Plymouth Arrow Tires
Plymouth Arrow was a late-1970s compact imported under the Plymouth name during an era when American buyers were growing comfortable with smaller, more European- and Japanese-influenced tire sizing. Produced from 1977 through 1980, Plymouth Arrow sits in an interesting transition period where bias-ply holdover sizes and modern radial sizes can appear side by side depending on year and configuration. Tire selection is not entirely straightforward because the range includes multiple 13-inch sizes as well as a one-year move into 14-inch fitments. Before choosing a tire for a Plymouth Arrow, first confirm whether the car carries 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, then match the size to the specific year and setup.
Plymouth Arrow Tire Size Guide
Plymouth Arrow production changed from 13-inch to 14-inch wheel fitments in 1979, and both diameters appear in the overall range, making rim diameter the first thing to verify on the car itself. Across 1977 to 1980, this model group uses 5 distinct tire sizes. The mix includes bias-ply and radial sizing conventions, so the code on the sidewall matters just as much as the year.
165R13 is a radial size used on Plymouth Arrow models from 1977 through 1980 and remains the broadest year-range fitment in this group. The 165 identifies a 165 mm section width, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the required 13-inch rim diameter. Choose this size when your Plymouth Arrow is equipped with 13-inch wheels and you want a period-appropriate radial fitment.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size listed for Plymouth Arrow models from 1977 through 1979. The 600 denotes a nominal 6.00-inch section width and the 13 identifies a 13-inch rim diameter. Choose this size when your Plymouth Arrow is set up for period-style bias-ply tires rather than radials, and remember that a tube is required.
185/70R13 is a lower-profile radial size used on Plymouth Arrow models in 1978 and 1980. The 185 identifies a 185 mm section width, the 70 is the aspect ratio, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the required 13-inch rim diameter. Choose this size when your Plymouth Arrow uses a 13-inch wheel and the car calls for the shorter 70-series radial rather than a taller 80-series style fitment.
6.00-14 is a numeric bias-ply size listed for 1979 Plymouth Arrow applications. The 6.00 denotes a nominal 6.00-inch section width and the 14 identifies a 14-inch rim diameter. Choose this size only after confirming your 1979 Plymouth Arrow actually carries 14-inch wheels, and remember that a tube is required.
185R14 is a radial size listed for 1979 Plymouth Arrow applications. The 185 identifies a 185 mm section width, the R indicates radial construction, and the 14 is the required 14-inch rim diameter, with the aspect ratio implied in this older euro-metric style. Choose this size when your 1979 Plymouth Arrow is fitted with 14-inch wheels and you want the radial option for that one-year fitment.
Buyers with a 1978 or 1979 Plymouth Arrow need to identify the specific configuration before selecting a size, since those years include more than two options and 1979 spans both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments.
Plymouth Arrow Tires by Year
Plymouth Arrow production changed from 13-inch to 14-inch wheel fitments in 1979, so confirm which rim diameter the specific car carries before selecting a tire. In 1978 and 1979, more than two sizes are listed, reflecting a mix of configurations, and 1979 includes both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels. The year listing is best used by matching the car's model year first, then narrowing by the wheel diameter and sidewall size already on the vehicle.
1977 Plymouth Arrow
- 165R13
- 600-13
1978 Plymouth Arrow
- 165R13
- 600-13
- 185/70R13
1979 Plymouth Arrow
- 165R13
- 600-13
- 6.00-14
- 185R14
1980 Plymouth Arrow
- 165R13
- 185/70R13
Best Plymouth Arrow Tires for Sale
Available Plymouth Arrow tires span 5 brands and 16 products across 165R13, 600-13, 185/70R13, and 185R14 sizes. Sidewall choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, so confirm both the correct size and the actual rim diameter before selecting.
165R13 Products
These are the available products for 165R13.
600-13 Products
These are the available products for 600-13.
185/70R13 Products
These are the available products for 185/70R13.
185R14 Products
These are the available products for 185R14.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below focuses on the size overlap that makes Plymouth Arrow tire selection tricky, especially the 1979 shift into 14-inch fitments and the choice between bias-ply and radial constructions in the late 1970s.
Size Basics & Fitment
Plymouth Arrow uses five tire sizes across the 1977 to 1980 range: 165R13 for 1977 through 1980, 600-13 for 1977 through 1979, 185/70R13 for 1978 and 1980, 6.00-14 for 1979, and 185R14 for 1979. The 165R13, 600-13, and 185/70R13 sizes fit 13-inch rims, while 6.00-14 and 185R14 fit 14-inch rims.
That means the correct choice depends on more than model name alone. Start with the year, then confirm the wheel diameter on the actual car, and finally match the sidewall size and construction type to the wheel and intended use.
On a Plymouth Arrow, 600-13 is an older numeric bias-ply size. The 600 indicates a nominal 6.00-inch section width, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In the available products for Plymouth Arrow, this size appears as bias-ply construction on 13-inch rims.
