Auburn Custom Tires

Auburn Custom uses 6.00-17 in the year covered here, which is 1931. That size is a traditional numeric bias-ply format, with 6.00 indicating the nominal tire section width in inches and 17 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. There are no alternate Auburn Custom sizes listed within this production slice.

That makes fitment relatively straightforward, but the wheel on the actual car still needs to be checked carefully. Many pre-war cars have lived long restoration lives, and wheels can be changed over time. Matching the tire to the actual 17-inch rim on the car is the right first step before choosing construction style, sidewall appearance, or restoration-focused details.

On Auburn Custom, 6.00-17 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 6.00 is the nominal section width in inches, while the 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. It is an older American sizing system commonly seen on pre-war cars and is different from later alphanumeric or metric tire codes.

Knowing how to read that code helps prevent a common restoration mistake, which is focusing on appearance while overlooking the actual wheel diameter. On Auburn Custom, the 17-inch wheel dimension is the critical hardware match, and the 6.00 width helps preserve the proper period stance and proportions expected of a 1931 luxury-era automobile.

Auburn Custom should be treated as a tube-type application with its 6.00-17 bias-ply tire fitment. This size belongs to an era and construction type where inner tubes are part of normal installation practice. Tube use is consistent with the pre-war wheel and tire design Auburn Custom would have used.

That matters because tube selection needs to match the tire size and the wheel condition needs to be suitable for tube-type service. During restoration or regular maintenance, have the wheel inspected for rust, damage, and valve stem hole condition. Good tube installation and correct flap use where needed are part of getting reliable service from a collector car tire setup.

For a 1931 Auburn Custom, the listed tire size is 6.00-17. Start by confirming the wheel diameter on the car itself and comparing it with original literature, restoration records, or marque references tied specifically to your Auburn Custom. Because only one size is listed here, the key question is usually whether the car still retains its correct wheels.

That check is especially important on pre-war cars that may have passed through multiple owners and restorations. If the car has replacement wheels, the tire must match the wheels actually fitted rather than what the owner assumes is original. Taking a careful measurement and verifying the wheel type before selecting a tire will save time and help preserve proper appearance and drivability.

Auburn Custom should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and standing moisture. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and protection from electric motors, battery chargers, and furnaces all help reduce sidewall aging. Pre-war bias-ply tires benefit from careful storage because they are often used less frequently and can age out long before the tread wears down.

If Auburn Custom will sit for long periods, keep the tires properly inflated and move the car occasionally to prevent prolonged flat spotting. Some owners also use jack stands placed correctly under the chassis to reduce static load during long storage intervals. A clean, stable storage routine does more to preserve collector tires than mileage alone.

Tires on Auburn Custom should be visually inspected before every drive and given a more thorough inspection at regular service intervals. On a pre-war car, that means checking for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, punctures, uneven wear, and any change in how the car sits or steers. Tube-type assemblies also deserve attention around the valve stem area.

Collector cars often spend more time parked than driven, so age and storage conditions matter as much as mileage. Have Auburn Custom tires inspected by a specialist periodically, especially before tours, events, or longer road use. Catching a problem early is important on older bias-ply tires because visible deterioration can progress quickly once it begins.

Auburn Custom tires should be replaced when age, cracking, hardening, deformation, repeated air loss, or structural concerns appear, even if the tread still looks usable. Collector tires can age out long before the tread is worn away because time, heat cycles, and storage conditions affect the casing. On a pre-war car, sidewall condition is especially important.

Practical replacement timing should be guided by regular inspection and the intended use of the car rather than tread depth alone. A show car that moves only short distances may still need replacement if the rubber has become brittle or compromised. Any tire of significant age deserves a cautious evaluation before Auburn Custom is put back into regular driving service.

For the 1931 Auburn Custom covered here, the listed fitment size is 6.00-17. That gives a solid starting point for restoration because it identifies the size associated with Auburn Custom in this year range. The tire code itself reflects the pre-war numeric sizing system used on many American cars of the period.

Original-equipment details beyond size should be checked against Auburn factory literature, surviving unrestored cars, and marque expertise. Restorers often need to sort out details such as tread style, sidewall treatment, and exact presentation depending on the level of authenticity they want. Getting the size right first is the foundation for an accurate Auburn Custom restoration.

Correct tire fitment can absolutely affect both presentation and judging for Auburn Custom. On a prominent pre-war automobile, tire size, profile, construction style, and overall visual character all contribute to whether the car looks authentically restored. Even when a car is mechanically excellent, incorrect tires can make the stance and proportions look noticeably off.

For owners concerned with show judging or long-term collector value, tires should be chosen to suit the era and the specific restoration goal. Marque clubs, period sales literature, and experienced Auburn restorers are the best references when appearance details matter. A properly fitted set of tires helps Auburn Custom sit and read visually the way it should.

Auburn Custom restorations should use a sidewall style that suits a 1931 pre-war luxury car and the specific presentation the owner is aiming for. During this period, both blackwall and whitewall styles can be appropriate depending on the exact vehicle character and restoration target. The correct choice is not just cosmetic; it affects how authentic the entire car appears.

A formal concours-style restoration may call for one presentation, while a touring-oriented restoration may favor another period-appropriate look. The best approach is to compare the car with factory imagery, period photography, and established Auburn restoration references. Sidewall choice should complement the wheel, body style, and trim level rather than being treated as a generic add-on.

Auburn Custom can be driven on public roads with properly fitted collector tires, but safe use depends on far more than tread depth. Tire age, storage history, inflation, tube condition, wheel integrity, brake performance, steering condition, and overall mechanical health all matter on a 1931 pre-war car. The tire must be treated as one part of a much larger safety picture.

Practical road use should stay within the limits of the tire design and the car itself. Auburn Custom is best approached as a carefully maintained collector automobile rather than a modern daily driver. Before regular driving, have the full chassis and wheel-and-tire assembly reviewed so the car’s road behavior matches the expectations of vintage motoring.

Before driving Auburn Custom, check tire inflation, visible sidewall condition, tread condition, valve stems, wheel security, and whether the car is sitting level. On a pre-war car with tube-type bias-ply tires, even a small loss of pressure can noticeably affect steering feel and tire behavior. A quick walkaround before each outing is an important habit.

It is also wise to check the broader mechanical systems that influence tire safety, including brakes, steering linkage, wheel bearings, and suspension attachment points. Auburn Custom rewards a slow, methodical pre-drive routine because early warning signs often show up before a more serious failure occurs. A few minutes of inspection can make touring much more predictable and enjoyable.

Auburn Custom should be driven at conservative speeds that respect both pre-war chassis design and the limitations of period-style tires. Even with fresh collector tires fitted correctly, the appropriate pace is one that matches road conditions, weather, traffic, and the car’s mechanical state rather than modern highway expectations. Smooth operation matters more than outright speed.

Owners generally get the best experience by treating Auburn Custom as a touring and event car, not as a machine to be hurried. Gentle acceleration, longer following distances, and moderate sustained speeds reduce stress on the tires and the rest of the car. If the car has been inactive for a long period, begin with short local runs before attempting longer outings.