2013 Nissan Altima Wheel Size

The 2013 Nissan Altima is a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. A crucial aspect of its performance and safety is the wheel and tire combination. Understanding the correct wheel size, associated maintenance, and potential problems is vital for both car owners and mechanics. This article dives into the specifics of the 2013 Altima's wheel setup, addressing common issues and offering practical solutions.

Understanding the 2013 Nissan Altima Wheel Size

The 2013 Nissan Altima typically comes with several wheel size options, depending on the trim level. The most common sizes are:

• 16-inch wheels: Often found on the base models (e.g., Altima S).
• 17-inch wheels: Common on mid-range trims (e.g., Altima SV).
• 18-inch wheels: Typically equipped on higher trims or optional packages (e.g., Altima SL).

Alongside the diameter, other important measurements include the wheel width, bolt pattern, and offset. For the 2013 Altima, the bolt pattern is generally 5x114.3mm. The offset, which determines how far the wheel sits in or out of the wheel well, varies depending on the wheel width, but is typically in the range of 40-50mm. Refer to your owner's manual or a reliable tire and wheel database for the exact specifications for your specific trim level.

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Vibration Issues

Symptom: The car vibrates at certain speeds, particularly on the highway.

Possible Causes:

• Unbalanced wheels: This is the most common cause. When a wheel is unbalanced, one part of it is heavier than another, causing the wheel to wobble.
• Bent wheel: Hitting a pothole or curb can bend a wheel, leading to vibrations.
• Tire issues: Uneven tire wear, tire damage (e.g., a bulge or separation), or a tire with a manufacturing defect can cause vibrations.
• Loose lug nuts: Improperly tightened lug nuts can cause the wheel to shift and vibrate.
• Damaged suspension components: Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or struts can contribute to vibrations.

Solutions:

• Wheel balancing: Take your car to a tire shop and have the wheels balanced. This involves using a machine to distribute the weight evenly around the wheel.
• Wheel repair or replacement: If a wheel is bent, it may be possible to have it repaired by a specialist. However, if the damage is severe, it's best to replace the wheel.
• Tire inspection and replacement: Inspect your tires for any signs of damage or uneven wear. Replace tires as needed. Consider rotating your tires regularly to promote even wear.
• Torque lug nuts correctly: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Check them again after driving a short distance. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct torque specification.
• Suspension inspection and repair: Have a mechanic inspect your suspension components for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

Example: Imagine you have a 2013 Altima SV with 17-inch wheels. After hitting a particularly nasty pothole, you notice vibrations at highway speeds. The first step is to check the lug nuts and tire pressure. If those are fine, the next step is to have the wheels balanced. If balancing doesn't resolve the issue, the wheel may be bent, requiring repair or replacement.

2. Tire Wear Issues

Symptom: Tires are wearing unevenly or prematurely.

Possible Causes:

• Misalignment: Improper wheel alignment is a major cause of uneven tire wear.
• Improper inflation: Underinflated or overinflated tires wear unevenly.
• Worn suspension components: Worn shocks, struts, or ball joints can cause excessive tire bounce and uneven wear.
• Aggressive driving: Hard acceleration, braking, and cornering can accelerate tire wear.

Solutions:

• Wheel alignment: Have your car's wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified mechanic. A four-wheel alignment is recommended for the Altima.
• Proper tire inflation: Check your tire pressure regularly (at least once a month) and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. The correct pressure is usually found on a sticker on the driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual.
• Suspension inspection and repair: Have your suspension components inspected for wear and tear. Replace worn parts as needed.
• Adjust driving habits: Avoid aggressive driving maneuvers to prolong tire life.
• Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles. This helps ensure even wear across all four tires.

Example: A 2013 Altima S owner notices that the tires are wearing excessively on the inside edge. This is a common symptom of negative camber, which indicates a misalignment. A wheel alignment will correct the camber and prevent further uneven wear.

3. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Issues

Symptom: The TPMS light is on, even when the tire pressure appears to be correct.

Possible Causes:

• Low tire pressure: Even a slight drop in tire pressure can trigger the TPMS light.
• Faulty TPMS sensor: The TPMS sensor in one or more wheels may be malfunctioning.
• Dead TPMS sensor battery: TPMS sensors have batteries that eventually die.
• TPMS system malfunction: There may be a problem with the TPMS control module or wiring.

Solutions:

• Check and inflate tires: Ensure that all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure.
• TPMS sensor replacement: If a TPMS sensor is faulty or has a dead battery, it needs to be replaced.
• TPMS system diagnosis and repair: If the TPMS light persists after checking the tires and sensors, have a mechanic diagnose the system.
• TPMS Reset: Sometimes the TPMS system needs to be reset after inflating the tires. Refer to your owner's manual for the specific reset procedure.

Example: A 2013 Altima SL owner experiences a persistent TPMS light despite maintaining proper tire pressure. A scan of the TPMS system reveals that one of the sensors has a low battery voltage, indicating the sensor needs replacement.

4. Wheel and Tire Fitment Issues

Symptom: Rubbing, interference with suspension components, or difficulty installing aftermarket wheels.

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect wheel size or offset: Using wheels with an incorrect diameter, width, or offset can cause fitment issues.
• Oversized tires: Installing tires that are too large can rub against the wheel wells or suspension components.
• Damaged suspension components: Worn or damaged suspension components can alter the vehicle's ride height and cause rubbing issues.

Solutions:

• Verify wheel and tire specifications: Ensure that the wheels and tires you are using are the correct size and offset for your vehicle. Consult a tire and wheel professional for guidance.
• Use appropriate tire size: Stick to the recommended tire sizes for your vehicle.
• Repair or replace suspension components: Address any worn or damaged suspension components that may be affecting ride height or causing rubbing.

Example: A 2013 Altima SV owner wants to install aftermarket wheels but experiences rubbing against the fender liners. This is likely due to the new wheels having an incorrect offset that pushes the wheels too far outward. Using wheels with the correct offset, or using a slightly narrower tire, can resolve this issue.

Preventative Maintenance for Wheels and Tires

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your 2013 Nissan Altima's wheels and tires in top condition:

• Regular tire pressure checks: Check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust as needed.
• Tire rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles.
• Wheel balancing: Have your wheels balanced every 10,000-12,000 miles.
• Wheel alignment: Get a wheel alignment check every 12,000-15,000 miles, or whenever you notice uneven tire wear or handling problems.
• Visual inspections: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, wear, or bulges. Also, check your wheels for any signs of damage, such as bends or cracks.
• Proper storage: If you are storing your tires for the winter or summer, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use the correct lug nuts: Always use the lug nuts that are specifically designed for your wheels.

By understanding the wheel and tire specifications for your 2013 Nissan Altima, addressing common problems promptly, and following a regular maintenance schedule, you can ensure safe and reliable driving for years to come. Remember, if you're unsure about any aspect of wheel or tire maintenance, consult with a qualified mechanic or tire professional.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or tire specialist for specific advice regarding your vehicle.