Lincoln MKZ Tires
Lincoln MKZ served as Lincoln’s midsize luxury sedan through the 2007 to 2020 model years, blending front-wheel-drive sedan packaging with a more premium, comfort-focused character than many mainstream counterparts. Across that span, the Lincoln MKZ moved through a notable styling and chassis evolution, especially as later cars adopted larger wheel-and-tire packages that changed the look and stance of the car. Tire selection is not entirely straightforward because the model uses four distinct sizes and transitions across 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch rim diameters over its production run. The first thing to confirm on any Lincoln MKZ is the actual wheel diameter fitted to the car, especially if wheels may have been changed over time.
Lincoln MKZ Tire Size Guide
Lincoln MKZ production changed tire fitment across 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch rim diameters, with the first shift from the earliest 17-inch fitment appearing in 2010. This model group uses 4 distinct sizes across the 2007 to 2020 production span. All of the sizes here are metric radial sizes, so the code gives section width in millimeters, aspect ratio, radial construction, and rim diameter in inches.
225/50R17 is the standard-size fitment used on Lincoln MKZ models from 2007 through 2012. The code indicates a 225 mm section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. Choose this size for early MKZs equipped with 17-inch wheels, and confirm the car still carries its original wheel diameter before matching one of the available blackwall radial options.
225/45R18 appears on Lincoln MKZ models from 2010 through 2012 as an alternate fitment alongside the 17-inch size. The code indicates a 225 mm section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim diameter. Choose this size only for 2010 to 2012 cars fitted with 18-inch wheels, since those same years were also offered with a different rim diameter.
245/40R19 fits Lincoln MKZ models from 2013 through 2020 where the car is equipped with the larger 19-inch wheel package. The code indicates a 245 mm section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 19-inch rim diameter. Choose this size for later MKZs on 19-inch wheels when preserving the lower-profile late-production appearance and handling balance intended for that package.
245/45R18 is the alternate later-production fitment used on Lincoln MKZ models from 2013 through 2020. The code indicates a 245 mm section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and an 18-inch rim diameter. Choose this size for 2013 to 2020 cars carrying 18-inch wheels, and verify the wheel itself because the same years also appear with a 19-inch option.
Lincoln MKZ Tires by Year
The year listing below helps separate early 17-inch Lincoln MKZ fitments from later 18-inch and 19-inch applications. Lincoln MKZ production changed from 17-inch to 18-inch wheels in 2010 — confirm which rim diameter the specific car carries before selecting a tire. The 2010 through 2020 years each show two listed sizes, so use the year together with the actual wheel diameter to narrow the correct fitment.
2007 Lincoln MKZ
- 225/50R17
2008 Lincoln MKZ
- 225/50R17
2009 Lincoln MKZ
- 225/50R17
2010 Lincoln MKZ
- 225/50R17
- 225/45R18
2011 Lincoln MKZ
- 225/50R17
- 225/45R18
2012 Lincoln MKZ
- 225/50R17
- 225/45R18
2013 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
2014 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
2015 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
2016 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
2017 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
2018 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
2019 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/45R18
- 245/40R19
2020 Lincoln MKZ
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R18
Best Lincoln MKZ Tires for Sale
Available Lincoln MKZ tires span 4 sizes from 2 brands across 14 products, with blackwall radial choices covering 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch applications. Confirm the correct size and wheel diameter on the car before selecting a tire.
225/50R17 Products
These are the available products for 225/50R17.
225/45R18 Products
These are the available products for 225/45R18.
245/40R19 Products
These are the available products for 245/40R19.
245/45R18 Products
These are the available products for 245/45R18.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below sorts out early versus late Lincoln MKZ tire sizes, the shift from 17-inch to larger wheel packages, and how to verify the correct metric radial size for a specific year and wheel setup.
Size Basics & Fitment
Lincoln MKZ uses four tire sizes across the 2007 to 2020 production run. Models from 2007 through 2012 use 225/50R17 on 17-inch wheels, while 2010 through 2012 can also use 225/45R18 on 18-inch wheels. Models from 2013 through 2020 use either 245/45R18 on 18-inch wheels or 245/40R19 on 19-inch wheels.
The correct choice depends on the model year and, just as importantly, the wheel diameter actually fitted to the car. A 2010 to 2012 Lincoln MKZ may be on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, and a 2013 to 2020 Lincoln MKZ may be on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, so checking the sidewall and wheel before replacing tires is the safest way to match the car correctly.
