The 2009 Nissan Maxima marked a return to a more assertive, driver-focused character for Nissan’s full-size sedan, blending everyday comfort with a distinctly sport-oriented stance. Tire choice matters on this generation because wheel and tire package differences are tied directly to trim level. The 2009 Nissan Maxima uses either 245/45R18 or 245/40R19 radial tires, depending on the sub-model. Available choices stay within a modern performance-oriented blackwall presentation, with series from BFGoodrich and Nitto that suit the car’s sharper character. The key is confirming whether the car is an S, an SV, or an SV w/Sport Pkg. before comparing exact tire options.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2009 Nissan Maxima
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 2009 Nissan Maxima, and they are tied to sub-model and wheel diameter. The S and SV use 245/45R18 on an 18-inch rim, while the SV w/Sport Pkg. uses 245/40R19 on a 19-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact trim and verify which wheel package is currently on the car, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
A 245/45R18 tire is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. On the 2009 Nissan Maxima, this size is part of the standard radial fitment used on 18-inch wheel applications rather than the sport-package 19-inch setup. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Nitto products in blackwall form, with series such as g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and NT555 G2. This size is the right place to focus if the car retains its 18-inch wheels and you want to compare touring-leaning versus sport-oriented product lines.
A 245/40R19 tire uses the same 245-millimeter nominal width but a lower 40-series profile and a 19-inch rim diameter. On the 2009 Nissan Maxima, this size belongs to the SV w/Sport Pkg., making wheel confirmation especially important before ordering. Product selection includes BFGoodrich blackwall radial options across the g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A series. This is the size to evaluate when the car carries the factory-style 19-inch sport package wheel setup or an equivalent 19-inch arrangement that matches the required fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2009 Nissan Maxima because tire size changes with the wheel package. The S and SV share one size, while the SV w/Sport Pkg. moves to a different lower-profile tire on a larger rim, so confirming the exact trim is the first step.
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2009 Nissan Maxima S
The 2009 Nissan Maxima S uses the 245/45R18 radial size on an 18-inch wheel package. Tire selection centers on choosing among the available blackwall performance-oriented products while keeping the correct 18-inch fitment and overall profile in mind.
The 2009 Nissan Maxima SV shares the 245/45R18 radial fitment with the S model. That keeps sizing straightforward, so the main decision becomes comparing available brands and tire series that suit the car’s intended balance of daily use and sport-sedan character.
The 2009 Nissan Maxima SV w/Sport Pkg. uses the 245/40R19 radial size rather than the 18-inch setup found on other trims. That means tire selection starts with confirming the 19-inch wheel package, then comparing the available blackwall BFGoodrich performance series within that 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 2009 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 2009 Nissan Maxima tire choices focus on the two original fitment sizes, with blackwall radial options from BFGoodrich and Nitto. The main differences in the product grid come down to size, tire series, rim-width compatibility, load specifications where stated, and the intended character of each performance-oriented design.
Owners shopping for 2009 Nissan Maxima tires usually need to sort out the correct trim-based size first, then compare 18-inch versus 19-inch fitment, available radial choices, and the condition of the car’s wheels and suspension before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2009 Nissan Maxima?
The 2009 Nissan Maxima uses two tire sizes, depending on sub-model. The Maxima S and Maxima SV use 245/45R18 radial tires, while the Maxima SV w/Sport Pkg. uses 245/40R19 radial tires. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters and are not the same fitment.
The practical first step is identifying the trim and checking the wheel diameter actually on the car. A Maxima that has been fitted with aftermarket wheels or swapped factory wheels may no longer match the original sub-model fitment, so tire selection should follow the current wheel size, width, and available clearance rather than trim name alone.
What size rim does a 2009 Nissan Maxima use?
A 2009 Nissan Maxima uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The S and SV use the 245/45R18 size on an 18-inch rim, while the SV w/Sport Pkg. uses the 245/40R19 size on a 19-inch rim. Rim diameter is a core part of the tire size and must match exactly.
Rim width also matters once the diameter is confirmed. The available 245/45R18 products generally suit widths from about 7.5 to 9.0 inches, while the 245/40R19 products suit widths from about 8.0 to 9.5 inches, so checking the actual wheel before comparing tires helps avoid a mismatch in fitment or tire profile.
Do all 2009 Nissan Maxima sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2009 Nissan Maxima does not use one tire size across every sub-model. The S and SV share the 245/45R18 radial size, but the SV w/Sport Pkg. uses 245/40R19. That difference reflects a change in both tire profile and wheel diameter rather than a simple brand or tread variation.
