The 2009 Buick Lucerne came at the end of Buick’s traditional full-size sedan era, offering a roomy, comfort-focused American four-door with a more formal character than many newer front-wheel-drive cars. For buyers keeping one on the road today, tire choice is tied closely to trim level because the Lucerne uses two different radial sizes: 235/55R17 on CX and CXL models, and 245/50R18 on the Super. That split also changes wheel diameter, which makes correct identification especially important. Available choices range from understated blackwall performance-style radials to wide whitewall, goldline, redline, and raised white letter options, depending on size. The right pick depends on whether the goal is stock-style road use, a custom look, or trim-correct fitment.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Buick Lucerne
Two tire sizes apply to the 2009 Buick Lucerne, and the correct one depends on the sub-model as well as wheel diameter. CX and CXL models use a 17-inch radial setup, while the Lucerne Super uses an 18-inch radial setup, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and checking which wheels are actually on the car before comparing tire styles or brands.
In 235/55R17, the 235 is the tire’s section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is the primary radial fitment for 2009 Buick Lucerne CX and CXL models, giving those trims a modern metric size on a 17-inch rim. Available choices include BFGoodrich, American Classic, and Coker Classic offerings, with blackwall, goldline, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Asymmetrical Tread, and Star Series. It is the right place to focus if the car wears the stock 17-inch wheel diameter and the goal is either a standard road-going look or a more distinctive sidewall presentation.
In 245/50R18, the 245 indicates section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R marks it as a radial, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size is used on the 2009 Buick Lucerne Super, so it serves a different trim and wheel package than the 17-inch setup found on other Lucerne models. The available selections in this size center on Pro-Trac Street Pro III radials, offered with raised white letter or redline sidewall styling for a more assertive appearance. It should be evaluated only after confirming that the car is a Super or that it currently carries the correct 18-inch wheels.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 Buick Lucerne because tire size is not shared across the full lineup. CX and CXL models use the same 17-inch radial fitment, while the Super moves to a different radial size on an 18-inch wheel, so trim identification should come before tire selection.
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2009 Buick Lucerne CX
The 2009 Buick Lucerne CX uses the 235/55R17 radial tire size. That keeps selection centered on 17-inch fitment, where the main decision becomes choosing among blackwall, whitewall, goldline, or redline presentations and matching the tire to the car’s intended appearance and use.
The 2009 Buick Lucerne CXL also uses the 235/55R17 radial tire size. Tire shopping for this trim is generally straightforward once the 17-inch wheel is confirmed, with choices that range from conventional blackwall radials to more restoration-oriented or custom-style sidewall treatments.
The 2009 Buick Lucerne Super uses the 245/50R18 radial size rather than the 17-inch fitment found on other Lucerne trims. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and selection then comes down to choosing the preferred sidewall treatment within the available 18-inch radial offerings.
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 2009 Buick Lucerne Tires for Sale
Available 2009 Buick Lucerne tires include radial options from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, goldline, redline, and raised white letter sidewalls across performance-oriented and classic-style tire series.
These FAQs focus on 2009 Buick Lucerne tire sizing by trim, 17-inch versus 18-inch wheel fitment, sidewall and brand choices, and the practical checks to make before putting the car back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Buick Lucerne?
The 2009 Buick Lucerne uses two different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. CX and CXL models use 235/55R17, while the Lucerne Super uses 245/50R18. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not simply alternate versions of the same setup.
The practical step is to confirm the exact trim level and then verify the wheels currently on the car. A Lucerne that has had wheels changed over the years may not still wear its original diameter, and that matters just as much as the trim badge when choosing the correct replacement tire.
What size rim does a 2009 Buick Lucerne use?
A 2009 Buick Lucerne uses either a 17-inch or 18-inch rim depending on sub-model. The 235/55R17 fitment is built around a 17-inch wheel, while the 245/50R18 fitment uses an 18-inch wheel. Rim diameter is part of the tire size itself, so the tire and wheel must match exactly.
Checking the wheel diameter first prevents ordering the right tire size for the wrong wheel package. It is also smart to confirm actual wheel width, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels, because tire choice is not just about diameter but about proper compatibility with the wheel already on the vehicle.
Do all 2009 Buick Lucerne sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2009 Buick Lucerne does not use one tire size across every sub-model. CX and CXL models share the 235/55R17 radial size, but the Lucerne Super uses a different setup with 245/50R18 radials. The Super therefore stands apart from the other trims in both tire size and wheel diameter.
