The 2001 Infiniti Q45 came from a period when full-size luxury sedans balanced comfort, quiet cruising, and sharper road manners than many traditional flagship cars. Tire choice matters here because the Q45 uses two different modern radial fitments depending on sub-model: the Base uses 215/60R16, while the Q45 T uses 225/50R17. That split means the first step is confirming whether the car is a Base or a T, and just as importantly, checking which wheels are actually on the car today. From there, the real decision becomes selecting the right radial tire style and performance character for the way the sedan is driven and maintained.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2001 Infiniti Q45
The 2001 Infiniti Q45 uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. The Base model uses a 16-inch radial fitment, while the Q45 T uses a 17-inch radial fitment, so confirming the exact sub-model and the wheel size on the car should come before comparing tire choices.
215/60R16 is a metric radial size in which 215 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2001 Infiniti Q45, this size is the primary radial fitment for the Base model and supports the sedan's comfort-oriented factory sizing approach. Because this page's available products are concentrated in the 17-inch fitment, the main task with 215/60R16 is confirming that the car still carries its original 16-inch wheel setup. That matters before evaluating replacement tires or comparing ride and appearance against the T model's lower-profile fitment.
225/50R17 is a metric radial size where 225 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, and 17 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2001 Infiniti Q45, this size applies to the Q45 T and carries a lower-profile look than the Base model's 16-inch fitment. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto products, all with blackwall sidewalls and several distinct tire series. This size deserves close attention when the goal is matching the T model's wheel package while comparing rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and overall tire character.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2001 Infiniti Q45 because the covered versions do not share the same tire size or wheel diameter. Identifying whether the car is a Base or a Q45 T is the starting point before comparing tires, since each uses a different radial fitment.
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2001 Infiniti Q45 Base
The 2001 Infiniti Q45 Base uses a 215/60R16 radial tire on a 16-inch wheel package. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with preserving that wheel diameter and profile, especially if the car has not been changed from its original-style setup.
The 2001 Infiniti Q45 T uses a 225/50R17 radial tire on a 17-inch wheel package. That makes product comparison more straightforward, since the key decisions shift toward tire series, brand, and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2001 Infiniti Q45 Tires for Sale
Available product choices center on 225/50R17, with blackwall radial options from BFGoodrich and Nitto across the g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and NT555 G2 series. Comparing them starts with the correct 17-inch fitment, then moves to rim-width range, load specification where stated, and intended driving character.
For the 2001 Infiniti Q45, the most important questions usually involve sub-model tire size, 16-inch versus 17-inch wheel fitment, and how to compare available radial tire options for the correct setup.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2001 Infiniti Q45?
The 2001 Infiniti Q45 uses two tire sizes depending on sub-model. The Base model uses 215/60R16, while the Q45 T uses 225/50R17. Both are radial fitments, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so the right answer depends on which version of the car is being serviced.
The practical step is to confirm both the sub-model and the wheels currently on the car. A Q45 that has been changed over to different factory-style wheels or aftermarket wheels may no longer match the original sub-model fitment, so replacement tire selection should follow the actual wheel diameter and a careful clearance check.
What size rim does a 2001 Infiniti Q45 use?
A 2001 Infiniti Q45 uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Base model pairs with a 16-inch tire fitment, and the Q45 T pairs with a 17-inch tire fitment. That difference is built directly into the tire sizes, since the final number in each size marks the rim diameter.
Wheel diameter should be verified before ordering replacement tires, especially on a car that may have had wheels swapped over time. Measuring the wheel or reading the current tire size is a good starting point, and wheel width also deserves attention because tire selection within the same diameter can still depend on the wheel's actual width range.
Do all 2001 Infiniti Q45 sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2001 Infiniti Q45 sub-models covered here do not use the same tire size. The Base uses 215/60R16, while the Q45 T uses 225/50R17. That means both the tire size and the wheel diameter change from one sub-model to the other.
This matters because a tire chosen for one sub-model should not be assumed correct for the other just because both cars are Q45s from the same year. Matching the tire to the correct wheel diameter is the first priority, and then the buyer can compare tire construction, profile, and available product choices within that proper fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 225/50R17 tire for a 2001 Infiniti Q45?
