2012 Chrysler marked a modern chapter for the brand, with the midsize 200 and the larger 300 covering very different personalities under one badge. The 200 served buyers who wanted a contemporary family sedan or convertible, while the 300 carried Chrysler’s traditional full-size presence with a more upscale, rear-drive feel. Tire sizing across 2012 Chrysler vehicles varies by model rather than staying uniform, with six distinct radial sizes spread across just two model lines and rim diameters ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Before choosing a tire for a 2012 Chrysler, the first step is confirming whether you have a 200 or 300 and then matching the correct wheel diameter already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2012 Chrysler
Six tire sizes are used across 2012 Chrysler vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because all six are radial sizes but they span 17-, 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels, the real decision starts with confirming your model and wheel diameter first. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2012|Fit(s): 200|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
The 225/55R17 is a radial metric size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 2012 Chrysler 200 and is available from BFGoodrich in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall versions; some products carry a W speed rating with a 168 mph ceiling, while others do not show a speed symbol in the size marking. It suits a 200 owner who wants to stay with the correct 17-inch fitment while choosing between a contemporary blackwall look or a more stylized whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 2012|Fit(s): 200|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
The 225/50R18 is a radial metric size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is also specific to the 2012 Chrysler 200 and comes from BFGoodrich in Blackwall form, with W-rated products carrying a 168 mph ceiling. It is the correct path for 200 models equipped with 18-inch wheels and fits buyers who want a modern radial in the factory wheel diameter already on the car.
Year(s): 2012|Fit(s): 300|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17-in rim
The 215/65R17 is a radial metric size that uses a 215-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 2012 Chrysler 300 rather than shared across all 2012 Chrysler models. It is the correct 17-inch fitment path for 300 owners and should be chosen by matching the existing wheel diameter before comparing product style or performance character.
Year(s): 2012|Fit(s): 300|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
The 235/55R19 is a radial metric size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch rim. This size belongs specifically to certain 2012 Chrysler 300 applications and is not a universal 2012 Chrysler size. It is the right choice only for 300 models already running 19-inch wheels, making wheel confirmation more important here than cross-shopping by appearance alone.
Year(s): 2012|Fit(s): 300|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
The 225/60R18 is a radial metric size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch wheel diameter. This size is specific to the 2012 Chrysler 300 and is separate from the 225/50R18 used on the 200, even though both mount on 18-inch rims. It should be chosen by 300 owners who need the proper 18-inch fitment for that model rather than assuming any 18-inch Chrysler tire is interchangeable.
Year(s): 2012|Fit(s): 300|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
The 245/45R20 is a radial metric size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This 2012 Chrysler 300-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product, with W-rated options carrying a 168 mph ceiling and Y-rated options carrying a 186-plus mph ceiling. It suits 300 owners who need the largest wheel fitment used in the range and want to compare brand character and speed rating within the correct 20-inch size.
Two Chrysler models are covered for 2012, and they do not share the same tire sizes across the range. The practical takeaway is simple: year and make alone are not enough, because the 200 and 300 use different size groups and different wheel diameters. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire options that match it.
2012 Chrysler 200
The 2012 Chrysler 200 was Chrysler’s midsize offering, positioned as a more refined and updated successor in the company’s front-wheel-drive family-car lineup. Its tires mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on configuration, so identifying the wheel already on the car is the key first step before choosing a replacement.
The 2012 Chrysler 300 carried the brand’s traditional full-size, rear-drive sedan character, with a more substantial road presence than the 200 and a broader spread of wheel packages. Its tire fitments span 17-, 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels, making model identification and wheel confirmation especially important before moving to a specific tire.
Thirteen products are available across six tire sizes for 2012 Chrysler vehicles. The 225/55R17 has four BFGoodrich radial choices in Blackwall and Wide Whitewall, the 225/50R18 has three BFGoodrich radial Blackwalls, and the 245/45R20 has four radial Blackwalls from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Confirm your size first, then compare the specific speed rating that matches your preferred product.
These FAQs sort out how tire sizing changes between the 2012 Chrysler 200 and 300, what the metric size codes mean, which brands and sidewall styles are available, and what to check for safe use on a modern collector or enthusiast-driven Chrysler.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2012 Chrysler vehicles?
2012 Chrysler vehicles use six distinct sizes across two models. The Chrysler 200 uses 225/55R17 and 225/50R18, while the Chrysler 300 uses 215/65R17, 225/60R18, 235/55R19, and 245/45R20. Rim diameter is built into each size, so the 200 spans 17- and 18-inch wheels, and the 300 spans 17-, 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels.
That means a 2012 Chrysler owner should identify the model first and then confirm the wheel diameter already on the car before narrowing the tire choice. Even sizes that share part of the code, such as 225-width 18-inch tires, are not automatically interchangeable because the aspect ratio differs and the overall fitment intent changes with the model.
What does 225/55R17 mean on a 2012 Chrysler tire?
On a 2012 Chrysler, 225/55R17 means the tire is 225 millimeters wide, has a 55-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and mounts on a 17-inch wheel. That size appears on the Chrysler 200. Products in this size include BFGoodrich offerings in both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall styles, with some versions carrying a W speed rating, which corresponds to a 168 mph ceiling.