That distinction matters because an 18-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 19-inch wheel, and a 19-inch tire cannot be mounted on an 18-inch wheel. For anyone buying replacement tires, the quickest way to avoid an error is to confirm the exact trim, then inspect the car’s current wheel setup in case it has been changed since new.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/45R18 or 245/40R19 tire for a 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Start with the correct size for the car’s wheel package: 245/45R18 for the Maxima S and SV, or 245/40R19 for the SV w/Sport Pkg. From there, compare construction, rim-width compatibility, load figures where stated, and the overall character of the tire series offered in that exact size. Every available option here is a blackwall radial.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and what wheel setup it has today. Some owners prioritize a more everyday all-season style, while others want a more overtly performance-focused design. Matching the tire to the wheel width, checking load capacity details, and staying within the intended size keeps the comparison grounded and useful.
What brands offer tires for the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Tires for the 2009 Nissan Maxima are available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in the applicable sizes on this page. BFGoodrich appears in both 18-inch and 19-inch fitments, while Nitto appears in the 245/45R18 size. All of the available options use radial construction and a blackwall sidewall style.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare each tire’s series, wheel-width suitability, and any stated load specification in the exact size you need. A tire that suits an 18-inch Maxima S or SV may not have an equivalent counterpart in the 19-inch sport-package fitment, so size should stay ahead of brand preference.
What tire series are available for the 2009 Nissan Maxima?
The 2009 Nissan Maxima is covered here by several performance-oriented tire series, including BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2. Series availability depends on the exact tire size, so the 18-inch and 19-inch fitments do not offer the same product mix.
Series names are useful because they help separate the personality of one tire from another within the same basic size. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, comparing series can narrow the choice between a more road-oriented all-season style and a more sport-focused option, while still keeping the correct dimensions and wheel compatibility in view.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2009 Nissan Maxima restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment still matters on a 2009 Nissan Maxima restoration or preservation project, even though this is a modern radial application rather than a vintage bias-ply one. Keeping the right 245/45R18 or 245/40R19 size for the proper sub-model preserves the intended wheel-to-tire relationship and helps maintain the car’s original overall stance.
Appearance and proportion can change noticeably when the wrong wheel diameter or tire profile is used. Anyone aiming for an authentic presentation should confirm whether the car is an S, SV, or SV w/Sport Pkg., then compare its current wheels against period Nissan references, dealer literature, or model-specific enthusiast documentation before choosing replacement tires.
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2009 Nissan Maxima?
A period-style 2009 Nissan Maxima tire choice starts with using the correct original fitment size for the trim: 245/45R18 on S and SV models or 245/40R19 on the SV w/Sport Pkg. Because the available options are blackwall radials, the visual decision is less about vintage sidewall treatment and more about preserving the car’s intended wheel diameter and profile.
Within the correct size, compare the available series in terms of overall presentation and how closely they suit the car’s original sport-sedan character. Avoid changing tire size simply for a different look unless wheel width, clearance, and overall proportion have been checked carefully, since a visually small change can alter the car’s stance more than expected.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2009 Nissan Maxima even when the tire size looks close to stock. Aftermarket wheels, suspension lowering, altered offsets, or body changes can influence clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, and steering components. That matters on both 245/45R18 and 245/40R19 applications because each size is tied to a specific wheel package.
A Maxima with changed wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter and width before replacement tires are chosen. It also helps to inspect full-lock steering clearance and look for signs of rubbing on the tire shoulders or inner liners. Using the correct trim-based size is a solid starting point, but the current hardware on the car is what ultimately governs fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 2009 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before driving a 2009 Nissan Maxima on new tires, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, alignment condition, and the tire’s mounted clearance around suspension and body components. Tire pressure should be set correctly for the application, and each wheel should be checked for damage or irregular bead seating that could affect how the tire runs.
A short initial road test is a smart way to confirm there is no vibration, rubbing, or pull under braking and steering input. It is also worth rechecking air pressure after the first drives and looking over the tread for uneven contact patterns. Catching a wheel or alignment issue early helps the new tires wear properly from the start.
What should I check before a longer drive in a 2009 Nissan Maxima?
Before a longer drive in a 2009 Nissan Maxima, check tire pressure, tread condition, visible sidewall damage, and any signs of puncture or air loss. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, or uneven wear across the tread. It is also wise to confirm that all four tires match the intended size for the wheel package currently installed on the car.
Longer trips put more heat and sustained load into the tires, so this is also a good time to inspect wheel balance, alignment behavior, and the condition of suspension parts that affect tire wear. A Maxima that has sat for long periods deserves extra attention, since age, flat spotting, or slow pressure loss can show up quickly once regular road use resumes.
