2010 Lincoln spanned a broad luxury range, from the full-size Town Car to the modern MKZ sedan and the larger, more contemporary MKS. That mix matters because 2010 Lincoln did not use one shared tire size across the lineup; each model family carried its own sizing strategy, and the MKS alone used three different radial sizes. The real choice usually starts with identifying the exact model and wheel diameter first, then narrowing by the specific metric size mounted on that car. Once you confirm whether you have an MKS, MKZ, or Town Car, choosing the right tire becomes much more straightforward.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2010 Lincoln
Six tire sizes are used across 2010 Lincoln vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because these sizes span 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels, the first step is confirming your exact model and wheel diameter before comparing products. Understanding that distinction before choosing a tire saves time and keeps your search focused on the right fitment.
Year(s): 2010|Fit(s): MKS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
235/55R18 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Lincoln MKS, and product details here do not add brand, sidewall, tube, or speed-rating variety to compare within the size. It suits an MKS that is equipped with the factory 18-inch wheel package, so the key step is confirming the wheel diameter on the car before moving deeper into product selection.
Year(s): 2010|Fit(s): MKS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
245/45R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 20-inch wheel. BFGoodrich and Nitto offer this size in Blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product, with W-rated versions carrying a 168 mph ceiling and Y/ZR-rated versions carrying a 186+ mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Lincoln MKS and fits buyers who need the 20-inch MKS application rather than a universal 2010 Lincoln tire.
Year(s): 2010|Fit(s): MKS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
255/45R19 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Lincoln MKS, and product details here do not add brand, sidewall, tube, or speed-rating variety to compare within the size. It is the right path for an MKS on 19-inch wheels, making wheel-diameter confirmation more important than comparing it to sizes used on other 2010 Lincoln models.
Year(s): 2010|Fit(s): MKZ|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
225/50R17 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. BFGoodrich and Nitto offer this size in Blackwall form, and the available products carry W speed ratings with a 168 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Lincoln MKZ and is the correct direction for cars equipped with the 17-inch MKZ wheel package.
Year(s): 2010|Fit(s): MKZ|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
225/45R18 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel. BFGoodrich and Nitto offer this size in Blackwall form, and the available products carry W speed ratings with a 168 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Lincoln MKZ and makes sense for owners whose cars wear the larger 18-inch wheel option rather than the 17-inch setup.
Year(s): 2010|Fit(s): Town Car|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
225/60R17 is a metric radial size with a 225-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. Travelstar offers this size with a Narrow Whitewall sidewall style, and the available product carries a T speed rating with a 118 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Lincoln Town Car and will appeal to owners who want a more traditional luxury-sedan look that suits the Town Car's character.
Three 2010 Lincoln models are covered here: the MKS, MKZ, and Town Car. Tire size varies by model, and in the case of the MKS and MKZ, it can also vary by wheel package, so identifying the exact model is essential before choosing a size. Select a model below to narrow your fitment search and compare the tires that apply to that specific Lincoln.
2010 Lincoln MKS
The 2010 Lincoln MKS was the brand's large flagship sedan, styled and positioned as a modern luxury car with a more contemporary platform than the traditional Town Car. Its tires mount on 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch wheels depending on configuration, so the MKS requires careful attention to wheel diameter before choosing a tire.
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ was Lincoln's midsize luxury sedan, balancing a more compact footprint with upscale trim and a quieter, more comfort-oriented driving experience than a typical family sedan. Its tires mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, making wheel size the main distinction when narrowing fitment.
The 2010 Lincoln Town Car carried the final chapter of Lincoln's traditional body-on-frame luxury sedan formula, known for a smooth ride, formal proportions, and long-standing livery and collector appeal. Its tire fitment centers on a 17-inch wheel, which keeps the Town Car separate from the MKS and MKZ sizing patterns.
Fourteen products are available across six tire sizes for 2010 Lincoln vehicles. The 245/45R20 has four radial choices from BFGoodrich and Nitto in Blackwall, the 225/50R17 has three radial Blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto, the 225/45R18 has four radial Blackwall options from BFGoodrich and Nitto, and the 225/60R17 has one radial Narrow Whitewall option from Travelstar.
These answers focus on how 2010 Lincoln tire fitment changes between the MKS, MKZ, and Town Car, what the metric size codes mean, and how sidewall style, rim width, speed rating, and long-term collector-car care affect your decision.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2010 Lincoln vehicles?
2010 Lincoln vehicles use six tire sizes across three models. The MKS uses 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20; the MKZ uses 225/50R17 and 225/45R18; and the Town Car uses 225/60R17. These are all radial sizes, but they do not share one common wheel diameter across the full Lincoln range, since 17-inch, 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch applications all appear in the lineup.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose a tire for a 2010 Lincoln. You need to identify the model first, then confirm the wheel diameter already on the car. Once that is established, the size range narrows quickly, especially for the Town Car, which uses a single size, while the MKS and MKZ can vary with wheel package.
What does 245/45R20 mean on a 2010 Lincoln tire?