That matters because 600-13 is not interchangeable with every modern-looking 13-inch radial without checking the intended fitment first. If your Plymouth Arrow is set up for this size, it is the period-style bias-ply choice and requires an inner tube.
A 1979 Plymouth Arrow can show four tire sizes because that model year spans both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments and includes both bias-ply and radial sizing conventions. The listed sizes are 165R13, 600-13, 6.00-14, and 185R14, so the split is not just a simple tread preference. It reflects more than one wheel diameter and more than one construction approach within the same model year.
A 1979 Plymouth Arrow owner should verify the actual wheel diameter before looking at sidewall styling or brand. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the remaining choice becomes whether the car is meant to wear a period-style bias-ply size or a radial size appropriate to that wheel.
Plymouth Arrow uses both 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters across this production run. The 13-inch rim appears with 165R13, 600-13, and 185/70R13, while the 14-inch rim appears with 6.00-14 and 185R14. The shift into 14-inch fitments appears in 1979, which is the key year where buyers need to pay closest attention.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment check because a correct-looking tire can still be wrong if it is built for the other rim size. Read the size on the wheel-mounted tire and verify the wheel itself before moving on to construction type, sidewall style, or brand.
Crossply vs Radial
Plymouth Arrow appears with both bias-ply and radial sizes in the available range, so either construction can be relevant depending on the specific year and setup. The bias-ply choices are the numeric sizes 600-13 and 6.00-14, while the radial choices are 165R13, 185/70R13, and 185R14. The right answer depends on whether you are preserving a period-style appearance or matching the car's radial fitment.
For a restoration-minded Plymouth Arrow, the construction type should follow the car's actual wheel and intended presentation. For regular collector driving, many owners prefer radial behavior, but the tire still needs to match the correct wheel diameter and listed size for that year and configuration.
Radial tires on a Plymouth Arrow will generally feel different from bias-ply tires because the two constructions flex and track differently on the road. In this size range, the radial options include 165R13, 185/70R13, and 185R14, while the bias-ply options are 600-13 and 6.00-14. That difference can affect steering feel, ride character, and how the car responds over grooves and pavement seams.
A Plymouth Arrow used for casual road driving may benefit from the more modern road manners many drivers associate with radials, while a period-style presentation may favor bias-ply. Whichever path you choose, keep the construction matched across the car and avoid assuming a radial equivalent without checking the listed fitment size.
Mixing bias-ply and radial tires on a Plymouth Arrow is not a good practice because the two constructions behave differently under braking, cornering, and load transfer. Since Plymouth Arrow uses both construction types across its size range, the potential for mismatch is real if a car is being pieced together from old wheels or partial sets. A matched set is the sounder approach for predictable handling.
If your Plymouth Arrow currently has mixed constructions, treat that as a temporary condition to correct rather than a long-term setup. Confirm the proper size and wheel diameter first, then fit the same construction type at all four corners so the car behaves consistently on the road.
Buying the Right Tire
A 1979 Plymouth Arrow is the most complicated year in the range because it can use 165R13, 600-13, 6.00-14, or 185R14. Those sizes span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels and include both radial and bias-ply constructions. The correct size is the one that matches the actual wheel diameter and the tire size the car is set up to use.
Begin by reading the size on the current tire if it is known to be correct, then verify the wheel diameter directly. If the car is a restoration project or wears mismatched tires, compare what is on the car with factory literature or a Plymouth specialist before settling on a replacement set.
Plymouth Arrow tires in this range are available with several sidewall styles, including blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline. Blackwall appears across the radial range, narrow and wide whitewalls appear in both bias-ply and radial offerings, and redline is available in 185/70R13. That gives owners options ranging from restrained late-1970s appearance to more customized period flavor.
Sidewall style should come after size and rim diameter in the decision process. Once the correct tire size is established for your Plymouth Arrow, choose the sidewall treatment that best matches the car's restoration theme, showroom look, or era-correct personalized presentation.
Plymouth Arrow tire offerings here come from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Avon, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Michelin and Dunlop appear in several radial fitments, BFGoodrich covers both bias-ply and radial applications, Avon and Vredestein appear in radial performance-oriented sizes, and Phoenix appears in 185R14. The brand mix is broad enough to cover both preservation-minded and road-use-oriented needs.
Brand should be the final filter once the correct size, wheel diameter, construction, and sidewall style are established. A Plymouth Arrow owner comparing brands should look first at the exact size and configuration match, then decide which tread style and visual character best suit the car.
Plymouth Arrow tires are offered in several distinct series, including Michelin XAS-FF, Michelin XAS, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XDX-B, Michelin MXV, and Sprint Classic. Those series reflect different approaches, from classic-style bias-ply construction to touring-style radials and more performance-oriented radial designs. The series name often signals whether the tire is aimed at visual authenticity, everyday collector use, or a sportier period feel.
