2013 McLaren Tire Fitment Guide

2013 McLaren vehicles use two tire sizes: 235/35R19 and 305/30R20. Both sizes apply to the MP4-12C, with the 235/35R19 mounted on a 19-inch wheel and the 305/30R20 mounted on a 20-inch wheel. A rim-width range is published for the 235/35R19 at 8 to 9.5 inches, while the rear size remains a 20-inch fitment without an added rim-width figure here.

That means the main fitment question is wheel position, not choosing between two interchangeable sizes. Owners replacing a full set should verify that the front axle receives the 235/35R19 and the rear axle receives the 305/30R20, then compare brand, sidewall appearance, and speed-rating details within each position before making a final choice.

On a 2013 McLaren, 235/35R19 is a metric radial tire size. The 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 35 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this application, it is the front tire size used on the MP4-12C rather than a size shared front and rear.

That code matters because it combines physical dimensions with construction type in one marking. A buyer comparing front tire options in this size can then move on to the finer details, such as Blackwall appearance, available brands, and whether the speed rating is W or Y, instead of wondering whether the size itself is correct for the front axle.

On a 2013 McLaren, 305/30R20 is a metric radial tire size. The 305 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 30 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. In MP4-12C use, this is the rear tire size and it is wider and mounted on a larger rim than the front tire.

That larger rear fitment is part of the car’s staggered setup, so it should not be treated as an alternate front size. Once the rear position is confirmed, the practical comparison becomes brand and sidewall style, since 305/30R20 appears in Blackwall, RWL, and Redline versions depending on the tire chosen.

2013 McLaren front tires in 235/35R19 are available in Blackwall form. Rear tires in 305/30R20 expand that range with Blackwall, RWL, and Redline choices. For a modern exotic such as the MP4-12C, Blackwall is the most visually natural match to the car’s original contemporary supercar character, while RWL and Redline create a more custom appearance.

The choice is mostly about visual presentation rather than basic fitment, because the sidewall style does not change the core size code. Owners keeping the car close to its factory-era look usually gravitate toward Blackwall, while someone building a more personalized look may find the rear RWL or Redline options appealing if the appearance suits the rest of the car.

2013 McLaren coverage includes Nitto and BFGoodrich in the 235/35R19 front size, while the 305/30R20 rear size is available from Nitto and Pro-Trac. All of these offerings are radial tires, which suits the MP4-12C’s modern chassis and performance-oriented design. Brand choice therefore happens within the correct front or rear size, not across a single universal fitment.

A buyer replacing a pair or full set should first separate the front and rear positions, then compare each size by brand, sidewall styling, and speed-rating details where those appear in the size marking. That process keeps the decision organized and avoids the common mistake of focusing on brand preference before confirming the tire’s place in the car’s staggered setup.

For the 2013 McLaren 235/35R19 front size, both the Nitto NT555 G2 and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A are radial Blackwall tires, but their published details are not identical. The Nitto carries a 91W marking and weighs 23.81 pounds, while the BFGoodrich carries a 91Y marking, weighs 24 pounds, and includes a published maximum load of 1,356 pounds at 50 psi plus a rim-width range of 8 to 9.5 inches.

That makes the comparison less about basic compatibility and more about the details that matter to an informed owner. If you want the front tire with the higher speed-letter ceiling, the BFGoodrich moves from W to Y, while the Nitto remains a close neighboring choice with nearly identical weight and the same Blackwall appearance.

A published rim-width range appears for the 2013 McLaren 235/35R19 front tire at 8 to 9.5 inches. Both products in that size share a 19-inch rim diameter, which keeps the basic wheel diameter requirement straightforward. The 305/30R20 rear tire uses a 20-inch rim diameter, though a matching rim-width range is not included here for that size.

The practical takeaway is to verify the wheel dimensions already on the car before changing brands or replacing only one axle. Front-wheel confirmation is especially useful when comparing 235/35R19 options, while rear-wheel confirmation should focus first on the correct 20-inch diameter and then on whether the chosen product matches the wheel and intended use.

