step is to compare within one size, because the right dimensions still come before product-line preference.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2002 Aston Martin tires require?
Several 2002 Aston Martin sizes include published rim-width guidance. 245/35R19 fits 8.0 to 9.5 inches. 245/40R18 generally fits 8.0 to 9.5 inches, with one M&H Racemaster drag radial built around an 8.5-inch wheel. 265/35R18 fits 9.0 to 10.5 inches, and 255/40R19 fits 8.5 to 10.0 inches. Those figures reflect the tire size, not a blanket rule for every wheel Aston Martin used in 2002.
That matters when a car has aftermarket wheels or when you are replacing tires on a car with an uncertain wheel history. Start by matching the wheel diameter and the correct front or rear size, then confirm that the wheel width falls inside the tire maker's approved range for that exact size. If your wheel width sits at the edge of the range, it is worth double-checking the exact tire you want before mounting.
Do 2002 Aston Martin tires require inner tubes?
The available 2002 Aston Martin tires are modern radial designs, and tube status is not presented as a tube-type requirement for these fitments. One 255/40R19 BFGoodrich entry includes a TL marking, which denotes tubeless construction, while many other products simply use modern metric radial sizing without a separate tube-type marking. There is no indication here of a universal inner-tube requirement across the DB7 or Vanquish sizes.
For an owner, the practical step is to match the tire to the wheel you actually have. Original-style modern performance wheels are generally used with tubeless tires, but wheel condition and design still matter. If a wheel has been repaired, replaced, or converted, verify that it is appropriate for tubeless use and inspect the valve stems at the same time. That check is especially worthwhile on a low-mileage collector Aston Martin that may sit for long periods between drives.
Can the original 2002 Aston Martin wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No single original 2002 Aston Martin wheel setup works with all six sizes, because wheel diameter and model fitment differ. The DB7 uses either an 18-inch staggered set or a 19-inch staggered set, while the Vanquish uses a separate 19-inch staggered set with wider dimensions than the DB7. Even where the wheel diameter matches, the tire widths and profiles are not shared across both models.
That means wheel reuse should be considered within the correct model and package, not across the entire year and make. A DB7 owner can stay within the original 18-inch or 19-inch package already on the car, and a Vanquish owner should keep the correct 19-inch front and rear pairing for that model. Before mounting replacement tires, confirm the wheel diameter, the front-versus-rear position, and the wheel width against the tire's approved range.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2002 Aston Martin when the tires are fitted?
A 2002 Aston Martin should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires properly inflated, roll the car occasionally if practical, and avoid letting one part of the tread carry the full load for months at a time. Modern radials resist long-term flat-spotting better than many older tire designs, but any low-profile performance tire can still suffer from neglect during extended storage.
The goal is to protect both the rubber and the car's driving feel. Aston Martins in collector use often spend more time parked than driven, so tire aging can come from time and environment rather than mileage. If the car will sit for a season, clean the tires, keep them off damp ground, and inspect the sidewalls before the next drive for cracking, pressure loss, or any sign that one tire has changed shape during storage.
How long do tires on a 2002 Aston Martin typically last?
On a 2002 Aston Martin, tire life should be judged by age and condition more than by tread wear alone. A good rule is to begin careful evaluation around five to seven years from the tire's manufacturing date and to treat about ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the reference for actual age, not the model year of the car.
That approach matters because many DB7 and Vanquish cars are low-mileage collector vehicles. A tire can look healthy from a few feet away and still be old enough to have hardened, lost grip, or developed internal aging issues. If your Aston Martin is driven only occasionally, put calendar age at the center of the replacement decision and not just visible tread depth. A fresh set often transforms confidence more than owners expect.
How often should tires on a 2002 Aston Martin be inspected?
Tires on a 2002 Aston Martin deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful inspection before any longer outing. Check inflation pressure, tread wear, cuts, punctures, bulges, curb damage, and any sidewall cracking. Because these cars use staggered high-performance radial sizes, also confirm that front and rear tires are in the correct positions and that no tire shows unusual wear that might point to an alignment or suspension issue.
That routine is especially important on a collector car that may sit between drives. Problems often show up first as a slow pressure loss, a weathered sidewall, or a vibration that was not there before. Catching those signs early can prevent damage to a rare wheel and can help you address a chassis issue before it affects the car's road manners. Keep the spare and its inflation condition in the inspection routine as well.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2002 Aston Martin DB7?
A 2002 Aston Martin DB7 was originally built around modern radial performance tires, not vintage bias-ply construction. Within the fitments used for the DB7, the car appears with two staggered packages: 245/40R18 front with 265/35R18 rear, or 245/35R19 front with 265/30R19 rear. Those dimensions reflect the early-2000s move toward low-profile, wider radial tires on high-end grand touring cars, which fits the DB7's character and era.