On a 2010 Lincoln, 245/45R20 means the tire is 245 millimeters wide, has a 45-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and mounts on a 20-inch wheel. In the 2010 Lincoln range, that size is an MKS-specific fitment rather than a shared size used across the whole brand lineup for the year.
Understanding that code helps separate wheel diameter from tire width and profile. A 245/45R20 cannot be substituted directly for a 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch Lincoln fitment because the wheel diameter is different. For an MKS owner, the most important first check is whether the car actually carries the 20-inch wheel package before comparing brands or speed ratings.
Do all 2010 Lincoln models use the same tire size?
No, 2010 Lincoln models do not use the same tire size. The MKS, MKZ, and Town Car each have their own fitment pattern, and the MKS and MKZ each span more than one size depending on wheel package. Even where two models share a 17-inch rim diameter, the actual tire size is still different, with the MKZ using 225/50R17 and the Town Car using 225/60R17.
That difference matters because sidewall height, wheel diameter, and overall visual proportion are part of the original package. A buyer comparing all 2010 Lincoln vehicles should treat the model as the first filter, not the year alone. Once you know whether you have an MKS, MKZ, or Town Car, the correct size choices become much clearer.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2010 Lincoln tires?
2010 Lincoln tires are available in two sidewall presentations across these fitments. The MKS and MKZ performance-oriented sizes shown here use Blackwall radials, while the Town Car's 225/60R17 is available with a Narrow Whitewall sidewall. That split fits the personalities of the cars: cleaner contemporary styling for MKS and MKZ, and a more traditional luxury appearance for the Town Car.
Sidewall style changes the look of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on a large sedan with visible sidewall height. If appearance matters as much as fitment, Town Car owners should decide whether they want the formal whitewall look, while MKS and MKZ owners will usually be choosing among blackwall sport-luxury radials within the correct size.
What brands make tires for 2010 Lincoln vehicles?
BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Travelstar cover the 2010 Lincoln sizes represented here. BFGoodrich and Nitto appear in the MKS 245/45R20, MKZ 225/50R17, and MKZ 225/45R18 sizes, while Travelstar covers the Town Car's 225/60R17 with a Narrow Whitewall radial. Brand choice therefore depends partly on which Lincoln model and wheel size you have.
For many buyers, the brand decision comes after confirming size and sidewall appearance. An MKS or MKZ owner will usually be comparing sport-oriented blackwall radials from BFGoodrich and Nitto, while a Town Car owner may be looking for a more traditional visual presentation. Matching the character of the tire to the character of the car often narrows the field naturally.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Nitto options for 2010 Lincoln 225/45R18 tires?
In 225/45R18 for a 2010 Lincoln MKZ, BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer blackwall radial choices with W speed ratings. The BFGoodrich options include g-Force Comp 2 A/S, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A, while Nitto offers the NT555 G2. Rim-width guidance centers on a 7.0 to 8.5 inch range, with the Nitto showing a 7.5-inch measuring width within that spread.
That makes the comparison less about fitment and more about product character within the same size. If your wheel falls within the approved width range, the next step is deciding how you want the tire to complement the MKZ's use, appearance, and road manners. Staying within the correct 225/45R18 size keeps the choice focused without crossing into a different wheel package.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2010 Lincoln tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 2010 Lincoln applications. The 245/45R20 fits 7.5 to 9.0 inch rims, the 225/50R17 fits about 6.0 to 8.0 inch rims, the 225/45R18 fits about 7.0 to 8.5 inch rims, and the 225/60R17 Town Car tire is paired with a 6.5J wheel specification. Those ranges are size-specific and should not be transferred from one Lincoln size to another.
That matters most when wheels have been changed over the years. A tire can match the correct diameter but still be wrong for the wheel's width. Before ordering, verify both the tire size and the actual wheel width on the car, especially on the MKS and MKZ where multiple factory wheel diameters were used within the same model year.
Do 2010 Lincoln tires require inner tubes?
The 2010 Lincoln radial products represented here do not show tube-type markings, and the sizes with speed-rated blackwall performance tires are presented in modern tubeless form. The Town Car's 225/60R17 whitewall radial also appears without a tube-type designation. That points to modern tubeless fitment across these applications rather than an inner-tube setup associated with earlier collector vehicles.
Even so, the wheel itself still matters. If a wheel has been replaced, repaired, or refinished, confirm that the bead seats and valve stems are suitable for tubeless service and that there is no corrosion affecting sealing. On a 2010 Lincoln, most installation concerns are about wheel condition and correct size matching rather than tube choice.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2010 Lincoln when the tires are fitted?
A 2010 Lincoln should be stored on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone sources that can age rubber prematurely. If the car will sit for extended periods, move it occasionally so the tires do not rest in one position for months at a time.
Long-term storage habits affect ride quality and sidewall condition even on modern radial tires. For a Town Car, MKS, or MKZ that sees occasional use, simple steps such as maintaining inflation, keeping the car indoors, and rolling it periodically can help preserve tread shape and reduce age-related stress before the next drive.
How long do tires on a 2010 Lincoln typically last?
