Infiniti G35 Rims And Tires: A Buyer's Guide

by Alex Braham 45 views

Hey car enthusiasts! So, you've got yourself an Infiniti G35, a seriously awesome ride that's got looks and performance in spades. Now, you're probably thinking about upgrading those rims and tires for your Infiniti G35, right? It's one of the best ways to really make your G35 stand out from the crowd and even give it a little extra pep in its step. But let's be real, diving into the world of aftermarket wheels and rubber can feel like navigating a maze. There are SO many options, and figuring out what's going to look good, fit right, and perform well can be a headache. That's where I come in, guys! We're going to break down everything you need to know to pick the perfect rims and tires for your Infiniti G35. Whether you're going for a sleek, subtle look, a more aggressive stance, or just want better grip for spirited driving, we've got you covered. We'll talk about sizes, offsets, bolt patterns, tire types, and all those juicy details that make a real difference. So, buckle up, and let's get your G35 looking and feeling its absolute best!

Understanding Your Infiniti G35's Specs: The Foundation for Awesome Rims and Tires

Alright guys, before we start drooling over shiny new rims and performance tires, we have to talk about the nitty-gritty specs of your Infiniti G35. This is the absolute bedrock for choosing the right rims and tires for your Infiniti G35. Mess this up, and you could end up with wheels that don't fit, rub against your fenders, or even compromise your car's handling and safety. Nobody wants that, right? The key numbers you need to lock down are the bolt pattern, offset, and the factory tire size. For the Infiniti G35, the most common bolt pattern is 5x114.3 (also known as 5x4.5 inches). This means there are five lug nuts, and the distance across the bolt holes is 114.3 millimeters. It's super important to match this pattern exactly, or you won't be able to bolt on aftermarket wheels. Now, let's talk about offset. This is the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the centerline of the wheel. It dictates how far in or out your wheels sit in the wheel well. The G35 typically runs a positive offset, meaning the mounting surface is towards the outside of the wheel. The stock offset can vary slightly depending on the year and trim (coupe vs. sedan), but it's generally in the +30mm to +35mm range for the front and +33mm to +38mm for the rear. Going too low on the offset (more negative) can cause the wheels to stick out too far, leading to rubbing issues, especially when turning or going over bumps. Going too high (more positive) can cause the wheels to tuck in too much, which isn't ideal for looks or handling. Finally, tire size. Stock tire sizes for the G35 often fall around 215/55R17 or 225/45R18 for the front and 235/50R17 or 245/45R18 for the rear, depending on the original wheel size. When you change your rim size, your tire profile (the middle number in the size designation) will need to change to maintain a similar overall tire diameter. This is crucial for keeping your speedometer accurate and your ABS and traction control systems working correctly. So, before you hit that 'add to cart' button, grab your G35's manual or look up its specific specs. Getting these details right is the first, and most important, step in finding the perfect rims and tires for your Infiniti G35 and ensuring a smooth, safe, and stylish upgrade!