A Plymouth Arrow owner should use series differences to fine-tune the choice after locking in the correct size. If the goal is a stock-looking late-1970s compact, the visual details may matter most, while a driver-focused car may benefit from a radial series with a more contemporary road character.
Maintenance & Longevity
A Plymouth Arrow should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and major temperature swings. Tire aging on collector cars is often driven more by time and environment than by mileage, especially when the car sits for long periods. Keeping the tires properly inflated also helps prevent flat spotting and sidewall stress.
If a Plymouth Arrow will sit for an extended season, move it periodically or use appropriate supports to reduce prolonged loading in one spot. Good storage habits preserve both radial and bias-ply tires better and help the car return to service with fewer vibration and casing issues.
Tires on a Plymouth Arrow should be inspected regularly even if the car sees very little mileage. Collector-car tires can develop age-related cracking, air-loss issues, sidewall damage, and irregular wear long before the tread appears used up. Bias-ply tires in particular deserve close checks for casing condition, while radials should be watched for age cracking and belt-related irregularities.
A practical routine is to inspect the tires before each drive and give them a more thorough review several times a year. On a Plymouth Arrow that has been parked for months, include air pressure, visible cracking, tread separation signs, and valve condition in the pre-drive check.
Tires on a Plymouth Arrow should be replaced when age, cracking, impact damage, deformation, or structural concerns appear, even if the tread still looks deep. Collector vehicles often age out their tires long before they wear them out. A tire that looks presentable on the outside can still be unsuitable for service if the casing has deteriorated with time.
That is especially important on a Plymouth Arrow that is driven infrequently, because long periods of storage can hide age-related decline. If there is any doubt about the tire's age or condition, have it evaluated by a specialist in vintage and collector tires before putting the car back into regular road use.
Restoration & Authenticity
Plymouth Arrow appears with several period-appropriate size types across its short production run, including 600-13 bias-ply, 165R13 radial, 185/70R13 radial, 6.00-14 bias-ply, and 185R14 radial. That variety means there was not one single tire specification for every Plymouth Arrow. Original fitment depends on year and configuration, with 1979 standing out as the year with the widest spread.
For an authenticity-focused Plymouth Arrow restoration, the best reference is the specific car's factory literature, window sticker history, or marque expertise. Once the original size is established, the remaining choices are sidewall style and series character rather than guessing from model name alone.
Correct tire fitment can affect how a Plymouth Arrow is judged because tire size, construction type, sidewall treatment, and overall stance all influence whether the car looks right for its year and presentation. A late-1970s compact restored carefully but fitted with the wrong diameter or wrong visual style can lose authenticity even if the tires physically mount. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice those details quickly.
For a Plymouth Arrow aimed at shows or marque events, confirm the exact year-correct size first and then choose a sidewall style that matches the restoration goal. Marque clubs and unrestored reference cars are often the best guides when deciding how strict the fitment should be.
Plymouth Arrow restorations can draw from blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline sidewall styles within the available range. Blackwall is the most straightforward late-1970s look, while whitewall and redline options can suit period personalization or a specific visual theme. The correct style depends on whether the goal is factory-like restraint or an era-customized appearance.
A restoration-minded Plymouth Arrow owner should settle the size and wheel diameter before choosing sidewall treatment. Once the fitment is right, pick the sidewall style that matches the intended presentation and the way the car would have been equipped or personalized in its period.
Safety & Road Use
A Plymouth Arrow can be driven on public roads with the correct tire size, proper condition, and a complete inspection of the tires and chassis beforehand. The available range includes both radial and bias-ply construction, and either must be matched properly to the wheel diameter and used as a consistent set. Road safety depends on condition and fitment, not just whether the size name appears correct.
Before regular road use, make sure a Plymouth Arrow has sound tires, correct pressures, and no signs of cracking, impact damage, or age-related separation. On a car that has been sitting, treat the tire check as part of a broader recommissioning process rather than assuming low mileage means road-ready.
Before driving a Plymouth Arrow, check tire pressure, visible cracking, tread and sidewall condition, valve stems, and whether all four tires are the same basic construction type. On this model, it is also important to verify that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, especially on 1979 cars where both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments appear. A mismatch can create serious mounting and handling problems.
A sensible pre-drive routine for a Plymouth Arrow also includes looking for flat spotting after storage and checking that no tube-type bias-ply tire is losing air unexpectedly. If the car feels unsettled, pulls, or vibrates, stop and inspect before continuing rather than driving through the problem.
A Plymouth Arrow should be driven at speeds appropriate to the condition, construction, and age of the tires actually fitted to the car. A fresh radial in the correct size is a different situation from an older bias-ply tire on a lightly used collector car, even if both are technically correct fitments. Tire age and condition matter as much as the size designation.
Use a cautious approach until the Plymouth Arrow has proven stable, smooth, and fully sorted after inspection. Collector cars reward conservative road use, and any newly acquired car should be driven moderately at first while the tires, brakes, steering, and suspension are evaluated together.