On a 2010 Lincoln, tire life should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone, especially on a low-use luxury or collector-kept car. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires carefully around five to seven years of age and to treat about ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall tells you when each tire was made.
That approach is important because an older Lincoln may accumulate very few miles while the rubber still hardens, cracks, or loses its ability to flex as intended. A tire that looks acceptable at first glance can still be aged out. Regular date-code checks and close visual inspection are more useful than odometer readings when judging replacement timing.
How often should tires on a 2010 Lincoln be inspected?
Tires on a 2010 Lincoln should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, punctures, irregular tread wear, bulges, and air-loss issues, and confirm inflation with an accurate gauge rather than by appearance alone. On cars that sit frequently, inspection matters even more because age and storage can affect the tire between outings.
A quick pre-drive walkaround often catches problems before they become roadside issues. Uneven wear can also point to alignment, suspension, or inflation problems that deserve attention before a new set is installed. For a luxury sedan like the MKS, MKZ, or Town Car, a healthy tire inspection routine protects ride quality as much as it protects safety.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2010 Lincoln MKS?
The 2010 Lincoln MKS was originally a modern radial-tire car, not a bias-ply-era vehicle, and its fitments in this range are 235/55R18, 255/45R19, and 245/45R20 depending on wheel package. That means originality for an MKS starts with matching the correct metric radial size and wheel diameter rather than choosing between vintage construction types.
For an accurate restoration or preservation-minded replacement, confirm the size on the tire placard, original wheel package, and existing wheels before making a final choice. If the car has changed hands or received aftermarket wheels, that verification matters even more. Lincoln specialists and marque forums can help confirm package-specific details when originality is a priority.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2010 Lincoln?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 2010 Lincoln, even though it is a newer collector-era vehicle than a mid-century classic. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice an incorrect wheel diameter, a visibly wrong sidewall profile, or a sidewall treatment that does not suit the model, especially if a Town Car is being presented with a formal luxury look.
For the best presentation, match the tire size to the model and wheel package first, then consider whether the sidewall style supports the car's intended appearance. A Narrow Whitewall can make sense on a Town Car, while blackwall sport-luxury radials are more in character for the MKS and MKZ. Event-specific standards can vary, so marque groups remain the best final reference.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Nitto options for the 2010 Lincoln 245/45R20?
For the 2010 Lincoln MKS in 245/45R20, BFGoodrich and Nitto both offer blackwall radial options, but the range includes different speed ratings and slightly different product details. BFGoodrich appears in g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Comp 2 A/S, and g-Force Phenom T/A forms, while Nitto offers the NT555 G2. The BFGoodrich and Nitto products share a 20-inch rim diameter, and the BFGoodrich products shown here use a 7.5 to 9.0 inch rim-width range.
For a display-minded owner, the key is keeping the tire within the correct MKS size and preserving the car's intended stance on its 20-inch wheels. Once size and wheel width are confirmed, the remaining choice is about the specific radial product's character rather than authenticity in the vintage sense. The MKS is a modern Lincoln, so correctness centers on fitment and appearance rather than antique construction.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2010 Lincoln tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the 2010 Lincoln tire options here are modern radial tires suitable for normal highway use when they are in good condition, correctly inflated, and matched to the proper wheel. The 225/60R17 carries a T speed rating with a 118 mph ceiling, the 225/50R17 and 225/45R18 products shown carry W ratings with a 168 mph ceiling, and the 245/45R20 range includes W-rated versions at 168 mph plus Y/ZR-rated versions at 186+ mph.
In real use, tire condition and vehicle condition matter more than chasing the highest speed symbol on a 2010 Lincoln luxury sedan. Brakes, suspension, alignment, and age-related mechanical upkeep all influence highway confidence. A fresh, properly fitted tire on a well-maintained MKS, MKZ, or Town Car is the foundation; the rest of the car still has to be ready for sustained road use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2010 Lincoln tires?
Inflation pressure on a 2010 Lincoln should follow the vehicle placard or owner's manual for the car, because factory pressure targets are set for the specific model, axle loading, and wheel package. Tire products in these sizes show different maximum load and pressure figures, such as 1930 pounds at 50 psi for one 245/45R20, 1521 pounds at 50 psi for some 225/45R18 options, 1653 pounds at 50 psi for one 225/50R17, and 1709 pounds at 44 psi for the 225/60R17 Town Car whitewall.
Those figures are tire capacity limits, not automatic everyday settings for every 2010 Lincoln. The correct approach is to use the car's specified operating pressure while making sure the tire itself is appropriate for the application. Never transfer a pressure number from one Lincoln size to another just because the vehicles are from the same model year.
What should I check before taking a 2010 Lincoln on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2010 Lincoln, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Check valve stems for age or damage, and confirm that each tire matches the intended size for the model and wheel package. On the road-going side, make sure the tires hold pressure consistently and do not show vibration-related wear patterns.
Tires are only one part of the trip-prep routine on an older luxury car, even one as modern as a 2010 Lincoln. It is smart to pair the tire check with a broader inspection of brakes, fluids, battery condition, and suspension behavior. A calm highway ride depends on the entire car being ready, not just the tread depth on the tires.
