In 2011, Rolls-Royce offered two distinctly different expressions of modern luxury: the newer, more driver-oriented Ghost and the flagship Phantom with its larger, more formal presence. Both carried the marque’s traditional emphasis on refinement, but they did not share a common tire package across the range. The 2011 Rolls-Royce lineup uses five radial sizes across two models, with Ghost fitments centered on 19- and 20-inch wheels and Phantom fitments moving to 21-inch diameters. The first thing to confirm is your exact model, then whether you are matching a front or rear size on staggered applications before choosing a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2011 Rolls-Royce
Five tire sizes are used across 2011 Rolls-Royce vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real decision starts with confirming whether you have a Ghost or a Phantom, then matching the correct wheel diameter and, where applicable, the correct front or rear position. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 2011|Fit(s): Ghost|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
255/50R19 is a radial metric size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. This Ghost-specific size is a radial fitment, though brand, sidewall, tube, and speed-rating details are not represented here. Its role is to match the wheel diameter and proportions used on certain Ghost applications rather than the full 2011 Rolls-Royce range. Confirm the exact wheel and axle position before moving forward with a 19-inch selection.
Year(s): 2011|Fit(s): Ghost|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
255/45R20 is a radial metric size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This Ghost-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac in Blackwall and RWL sidewall styles, with W-rated products reaching 168 mph. It suits owners who need the 20-inch front-size fitment used on certain Ghost applications and want a modern radial in either a more understated or more visual sidewall treatment. Confirm the wheel position before ordering, since Ghost 20-inch applications can be staggered.
Year(s): 2011|Fit(s): Ghost|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20-in rim
285/40R20 is a radial metric size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to Ghost applications rather than universal across 2011 Rolls-Royce models, though brand, sidewall, tube, and speed-rating details are not represented here. Its wider section points to a different fitment role than the 255-section Ghost sizes. Check that your car uses the 20-inch rear-size application before choosing it.
Year(s): 2011|Fit(s): Phantom|Construction: Radial|Rim: 21-in rim
255/50R21 is a radial metric size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 21-inch rim diameter. This Phantom-specific size is a radial fitment, though brand, sidewall, tube, and speed-rating details are not represented here. It belongs to the larger-wheel package used on Phantom rather than Ghost. Confirm the exact model and axle position before selecting a 21-inch tire.
Year(s): 2011|Fit(s): Phantom|Construction: Radial|Rim: 21-in rim
285/45R21 is a radial metric size with a 285-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and a 21-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to Phantom applications and is not shared with Ghost, though brand, sidewall, tube, and speed-rating details are not represented here. Its wider section complements the other 21-inch Phantom fitment rather than serving as an across-the-board Rolls-Royce size for 2011. Verify whether your Phantom requires the wider 21-inch position before making a final choice.
Two Rolls-Royce models are covered for 2011, and they do not share the same tire sizes. That means year and make alone are not enough here; identifying whether you have a Ghost or a Phantom is the first step, and staggered wheel setups can matter as well. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and tire choices for your specific car.
2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Ghost brought Rolls-Royce into a slightly more contemporary, driver-focused luxury space while still keeping the brand’s signature quietness and presence. Its tire fitments span 19-inch and 20-inch wheels, with the 20-inch setup using more than one size, so axle position matters as much as model identification.
The Phantom remained the marque’s flagship in 2011, with formal proportions and a commanding road presence that set it apart even within the ultra-luxury segment. Its tires mount on 21-inch wheels, using two sizes that suit the larger Phantom chassis rather than the smaller Ghost.
Four products are available across one of the five tire sizes used on 2011 Rolls-Royce vehicles. In 255/45R20, BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac offer radial choices with Blackwall and RWL sidewall styles. Confirm your exact size and wheel position before selecting.
These answers focus on how 2011 Rolls-Royce tire sizing changes between Ghost and Phantom, what the metric size codes mean, what sidewall and brand choices exist in 20-inch Ghost fitments, and what to check before long-term collector use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2011 Rolls-Royce vehicles?
2011 Rolls-Royce vehicles use five tire sizes across two models. The Ghost uses 255/50R19, 255/45R20, and 285/40R20, while the Phantom uses 255/50R21 and 285/45R21. Ghost fitments therefore center on 19-inch and 20-inch wheels, and Phantom fitments move to 21-inch wheels. Where rim-width guidance appears, 255/45R20 products fit 20-inch wheels with an 8.0- to 9.5-inch rim width range.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for a 2011 Rolls-Royce. You need to confirm the model first, then verify whether your car uses a staggered setup with different front and rear sizes. That matters especially on Ghost and Phantom applications where a 255-section tire and a 285-section tire may both be correct, but only in the proper wheel position.
What does 255/45R20 mean on a 2011 Rolls-Royce tire?
On a 2011 Rolls-Royce, 255/45R20 is a metric radial size code. The 255 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches. For Ghost applications using this size, available products include W speed ratings, which carry a 168 mph ceiling, and the tire mounts on a 20-inch wheel.