On a Lincoln MKZ, 225/50R17 is a modern metric radial tire size. The 225 is the section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio showing the sidewall height as 50 percent of the width, R means radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. That size is used on 2007 through 2012 Lincoln MKZ applications with 17-inch wheels.
Reading the code this way helps separate wheel diameter from overall tire proportions. If a Lincoln MKZ currently wears 17-inch wheels, 225/50R17 preserves the intended relationship between tire width, sidewall height, and rim size for that application, while moving to one of the 18-inch or 19-inch sizes requires the matching wheel diameter rather than just a similar overall look.
A 2010 Lincoln MKZ has two tire sizes listed because that model year appears with two different wheel diameters. The two sizes are 225/50R17 for 17-inch wheels and 225/45R18 for 18-inch wheels. The split is tied to the wheel package rather than to two interchangeable tires on the same rim.
The practical step is to confirm the wheel diameter on the actual car instead of choosing by year alone. Checking the sidewall already fitted, measuring the wheel, or verifying the factory wheel package for that specific Lincoln MKZ will keep you from ordering a tire that matches the year but not the rim diameter currently on the vehicle.
Lincoln MKZ uses 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch rim diameters across its production span. Early 2007 to 2012 cars begin with 17-inch fitment, 2010 to 2012 cars can also appear with 18-inch wheels, and 2013 to 2020 cars use either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels. The tire size itself identifies the wheel diameter on this model because each size ends with the rim measurement in inches.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because it immediately narrows the correct tire group. Once you confirm whether a Lincoln MKZ carries 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch wheels, the remaining choice becomes much simpler and can then be checked against the year range and the exact size printed on the current tire.
Buying the Right Tire
A 2013 Lincoln MKZ uses either 245/45R18 or 245/40R19, depending on the wheel package fitted to the car. Both sizes are correct for that model year, but each requires its matching wheel diameter. The 18-inch size and the 19-inch size are not interchangeable on the same rim.
The most reliable check is the size molded into the existing tire sidewall, followed by the wheel diameter itself if the tires have already been removed or changed. If the car has had aftermarket wheels installed, verify the current wheel package rather than assuming the original factory setup, because year alone will not distinguish between the two listed 2013 Lincoln MKZ fitments.
Lincoln MKZ tire offerings in these sizes are blackwall radial tires. That sidewall style appears across the available 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch products from the listed brands, which suits the modern luxury-sedan character of the MKZ and matches the look most owners expect on a contemporary performance-oriented replacement tire.
Because all listed options use blackwall styling, the main buying decision shifts from appearance to the correct wheel diameter and size code. Once the proper size is confirmed, buyers can compare the available series within that size for the blend of road manners and visual character they want without having to sort through whitewall or specialty sidewall variations.
Lincoln MKZ tires in these listed sizes come from BFGoodrich and Nitto. BFGoodrich appears across all four sizes with multiple g-Force series options, while Nitto is available in several of the 17-inch and 18-inch fitments. Both brands are represented only with radial blackwall products for this application.
Brand choice matters after the size is settled, not before. Start by matching the Lincoln MKZ to its correct wheel diameter and tire size, then compare the available BFGoodrich or Nitto offerings within that exact size so the tire’s dimensions stay correct while you choose the tread family and performance character that best suits the car’s use.
Lincoln MKZ tire choices here include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2, BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2. Those series are all radial performance-oriented offerings, but they differ by product family, load specification in some sizes, and which wheel diameters they cover. Not every series is available in every Lincoln MKZ size.
Once the correct size is identified, comparing series is the right next step. Some Lincoln MKZ owners will prefer to stay within the same tire family across all four corners for a consistent feel, while others may focus on finding the series that is available in their exact 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch application and best matches how the car is driven.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Lincoln MKZ stores best on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dry, dark environment away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and prolonged heat. If the car will sit for extended periods, moving it occasionally helps avoid flat spotting, and storing it on a clean surface rather than bare earth or damp ground protects both the tires and wheels.
Collector-style care still matters even on a modern luxury sedan like the Lincoln MKZ if the car is driven infrequently. Keeping inflation set correctly, avoiding long stationary periods when possible, and checking the tires before the first drive of the season will do more for ride quality and tire life than simply watching tread depth alone.
Tires on a Lincoln MKZ should be visually inspected before regular driving and checked more thoroughly several times خلال the year, especially if the car sees seasonal or low-mileage use. Look for sidewall cracking, uneven shoulder wear, punctures, impact damage, and any sign that one tire is aging or wearing differently from the others.
