The 2009 Lincoln MKS arrived as a full-size luxury sedan built around quiet highway comfort, contemporary styling, and the kind of road presence expected from Lincoln’s flagship four-door of the period. For owners today, tire choice matters because this model uses three distinct radial fitments: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. That makes wheel diameter the first thing to confirm before choosing a replacement. The available selection is strongest in 245/45R20, where blackwall, redline, and raised white letter options appear across BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac lines. The right choice depends on whether the goal is stock-style road use, a sportier look, or a modified wheel-and-tire presentation.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Lincoln MKS
The 2009 Lincoln MKS uses three primary tire sizes, and all are radial fitments. Because those sizes span 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels, the first step is confirming which wheel diameter is actually on the car. The Base sub-model can use any of these sizes, so the real decision centers on the wheel package already installed and the kind of appearance and tire selection you want within that fitment.
235/55R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 identifies the tire width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2009 Lincoln MKS, this size suits an 18-inch wheel setup and keeps the tire choice in a modern radial format familiar to current replacement buyers. It represents a practical fitment path for owners staying with the original wheel diameter already on the car. Before selecting a tire, check the actual wheel size and confirm that any previous wheel or suspension changes have not altered the fitment needs.
245/45R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. For the 2009 Lincoln MKS, this fitment stands out because it has the broadest visible product choice, including BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options in blackwall, redline, and raised white letter form. Tire series choices include g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Street Pro III. This size is the one to study most closely if the car already wears 20-inch wheels and appearance matters as much as basic replacement fitment.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size where 255 denotes the width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 19 is the required wheel diameter in inches. On a 2009 Lincoln MKS, this size applies to a 19-inch wheel package and sits between the 18-inch and 20-inch fitments in diameter and section width. It is most relevant for owners who need to match the wheel setup already on the vehicle rather than change the overall configuration. Confirming wheel diameter remains essential, since a 19-inch tire cannot be selected interchangeably with the MKS’s 18-inch or 20-inch fitments.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward here because the 2009 Lincoln MKS Base is associated with all three primary tire sizes. What matters most is not trim identification, but confirming whether the car has 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch wheels before choosing a tire.
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2009 Lincoln MKS Base
The 2009 Lincoln MKS Base can use 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20 radial tires depending on the wheel package on the car. Tire selection starts with the actual rim diameter, then moves to product style and sidewall preference if the car uses the 20-inch fitment.
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 Lincoln MKS Tires for Sale
Available product choices center on 245/45R20, with radial options from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. The product grid lets buyers compare blackwall, redline, and raised white letter styles across several tire series, along with rim-width and load-capacity details where shown.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2009 Lincoln MKS, how wheel diameter affects selection, and what to consider when comparing available radial tires, appearance options, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Lincoln MKS?
The 2009 Lincoln MKS uses three primary tire sizes: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. All three are radial sizes, and each one corresponds to a different wheel diameter rather than a simple interchangeable choice across every setup.
The practical step is to verify the wheel diameter already on the car before ordering tires. An MKS wearing 18-inch wheels needs 235/55R18, a 19-inch setup needs 255/45R19, and a 20-inch setup needs 245/45R20. If the car has aftermarket wheels, confirm the wheel size directly instead of relying on trim assumptions.
What size rim does a 2009 Lincoln MKS use?
A 2009 Lincoln MKS can use 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch rims, depending on which tire size is on the car. The matching tire sizes are 235/55R18 for 18-inch wheels, 255/45R19 for 19-inch wheels, and 245/45R20 for 20-inch wheels.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to confirm because the tire must match the wheel exactly. It is also wise to check wheel width, especially when comparing available 245/45R20 products, since some tires include rim-width guidance. A quick look at the sidewall or wheel stamp is usually the safest starting point.
Why does the 2009 Lincoln MKS have more than one tire size?
The 2009 Lincoln MKS has more than one tire size because it was fitted with different wheel packages. The three primary sizes—235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20—reflect three distinct rim diameters rather than a single tire size shared across every car.
