In 2009 Mitsubishi offered a broad mix of sporty coupes and practical sedans, from the Eclipse’s established sport-compact personality to the Galant’s midsize comfort and the Lancer’s compact everyday appeal. That variety matters at the tire level, because 2009 Mitsubishi vehicles span three model lines and six different radial sizes rather than sharing one universal fitment. Some sizes overlap between models, while others are specific to a single nameplate and wheel diameter. The first step with 2009 Mitsubishi tire selection is confirming your exact model, then matching the correct 16-, 17-, or 18-inch size before comparing sidewall style, brand, and driving character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2009 Mitsubishi
Six tire sizes are used across 2009 Mitsubishi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full lineup. Because every size here is a radial but the rim diameters differ between 16-, 17-, and 18-inch applications, the real decision starts with confirming your model and wheel diameter first, then narrowing to the exact metric size. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Eclipse|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
225/50R17 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This Eclipse-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form, with W-rated products up to 168 mph and load figures reaching 1,653 pounds at 50 psi on certain versions. It suits an Eclipse owner who has the 17-inch wheel setup and wants a modern radial fitment in a contemporary performance-oriented style.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Eclipse, Galant|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
235/45R18 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. It serves both Eclipse and Galant applications, and it comes from BFGoodrich in blackwall form with W-rated fitments up to 168 mph and load figures reaching 1,653 pounds at 50 psi on certain products. This is the right path for buyers with factory-style 18-inch wheel fitment on those models who want to stay with a modern low-profile radial.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Galant|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
215/55R17 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This Galant-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, with W-rated fitments up to 168 mph and load figures reaching 1,653 pounds at 50 psi on certain versions. It fits Galant owners using the 17-inch wheel package and looking for a modern radial that keeps the sedan in its intended size range.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Galant|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16-in rim
215/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to certain 2009 Mitsubishi Galant applications. It remains the correct starting point for a Galant owner running the 16-inch setup and should be confirmed against the actual wheel before moving on to product selection.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Lancer|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This Lancer-specific size is available from American Classic with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment, and one version carries a load figure of 1,356 pounds at 35 psi. It is the choice for a 16-inch Lancer application where the buyer wants a radial tire with a more distinctive custom-oriented sidewall look rather than a plain blackwall.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Lancer|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
215/45R18 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the Lancer, and it is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form with W-rated fitments up to 168 mph and load figures reaching 1,433 pounds at 50 psi on certain products. It fits buyers using the 18-inch Lancer wheel package and wanting a modern low-profile radial with a contemporary performance look.
Three 2009 Mitsubishi model lines are covered here: Eclipse, Galant, and Lancer. They do not all use the same tire size, and that means identifying the exact model is essential before choosing a tire, especially when the lineup spans both 16-, 17-, and 18-inch wheel applications. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire sizes that apply to that specific vehicle.
2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse carried forward Mitsubishi’s long-running sporty coupe identity, with styling and chassis tuning aimed at buyers who wanted a more aggressive feel than a family sedan. Eclipse applications here mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, depending on the setup, so wheel diameter is the key checkpoint before choosing between its two radial sizes.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant filled the midsize sedan role in Mitsubishi’s lineup, emphasizing everyday road manners and a more conventional four-door format than the brand’s coupes and compact sport sedans. Galant uses 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheel applications across its tire choices, making it the broadest fitment spread of the three models covered here.
Associated Tire Sizes:
215/55R17 — radial, standard-profile sedan fitment
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer represented Mitsubishi’s compact sedan and sport-compact roots, blending everyday usability with the sharper visual character that made the name important in the import performance world. Lancer applications here mount on either 16-inch or 18-inch wheels, so the correct tire choice depends first on confirming which wheel package is on the car.
Eleven products are available across six tire sizes for 2009 Mitsubishi vehicles. 225/50R17 has three BFGoodrich and Nitto radial blackwalls; 235/45R18 has three BFGoodrich radial blackwalls; 215/55R17 has two BFGoodrich radial blackwalls; 205/60R16 has one American Classic radial wide whitewall; and 215/45R18 has two BFGoodrich radial blackwalls. Confirm your exact size and wheel diameter before selecting.