Start with the fact that 225/50R17 is the Q45 T fitment, so the tire must match a 17-inch wheel. From there, the meaningful differences are brand, tire series, rim-width range, load specification where stated, and the kind of road feel the tire line is built to deliver within a radial performance-oriented category.
Blackwall styling is consistent across the available choices, so appearance differences are subtle compared with the technical differences between series. It also helps to confirm the wheel width on the car, compare the tire's stated fitment range, and think about whether the sedan will be used mainly for regular cruising, more spirited street driving, or occasional longer trips.
What brands offer tires for the 2001 Infiniti Q45?
Available products for the 2001 Infiniti Q45's 225/50R17 fitment include BFGoodrich and Nitto. BFGoodrich appears in multiple g-Force series, while Nitto is represented by the NT555 G2. All of the listed options in this size are radial blackwall tires designed around a 17-inch wheel package.
Brand choice should be treated as one part of the comparison rather than the whole decision. The better approach is to start with the correct Q45 T size, then compare each tire's series, rim-width range, load figure where included, and overall use case so the tire matches the car's wheel setup and the owner's driving expectations.
What tire series are available for the 2001 Infiniti Q45?
For the 225/50R17 fitment used on the 2001 Infiniti Q45 T, the available tire series include BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2, and Nitto NT555 G2. Each series sits within the radial performance-oriented space, but they are not the same product and should be compared individually.
Looking at series names helps separate the options more clearly than brand alone, especially when one brand offers more than one tire in the same size. Once the correct size is confirmed, the next step is to compare wheel-width compatibility, load information where shown, and the kind of driving balance the owner wants from a large luxury sedan.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2001 Infiniti Q45?
A period-style approach starts with keeping the correct sub-model size and wheel diameter. That means 215/60R16 for the Base or 225/50R17 for the Q45 T, both in radial construction. Preserving the intended proportions of the car matters more than chasing a different size that changes the look of the sidewall and wheel relationship.
For a restoration-oriented or well-kept original-style Q45, the safest visual strategy is to stay close to the proper size and profile for the sub-model. Since the available 17-inch product assortment centers on blackwall performance-style radials, owners focused heavily on appearance should also confirm the car's current wheels before choosing a tire that complements the sedan's factory-era presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2001 Infiniti Q45 restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2001 Infiniti Q45 because the Base and Q45 T use different sizes and different wheel diameters. Using the proper fitment helps preserve the stance, profile, and overall visual balance that belongs with the specific version of the car, rather than blending setups that were not intended to appear the same.
Correct fitment also affects the way the restoration reads to anyone familiar with the model, even when the car is not being restored to strict show standards. Owners aiming for a highly exact presentation should verify wheel size, trim-specific equipment, and period references for the individual car before making a final tire decision.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2001 Infiniti Q45?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2001 Infiniti Q45 even when the replacement tire is close to an original sub-model size. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, and body alterations can all change how much room the tire has at the fender, suspension, and steering components.
That is why the wheel actually installed on the car matters as much as the original sub-model specification. A Base that now carries 17-inch wheels or a Q45 T with changed offset should be checked carefully before replacement, with attention to wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and the tire's relationship to the body and suspension at full travel.
What should I inspect before driving a 2001 Infiniti Q45 on new tires?
Before driving a 2001 Infiniti Q45 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car's actual wheel diameter, and check that all four tires are properly mounted and inflated. It also makes sense to look over suspension and steering components, because worn parts can affect how a fresh set of tires feels on the road.
A short initial road test should include listening for rubbing, checking straight-line behavior, and making sure the tires clear the body and suspension through normal steering movement. After a brief drive, recheck inflation and give the tires a visual inspection so any mounting issue, air loss, or unexpected clearance problem is caught early.
How should tires on a collector-era 2001 Infiniti Q45 be maintained?
Tires on a low-use 2001 Infiniti Q45 should be inspected regularly even if the tread still looks strong. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting from long storage, uneven wear, and gradual air loss. Because this is a modern radial fitment, keeping inflation stable and the car properly aligned remains just as important as it would on a regularly driven sedan.
Storage conditions also matter on a collector-kept car. A Q45 that spends long periods parked should be kept away from prolonged sun, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment, and the tires should be checked before any longer outing. Occasional movement, pressure checks, and visual inspection help catch age-related issues before they become road-use problems.