That means tire selection should follow the wheel setup actually installed on the vehicle, not just the model name. On a car that has changed hands or been modified, the safest approach is to inspect the current tires and wheels directly. That avoids choosing an 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch tire based on assumption instead of the car’s present configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R20 tire for a 2009 Lincoln MKS?
Start with the basics: correct size, radial construction, and compatibility with the 20-inch wheel on the car. From there, the main differences in 245/45R20 come from brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and the rim-width guidance attached to some products.
A 2009 Lincoln MKS owner comparing this size should decide whether the goal is a straightforward blackwall replacement or a more distinctive redline or raised white letter look. BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac each bring a different presentation to the same fitment. Wheel width, intended road use, and the overall look of the car should guide the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Lincoln MKS tires?
In the 245/45R20 fitment for the 2009 Lincoln MKS, available sidewall styles include blackwall, redline, and RWL, or raised white letter. Those choices can change the visual character of the car considerably even when the tire size stays the same.
Blackwall keeps the appearance more understated and contemporary, while redline or raised white letters create a stronger custom or performance-oriented look. Sidewall style does not change the need to match the correct wheel diameter and overall tire size. On a luxury sedan like the MKS, appearance can be just as important as basic fitment when narrowing the options.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Lincoln MKS?
For the 245/45R20 fitment on a 2009 Lincoln MKS, available brands include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those products appear across several series, including g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, NT555 G2, and Street Pro III.
The brand decision should be tied to the tire series and sidewall style you want rather than the name alone. Some options focus on a clean blackwall presentation, while others offer redline or raised white letter styling. Compare the details attached to each product, especially wheel-width guidance and load information where shown, before settling on a specific tire.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Lincoln MKS?
A period-style 2009 Lincoln MKS usually starts with keeping the wheel diameter already associated with the car, then selecting a tire that matches the sedan’s upscale late-2000s character. That often points toward a clean radial fitment with a restrained sidewall treatment rather than an obviously vintage-looking tire design.
Among the visible 245/45R20 options, blackwall choices preserve the most contemporary factory-era impression, while redline or raised white letters push the car toward a more personalized look. Exact originality can vary by wheel package and owner preference, so buyers pursuing a highly accurate presentation should confirm period photos, window-sticker details, or marque-specific references before finalizing a style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2009 Lincoln MKS?
On a 2009 Lincoln MKS, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires. That means the visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial construction and more from size, wheel diameter, tread character, and sidewall treatment within the correct radial fitment.
For appearance-minded owners, the main choice is whether the car should look close to a stock luxury sedan or lean into a sportier custom presentation. A blackwall radial typically keeps the look more neutral, while redline or raised white letter styling adds emphasis. Keeping the correct tire size for the wheel package is what preserves the overall stance and proportion of the MKS.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Lincoln MKS?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Lincoln MKS. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width or offset, suspension lowering, and body alterations can all influence whether the original 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20 size still makes sense for the car.
A modified MKS should be checked for steering clearance, inner-fender space, and overall wheel compatibility before replacement tires are chosen. Even when the sidewall shows one of the factory-size patterns, earlier changes may have altered what the car can comfortably use. Looking at the actual wheel dimensions and the car’s stance helps prevent an expensive mismatch.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Lincoln MKS on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Lincoln MKS on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, inflation pressure, and the basic clearance around the tire at full steering lock. It is also smart to confirm that the tire size installed matches the wheel diameter and that all four tires are suited to the vehicle’s setup.
A short road test should include attention to vibration, pulling, rubbing, and any sign of interference over bumps or during turns. On a car that has sat for long periods, inspect suspension and steering components as well, since worn parts can affect how the new tires behave. Rechecking pressure after the first drives is a sensible final step.
How often should tires on a 2009 Lincoln MKS be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Lincoln MKS should be inspected regularly, not just at service intervals. A quick visual check for uneven wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, and low pressure is worthwhile before routine driving, and a more careful inspection should be part of periodic maintenance.
Cars that are driven less often still need tire attention because age, storage conditions, and slow air loss can create problems even when tread looks acceptable. Checking pressure, tread condition, and sidewalls monthly is a good habit. Before a longer trip, add a closer inspection of wheel condition, valve stems, and any signs of rubbing or alignment-related wear.
