The 2011 Lincoln MKS sits in the full-size luxury sedan market with a distinctly modern mix of comfort, technology, and sharp road presence. It is also a vehicle where wheel and tire package choice matters, because the MKS was fitted with more than one radial tire size depending on configuration. For this model year, 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20 all appear on the 2011 Lincoln MKS, each tied to a specific wheel diameter. Available choices are centered on radial construction, with meaningful variation in brand, tire series, and sidewall treatment in 245/45R20. The right selection starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel setup already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2011 Lincoln MKS
The 2011 Lincoln MKS uses three primary tire sizes, and the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter on the car. Fitment varies across 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch wheel packages, so choosing correctly is less about preference alone and more about matching the tire to the wheel and intended setup before comparing product options.
235/55R18 is a metric radial size in which 235 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2011 Lincoln MKS, this size represents one of the standard modern radial fitments and belongs on an 18-inch wheel. Its role in the MKS lineup makes wheel confirmation especially important before replacement. This is the size to evaluate when the car is equipped with the 18-inch package and you want to stay with the proper overall fitment format for that setup.
245/45R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter nominal section width, a 45-series profile, radial construction, and a 20-inch rim diameter. For the 2011 Lincoln MKS, it is one of the larger wheel-package fitments and is available in multiple product choices that include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offerings. Sidewall treatments in this size include Blackwall, Redline, and RWL, with tire series such as g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Phenom T/A, Nitto NT555 G2, and Street Pro III. It is the size to confirm when the car carries 20-inch wheels and you want the broadest visible choice in product character and appearance.
255/45R19 is a metric radial size where 255 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 19 denotes the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2011 Lincoln MKS, this size serves as a separate primary fitment tied to a 19-inch wheel package rather than the 18-inch or 20-inch alternatives. Its wider nominal sizing makes correct wheel matching an important part of replacement planning. This is the size to review when the car is already equipped with 19-inch wheels and you want to maintain the intended fitment path for that configuration.
Sub-model fitment on the 2011 Lincoln MKS is not completely uniform, so confirming the exact version matters before choosing tires. The Base model spans three wheel-and-tire packages, while the EcoBoost uses only the 19-inch and 20-inch radial fitments.
1
2011 Lincoln MKS Base
The 2011 Lincoln MKS Base can use 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20, all in radial construction. Tire selection for the Base model starts with identifying which wheel diameter is actually on the car, then comparing available tire style and product options within that exact size.
The 2011 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost uses the 255/45R19 or 245/45R20 radial fitments rather than the 18-inch package. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before replacement, particularly if the car has changed hands or has been fitted with a different wheel setup over time.
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 2011 Lincoln MKS Tires for Sale
Available 245/45R20 tires for the 2011 Lincoln MKS include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options in several radial performance-oriented series. Product differences in this size include Blackwall, Redline, and RWL sidewall treatments, along with rim-width compatibility details on select tires.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2011 Lincoln MKS, how sub-model and wheel diameter affect fitment, and what to compare when choosing among available radial tire options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2011 Lincoln MKS?
The 2011 Lincoln MKS uses three primary tire sizes: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20. All three are radial sizes, and the correct one depends on the wheel package and sub-model rather than a one-size-fits-all fitment across every car.
Choosing the right replacement starts with checking the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle and confirming whether the car is a Base model or EcoBoost. A previous owner may have changed wheels, so matching the new tire to the wheel already installed is just as important as matching the model year.
What size rim does a 2011 Lincoln MKS use?
The 2011 Lincoln MKS appears with three rim diameters: 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch. The 235/55R18 fits an 18-inch wheel, the 255/45R19 fits a 19-inch wheel, and the 245/45R20 fits a 20-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because a tire must match the wheel exactly. Once that is confirmed, the next step is making sure the tire size also matches the car's configuration and that wheel width, clearance, and any previous wheel changes do not complicate the selection.
Do all 2011 Lincoln MKS sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2011 Lincoln MKS Base uses 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20, while the 2011 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost uses 255/45R19 or 245/45R20. That means some overlap exists, but fitment is not identical across the full model range.