These answers focus on how tire size changes across the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Galant, and Lancer, what the metric size codes mean, which sidewall styles and brands appear in each size, and what to inspect before regular use or longer storage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2009 Mitsubishi vehicles?
2009 Mitsubishi vehicles use six sizes across three models. The Eclipse uses 225/50R17 and 235/45R18, the Galant uses 215/60R16, 215/55R17, and 235/45R18, and the Lancer uses 205/60R16 and 215/45R18. Rim diameters span 16, 17, and 18 inches, so there is no single year-wide fitment that works across every 2009 Mitsubishi application.
That means year and make alone are not enough for tire selection on a 2009 Mitsubishi. Start by confirming whether you have an Eclipse, Galant, or Lancer, then verify the wheel diameter already on the car before narrowing to the exact size. If the car has been changed from its original wheel package, the actual wheel and current tire sidewall should guide the next step.
What does 225/50R17 mean on a 2009 Mitsubishi tire?
On a 2009 Mitsubishi, 225/50R17 is a metric radial size. The 225 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 50 percent of the section width, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within this year and make, that size applies to the Eclipse.
Knowing how to read that code helps you avoid confusing it with another 17-inch size that may mount on the same diameter wheel but has different proportions. A 225/50R17 should be matched to the correct Eclipse wheel setup rather than substituted simply because another 17-inch Mitsubishi tire exists. The aspect ratio and section width both affect overall stance and clearance.
Do all 2009 Mitsubishi models use the same tire size?
No, 2009 Mitsubishi models do not all use the same tire size. The Eclipse, Galant, and Lancer each have their own fitment patterns, and only one size—235/45R18—crosses over between more than one model, covering both the Eclipse and Galant. Every other size is tied to a single model line within the 2009 Mitsubishi range.
That distinction matters because many buyers know the year and make before they know the exact model fitment. If you are buying for a Galant or Lancer, the model name changes the answer immediately, and wheel diameter changes it again. Checking the door placard, the current sidewall, and the wheel itself is the quickest way to narrow the correct starting point.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Mitsubishi tires?
Most 2009 Mitsubishi sizes here are available as blackwall radials, especially the 17- and 18-inch performance-oriented fitments for the Eclipse, Galant, and Lancer. The one visual outlier is 205/60R16 for the Lancer, which is offered with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment through American Classic. That creates a very different appearance from the blackwall BFGoodrich and Nitto offerings used in the other sizes.
For a typical 2009 Mitsubishi, blackwall styling is the natural visual match for the era and the factory look of these cars. A wide whitewall on a Lancer moves the car toward a custom presentation rather than a stock late-2000s appearance. If appearance matters as much as fitment, choose the sidewall style with the finished look of the car in mind, not just the dimensions.
What brands make tires for 2009 Mitsubishi vehicles?
2009 Mitsubishi fitments here are covered by BFGoodrich, Nitto, and American Classic. BFGoodrich appears across 225/50R17, 235/45R18, 215/55R17, and 215/45R18, Nitto appears in 225/50R17, and American Classic appears in 205/60R16. The 235/45R18, 215/55R17, and 215/45R18 selections are concentrated around BFGoodrich performance-style radials.
Brand choice can be as much about the character of the tire as the name on the sidewall. A BFGoodrich or Nitto option in these sizes aligns with a contemporary blackwall performance look, while American Classic introduces a more visual, styling-driven alternative in the 16-inch Lancer application. Once the size is confirmed, compare brand options within that size rather than across unrelated fitments.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for a 2009 Mitsubishi?
For a 2009 Mitsubishi, the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S and g-Force Phenom T/A overlap in sizes such as 235/45R18, 215/55R17, and 215/45R18, but they are not identical in their published details. In 235/45R18, the COMP-2 A/S carries a 7.5- to 9.0-inch rim width range, while the Phenom T/A is also suited to roughly 7.5- to 9-inch rims and carries a stated maximum load of 1,653 pounds at 50 psi. In 215/45R18, the COMP-2 A/S fits 7.0- to 8.0-inch rims, while the Phenom T/A carries a similar rim range and a stated 1,433-pound maximum load at 50 psi.