A more detailed inspection is especially useful after storage, after striking potholes, or whenever steering feel changes. Because Lincoln MKZ applications span low-profile 18-inch and 19-inch sizes as well as taller 17-inch fitments, irregular wear can point to inflation, alignment, or suspension issues that should be corrected before they shorten the life of the replacement tires.
Lincoln MKZ tires should be replaced when they show age cracking, sidewall damage, repeated air loss, impact damage, belt-related irregularities, or any other structural concern, even if tread depth still looks usable. Tread alone does not determine whether a tire remains serviceable, particularly on cars that spend long periods parked and accumulate age faster than mileage.
The practical approach is to treat age, condition, and behavior on the road as equally important replacement triggers. If a Lincoln MKZ develops vibration, uneven wear, or visible deterioration, replacing the tires as a matched, correct-size set is usually the better path than trying to stretch the life of aging rubber that still appears to have enough tread.
Restoration & Authenticity
Lincoln MKZ used more than one original-size pattern over its 2007 to 2020 production span. Early cars are associated with 225/50R17, 2010 to 2012 cars may use either 225/50R17 or 225/45R18, and 2013 to 2020 cars use either 245/45R18 or 245/40R19. That means originality depends on the exact year and wheel package rather than on a single MKZ-wide specification.
For an owner trying to return a Lincoln MKZ to factory appearance, the best path is to match the correct size to the original wheel diameter and package carried by that specific car. If the car has changed hands or had wheels swapped, a build record, factory literature, or marque-focused reference can help confirm whether it should wear the 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch setup.
Correct tire fitment can affect how a Lincoln MKZ presents in preservation-minded or judged settings, especially when wheel diameter and overall tire profile influence the car’s stance. Using the wrong 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch fitment can make the proportions look off even if the tire physically mounts to a replacement wheel.
For owners who care about originality, keeping the tire size aligned with the factory wheel package is part of preserving the Lincoln MKZ’s intended appearance. A buyer or judge who knows the model will notice whether an early car sits on a later, lower-profile package or whether a later car has been returned to a smaller wheel-and-tire combination than it originally carried.
Blackwall is the available sidewall style for Lincoln MKZ tires in these sizes, and it is the natural visual match for the model’s modern luxury-sedan era. The listed 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch products all follow that blackwall presentation rather than a whitewall or vintage-style sidewall treatment.
For a clean, factory-appropriate restoration or preservation look, keeping a Lincoln MKZ on the correct size blackwall tire is usually more important than chasing cosmetic variation. Size, sidewall height, and wheel diameter together create the proper stance, so matching the car to its correct 225-width early fitment or 245-width later fitment will have the biggest visual effect.
Safety & Road Use
The listed Lincoln MKZ tires are modern radial road tires in the proper size families for the model’s 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch applications. Public-road safety depends on choosing the exact size that matches the wheel, maintaining proper inflation, and making sure the tires are in sound condition with no age-related or structural concerns.
A tire that is correct for one Lincoln MKZ year or wheel package is not automatically correct for another. Before regular road use, verify that all four tires match the intended size for the car’s wheel diameter, inspect for wear or damage, and correct any alignment or suspension problems that could undermine the handling and braking expected from a midsize luxury sedan.
Before driving a Lincoln MKZ, check tire pressure, inspect the sidewalls and tread for visible damage, confirm there are no cuts or bulges, and make sure all four tires are the correct size for the wheels fitted to the car. It is also wise to look for uneven wear, which can suggest alignment or suspension issues that affect both safety and tire life.
On a Lincoln MKZ with optional wheel packages, confirming the tire size against the actual wheel diameter is especially important after ownership changes or seasonal storage. A quick walk-around before driving can catch underinflation, curb damage, or mismatched replacement tires early, when the fix is simpler and before those problems turn into vibration, poor braking, or compromised wet-road behavior.
A Lincoln MKZ should always be driven within the capability of the exact tires fitted to it, taking into account their size, condition, inflation, and service rating. The listed products are modern radial designs intended for normal road use, but the practical limit is set by the specific tire on the car and whether it is in proper operating condition rather than by the model name alone.
For a road car like the Lincoln MKZ, the sensible rule is to avoid treating aging, damaged, or improperly inflated tires as if they were fresh replacements just because the size is correct. If the car has sat for long periods, received mixed replacement tires, or shows any sign of vibration or instability, resolve those issues first and keep speeds conservative until the tire condition is fully sorted.