2013 Jeep Wrangler Wheels And Tires For Sale: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading Your Ride sale.truckstrend.com
The 2013 Jeep Wrangler, part of the beloved JK generation, remains a quintessential symbol of off-road prowess and adventurous spirit. For many owners, the journey doesn’t stop at the dealership; it begins with customization. One of the most impactful and common upgrades for a 2013 Jeep Wrangler is a new set of wheels and tires. Whether you’re looking to enhance its off-road capability, improve on-road comfort, achieve a specific aesthetic, or simply replace worn-out components, navigating the vast market of 2013 Jeep Wrangler wheels and tires for sale requires a clear understanding of your options and needs.
This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about purchasing wheels and tires for your 2013 Jeep Wrangler, from understanding stock specifications to exploring various types, finding the best deals, and ensuring proper installation and maintenance. The right combination of wheels and tires can transform your Wrangler’s performance, appearance, and overall driving experience, making this an essential investment for any JK enthusiast.
2013 Jeep Wrangler Wheels And Tires For Sale: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading Your Ride
Understanding Your 2013 Jeep Wrangler’s Wheel & Tire Needs
Before diving into the myriad of options available, it’s crucial to understand the baseline and what factors should influence your buying decision.
Stock Specifications:
A 2013 Jeep Wrangler (JK) typically came with several wheel and tire configurations from the factory, depending on the trim level (Sport, Sahara, Rubicon). Common stock wheel sizes ranged from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, with a bolt pattern of 5×5 inches (or 5x127mm). Stock tire sizes often included:
- Sport: P225/75R16, P255/75R17
- Sahara: P255/70R18
- Rubicon: LT255/75R17 (Mud-Terrain tires)
These stock setups are designed for a balance of on-road comfort and light off-road capability. However, many owners seek to push beyond these limits.
Factors to Consider for Upgrades:
Your primary use case for the Wrangler will dictate the best wheel and tire choice.
- Purpose:
- Daily Driver/Light Trails: Focus on All-Terrain (A/T) tires for a good balance of on-road manners and off-road grip. Wheels can be for aesthetics or durability.
- Moderate Off-Roading: A/T or Hybrid/Rugged-Terrain (R/T) tires with good sidewall strength. Consider slightly larger diameters and a more aggressive wheel offset.
- Heavy Off-Roading/Rock Crawling: Mud-Terrain (M/T) tires with extreme grip and durability are essential. Beadlock or simulated beadlock wheels are popular for low-pressure crawling.
- Budget: New high-performance setups can be expensive. Used options or more budget-friendly brands exist, but always inspect condition carefully.
- Aesthetics: Wheel design, finish (black, chrome, machined), and tire aggressiveness significantly impact your Wrangler’s look.
- Performance Implications:
- On-Road Comfort & Noise: Aggressive M/T tires are noisy and less comfortable on pavement. A/T tires offer a better compromise.
- Fuel Economy: Larger, heavier wheels and tires increase rotational mass and drag, reducing MPG.
- Gearing: Significantly larger tires (e.g., 35 inches and above) often necessitate re-gearing the differentials to restore lost power, torque, and proper transmission shift points.
- Braking: Larger tires increase stopping distance and put more strain on stock brakes. Brake upgrades might be necessary for very large setups.
- Lift Kit & Clearance: The size of tires you can fit without rubbing is directly related to your suspension setup.
- Stock: Limited to approximately 32-inch tires (with minor rubbing at full flex).
- 2.5-3.5 inch lift: Allows for 35-inch tires.
- 4+ inch lift: Can accommodate 37-inch tires or larger, often requiring fender modifications and significant driveline upgrades.
- Backspacing & Offset: These crucial measurements determine how far your wheel sits in or out relative to the hub. Proper backspacing is vital to prevent tires from rubbing against suspension components or fender flares, especially with larger tires. A lower backspacing number (e.g., 4.5 inches or less) pushes the wheel further out, providing more clearance for wider tires and a wider stance.
Types of Wheels for Your 2013 Jeep Wrangler
Wheels are not just for looks; they play a critical role in performance, durability, and safety.
- Material:
- Steel Wheels: Affordable, very durable, and easy to repair (bend back) off-road. They are heavier, which can impact fuel economy and acceleration. Often found in basic black finishes, popular for a rugged, utilitarian look or dedicated trail rigs.