The practical takeaway is to compare the exact size you need, not just the series name. Both lines stay within the same overall modern blackwall radial theme, but their published load and dimensional details can differ slightly from one size to another. If your wheel width is near the edge of the accepted range, that detail deserves as much attention as brand preference.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2009 Mitsubishi tires require?
Rim width depends on the exact 2009 Mitsubishi size. The 225/50R17 fits 6.0 to 8.0 inches, 235/45R18 fits 7.5 to 9.0 inches, 215/55R17 fits 6.0 to 7.5 inches, 205/60R16 fits 5.50 to 7.50 inches, and 215/45R18 fits 7.0 to 8.0 inches. Those ranges show that even when two sizes share a wheel diameter, they do not necessarily share the same ideal rim width window.
That is why measuring or confirming the actual wheel matters before replacing tires on a modified car. A used Eclipse, Galant, or Lancer may already be wearing wheels that differ from its original setup. Staying within the accepted rim-width range helps preserve the tire’s intended shape and keeps the sidewall from being stretched or pinched beyond what the tire was designed to support.
Do 2009 Mitsubishi tires require inner tubes?
The 2009 Mitsubishi products here are modern radial fitments, and the size markings do not show tube-type designations such as TT. The performance-oriented 17- and 18-inch sizes appear in tubeless-style modern radial form, and the 205/60R16 radial whitewall also appears as a modern passenger-car radial rather than an antique tube-type casing. That places these fitments in the contemporary tubeless category in normal use.
Even so, wheel condition still matters. If a wheel has corrosion at the bead seat, damage from previous mounting, or an older valve stem, the tire can lose air regardless of whether the casing itself is tubeless. On any 2009 Mitsubishi, inspect the wheel, replace worn valve stems, and make sure the tire installer treats the wheel as seriously as the tire.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2009 Mitsubishi when the tires are fitted?
A stored 2009 Mitsubishi should be kept in a cool, dry, dark environment with the tires protected from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and standing moisture. Electric motors, furnaces, welders, and similar equipment can accelerate rubber aging, so parking near them is not ideal. If the car will sit for long periods, moving it periodically helps reduce flat-spotting and keeps one section of the tread from carrying the load continuously.
Inflate the tires to an appropriate storage pressure within the tire maker’s guidance and make sure the car is not resting on badly underinflated tires. For longer dormant periods, some collectors prefer stands or cradles to reduce stress on the casing, but even then the tires should stay clean and away from chemicals. A simple storage plan does more for tire life than most owners realize.
How long do tires on a 2009 Mitsubishi typically last?
On a 2009 Mitsubishi that sees collector-style or occasional use, tire age matters more than mileage. A sound rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point even if the tread still looks good. The DOT date code on the sidewall gives the manufacturing week and year.
Low annual miles can be misleading because rubber compounds age from time, heat cycles, and storage conditions as much as from road wear. A Galant or Lancer that spends most of its life parked may still need replacement before the tread is worn down. If the sidewalls are cracking, the tire is hardening, or the car no longer tracks smoothly, age should move to the top of the checklist.
How often should tires on a 2009 Mitsubishi be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Mitsubishi should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven tread wear, and air loss, and check that the pressure is consistent side to side. On a car that is used infrequently, that pre-drive inspection is especially important because problems often develop while the car is parked rather than while it is being driven.
A quick inspection can prevent a minor issue from becoming a roadside problem. If one tire shows repeated pressure loss, vibration, or abnormal shoulder wear, inspect the wheel and alignment along with the tire itself. The spare deserves the same attention, since an aged or underinflated spare is a common weak point on cars that otherwise appear ready for the road.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
A 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse belongs to the modern era of passenger-car tire design, so radial construction is the correct original-type starting point rather than bias-ply. Within this year and make, the Eclipse uses 225/50R17 or 235/45R18 depending on the wheel package. That means originality is mainly a question of choosing the right size and wheel diameter combination for the specific car rather than choosing between old and new construction types.
