Hey guys! If you're like me, you probably love your 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD. It's a fantastic SUV that offers a great blend of comfort, performance, and all-weather capability. But when it comes to keeping your ride smooth and safe, one of the most important things to consider is your tire size. Getting the right tires not only ensures optimal handling and fuel efficiency but also keeps your speedometer accurate and prevents potential damage to your vehicle. So, let's dive into everything you need to know about finding the perfect tire size for your 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD.

Understanding Tire Size Designations

Before we get into the specifics for the 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD, it's crucial to understand what those numbers and letters on the sidewall of your tire actually mean. This alphanumeric code might seem like a bunch of gibberish at first, but it's actually a wealth of information that tells you everything you need to know about the tire's dimensions and capabilities.

For example, a typical tire size might look something like P245/60R18. Let's break it down:

• P: This indicates the tire type. 'P' stands for Passenger, meaning this tire is designed for passenger vehicles. If you see 'LT,' it means Light Truck, which is intended for trucks and SUVs that need more load-carrying capacity.
• 245: This is the tire's section width in millimeters. In this case, the tire is 245 millimeters wide from sidewall to sidewall.
• 60: This is the aspect ratio, which represents the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its section width. So, the sidewall height is 60% of 245 mm.
• R: This indicates the tire's construction type. 'R' stands for Radial, which is the most common type of tire construction.
• 18: This is the wheel diameter in inches. It tells you the size of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit.

Understanding these components is essential because it helps you make informed decisions when replacing your tires. You don't want to accidentally buy a tire that's too big or too small for your wheels, or one that doesn't have the load capacity you need. Knowing what these numbers mean empowers you to choose the right tires for your vehicle and driving needs.

Recommended Tire Size for the 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. For the 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD, the most common and recommended tire size is 235/65R17. This size provides a great balance of ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. It's also the size that Ford originally equipped many of these vehicles with, so you can be confident that it's a good fit.

However, it's worth noting that depending on the specific options and packages that your 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD came with, it might also be equipped with 245/60R18 tires. This slightly larger size can offer a bit more grip and a more aggressive look, but it might also slightly impact your fuel economy and ride comfort. If you're unsure which size your vehicle originally came with, you can always check the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb. This sticker contains a wealth of information about your vehicle, including the recommended tire size and inflation pressure.

It's super important to stick with the recommended tire sizes, or at least stay within a very close range. Using tires that are significantly larger or smaller than the recommended size can negatively impact your vehicle's handling, braking, and even its safety systems. It can also throw off your speedometer and odometer readings, which can lead to inaccurate mileage tracking and potential legal issues.

Alternative Tire Sizes

While sticking with the recommended tire size is generally the best practice, there might be situations where you want to consider alternative sizes. For example, you might want to go with a slightly wider tire for better grip in dry conditions, or a taller tire for improved ground clearance. However, it's crucial to proceed with caution and do your research before making any changes.

If you're considering an alternative tire size, it's essential to ensure that the new tires will fit properly without rubbing against the suspension components or the wheel wells. You'll also want to make sure that the overall diameter of the new tires is close to the original size to avoid throwing off your speedometer and odometer. A difference of more than 3% can cause noticeable inaccuracies.

One popular alternative size for the 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD is 255/60R17. This tire is slightly wider than the stock size, which can provide improved handling and braking performance. However, it's important to check the wheel width to ensure that it's compatible with the wider tire. You'll also want to make sure that the tires don't rub against any suspension components, especially when turning.

Another option is 245/55R19. These tires are a bit larger than stock, offering a slightly different look. However, make sure they don't rub when the suspension compresses. Consulting with a tire professional is always a good idea to ensure that any alternative sizes you're considering are safe and appropriate for your vehicle.

Checking Your Vehicle's Tire Placard

The easiest and most reliable way to determine the correct tire size for your 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD is to check the vehicle's tire placard. This is a sticker that's typically located on the driver's side doorjamb, but it can also be found in the glove compartment or the owner's manual. The tire placard provides a wealth of information about your vehicle, including the recommended tire size, inflation pressure, and load capacity.

The tire placard will clearly state the recommended tire size for your vehicle. It will also provide the recommended inflation pressure in PSI (pounds per square inch). It's super important to maintain the correct tire pressure, as this can significantly impact your vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear. Underinflated tires can lead to poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and premature tire wear, while overinflated tires can result in a harsh ride and reduced grip.

In addition to the tire size and inflation pressure, the tire placard may also provide information about the vehicle's load capacity. This is the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and accessories. It's essential to stay within the vehicle's load capacity to avoid damaging the suspension components, tires, and other critical systems.

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

Okay, so you've got the right tire size, now what? Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Check your tire pressure regularly – at least once a month, and before any long trips. You can find the recommended tire pressure on the sticker inside your driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual. Don't just eyeball it; use a reliable tire pressure gauge.

Why is tire pressure so important?

• Safety: Properly inflated tires provide optimal handling and braking performance. Underinflated tires can lead to overheating and blowouts, while overinflated tires can reduce grip.
• Fuel Efficiency: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. This can significantly reduce your fuel economy.
• Tire Wear: Underinflated tires wear out more quickly on the edges, while overinflated tires wear out more quickly in the center. Maintaining proper tire pressure ensures even wear and extends the life of your tires.

Tips for checking tire pressure:

• Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning they haven't been driven on for at least three hours. Driving heats up the tires and increases the pressure, which can give you an inaccurate reading.
• Use a reliable tire pressure gauge. You can buy one at most auto parts stores or online.
• Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem. Make sure you get a good seal to get an accurate reading.
• Compare the reading on the gauge to the recommended tire pressure on the sticker inside your driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual.
• Add or release air as needed to reach the recommended pressure.
• Replace the valve cap after checking the pressure. This helps to keep dirt and moisture out of the valve stem.

Choosing the Right Tire Type

Beyond size, the type of tire you choose matters. Are you mostly driving on highways? Do you live where it snows? Here's a quick rundown:

• All-Season Tires: These are the most common type and offer a good balance of performance in various conditions. They're a solid choice for most drivers.
• Performance Tires: If you're looking for enhanced handling and grip, performance tires are the way to go. However, they typically have a shorter lifespan and may not perform well in cold weather or snow.
• Winter Tires: If you live in an area with heavy snow or ice, winter tires are a must-have. They feature a special tread pattern and rubber compound that provides superior grip in cold and snowy conditions.
• All-Terrain Tires: For those who like to venture off the beaten path, all-terrain tires offer a good balance of on-road and off-road performance. They feature a more aggressive tread pattern that provides better traction on dirt, gravel, and other loose surfaces.

Where to Buy Tires

You've got options, guys! Local tire shops are great for personal service and expert advice. Online retailers often have competitive prices and a huge selection. Discount tire stores can also offer good deals, especially if you're buying a set of four.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right tire size for your 2018 Ford Edge SEL AWD is essential for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. By understanding tire size designations, checking your vehicle's tire placard, and maintaining proper tire pressure, you can keep your ride smooth and safe for years to come. And remember, when in doubt, consult with a tire professional to get personalized recommendations for your vehicle and driving needs. Happy driving!