That code matters because each part affects what wheel the tire fits and how the tire fills the wheel opening. A 255/45R20 is not interchangeable with a 255/50R19 or a 255/50R21 just because the width begins with the same number. Matching the full size code, not just the width, is the safest way to stay aligned with the intended 2011 Rolls-Royce fitment.
Do all 2011 Rolls-Royce models use the same tire size?
No. The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost and 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom use different tire families and different wheel diameters. Ghost uses 19-inch and 20-inch sizes, while Phantom uses 21-inch sizes. There is no single tire size shared across both models in the 2011 Rolls-Royce range.
That separation is important because the Ghost and Phantom occupy different positions in the lineup and are not simply trim variations of the same car. If you begin with year and make only, it is easy to end up comparing the wrong wheel diameter or the wrong front-to-rear combination. Identifying the model name on the trunk badge, VIN resources, or existing sidewall is the best first step before narrowing down a tire.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2011 Rolls-Royce tires?
Sidewall style variety appears in the 255/45R20 fitment used on the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost. That size is available in both Blackwall and RWL form, depending on the product. Blackwall keeps the visual presentation clean and understated, while RWL adds raised white letters and a more assertive modern performance look.
For most Rolls-Royce buyers, Blackwall is the more natural visual fit because it preserves the formal, low-key appearance expected of the marque. RWL can still appeal if you want a more custom or contemporary look on a Ghost, but it changes the character of the car more noticeably than a black sidewall would. Choosing sidewall style is less about fitment than about how original or how personalized you want the finished presentation to be.
What brands make tires for 2011 Rolls-Royce vehicles?
In the 255/45R20 size used on the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost, tires are available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Those choices are all radial tires, with Blackwall available from BFGoodrich and Nitto, and both Blackwall and RWL appearing within the size overall. The BFGoodrich products in this size carry W speed ratings, and the Nitto example also carries a W rating.
Brand choice here comes down to the exact size your car uses and the appearance you want on the sidewall. If your Ghost requires 255/45R20, you can compare a few distinct product personalities within the same basic fitment. If your car uses one of the other Ghost or Phantom sizes, start by confirming that size first, since brand coverage can differ significantly once wheel diameter changes.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Pro-Trac choices for the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost in 255/45R20?
For the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost in 255/45R20, BFGoodrich and Pro-Trac differ most clearly in sidewall presentation and the amount of published specification detail. BFGoodrich offers Blackwall products in this size, with 8.0- to 9.5-inch rim width guidance and one product carrying a 1,819-pound maximum load at 51 psi. Pro-Trac offers a Street Pro III in the same size with an RWL sidewall treatment and a similar weight figure around 31.97 pounds.
That means the choice is not only about size, since both are 255/45R20 radials, but also about the look and the level of specification detail you want to compare. A Blackwall BFGoodrich keeps the appearance more restrained, while the Pro-Trac RWL makes a stronger visual statement. When two products share the same basic size, sidewall style and wheel-position suitability often become the deciding factors.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2011 Rolls-Royce tires require?
Rim-width guidance appears for the 2011 Rolls-Royce 255/45R20 fitment. In that size, the tire is designed for a 20-inch wheel and works with an 8.0- to 9.5-inch rim width range. That range applies to the specific products carrying that specification, not automatically to every other 2011 Rolls-Royce tire size.
The key point is to match the tire to the actual wheel on the car rather than assuming all 20-inch Rolls-Royce wheels share the same width. A wheel that is too narrow or too wide can affect section shape, steering feel, and sidewall support. If your Ghost or Phantom uses a different size than 255/45R20, confirm the wheel width directly before finalizing the tire choice.
Do 2011 Rolls-Royce tires require inner tubes?
The 2011 Rolls-Royce sizes here are radial metric fitments, and no tube-type markings appear in the available 255/45R20 products. That points to modern tubeless construction for those examples. The remaining 2011 Rolls-Royce sizes are also radial fitments, though tube-status markings are not shown alongside them here.
On a modern Rolls-Royce application, the more important check is usually wheel condition, valve-stem condition, and whether the wheel itself is intended for tubeless service. If a wheel has been repaired, refinished, or replaced, confirm its suitability before mounting new tires. A clean bead seat and fresh valve hardware are just as important to air retention as the tire itself.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2011 Rolls-Royce when the tires are fitted?
A 2011 Rolls-Royce should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone sources. Maintain proper inflation during storage and move the car periodically if it will sit for long stretches. Modern radials resist flat-spotting better than older bias-ply tires, but any heavy luxury car can still develop temporary shape changes if it remains motionless for too long.
Because the Ghost and Phantom are substantial cars with large-diameter wheel packages, storage habits matter. Rolling the car occasionally, using clean dry surfaces, and checking pressure before and after seasonal lay-up will help preserve ride quality and sidewall condition. If the car will remain parked for months, many collectors also reduce tire stress by avoiding prolonged contact with damp concrete and keeping the suspension and tire load distribution as even as possible.
How long do tires on a 2011 Rolls-Royce typically last?
On a 2011 Rolls-Royce, tire age matters more than mileage for many collector-owned examples. A sound rule is to begin close inspection around the five- to seven-year mark and to treat around ten years from the DOT date code as a serious replacement consideration, even if tread depth still looks healthy. Heat cycling, storage conditions, and underuse can age a tire long before the tread is worn out.