For a stock restoration, verify the exact factory wheel package from the door placard, owner’s manual, or a marque-specific source before making the final call. Mitsubishi could pair different trim or package combinations with different wheels even within the same model line. If the car is being judged, matching the original size and the overall visual character of the tire matters more than choosing an arbitrary modern equivalent.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2009 Mitsubishi?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a shown 2009 Mitsubishi, even though these are modern-era cars. Judges and informed enthusiasts will notice whether the car is wearing the proper overall size, wheel diameter, and sidewall look for the model and presentation style. A blackwall radial generally suits the period-correct appearance of a stock 2009 Eclipse, Galant, or Lancer more naturally than a dramatically different custom sidewall treatment.
The standard is not always the same from one event to another, so the goal should match the venue. A custom-build Lancer may intentionally use a whitewall for style, while a preservation-oriented car would usually benefit from a more factory-like appearance. If the event is serious about authenticity, consult marque clubs or event judging rules before settling on the final tire and wheel combination.
What tires were originally fitted to the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant?
A 2009 Mitsubishi Galant would have been fitted with radial tires, and within this year and make it appears with 215/60R16, 215/55R17, or 235/45R18 depending on the wheel package. That spread reflects how the Galant could move from a more conventional midsize-sedan fitment into a larger-diameter, lower-profile setup. The key point is that all of those original-type paths stay within modern radial construction.
If you are returning a Galant to stock form, confirm which wheel size belongs on your exact car before ordering tires. A 16-inch Galant and an 18-inch Galant do not just differ in appearance; they require different tire proportions altogether. Factory literature, the door placard, and marque-specific references are the right tools for settling close-fit restoration questions.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2009 Mitsubishi tires safe for highway driving?
The 2009 Mitsubishi sizes covered here are modern radial fitments, and the performance-oriented products with W speed ratings carry a ceiling of 168 mph. That is far beyond normal legal highway use, so in ordinary driving the tire’s speed symbol is not usually the limiting factor. On a sound Eclipse, Galant, or Lancer, overall mechanical condition, alignment, brakes, and tire age often matter more than the raw speed letter.
Highway safety still depends on matching the correct size to the correct wheel and keeping the tires in healthy condition. An old or damaged tire is not made safe simply because its speed rating is high on paper. If the car has sat for long stretches, inspect for age cracking and pressure loss before trusting it at sustained interstate speeds.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2009 Mitsubishi tires?
Inflation pressure on a 2009 Mitsubishi should start with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the exact model and size, not with a one-pressure-fits-all rule. Some tire versions here also publish maximum load and pressure figures, such as 1,653 pounds at 50 psi in certain 225/50R17, 235/45R18, and 215/55R17 products, 1,433 pounds at 50 psi in a 215/45R18 product, and 1,356 pounds at 35 psi in a 205/60R16 product. Those figures are tire limits, not automatic running pressures.
Use the door placard or owner’s manual for everyday cold inflation targets, then compare that guidance with the tire maker’s sidewall and product literature for the exact tire you choose. Do not transfer a pressure figure from one size to another just because the same make is involved. The correct answer for a Galant on 215/60R16 is not necessarily the right one for an Eclipse on 235/45R18.
What should I check before taking a 2009 Mitsubishi on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 2009 Mitsubishi, inspect each tire for weather cracking, bulges, punctures, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the spare, valve stems, and tread depth as part of the same routine, and make sure the tires are appropriate for the wheels actually on the car. A quick visual pass should be followed by a short test drive to catch vibration or pull before committing to distance.
Tires are only one part of the preparation on a car of any age, even one as recent as 2009. Wheel torque, alignment, suspension wear, brake condition, and fluid health all affect how safely the car will travel at highway speed. If the car has been stored, that first outing should be conservative until you know the entire package is behaving normally.
