By 2009, Saturn had evolved from its small-car roots into a brand with a wider personality, blending mainstream sedans like the Aura with a distinctly sporty roadster in the Sky. That makes 2009 Saturn especially interesting from a tire standpoint, because the year spans both family-sedan fitments and a more performance-oriented setup. Across 2 models, 4 tire sizes appear, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The practical starting point is simple: confirm whether you have an Aura or a Sky first, then verify whether your car is on 17-inch or 18-inch wheels before narrowing down the right tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2009 Saturn
Four tire sizes are used across 2009 Saturn vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Every size here is a radial, so the key decision is identifying your exact model and confirming whether your car uses a 17-inch or 18-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Saturn application.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Aura|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 Aura-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in Blackwall form, with W-rated products carrying a 168 mph speed ceiling. It suits an Aura owner who needs the narrower 17-inch fitment used on certain versions of the sedan and wants to stay with the correct wheel diameter for that application.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Aura|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
225/50R17 is a metric radial size that indicates a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This Aura-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall styles, and current offerings are W-rated with a 168 mph speed ceiling. It is the wider of the two 17-inch Aura fitments, so it matters for owners confirming the exact wheel and tire package already on the car.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Aura|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
225/50R18 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This Aura-specific 18-inch size is available from BFGoodrich in Blackwall form, with W-rated products carrying a 168 mph speed ceiling. It is the right direction for Aura owners with factory-style 18-inch wheels who want to keep the proper diameter and overall tire profile for that setup.
Year(s): 2009|Fit(s): Sky|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
245/45R18 is a metric radial size that denotes a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This Sky-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall styles, and speed ratings vary by product: W means 168 mph, while Y means 186 mph. It matches the more performance-focused character of the Sky and should be chosen by owners confirming the roadster's wider 18-inch fitment rather than assuming an Aura size will interchange.
Two Saturn models are covered for 2009: the Aura and the Sky. They do not share the same tire sizes, so identifying the model matters before choosing a tire, and Aura owners also need to confirm whether their car uses a 17-inch or 18-inch wheel package. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire options that apply to that specific Saturn.
2009 Saturn Aura
The 2009 Saturn Aura was Saturn's midsize sedan, aimed at buyers who wanted a more upscale and refined alternative to the brand's earlier compact-car identity. Its tire fitments span both 17-inch and 18-inch wheels, reflecting the different wheel packages offered across the model range and trim levels. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important before choosing a replacement tire.
The 2009 Saturn Sky was Saturn's rear-drive roadster, styled and tuned to deliver a much sportier character than the rest of the lineup. Its tires mount on 18-inch wheels in the fitment covered here, with a wider section width than the Aura uses. That gives the Sky a clearly distinct tire requirement within the 2009 Saturn family.
Twelve products are available across four tire sizes for 2009 Saturn vehicles. The 215/55R17 has 2 BFGoodrich radial Blackwall choices; 225/50R17 has 3 radial Blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto; 225/50R18 has 3 BFGoodrich radial Blackwall choices; and 245/45R18 has 4 radial Blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto, with speed ratings varying within that size.
These answers focus on how 2009 Saturn tire fitment changes between the Aura and Sky, how the 17-inch and 18-inch sizes relate to each model, and what to check on performance-oriented radial products before putting collector or low-use cars back on the road.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2009 Saturn vehicles?
2009 Saturn vehicles use four tire sizes across two models. The Saturn Aura uses 215/55R17, 225/50R17, and 225/50R18, while the Saturn Sky uses 245/45R18. The Aura sizes mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on the wheel package, and the Sky size mounts on an 18-inch wheel with a wider approved rim-width range than the Aura's 18-inch fitment.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 2009 Saturn. Aura owners need to confirm both the model and the wheel diameter already on the car, while Sky owners should verify that the car still carries its correct 18-inch roadster fitment. Checking the sidewall of the tire already installed, the wheel itself, and the vehicle placard is the fastest way to avoid ordering the wrong size.
What does 215/55R17 mean on a 2009 Saturn tire?
On a 2009 Saturn, 215/55R17 is a modern metric radial size. The 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, that size applies to the Saturn Aura and fits approved rim widths from 6.0 to 7.5 inches among the available products.