That is especially relevant on a luxury car that may spend long periods parked and only cover limited annual miles. A Phantom or Ghost can look cosmetically fresh while the rubber has already hardened or begun to crack internally. If you are evaluating a car with older tires, read the date codes first and let that guide your decision before cosmetic appearance or mileage claims.
How often should tires on a 2011 Rolls-Royce be inspected?
Tires on a 2011 Rolls-Royce should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, irregular wear, and any pressure loss, and compare all four tires to be sure the front and rear positions still match the intended sizes. Radial performance tires can also show inner-edge wear that is less obvious without turning the steering or getting under the car.
A quick visual inspection is not enough for a car that may sit between drives. Check pressures with an accurate gauge, inspect the valve stems, and look at the spare if the car is equipped with one. Catching a slow leak or sidewall issue in the garage is far better than discovering it after the car has been loaded for a trip.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost?
The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost belongs to an era when radial construction was standard, and every Ghost size here is a radial metric fitment. The model uses 255/50R19, 255/45R20, and 285/40R20 depending on wheel package and position. That makes radial construction the correct starting point for authenticity, even before you narrow down the exact wheel diameter used on your particular car.
If originality matters, the next step is confirming which wheel package your Ghost left the factory with and whether the car still wears its original wheel set. Factory literature, the tire placard, a dealer build resource, or a marque specialist can help settle that question. On a modern Rolls-Royce, getting the correct size and visual presentation right is usually more important than chasing a specific replacement-brand match.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2011 Rolls-Royce?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 2011 Rolls-Royce shown in a formal judged setting. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice whether the car carries the right wheel diameter, the proper front and rear size relationship on staggered applications, and an appropriate sidewall appearance for the car’s intended presentation. A visibly incorrect profile or a mismatched front-to-rear combination can distract from an otherwise well-prepared car.
For a Ghost or Phantom, authenticity usually means preserving the luxury character and proportions the car was designed around rather than recreating an early-era tire style. If you are preparing for marque judging, confirm both the exact size and the visual treatment expected for your car’s wheel package. Event-specific standards can vary, so a Rolls-Royce club or show rule book is the right final authority.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 for the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost?
For the 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost in 255/45R20, both BFGoodrich choices share the same basic size, radial construction, Blackwall styling, 20-inch rim diameter, and 8.0- to 9.5-inch rim width range. Both also carry a 101W service description, and one g-Force Sport COMP-2 example includes a maximum load of 1,819 pounds at 51 psi. Their published weights are both 32 pounds.
That means the distinction is subtle at the specification level and is better approached as a product-line choice within the same fitment envelope rather than a major sizing difference. If you are comparing the two for a Ghost, the important thing is that either remains within the same overall 255/45R20 radial package. Once size, wheel position, and sidewall appearance are settled, narrower product-level preferences can decide the final pick.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2011 Rolls-Royce tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 2011 Rolls-Royce tires in these fitments are suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, in good condition, and properly inflated. In the 255/45R20 Ghost fitment, available products carry W speed ratings, which are rated to 168 mph. That is well beyond normal U.S. highway speeds, though real-world safety also depends on tire age, inflation, alignment, and the condition of the car’s suspension and brakes.
On a heavy luxury car, the tire’s speed symbol is only one part of the picture. A Ghost or Phantom that tracks smoothly, holds pressure, and rides on fresh rubber is far better suited to long-distance road use than one wearing aged tires with plenty of tread left. Before sustained highway driving, focus on condition and proper matching of front and rear sizes rather than looking only at the sidewall speed letter.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2011 Rolls-Royce tires?
Inflation pressure for a 2011 Rolls-Royce should follow the factory placard or owner’s manual for the exact model, wheel package, and front or rear position. In the 255/45R20 size, one BFGoodrich product shows a maximum load of 1,819 pounds at 51 psi, but that is the tire’s rated maximum, not a blanket operating pressure for every 2011 Rolls-Royce application. Pressure should never be transferred casually from one size or axle position to another.
The safest approach is to use the vehicle maker’s recommended running pressure as the baseline, then confirm that the tire itself is appropriate for that load and application. This matters even more on staggered setups where front and rear tires may differ in size and duty. If the placard is missing, consult factory literature or a marque specialist before defaulting to the pressure molded on the sidewall.
What should I check before taking a 2011 Rolls-Royce on a longer drive?
Before taking a 2011 Rolls-Royce on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, punctures, sidewall bulges, uneven wear, and correct cold inflation pressure. Confirm that the car wears the proper size combination for its model and wheel position, especially if it uses a staggered setup. On the 255/45R20 size, also confirm that the wheel falls within the 8.0- to 9.5-inch rim width range where that guidance applies.
A tire check should be one part of a broader pre-drive routine on a modern luxury car that may not be driven every week. Check the spare if equipped, make sure valve stems are sound, and verify that the car has no vibration, pull, or warning signs from a previous outing. Taking a few extra minutes in the garage is far easier than sorting out a tire-related issue on the roadside.