Choosing the Right Rims for Your Infiniti G35: Size, Style, and Fitment

Now that we've got the technical stuff out of the way, let's get to the fun part: picking out those killer rims for your Infiniti G35! This is where you can really let your personality shine and give your car a unique identity. The biggest decision you'll face is wheel size. While the G35 came with 17-inch and 18-inch wheels from the factory, many owners opt for larger sizes like 19-inch or even 20-inch wheels. Going bigger can definitely give your G35 a more aggressive and premium look, filling out the wheel wells nicely. However, there are trade-offs. Larger wheels often mean lower-profile tires, which can lead to a harsher ride and make you more susceptible to wheel damage from potholes. For most G35 owners, 19-inch wheels hit a sweet spot. They offer a noticeable visual upgrade without sacrificing too much ride comfort or introducing excessive risks. If you do go for 19s, a common setup is 19x8.5 or 19x9 for the front and 19x9.5 or 19x10 for the rear. Staggering your wheel sizes (wider wheels in the back) is a popular choice for the G35, giving it that sporty, RWD stance. Remember that bolt pattern (5x114.3) and offset are still critical here. For 19-inch wheels, you'll typically want an offset in the +15mm to +25mm range for the front and +20mm to +30mm for the rear, but always double-check fitment guides or consult with a reputable wheel shop. Style is entirely subjective, guys! Do you prefer the timeless look of multi-spoke wheels, the aggressive appeal of mesh designs, or the minimalist vibe of simple five-spokes? Popular choices for the G35 include classic split-spoke designs that mimic OEM+ looks, or more aggressive, deep-dish styles. Colors are also a big deal. Black, gunmetal, silver, and chrome are perennially popular. Consider how the rim color will complement your G35's paint job. A dark grey or black wheel can make a silver or white G35 look incredibly sharp, while a polished or chrome wheel can add a touch of class to a darker car. Finally, material and weight matter, though they often come into play more with higher-end performance builds. Most affordable aftermarket wheels are made from aluminum alloy. Forged wheels are lighter and stronger but significantly more expensive. Lighter wheels can offer minor performance benefits by reducing unsprung weight, but for most daily drivers, the visual appeal and proper fitment of cast alloy wheels are perfectly sufficient. Don't forget to consider TPMS sensors (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) – you'll need new ones or to transfer your old ones when mounting new tires.

The Perfect Rubber: Selecting the Best Tires for Your Infiniti G35

Okay, you've picked out some killer rims. Now, what about the tires for your Infiniti G35? This is arguably even more important than the wheels themselves because tires are your car's only contact with the road. They dictate grip, handling, braking, ride comfort, and even fuel efficiency. Choosing the right ones is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your G35 and ensuring your safety. First off, let's talk about tire types. For a performance-oriented car like the G35, you'll generally be looking at summer tires or all-season performance tires. Summer tires offer the best grip and handling in warm, dry, and wet conditions. They typically have a stiffer sidewall and a more aggressive tread pattern for maximum traction. However, they're not designed for cold weather and will lose significant grip below 45°F (7°C), and they definitely can't handle snow or ice. If you live in a climate with mild winters or don't drive much when it's cold, summer tires are a fantastic choice. All-season performance tires are a great compromise. They provide good grip in a wider range of temperatures and can handle light snow, making them a more versatile option for many drivers. They won't offer the absolute peak performance of dedicated summer tires, but they're a solid all-around choice. For a G35, you'll want to consider performance-oriented brands known for quality. Think Michelin (Pilot Sport series), Continental (ExtremeContact series), Bridgestone (Potenza series), Goodyear (Eagle series), and Pirelli. These brands consistently deliver excellent treadwear, handling, and braking performance. When selecting your tire size, it needs to correspond with your new wheel diameter and width. For example, if you've gone with 19-inch wheels, common tire sizes might be 245/35R19 for the front and 275/30R19 for the rear if you're running a staggered setup. If you're running a square setup (same size all around), you might use 245/35R19 or 255/35R19. Again, maintaining a similar overall tire diameter to the factory spec is important. A tire calculator online can help you compare the diameter of your potential new tire size to your stock size. Treadwear rating, traction rating, and temperature rating (the UTQG numbers) are also important. A higher treadwear number means the tire is designed to last longer, but often at the expense of grip. Traction is rated from AA (best) to C. Temperature is rated A (best), B, or C. For a G35, aiming for a good balance is key – perhaps a treadwear rating in the 300-400 range, an 'A' traction rating, and an 'A' temperature rating. Don't forget to check load index and speed rating to ensure they meet or exceed your G35's requirements. Choosing the right tires for your Infiniti G35 is a decision that directly impacts your driving experience, so do your homework and invest in quality rubber!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Upgrading Your G35's Wheels and Tires