- Alloy Wheels (Aluminum): Lighter, which improves unsprung weight, enhancing ride quality, braking, and acceleration. They dissipate heat better, which is good for brakes. Alloy wheels offer a vast array of designs, finishes (machined, painted, polished, chrome), and styles. They are more susceptible to cracking or bending under severe impact than steel but are generally strong enough for most off-road scenarios.
- Design & Functionality:
- Standard Aftermarket Wheels: These are the most common upgrade, offering a wide range of styles, sizes, and finishes to personalize your Wrangler.
- Simulated Beadlock Wheels: These wheels feature bolts around the rim that mimic the look of true beadlocks but do not offer the same functionality. They are a popular aesthetic choice for those who like the rugged beadlock look without the maintenance or legal considerations.
- True Beadlock Wheels: Designed for extreme off-roading, these wheels physically clamp the tire bead to the rim, preventing the tire from coming off the wheel when aired down to very low pressures (e.g., 5-8 PSI) for maximum traction on rocks or difficult terrain. They require specific maintenance, can be heavier, and are often not street-legal in all areas (check local regulations).
- Bolt Pattern: The 2013 Jeep Wrangler JK uses a 5×5 inch (5x127mm) bolt pattern. This is non-negotiable; wheels with a different bolt pattern will not fit.
- Center Bore: Ensure the wheel’s center bore matches or is larger than the Jeep’s hub (71.5mm). If it’s larger, hub-centric rings can be used to ensure a perfect fit and prevent vibrations.
Types of Tires for Your 2013 Jeep Wrangler
Tires are your Wrangler’s direct connection to the terrain, and choosing the right type is paramount for performance and safety.
- Categorization by Tread Pattern/Purpose:
- All-Terrain (A/T) Tires: The most popular choice for Wranglers that see a mix of highway driving and off-road adventures. They feature an aggressive enough tread for dirt, gravel, and light mud, while still providing good on-road manners, relatively low noise, and decent tread life. Examples include BFGoodrich KO2, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac.
- Mud-Terrain (M/T) Tires: Characterized by large, aggressive tread blocks and wide voids designed to dig through mud, expel debris, and provide maximum traction on loose surfaces and rocks. M/T tires are louder on the highway, offer a firmer ride, and generally have a shorter tread life than A/T tires. They are ideal for dedicated off-roaders. Examples include Nitto Ridge Grappler, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss.
- Hybrid/Rugged-Terrain (R/T) Tires: A newer category that bridges the gap between A/T and M/T. They offer more aggressive styling and off-road capability than A/T tires, but are quieter and more comfortable on-road than M/T tires. A great compromise for those who want a more aggressive look and better off-road performance without the full drawbacks of M/Ts.
- Highway/Street (H/T) Tires: Designed purely for on-road comfort, low noise, and fuel efficiency. While they come stock on some Wranglers, they are rarely chosen for upgrades by enthusiasts due to their limited off-road capability.
- Winter/Snow Tires: Feature special rubber compounds and siping patterns optimized for cold weather and snowy/icy conditions. Essential if you live in a region with harsh winters and plan to drive your Wrangler year-round.
- Tire Sizing (e.g., 285/70R17):
- 285: Tire width in millimeters (285mm).
- 70: Aspect ratio – sidewall height as a percentage of the width (70% of 285mm).
- R: Radial construction.
- 17: Wheel diameter in inches (17-inch wheel).
- Often, off-road tires are also referred to by their approximate overall diameter in inches (e.g., "33s," "35s," "37s").
- Load Range/Ply Rating: Indicates the tire’s strength and carrying capacity. For a Jeep Wrangler, C, D, or E load ranges are common. Heavier load ranges (like E) offer increased durability and puncture resistance, especially important for heavily loaded Wranglers or extreme off-roading, but can result in a stiffer ride.
Where to Find 2013 Jeep Wrangler Wheels and Tires for Sale
Finding the right set involves exploring various avenues, both new and used.
- New Wheels and Tires:
- Online Retailers: Companies like Quadratec, ExtremeTerrain, 4 Wheel Parts, Tire Rack, and Discount Tire Direct offer vast selections, competitive pricing, and often free shipping or package deals. This is often the most convenient way to browse and compare.
