Tires for 13-inch wheels

[Oldtimerfahrer]

205/60-13 has a nominal width of 8 inches but varies a bit, expects up to a 7 (on some tires even 7.5) inch rim width max. for most tires. Look and see if you find a manufacturer that recommends an 8 in. rim. Where I buy tires, they do list the Vredestein Sport Classic 205/60-13 as fitting on an 8" rim. It has a nominal width of 8.2 inches.

There are probably good reasons why the manufacturer provides rim width guidance like breaking the bead when cornering...so check before you buy. I know, there will be lots of people who will say "I've been running stretch for years" but you are responsible for the result not the other guy. If its a prom queen and does not get driven the discussion is a bit academic.

[Conserv]

19 minutes ago, Oldtimerfahrer said:

 

… Where I buy tires, they do list the Vredestein Sport Classic 205/60-13 as fitting on an 8" rim. It has a nominal width of 8.2 inches….

 

And that sounds like a good answer for @ohgodno!

 

I didn’t know Vredestein was manufacturing a 205/60. That’s great to know. I’m assuming your tire retailer is (well) outside the U.S. I don’t know where @ohgodno is located.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

[ohgodno]

1 hour ago, Conserv said:

And that sounds like a good answer for @ohgodno!

 

I didn’t know Vredestein was manufacturing a 205/60. That’s great to know. I’m assuming your tire retailer is (well) outside the U.S. I don’t know where @ohgodno is located.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

 

I'm with you in NY - I'll take a look for someplace with Vredestein… TireRack used to carry them but seems they're not listed any more.

[Mike Self]

1 hour ago, Conserv said:

I’m assuming your tire retailer is (well) outside the U.S.

That's a problem for those of us in the US--tires (both brands and sizes) that are readily available in Europe and Asia just aren't in the States.  I know,, 'cause I looked--both for the 185/70 x 13s on my '02 and 195/65 x 14 (or even 205/60 x 14) for my E30.  Other than the really expensive stuff (Pirelli, Michelin), nada.

 

mike

[John_in_VA]

Check with https://www.eurotire.com/ in Fairfield, NJ.

[Oldtimerfahrer]

29 minutes ago, Mike Self said:

That's a problem for those of us in the US-

Yup, when I search in Germany on the non-specialist tire sites I get 7 hits for 205/60-13 and the discount tires are only available in Europe. Must be because we still have VW Golfs (Rabbit...) running around on 13 and 14 inch wheels, which are not so prevalent in the US.

What's available for reference: 

Dunlop Sport Classic V rated (244Eur ouch!)

Maxxis Mecotra 3 H rated (74Eur)

Vredestein Sprint Classic V rated (164Eur)

Nankang Econex NA-1 H rated (63Eur)

the usual Toyo Proxes R888R (124 Eur)

Yokohama Advan A052 (155Eur)

Im not a big fan of Toyo's, just bought a set of the Advan A052 in 225/45-16 for another BMW.

 

[its55]

3 hours ago, johnny02 said:

They've got Toyo "DOT" track tires (which is likely the way I'm going.  Overkill is better than under with tires for me), and that's about it in that size.  I don't think it's COVID; the landsacape for 13" tires has looked this way for some time as far as I can tell. 

 

You probably know this already, but tires like that are horrible in rainy weather and hydroplane like crazy.  I know from experience....

 

 

[ohgodno]

Seems Vredestein are unavailable currently.

[David Layton]

I am very happy with the Pirelli CN 36, mounted on the FPS dealer option wheels.  185 x 70 13  Carried by Luca Classic.  

185/70 VR 13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 - 185/70R13 Classic TIres

LUCASCLASSICTIRES.COM

---

Fits Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1800, TR7, BMW 3series, Fiat 124, 125 & 131, Ford Capri, Cortina, Sierra, Escort RS & Mexico, Jensen Healey, Lancia Monte Carlo, Lotus Eclat, Opel Ascona & Manta, Vauxhall VX4. Also replaces 165R13.

  Happy with 165/70 x 15 Vredesteins on my Triumph TR4a.

Edited February 24, 2022 by David Layton

[BarneyT]

I just picked up a set of Vredestein 185/70/13" from Jeg's...they are not cheap but i have had good luck with them on my other cars...

[johnny02]

45 minutes ago, its55 said:

 

You probably know this already, but tires like that are horrible in rainy weather and hydroplane like crazy.  I know from experience....

 

 

yeah, i have been doing some googling since this thread started going and I am looking for other options. I don't plan to drive in the rain much, but weather is unpredictable up here.  Maybe the Vredesteins.  Are RA1's any better in the wet?  BFG's?  

[its55]

5 minutes ago, johnny02 said:

yeah, i have been doing some googling since this thread started going and I am looking for other options. I don't plan to drive in the rain much, but weather is unpredictable up here.  Maybe the Vredesteins.  Are RA1's any better in the wet?  BFG's?  

 

I don't know if Hancook makes a tire in the size you want, but I have them on my truck and they seem like great tires.

 

[bob02]

I have RA1's and have used them in rain with no drama. To each their own, but i love them and it's the single biggest handling improvement made to my car. That said, i tend to drive the shit out of it and not parade around. 

   What i don't get is why use 8" wheels on a 90hp car? Unless they're magnesium, they're probably ill fitting boat anchors.

 

 Good luck,

 

 Bob

[johnny02]

54 minutes ago, bob02 said:

I have RA1's and have used them in rain with no drama. To each their own, but i love them and it's the single biggest handling improvement made to my car. That said, i tend to drive the shit out of it and not parade around. 

   What i don't get is why use 8" wheels on a 90hp car? Unless they're magnesium, they're probably ill fitting boat anchors.

 

 Good luck,

 

 Bob

good to hear about the RA1s.  

[Milo]

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Edited March 1, 2022 by Milo-Autostrada