For a buyer, the key point is that every part of the code matters. If your 2012 Chrysler 200 has 17-inch wheels, 225/55R17 keeps you in the correct diameter family, while the sidewall style and series choice let you shape the look and character of the car without changing the basic wheel fitment.
Do all 2012 Chrysler models use the same tire size?
No, 2012 Chrysler models do not use the same tire size. The 200 uses two sizes, both different from the four sizes used on the 300, and the overall wheel diameters range from 17 to 20 inches depending on the model and configuration. All six sizes are radial, but they are tied to specific model applications rather than shared across the brand’s full lineup for that year.
That matters because a year-and-make search is only the starting point for 2012 Chrysler fitment. If you are unsure which model or wheel package you have, checking the sidewall on the current tire and confirming the wheel diameter before choosing a replacement will keep you from crossing into a size intended for the other Chrysler model.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2012 Chrysler tires?
2012 Chrysler tire choices include both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall sidewall styles, although that variety is not spread across every size. The 225/55R17 used on the Chrysler 200 is available in both Blackwall and Wide Whitewall form, while the 225/50R18 and 245/45R20 products are Blackwall. That means sidewall appearance depends not just on year and make, but also on the exact size and model.
From a visual standpoint, Blackwall is the more contemporary look for a 2012 Chrysler, especially on sport-oriented or modern luxury presentations. A Wide Whitewall treatment creates a more stylized custom appearance, so owners of a 200 using 225/55R17 have more freedom to shift the car’s personality without changing the underlying wheel diameter or size family.
What brands make tires for 2012 Chrysler vehicles?
BFGoodrich and Nitto both cover parts of the 2012 Chrysler range. BFGoodrich appears in 225/55R17, 225/50R18, and 245/45R20, while Nitto appears in 245/45R20. The available BFGoodrich series include g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Silvertown Radial, depending on the size.
Brand choice matters most when you have already confirmed your exact size. A 2012 Chrysler 300 owner on 245/45R20 has the broadest brand spread here, while a 200 owner on 17- or 18-inch fitments is focused on BFGoodrich options. Once size is settled, the useful comparison becomes sidewall style, series character, and speed rating rather than brand name alone.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 2012 Chrysler?
For 2012 Chrysler fitments where both appear, BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A share radial construction and Blackwall styling but differ in their exact load and speed-marking details by size. In 225/55R17, the Phenom T/A carries a 101W marking with a stated load of 1,819 pounds at 50 psi, while the Comp 2 AS uses a 97W marking. In 245/45R20, the Phenom T/A carries a 103Y marking with 1,929 pounds at 50 psi, while the Comp 2 AS uses a 103Y XL marking.
That makes the comparison more about the exact service description and intended product character than about basic fitment, because both are still matched to the same size and wheel diameter. A 2012 Chrysler owner should compare the sidewall marking on the tire itself and the load or speed designation that aligns with the car’s present setup before settling on one series over another.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2012 Chrysler tires require?
Rim width guidance is available for several 2012 Chrysler sizes. In 225/55R17, the range runs from 6.0 to 8.0 inches on most BFGoodrich products, with one Wide Whitewall radial spanning 6.00 to 9.00 inches. In 225/50R18, BFGoodrich products use a 6.0 to 8.0 inch range, and in 245/45R20, BFGoodrich products use a 7.5 to 9.0 inch range.
Those ranges show why it is important to confirm the actual wheel on the car rather than matching only the tire code. If your 2012 Chrysler sits near the edge of a width range, the exact product matters just as much as the nominal size, so it is wise to compare your wheel width against the tire’s approved range before making a final choice.
Do 2012 Chrysler tires require inner tubes?
2012 Chrysler tires in these sizes are generally modern radial applications, but tube status can vary by product and should be confirmed on the specific tire. One 245/45R20 BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS carries a TL marking, which identifies a tubeless tire. Other products do not consistently show a tube-type or tubeless code in the size marking, so the answer should be tied to the exact tire selected rather than assumed across the whole year and make.
That matters most when replacing a single tire or mixing brands within the same size. A 2012 Chrysler owner should check the sidewall marking on the chosen tire and the wheel condition before installation, especially if the car has custom wheels or any history of wheel replacement that could affect whether a tubeless setup remains appropriate.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2012 Chrysler when the tires are fitted?
A 2012 Chrysler should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated, park on a clean surface, and move the car periodically if it sits for long stretches. Radials generally tolerate storage better than old bias-ply designs, but long static periods can still encourage flat spotting and sidewall aging.
If your 2012 Chrysler is a seasonal car, a little preparation goes a long way. Rolling the car occasionally, cleaning the tires before storage, and using stands for very long layups can help preserve shape and appearance. It is also smart to inspect the spare during storage season, since a neglected spare is often the oldest tire on the car.
How long do tires on a 2012 Chrysler typically last?
Tires on a 2012 Chrysler should be judged by age as much as by tread depth, especially if the car is driven only occasionally. A sound rule is to evaluate them closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall identifies the week and year of manufacture.