That decoding matters because 215/55R17 is not interchangeable with the Aura's 225-width fitments just because they share a similar overall look. A buyer comparing Aura tires should treat the 215 size as its own fitment and confirm the car's existing wheel and placard before switching. Staying with the correct section width also helps preserve the intended steering feel and clearance relationship for that sedan package.
Do all 2009 Saturn models use the same tire size?
No, 2009 Saturn models do not all use the same tire size. The Aura uses three different sizes depending on wheel package, while the Sky uses one distinct size, 245/45R18, that does not overlap with the Aura. The split is easy to see: the Aura can be on 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, but the Sky fitment covered here is a wider 18-inch roadster size.
That difference has a practical impact when shopping by year and make. A 2009 Saturn Sky owner should not assume any 18-inch Saturn tire will fit simply because the rim diameter matches, and an Aura owner still needs to know whether the car is on 17s or 18s. When the car has changed hands or aftermarket wheels are involved, verifying the actual mounted tire size becomes even more important.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2009 Saturn tires?
2009 Saturn tire choices in these sizes are offered in Blackwall form. That is true across 215/55R17, 225/50R17, 225/50R18, and 245/45R18, whether the tire comes from BFGoodrich or Nitto. Since these are modern radial fitments for late-era Saturn vehicles, Blackwall side styling is consistent with the sporty, contemporary appearance most owners expect.
For an Aura, that means the decision is more about the correct size and tire character than about dressing up the sidewall for a period look. For a Sky, Blackwall styling also suits the car's athletic design and factory-era presentation. If appearance matters as much as fitment, compare the tread and sidewall branding details within the correct size rather than looking for a whitewall or vintage-style option that does not belong on this application.
What brands make tires for 2009 Saturn vehicles?
BFGoodrich covers every 2009 Saturn size here, and Nitto is also available in 225/50R17 and 245/45R18. The 215/55R17 and 225/50R18 Aura fitments are currently represented by BFGoodrich only, while the 225/50R17 Aura size and 245/45R18 Sky size add Nitto alongside BFGoodrich. All of these offerings are radial Blackwall tires aimed at modern road use rather than vintage-style reproduction construction.
That gives Saturn owners a simple way to narrow the field. If you have an Aura on 17-inch wheels, you may have a little more brand flexibility depending on which of the two 17-inch sizes your car uses, while the Sky's 245/45R18 also opens the door to a second brand choice. The next step is to compare the exact size on your car, then look at load and speed markings within that fitment.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 2009 Saturn?
On a 2009 Saturn, both the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A appear in overlapping sizes, but their exact load markings are not always the same. In 215/55R17, the Phenom T/A carries a 98W marking with a maximum load of 1,653 pounds at 50 psi, while the COMP-2 A/S is marked 94W. In 225/50R18, the Phenom T/A is marked 99W with a maximum load of 1,709 pounds at 50 psi, while the COMP-2 A/S is marked 95W.
For a Saturn owner, that means the two BFGoodrich options should not be treated as identical just because the size matches. The smarter comparison is the exact sidewall marking in your chosen size, including load index and any pressure information that comes with it. If your car sees regular highway use, passengers, or luggage, checking those details before choosing between the two series is worthwhile.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2009 Saturn tires require?
Rim-width requirements for 2009 Saturn tires vary by size. The 215/55R17 fits 6.0 to 7.5-inch rims, the 225/50R17 fits 6.0 to 8.0-inch rims, the 225/50R18 fits 6.0 to 8.0-inch rims, and the 245/45R18 fits 7.5 to 9.0-inch rims. Those ranges show why the Sky's wider 245 section tire is not simply an Aura substitute even though both can use 18-inch wheels.
Before mounting a replacement tire, compare the wheel on the car to the approved range for that exact size. This matters most when a 2009 Saturn has aftermarket wheels or when a previous owner changed tire sizes without changing the wheel. Confirming rim width helps protect handling balance and keeps the sidewall shape within the range the tire was designed to support.
Do 2009 Saturn tires require inner tubes?
The 2009 Saturn tire sizes covered here are modern radial applications, and the available products do not carry tube-type markings. That points buyers toward tubeless radial use on the correct wheels for 215/55R17, 225/50R17, 225/50R18, and 245/45R18. Nothing in these fitments suggests the old-style tube-required approach associated with much earlier collector vehicles.