- Local Off-Road Shops: These specialized shops provide expert advice, professional installation, and often have inventory to see in person. They can be invaluable for fitment guidance and problem-solving.
- Dealerships: While they can order stock replacements, they typically don’t offer a wide range of aftermarket options and prices may be higher.
- Used Wheels and Tires:
- Online Marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay are excellent sources for used wheels and tires. You can often find great deals from individuals upgrading their own Wranglers.
- Jeep Forums & Dedicated Classifieds: Websites like JK-Forum, JLWranglerForums (many JK owners sell old parts there), and specialized classified sections are prime spots for finding used parts from fellow enthusiasts.
- Local Classifieds & Junkyards: Less common for complete sets, but worth checking if you’re looking for individual wheels or spares.
Pros and Cons of New vs. Used:
- New: Full warranty, latest designs/technology, guaranteed condition, professional installation often included or discounted. Higher cost.
- Used: Significant cost savings, especially if you find a full set (including a spare) with decent tread. However, no warranty, potential for hidden damage, unknown history, and limited selection. Always inspect thoroughly.
Important Considerations When Buying
Making an informed purchase goes beyond just picking a size and style.
- Compatibility is Key: Double-check the bolt pattern (5×5 / 5x127mm), wheel diameter, and critically, the backspacing/offset to ensure proper fitment and clearance for your specific Wrangler and lift height.
- Condition of Used Items:
- Tread Depth: Measure with a tire gauge. Legal minimum is 2/32", but for off-roading, you want much more.
- Sidewall Damage: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or excessive scuffing.
- Uneven Wear: Indicates potential alignment issues on the previous vehicle, which could affect performance on yours.
- Age (DOT Date Code): Tires degrade over time, even with good tread. The DOT code (e.g., 3218 means 32nd week of 2018) indicates manufacturing date. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6-10 years, regardless of tread.
- Wheel Damage: Inspect for bends, cracks, curb rash (cosmetic vs. structural), and corrosion.
- Set vs. Individual: Wheels and tires are often sold in sets of 4 or 5 (to include a matching spare). A matching spare is highly recommended for Wranglers, especially with larger tires, as it ensures proper rotation and usability.
- TPMS Sensors: Your 2013 Wrangler has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When buying new wheels/tires, you’ll need to either transfer your existing TPMS sensors (if compatible), buy new aftermarket sensors, or have the system reprogrammed/disabled (not recommended for safety). Factor this cost into your budget.
- Mounting & Balancing: This is a crucial step. Professional mounting and balancing ensure smooth operation, prevent vibrations, and extend tire life. Many retailers offer this service, or you’ll need to budget for it at a local tire shop.
- Shipping Costs: Wheels and tires are large and heavy. Factor in significant shipping costs if ordering online, especially for a full set.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve made your purchase, proper installation and ongoing maintenance are vital to maximize the lifespan and performance of your new wheels and tires.
- Professional Installation: While some DIYers might tackle this, professional mounting and balancing are highly recommended. Incorrect balancing can lead to vibrations, premature wear, and an uncomfortable ride.
- Torque Specs: Always ensure lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specified torque (consult your owner’s manual or a reliable source for your 2013 JK). Over-tightening can damage studs, while under-tightening is dangerous. Re-check torque after the first 50-100 miles.
- Regular Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles (or as recommended by the tire manufacturer) to ensure even wear and extend tire life. If you have a matching spare, include it in a 5-tire rotation pattern.
- Tire Pressure: Maintain correct tire pressure. Use the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer (often higher than the door jamb sticker for aftermarket tires) for on-road driving. For off-roading, airing down (deflecting pressure) is common for increased traction, but remember to reinflate for highway use.
- Alignment: After installing new tires, especially if they are significantly larger or if you’ve done suspension work, get a professional alignment. This prevents uneven tire wear and ensures proper steering.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your wheels to prevent buildup of brake dust and road grime, which can corrode finishes.
