Descended from World War II U.S. military Jeeps and the civilian CJ Jeep line introduced by Willy's in the 1940s, the Jeep Wrangler shows all the toughness of its forebears. Yet modern Jeep Wranglers, now in their fourth generation, also carry refinements previous generations of Jeep drivers never could have dreamed of.

These include infotainment centers, digital dash gauges and smooth, almost luxurious rides. That has made Jeep Wranglers as popular for trips to the mall as for excursions into the backcountry.

Jeeps have always been noted for the four-wheel drive power that gets them through mud, snow and other gnarly conditions where most drivers fear to take their vehicles. Wheels and tires play a crucial part in Jeep performance. To help you get the most out of your Wrangler, Jeeps Are Life presents this brief Jeep Wrangler Tires and Rims Guide.

Stock Wrangler Tires and Rims

If you are thinking about buying a Wrangler, you may be wondering, "What size tires do Jeep Wranglers come with?" Most stock Wranglers have 15- to 17-inch tires. In general, earlier iterations like the YJ and TJ tend to come with smaller tires, while the later JK and JL Wranglers have larger ones.

Generally, stock Wranglers have tires that are a compromise between performance on the road and off the road. That is, the stock tires on Wranglers are great for daily driving on paved roads and highways. They also are suitable for those who want to venture on to beginner off-road trails in their Jeeps.

If you own a YJ or TJ, you'll be happy to know the tires on these models are cross-compatible, so you can switch a set from one to the other. The same goes for the JK and JL Wrangler. If you upgrade to a new JL, you can take your JK's tires and wheels with you.

Most stock Wranglers come with all-terrain tires ideal for paved or unpaved roads. Some have mud terrain tires with larger lugs, more aggressive treads and tougher sidewalls. These are great for driving in mud and snow.

If you face snowy conditions, you can opt for winter tires with materials and treads designed for navigating through snow. Special sand tires are available for those who want to drive on the beach or over the dunes.

Getting Tires for Your Wrangler

The stock tires and rims on Jeep Wranglers offer great balanced performance for everyday driving with the opportunity for an occasional touch of adventure off the beaten path. But many Jeep Lifers are looking for something a little beyond the ordinary in their Wrangler.

Equipping your Wrangler with bigger tires will allow you to tackle tough terrain.

How Do I Choose Tires for my Jeep Wrangler?

If you use your Jeep mainly for commuting to work and running errands, with only an occasional voyage into the wild, your stock tires are fine. Wranglers come with very good stock tires and wheels that are ideal for daily driving and light-duty off-roading.

Some stock JK and JL Wranglers can go up to 32- or 33-inch tires with few or no mods. But generally, if you want to run larger tires, you will have to spend money on other components as well as tires and wheels.

If you want to venture farther off-road, you'll want to consider a bigger Jeep Wrangler tire size. Here's a general guide:

• 33-Inch Tires: These are fine for occasional off-roading and for daily driving. They will give your Jeep a much more aggressive look, so be ready for plenty of comments and compliments. For many Wrangler models, you will need a lift kit to accommodate these bigger tires so they won't rub.
• 35-Inch Tires: This is one of the most popular sizes. These tires are still comfortable for paved roads but will take you farther off the road into tougher terrain. You will need a 2.5- to three-inch lift kit to accommodate these taller tires.
• 37-Inch Tires: A four-inch lift kit is necessary to make room for these tires, which are great for serious off-roading. They offer excellent ground clearance and articulation possibilities. You will likely have to make many mods to your Wrangler to accommodate these tires.
• 38-Inch Tires: These can tame even tougher terrain. They will make your Jeep harder to control and are not really appropriate for regular driving on paved roads.
• 40-Inch Tires: You will need at least a six-inch lift kit to handle these big boys. Expect to make lots of mods too, but know that you will be king of the mountain with these steamrollers.

The bigger the tires, the more mods you will have to make to accommodate them, such as suspension parts and bigger lift kits, modified or aftermarket fenders to accommodate the larger tire size.

A World of Wheels: What Size Rims Should I Put on my Jeep Wrangler?

When you change tire size, you will want to change wheel size. You want your rims to match your model and the type of tire you select. For specifics, check with your tire dealer to ensure the correct match to maximize safety and performance.

You can choose between steel and aluminum wheels. Steel wheels are strong and comparatively cheap, and they can often be repaired if dinged while in the field.

Aluminum wheels are lighter in weight and can provide great performance. They generally can't be repaired if damaged, however. Lots of great finish options are available for wheels to make your Jeep truly yours and look even cooler than it already does.

Find everything you need in our tires and rims collection at #JeepsAreLife, where you can order with free shipping on qualifying orders and a price match guarantee.