That age-based approach is more useful than mileage alone for a modern Chrysler that may spend long periods parked. A tire can look serviceable from a distance and still harden, crack, or lose resilience over time. If the age is getting up there, plan around condition, storage history, and date code rather than waiting for visible wear bars to make the decision.
How often should tires on a 2012 Chrysler be inspected?
Tires on a 2012 Chrysler deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful look before any longer trip. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven tread wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the car is not pulling or vibrating in a way that suggests a tire or wheel issue. Any spare tire should be checked at the same time, not left as an afterthought.
Regular inspection is especially important on a car that alternates between short local use and occasional highway driving. Small problems become more noticeable at speed and under heat. Catching a weak valve stem, a slowly leaking tire, or early shoulder wear in the driveway is far easier than discovering it after the 2012 Chrysler is loaded for a longer weekend run.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2012 Chrysler 200?
The 2012 Chrysler 200 was a modern-era car, so radial construction is the correct starting point for originality-minded replacement. The size itself depends on the wheel package, with 225/55R17 and 225/50R18 both used on the model. Original-equipment confirmation should always be tied to the exact trim, wheel, and market version of the car rather than assumed from the model name alone.
For an owner who wants the car to present correctly, matching the original size and wheel diameter matters more than chasing a period-style construction change. If your 2012 Chrysler 200 is being preserved carefully, the cleanest path is to verify the car’s original tire placard or factory literature and then compare that against the wheel and size actually on the car today.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2012 Chrysler?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters when showing a 2012 Chrysler, even though it is a much newer vehicle than the classic-car era most people associate with judging. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice if the wheel diameter, aspect ratio, sidewall presentation, or overall stance looks out of place for the model. On a modern Chrysler, an obviously incorrect profile or a mismatched wheel-and-tire combination stands out quickly.
The practical takeaway is to keep the car visually coherent with its original configuration unless you are intentionally building a custom look. A 2012 Chrysler 200 wearing a whitewall treatment will read very differently than one on conventional blackwalls, and a 300 on the wrong-profile tire can lose its intended proportions. Event standards vary, so marque-oriented groups remain the best source for class-specific expectations.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial for the 2012 Chrysler?
For the 2012 Chrysler 200 in 225/55R17, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial share radial construction but differ clearly in presentation and wheel-width range. The g-Force Sport Comp 2 is a Blackwall tire with a 6.0 to 8.0 inch rim-width range and a 97W marking, while the Silvertown Radial uses a 1.50-inch Wide Whitewall and spans a 6.00 to 9.00 inch rim-width range.
That means the choice is driven largely by the look you want the 2012 Chrysler 200 to project. The g-Force Sport Comp 2 keeps a contemporary appearance, while the Silvertown Radial adds a custom whitewall style that changes the car’s visual character without changing the basic 17-inch fitment. Confirm wheel width before crossing between them, since the acceptable wheel range is not identical.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2012 Chrysler tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the radial tires used on 2012 Chrysler applications are suitable for highway use when the tires are the correct size, in good condition, and properly inflated. Several products in these sizes carry W speed ratings, which correspond to a 168 mph ceiling, and some 245/45R20 products carry a Y rating, which corresponds to a 186-plus mph ceiling. Those ratings are well beyond normal highway speeds, so real-world condition and correct setup matter more than headline speed capability for most drivers.
A highway-ready 2012 Chrysler depends on the whole package working together. Tread age, inflation pressure, alignment, suspension condition, and brake health all matter alongside the tire itself. Before a long interstate run, make sure the tire size matches the wheel, the tires are free from damage, and the car is mechanically sorted rather than relying on the speed symbol alone for reassurance.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2012 Chrysler tires?
Inflation pressure for a 2012 Chrysler should start with the vehicle’s factory tire placard or owner’s manual, because the correct running pressure is set by the vehicle manufacturer for that exact model and wheel package. Tire service figures vary by size and product: the 225/55R17 BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A carries 1,819 pounds at 50 psi, the 225/50R18 Phenom T/A carries 1,709 pounds at 50 psi, and the 245/45R20 g-Force Sport Comp 2 and Phenom T/A carry about 1,930 pounds at 50 psi.
Those figures are maximum service references, not a blanket instruction to inflate every 2012 Chrysler tire to the same number. The practical approach is to use the vehicle’s recommended pressure for day-to-day operation, then compare that against the tire maker’s sidewall information for the specific tire you chose. Never transfer a pressure assumption from one size to another just because the cars share a Chrysler badge.
What should I check before taking a 2012 Chrysler on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2012 Chrysler, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the size on the car matches the wheel diameter, and make sure the spare is serviceable as well. A walk-around should also include the valve stems, tread depth consistency across the axle, and any signs that the car has been sitting long enough to develop flat spotting.
Tires are only one part of longer-trip preparation, but they are the part that stays in constant contact with the road. Once the tire condition checks out, it is wise to give the 2012 Chrysler the same level of attention in brakes, fluids, battery condition, and suspension response. A few minutes in the garage can prevent the kind of small problem that becomes much bigger once the trip is underway.