Estimated Price Table for 2013 Jeep Wrangler Wheels and Tires
Prices for 2013 Jeep Wrangler wheels and tires can vary wildly based on brand, material, size, condition (new/used), and retailer. The table below provides a general estimate for a full set (4 or 5 wheels/tires), but always shop around for exact quotes.
| Category | Components | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Stock Replacement | 4x Wheels + 4x Tires | $800 – $1,500 | Basic steel or entry-level alloy wheels with standard All-Season or Highway-Terrain tires. Good for budget-conscious replacements or daily drivers. |
| New Aftermarket Alloy (Entry-Mid Tier) | 5x Wheels + 5x A/T Tires | $1,800 – $3,000 | Popular alloy wheel brands (e.g., Pro Comp, Method, Black Rhino) with quality All-Terrain tires (e.g., BFGoodrich KO2, Falken Wildpeak A/T3W). Good balance of looks and capability. Includes matching spare. |
| New Aftermarket Alloy (High-End) | 5x Wheels + 5x M/T Tires | $3,000 – $5,500+ | Premium alloy or true beadlock-ready wheels with aggressive Mud-Terrain or high-performance Hybrid-Terrain tires. For serious off-roaders seeking maximum grip and durability. Includes matching spare. |
| Used Set (Good Condition) | 5x Wheels + 5x Tires | $600 – $1,800 | Highly variable. Can be a mix of A/T or M/T, often with 50-80% tread life remaining. Look for sets from individuals upgrading their own Wranglers. Thorough inspection is critical. |
| Individual New Wheel | 1x Wheel | $100 – $400+ | Varies by material and design. |
| Individual New Tire (A/T) | 1x Tire | $180 – $350+ | Varies by size, brand, and load rating. |
| Individual New Tire (M/T) | 1x Tire | $250 – $450+ | Generally more expensive due to aggressive construction. |
| Installation & Balancing | Per set | $80 – $200 | Often an additional cost unless included in a package deal. Does not include TPMS sensor transfer/purchase or mounting of true beadlocks. |
Note: Prices are estimates and subject to change based on market conditions, sales, specific brands, and location. Always confirm current pricing with retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the biggest tire I can fit on a stock 2013 JK Wrangler?
A: Generally, without any lift or fender modifications, you can fit up to a 32-inch diameter tire. Some 33-inch tires might fit but will likely rub at full steering lock or during suspension compression, especially off-road.
Q: Do I need a lift kit for bigger tires?
A: For tires 33 inches or larger, a lift kit is highly recommended to prevent rubbing and ensure proper articulation off-road. A 2.5-3.5 inch lift is common for 35-inch tires.
Q: What is backspacing and why is it important?
A: Backspacing is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel. It’s crucial because it determines how far the wheel/tire assembly sits relative to your Jeep’s suspension and fender flares. Too much backspacing can cause the tire to rub the frame or control arms, while too little can make the tire stick out too far, causing fender rubbing or a wider stance than desired. For a JK with larger tires, a common recommendation is 4.5 inches or less.
Q: Should I buy new or used wheels/tires?
A: If budget is a primary concern, used can offer significant savings. However, new provides peace of mind with warranties, guaranteed condition, and the latest technology. For used, always inspect tread depth, age (DOT code), and any sidewall or wheel damage.
Q: Do I need new TPMS sensors for my 2013 JK?
A: If your new wheels don’t come with TPMS sensors, you’ll need to transfer your old ones (if compatible) or purchase new ones. Your 2013 JK requires TPMS to avoid a dashboard warning light.
Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
A: It’s generally recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles to promote even wear and extend their lifespan. If you have a matching spare, include it in a 5-tire rotation pattern.
Q: Will larger tires affect my fuel economy?
A: Yes, larger and heavier tires increase rotational mass and aerodynamic drag, which will generally lead to a noticeable decrease in fuel economy. They can also affect acceleration and braking performance.
Q: How do I read the DOT date code on a tire?
A: The DOT code is a series of numbers and letters on the tire’s sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture (e.g., "3218" means the 32nd week of 2018).
Concluding Summary
Investing in new wheels and tires for your 2013 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make, impacting everything from its visual appeal to its off-road prowess and on-road comfort. By carefully considering your driving needs, understanding the technical specifications of wheels (bolt pattern, backspacing, material) and tires (type, size, load range), and exploring both new and used markets, you can make an informed decision that enhances your Wrangler experience.
Remember to prioritize compatibility, inspect used items thoroughly, and budget for professional installation and ongoing maintenance. With the right set of wheels and tires, your 2013 Jeep Wrangler will not only look the part but perform exactly as you need it to, ready for any adventure the road (or lack thereof) throws its way.