Even so, the wheel condition still matters. If a 2009 Saturn has damaged bead seats, corrosion, or nonstandard wheels, sealing and inflation can become a wheel issue rather than a tire issue. A clean wheel, good valve stem, and proper mounting are the essentials here, especially on a car that has spent long periods parked or has recently returned to service after storage.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2009 Saturn when the tires are fitted?
A stored 2009 Saturn should be kept away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, and welders. Radial tires generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but they still age from heat and environment even when the car is not being driven. Keep the tires properly inflated and move the car occasionally so the same section of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time.
For an Aura or Sky that spends part of the year parked, clean and dry storage pays off more than aggressive cosmetic treatment. Avoid petroleum-based dressings that can mask cracking or leave residue, and consider wheel cradles or stands if the car will sit for an extended period. A short inspection every few weeks helps catch pressure loss before it damages the casing or creates a persistent flat spot.
How long do tires on a 2009 Saturn typically last?
On a 2009 Saturn, tire age usually matters more than mileage once the car becomes a low-use second vehicle or collector car. A sensible rule is to begin closer inspection at about five to seven years of service and to give serious replacement consideration as a tire approaches ten years from its DOT date code, even if the tread still looks usable. Heat cycles, storage conditions, and inflation history all influence that timeline.
That age-based approach is especially important for sporty sizes such as the Sky's 245/45R18 and the Aura's optional 18-inch fitment, because performance-oriented tires can still appear presentable while aging internally. Check the DOT date on each tire, not just the spare or one corner of the car. If the dates are mixed, evaluate each tire on its own instead of assuming the whole set has the same service life.
How often should tires on a 2009 Saturn be inspected?
Tires on a 2009 Saturn deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more careful look before any longer outing. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems remain in good condition. On an Aura or Sky that sees occasional use, those checks matter because time and storage can age the tire long before the tread is worn out.
A monthly pressure check is a good baseline even when the car is parked, and a hand-on inspection before a highway trip is worth the few minutes it takes. Pay extra attention if the car has been sitting, if one corner repeatedly loses air, or if the steering suddenly feels different. Catching a problem in the garage is far easier than discovering it after the car is back at speed.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2009 Saturn tires safe for highway driving?
The available 2009 Saturn tires here are modern radial products with W and, in one 245/45R18 application, Y speed ratings. A W rating carries a 168 mph ceiling, while a Y rating carries a 186 mph ceiling. Those ratings are far above normal U.S. highway speeds, so in routine road use the condition of the tire, correct inflation, and the mechanical state of the Aura or Sky matter more than the raw speed letter alone.
Highway suitability still depends on the whole car being ready for the trip. A 2009 Saturn that has been stored, lightly used, or fitted with older tires can be limited by age, alignment, brakes, or suspension long before a modern radial's speed rating becomes relevant. The safest approach is to treat the speed symbol as a capability marker, then make sure the tire's age, load marking, and overall condition are appropriate for actual driving.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2009 Saturn tires?
Inflation pressure for a 2009 Saturn should start with the factory vehicle placard or owner's manual, because Saturn specified pressure by model and configuration rather than by size code alone. Some available tires also carry maximum load and pressure information on their sidewall data, such as 1,653 pounds at 50 psi in 215/55R17, 1,709 pounds at 50 psi in 225/50R18, and up to 1,764 pounds at 50 psi in 245/45R18. Those figures are tire limits, not automatic everyday settings.
That distinction matters because using the tire's maximum pressure as your default can change ride quality and tread wear without matching Saturn's intended setup. Always set pressure according to the car's recommended operating spec unless the manufacturer of the tire and your specific application call for something different. Recheck pressures when temperatures swing and before a longer drive, especially on cars that spend weeks parked between outings.
What should I check before taking a 2009 Saturn on a longer drive?
Before taking a 2009 Saturn on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check the age of the tires, make sure the valve stems are sound, and inspect the spare if the car still carries one. On a Sky or Aura that may spend time parked, also look for signs of flat spotting or a tire that has slowly lost air since the last outing.
Tires are only one part of the travel checklist, but they are the part most likely to strand the car quickly if neglected. Once the tires pass inspection, it is smart to look over brakes, fluid levels, battery condition, and lights before heading out. For a 2009 Saturn that is not driven daily, a short local test run before a longer trip can reveal vibration, pull, or pressure issues while you are still close to home.