That difference matters because the first buying decision is not sidewall style or brand but identifying whether the car is a CX, CXL, or Super. Once that is settled, the search becomes much narrower and more useful, since the available tire selections differ noticeably between the 17-inch and 18-inch fitments.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 235/55R17 tire for a 2009 Buick Lucerne?
A 235/55R17 tire for a 2009 Buick Lucerne CX or CXL should first match the car’s 17-inch wheel and intended use. In this size, the available choices range from BFGoodrich performance-style blackwall radials to American Classic and Coker Classic options with goldline, redline, or wide whitewall sidewalls.
The best comparison points are appearance, construction style, and wheel compatibility rather than just the size stamp. A driver-focused Lucerne may suit a blackwall radial presentation, while a more traditional or customized car may call for a whitewall or accent-line sidewall, provided the wheel width and overall setup are compatible.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Buick Lucerne tires?
Sidewall choices for the 2009 Buick Lucerne vary by tire size. In 235/55R17, available styles include blackwall, goldline, redline, and wide whitewall. In 245/50R18, available styles include redline and RWL, which is the raised white letter treatment often chosen for a more assertive visual look.
That variety means the Lucerne can be fitted for a very understated appearance or for a more custom-oriented one without changing the basic size. The key is to choose the sidewall treatment after confirming the correct trim and wheel diameter, since the 17-inch and 18-inch fitments do not share the same styling menu.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Buick Lucerne?
Tires for the 2009 Buick Lucerne are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, and Pro-Trac, depending on size. The 235/55R17 fitment offers the broadest brand spread, while the 245/50R18 fitment is represented by Pro-Trac Street Pro III options with different sidewall treatments.
Brand choice should be considered alongside series character and appearance, not as a shortcut to fitment. A Lucerne owner comparing options will usually get the clearest result by starting with the correct size, then narrowing by sidewall style, intended look, and wheel compatibility within the available brand assortment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Buick Lucerne?
A period-style 2009 Buick Lucerne tire choice starts with the correct trim-specific size: 235/55R17 for CX and CXL, or 245/50R18 for the Super. From there, the most appearance-focused options are the 17-inch American Classic and Coker Classic radials with wide whitewall, goldline, or redline sidewall treatments.
That approach keeps the car in its proper size range while allowing a more formal or custom presentation than a plain modern blackwall. Exact originality can vary by individual car and owner preference, so buyers concerned with authentic showroom-era appearance should compare tire style against vehicle photos, sales material, or marque-specific references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Buick Lucerne?
On a 2009 Buick Lucerne, tire construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. The visible difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial appearance and more from sidewall treatment, since available radial tires in the correct sizes can present as blackwall, wide whitewall, goldline, redline, or raised white letter.
That gives a restoration-minded or custom-minded owner room to shape the car’s personality without stepping away from the proper radial format. A whitewall or accent-line tire can emphasize Buick’s traditional full-size character, while blackwall or RWL styling creates a more contemporary or sport-leaning look within the Lucerne’s correct fitment family.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Buick Lucerne?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Buick Lucerne even when the tire size sounds close to stock. Wheel changes, altered offsets, suspension modifications, and lowering can all change how a 235/55R17 or 245/50R18 tire sits in the wheel opening and how much clearance remains at full steering lock or suspension travel.
A car that has been changed from its original wheel package should be checked carefully before new tires are selected. Measuring actual wheel diameter and width, then inspecting fender, strut, and steering clearance, helps avoid choosing a tire that matches the badge on paper but conflicts with the Lucerne’s current setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Buick Lucerne on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Buick Lucerne on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct tire size for the trim, and check that all four tires are seated and inflated properly. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn hardware.
A practical pre-drive check should also include tread-to-body clearance, valve stem condition, and a short test for vibration or pull once the car is back on the road. Older full-size sedans can hide alignment or suspension issues until fresh tires are installed, so catching those problems early helps protect the new set.
How often should tires on a 2009 Buick Lucerne be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Buick Lucerne should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look for uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and slow air loss, and pay close attention to any change in ride quality that could point to pressure, alignment, or suspension issues.
Routine inspection matters because a low-mileage car can still age its tires even when tread looks acceptable. Checking pressure and visual condition before longer drives is a sensible habit, and any Lucerne with older tires or uncertain service history deserves a closer evaluation before being returned to steady highway use.
