When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your 2018 Ford F150, understanding its bolt pattern, tire size, optimal tire pressure, and lug nut size and torque is of paramount importance. But why is this knowledge crucial? Let’s dive in to understand better.
Contents
An Overview
The 2018 Ford F150 is a versatile and powerful pickup truck known for its performance and reliability. However, to ensure its optimal performance, the correct bolt pattern, tire size, and tire pressure must be used.
The Bolt Pattern and Lug Nut Size
Bolt patterns are essential to understand for fitting wheels and rims on your vehicle correctly. Additionally, choosing the right lug nut size is crucial for securing the wheels to your F150.
Table 1: Bolt Pattern and Lug Nut Size across Various 2018 Ford F150 Trims
| Trim | Bolt Pattern | Lug Nut Size |
|---|---|---|
| XL | 6x135mm | 14×1.5mm |
| XLT | 6x135mm | 14×1.5mm |
| Lariat | 6x135mm | 14×1.5mm |
| King Ranch | 6x135mm | 14×1.5mm |
| Platinum | 6x135mm | 14×1.5mm |
| Limited | 6x135mm | 14×1.5mm |
The above table clearly indicates that the 2018 Ford F150, irrespective of the trim, follows the 6x135mm bolt pattern and uses 14×1.5mm lug nuts.
Decoding Tire Size
While picking the right tires for your F150, understanding tire sizes is crucial. The size is usually denoted as a combination of three numbers and two letters, such as P275/65R18. Each part of this code conveys a specific attribute of the tire.
Here’s how to read it:
- P: Denotes ‘Passenger’, indicating that the tire is designed for passenger vehicles.
- 275: This is the width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
- 65: Known as the ‘aspect ratio’, it’s the height of the tire sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width. In this case, the sidewall height is 65% of 275mm.
- R: Stands for ‘Radial’, indicating the construction of the tire.
- 18: Represents the wheel diameter in inches. This number should match the size of the wheel it’s being mounted on.
Table 2: Tire Sizes across Various 2018 Ford F150 Trims
| Trim | Tire Size |
|---|---|
| XL | P265/70R17 |
| XLT | P275/65R18 |
| Lariat | P275/65R18 |
| King Ranch | P275/55R20 |
| Platinum | P275/55R20 |
| Limited | P275/45R22 |
Please note that these are the original manufacturer-recommended sizes. However, alternative tire sizes might be used based on your driving conditions and preferences.
Top 5 Best Tires for Your Ford F150
- Michelin Defender LTX M/S: With its Evertread™ technology, this tire offers superior durability in tough conditions. It provides exceptional wet and snow traction, making it an ideal year-round tire.
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure: This versatile tire offers a balance of on-road comfort and off-road performance. Its Durawall™ technology provides resistance to cuts and punctures.
- Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus: For those prioritizing ride comfort and longevity, this tire delivers. It offers a quiet, smooth ride and impressive tread life.
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S: An excellent all-terrain tire that offers reliable performance in all weather conditions. Its Secure-Grip™ technology ensures even tread wear.
- Continental TerrainContact A/T: If you regularly venture off-road, this tire is a great fit. It offers excellent dirt and gravel traction while maintaining on-road comfort and quietness.
Tire Pressure: Striking the Right Balance
Maintaining the right tire pressure ensures optimal vehicle performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Underinflation can result in decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, and excessive tire wear. Overinflation, on the other hand, can make the ride uncomfortably stiff and increase the risk of tire damage.
The recommended tire pressure for the 2018 Ford F150 across all trims is 35 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). However, based on your driving conditions, payload, and tire types, you may need to adjust this slightly.
Lug Nut Torque Specs
Lug nut torque refers to the force required to tighten the lug nuts on your wheels. Maintaining the correct lug nut torque ensures the wheel’s safety and prevents warping or damage.
For all trims of the 2018 Ford F150, the recommended lug nut torque is 150 ft-lbs.