This matters most when replacing tires on a recently purchased car or one with non-original wheels. Checking the sub-model helps narrow the correct fitment range, but the final confirmation should still come from the wheel diameter and the size already mounted on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2011 Lincoln MKS?
Start with the correct size for the car's wheel package: 235/55R18, 255/45R19, or 245/45R20. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and any load details that appear within the available options for that exact size.
The 2011 Lincoln MKS is sensitive to wheel-package differences, so appearance and driving intent should be considered only after fitment is confirmed. A buyer looking at 245/45R20 tires, for example, may also want to compare whether a Blackwall, Redline, or raised white letter presentation better suits the car.
What sidewall styles are available for 2011 Lincoln MKS tires?
In the available 245/45R20 fitment for the 2011 Lincoln MKS, sidewall styles include Blackwall, Redline, and RWL. Those choices change the tire's visual character even when the basic size remains the same.
Sidewall style should be chosen after confirming the correct wheel diameter and tire size for the car. Blackwall keeps a more understated modern look, while Redline and raised white letter options create a stronger visual statement that may better suit a personalized or enthusiast-oriented MKS.
What brands offer tires for the 2011 Lincoln MKS?
Available 245/45R20 tires for the 2011 Lincoln MKS come from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Within that size, the product range includes several tire series rather than a single uniform option.
Brand should be one part of the decision, not the whole decision. It helps to compare the exact tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width guidance, and overall intended look of the tire, especially when the car uses the 20-inch package where the product assortment is broadest.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2011 Lincoln MKS?
A period-style choice for a 2011 Lincoln MKS starts with staying in the correct original fitment format for the wheel package already on the car. Since this model uses modern metric radial sizes, the right visual approach is usually tied more to sidewall treatment and overall tire character than to vintage construction choices.
For a cleaner luxury-sedan presentation, Blackwall options are the most understated path. Buyers who want a more customized or enthusiast look may prefer Redline or RWL in 245/45R20, but the first priority remains matching the correct size and wheel diameter before focusing on appearance.
How does tire choice affect the appearance of a 2011 Lincoln MKS?
Tire choice has a noticeable effect on how a 2011 Lincoln MKS presents itself, especially in the 20-inch fitment where multiple sidewall styles are available. Even with the same size, a Blackwall, Redline, or RWL tire can shift the car's look from restrained luxury to a more assertive custom appearance.
That visual difference works best when it stays proportionate to the wheel package already on the car. A thoughtful selection keeps the MKS looking intentional rather than mismatched, so it is wise to balance sidewall style with the wheel diameter, the car's finish, and the owner's overall presentation goals.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2011 Lincoln MKS?
Yes. Wheel changes, suspension modifications, altered ride height, or body clearance changes can affect tire fitment on a 2011 Lincoln MKS even when the tire size seems close to stock. That is especially important on a model that already uses multiple wheel diameters from the factory.
An MKS with aftermarket wheels should have its actual wheel diameter and width checked before replacement. Clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, and steering range also deserves attention, because a tire that matches the original size code still needs to suit the wheel and chassis setup now on the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 2011 Lincoln MKS on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheel and tire combination for correct size matching, proper inflation, secure mounting, and visible clearance around the suspension and body. It also helps to look over the existing wheels for damage or distortion that could affect how the new tires seat and run.
A short initial drive followed by a recheck is a smart habit on a 2011 Lincoln MKS, particularly if the car has changed wheel packages in the past. Watching for vibration, rubbing, or uneven behavior early can prevent a simple fitment issue from becoming a larger wear or handling problem.
How often should tires on a 2011 Lincoln MKS be inspected?
Tires on a 2011 Lincoln MKS should be inspected regularly, not just at replacement time. Look for uneven wear, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, and slow air loss, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods.
Regular inspection matters because age and storage conditions can affect a low-use luxury sedan as much as mileage does. Checking pressure, tread condition, and general sidewall health before longer drives helps catch problems early and is particularly useful when the car has optional wheel packages or older tires still in service.