Alright, guys, we've covered the exciting stuff – picking out rims and tires! But before you hit that 'buy' button on everything you see, let's talk about some common pitfalls to avoid when upgrading your Infiniti G35's wheels and tires. Trust me, a little knowledge here can save you a lot of headaches and money down the line. One of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring the offset and backspacing. We touched on this earlier, but it's worth hammering home. Wheels that are too aggressive (low offset/negative backspacing) or too conservative (high offset/positive backspacing) can cause rubbing on the fenders, suspension components, or even the brake calipers. This isn't just annoying; it can damage your new wheels, tires, and body panels. Always, always confirm the correct offset range for your G35 with aftermarket wheels, especially if you're going larger in diameter or wider in width. Another common trap is oversizing wheels without considering ride quality. Sure, 20-inch or 22-inch wheels look flashy, but mounting them often requires extremely low-profile tires. This translates to a bone-jarring ride, increased vulnerability to pothole damage (bent rims, blown tires), and potentially accelerated wear on your suspension components. For many, 19-inch wheels strike the best balance between aesthetics and daily drivability. If you do go for larger wheels, be prepared for the trade-offs. Not understanding tire sizing and its impact on the speedometer and ABS is another big one. When you change your rim size, you must maintain a similar overall tire diameter. If your new tire is significantly larger or smaller in diameter than stock, your speedometer will be inaccurate (reading too fast or too slow), and more importantly, your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems might not function correctly. They rely on wheel speed sensors, and if the wheel speeds aren't what the car's computer expects, you could get warning lights or system malfunctions. Use online tire size calculators to compare your stock size to your desired aftermarket size. Buying the cheapest option without regard for quality is a recipe for disaster. While budget is always a consideration, extremely cheap, no-name wheels or tires are often poorly constructed, weaker, and may not perform as advertised. This can lead to premature failure, poor performance, and safety concerns. Invest in reputable brands, even if it means saving up a bit longer. Finally, forgetting about lug nuts, hub rings, and TPMS sensors can lead to frustrating delays and extra costs. Aftermarket wheels often require different lug nuts (tuner lugs vs. standard, or specific thread pitch). Hub rings are essential if the center bore of your new wheels is larger than your G35's hub, as they prevent vibration. And, of course, you'll need to transfer or buy new TPMS sensors for your new wheels. Being aware of these potential pitfalls when upgrading your Infiniti G35's wheels and tires will help ensure a smooth, successful, and satisfying modification process. Do your research, ask questions, and buy from trusted sources!

Frequently Asked Questions About Infiniti G35 Rims and Tires

We get it, guys! Choosing rims and tires for your Infiniti G35 can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones we hear, along with straightforward answers to help you make the best decision for your ride.

  • Can I fit 20-inch rims on my Infiniti G35? Yes, you absolutely can fit 20-inch rims on an Infiniti G35, but it's not always a straightforward bolt-on affair. You'll likely need to pay very close attention to the wheel's width, offset, and the tire's profile to avoid rubbing, especially on the fenders and suspension components. Common tire sizes for 20-inch setups might be around 245/30R20 or 255/30R20. Ride quality will be significantly compromised, and you'll be more susceptible to wheel damage from road imperfections. If you're considering 20s, be prepared for a stiff ride and potentially some fender rolling or minor modifications.

  • What is the best tire size for a staggered setup on a G35? A staggered setup means wider wheels and tires in the rear than in the front, which is popular for RWD cars like the G35 to enhance handling and aesthetics. For 19-inch wheels, a very common and effective staggered setup is 245/35R19 in the front and 275/30R19 in the rear. This setup complements the car's sporty nature. For 18-inch wheels, you might see setups like 225/45R18 front and 245/40R18 rear. Always ensure the overall tire diameters are as close as possible to maintain balance and speedometer accuracy.

  • Do I need hub rings for my new rims? Hub rings are often necessary when installing aftermarket wheels. Factory wheels are typically designed with a hub-centric bore that matches your car's hub perfectly. Aftermarket wheels, however, might have a larger