For restoration-minded owners, the important part is confirming which wheel package belongs on the specific car before selecting tires. Market differences, wheel-option history, and prior owner changes can all affect what is on the car today. If you are chasing factory-correct presentation, compare the current wheel and tire setup to marque references, period photos, and DB7 specialists rather than assuming every 2002 DB7 left the factory with the same wheel diameter.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2002 Aston Martin?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2002 Aston Martin because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car carries the proper size relationship, wheel diameter, and overall visual stance for the model. On an early-2000s Aston Martin, obvious departures such as the wrong front-to-rear stagger, an incorrect profile, or a sidewall look that does not suit a modern performance GT car can distract from an otherwise strong presentation.
For a DB7 or Vanquish, authenticity is less about whitewall era details and more about preserving the intended proportions of a contemporary Aston Martin. A car that sits too tall, too short, or on mismatched front and rear dimensions can look wrong immediately. Before a judged event, confirm the exact size on each axle, make sure the sidewalls present cleanly, and check with Aston Martin club sources if your car has an unusual wheel package or market-specific history.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 and Nitto NT555 G2 for the 2002 Aston Martin?
In the 2002 Aston Martin sizes where both appear, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 and Nitto NT555 G2 are both radial Blackwall performance tires, but they differ in some published details. In 245/40R18, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 is rated 93W with a 1,433-pound maximum load at 51 psi and an 8.0 to 9.5-inch rim-width range, while the Nitto NT555 G2 is 97W XL with a 1,609-pound maximum load at 50 psi and an 8.0 to 9.5-inch approved range. In 265/35R18, the BFGoodrich is 93W with a 1,433-pound load rating at 51 psi, while the Nitto is 97W XL with a 1,609-pound load rating at 50 psi.
That means the comparison is not just brand preference. Load rating, XL designation, and the exact fitment details may influence which tire best suits your wheel and intended use within the correct DB7 size. For an owner focused on authenticity, either still keeps the right modern radial format for the period; the deciding factor is more likely to be the exact specification match and how closely the tire aligns with the wheel package already on the car.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2002 Aston Martin tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the available 2002 Aston Martin tires are modern radial performance tires intended for road use, and the published speed ratings are appropriate for highway travel when the tires are in good condition and correctly matched to the car. W-rated versions carry a 168 mph ceiling, and Y-rated versions carry a 186 mph ceiling. Those ratings appear across several DB7 and Vanquish sizes, including 245/40R18, 265/35R18, and 255/40R19.
In real-world use, tire condition, inflation, alignment, and the car's mechanical health matter more than chasing the highest letter on the sidewall. A DB7 or Vanquish that is properly maintained and wearing the correct size can be an excellent highway car, but age, storage history, and suspension condition should be checked before any sustained-speed driving. Even a high-speed-rated tire is only as trustworthy as the wheel, valve stem, and chassis supporting it.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2002 Aston Martin tires?
Inflation pressure on a 2002 Aston Martin should follow the car's factory guidance first, but the tire's own rated pressure and load figures are still useful reference points. Published maximums include 1,433 pounds at 50 psi for one 245/35R19, 1,609 pounds at 50 psi or 1,433 pounds at 51 psi for several 245/40R18 and 265/35R18 options, and 1,764 pounds at 50 psi for some 255/40R19 versions. Those are tire-capacity figures, not a universal everyday setting for every Aston Martin application.
The practical approach is to use the door-jamb or owner's manual recommendation for your exact model and wheel package, then confirm that your chosen tire is suitable for that application. Do not transfer a pressure figure from a DB7 18-inch package to a 19-inch package or to a Vanquish rear tire. If the car has aftermarket wheels or a non-original stagger, pressure setting becomes even more dependent on verifying the whole combination carefully.
What should I check before taking a 2002 Aston Martin on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2002 Aston Martin, inspect each tire for cracking, punctures, cuts, sidewall bulges, uneven wear, and correct cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the front and rear sizes are correctly positioned, since both DB7 and Vanquish use staggered fitments. Look at the valve stems, check wheel condition, and make sure the spare is present and serviceable if your car carries one.
A tire check should be part of a broader pre-drive routine on a car of this age. Early-2000s Aston Martins are capable long-distance GT cars, but they still reward careful preparation, especially if the car has been parked for a while. If the steering feels off-center, the car pulls, or one tire has worn differently from the others, address that before the trip rather than hoping it will settle in on the road. Tires often reveal larger setup issues early.