The 2013 McLaren tires here are modern radial fitments, and none of the available size markings include a tube-type designation. That strongly points toward tubeless use in both the 235/35R19 front size and the 305/30R20 rear size, which aligns with contemporary performance-car wheel design. There is no sign here of a mixed tube-type and tubeless situation within these two sizes.

Even so, the correct approach is to confirm the wheel itself is in proper tubeless condition, especially on a used exotic where wheel repairs or refinishing may have happened over time. Valve stems, bead-seat condition, and any evidence of prior damage deserve attention before mounting new tires, particularly if the car has seen long storage periods between drives.

A 2013 McLaren should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so the same contact patch does not carry the load for months at a time. Radial tires generally resist severe flat-spotting better than older bias-ply designs, but long static storage can still affect ride quality.

That matters on an MP4-12C because a low-profile staggered setup is sensitive to pressure loss and spot wear. If the car will sit for an extended season, occasional rolling, proper floor surfaces, and careful inflation checks help preserve both the tire shape and the crisp response expected from a modern McLaren chassis when the car returns to regular use.

Tires on a 2013 McLaren should be judged by age as much as tread depth. A sensible collector-car rule is to begin evaluating them closely at about five to seven years and to treat ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the car has not covered many miles. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.

That age-based approach is especially important on cars like the MP4-12C, where performance can mask rubber aging until grip, braking, or ride quality changes abruptly. A set that still looks visually presentable may no longer offer the behavior expected of a modern supercar, so time in service matters just as much as tread remaining.

Tires on a 2013 McLaren deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more deliberate inspection before any extended outing. Check for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are in sound condition. Because the MP4-12C uses different front and rear sizes, it is also wise to confirm that wear patterns remain appropriate at both ends of the car.

Frequent inspections matter because exotic cars often alternate between spirited use and long storage, which can expose tire issues that do not show up on daily drivers in the same way. Catching a pressure problem or sidewall defect early helps protect the wheels, preserves predictable handling, and reduces the chance of discovering a problem only after the car is already on the road.

2013 McLaren tires in these sizes are modern radial tires, and the products with visible speed letters include W and Y ratings. W corresponds to 168 mph and Y corresponds to 186 mph, which places them well above ordinary U.S. highway speeds. In normal real-world use, the condition of the tire, inflation pressure, alignment, and the car’s overall mechanical health matter more than the raw ceiling implied by the speed symbol.

That said, highway safety is not just a matter of choosing a fast-rated tire. An MP4-12C should be driven on tires that match the correct front and rear positions, are free from age-related cracking or impact damage, and are inspected after storage, because a modern supercar’s handling can expose tire problems quickly once speeds rise.

Inflation pressure for a 2013 McLaren should follow the vehicle’s factory recommendation first, because front and rear pressures on a staggered supercar are often different. One published figure within the available 235/35R19 front-tire range is 1,356 pounds at 50 psi for the BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A. That number is a tire rating reference, not a blanket instruction to set every 2013 McLaren tire to 50 psi.

Use the door-jamb placard or owner’s manual for the car’s intended operating pressure, then compare that with the tire manufacturer’s marking and application guidance for the exact tire you choose. Keeping front and rear pressures appropriate to their respective sizes is critical to preserving the balance, steering response, and braking behavior expected from the MP4-12C.

Before a longer drive in a 2013 McLaren, inspect all four tires for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign of impact damage from potholes or curbs. Verify cold inflation pressures, confirm the correct 235/35R19 front and 305/30R20 rear sizes are in place, and check the spare strategy or roadside plan since many exotic cars do not carry a conventional spare. Wheel condition and valve stems deserve equal attention.

A longer trip is also the right time to think beyond the tires. Brake feel, fluid levels, battery condition, and suspension behavior all interact with tire performance on a high-output mid-engine car. A careful pre-drive check helps the tires do their job properly and reduces the chance that a small storage-related issue turns into a larger problem once the car is far from home.