560-13 Tire Size Guide

The 560-13 is a numeric tire size in which 5.60 identifies the nominal section width in inches and 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In plain terms, it is a narrow vintage tire built for a 13-inch wheel, with an overall format commonly associated with bias-ply applications from the classic-car era.

Modern P-metric sizes include more built-in information, such as section width in millimeters, an aspect ratio, and radial construction within the code itself. The 560-13 format does not do that, so the size alone does not directly tell you sidewall proportion, speed category, or whether the tire is radial or bias ply. Buyers usually need to read the full sidewall markings and compare the actual construction and fitment details before substituting another size.

The 560-13 fits a 13.0-inch wheel, which is 330.2 millimeters in diameter. That wheel diameter must match exactly, because a tire built for a 13-inch bead seat will not mount correctly on any larger or smaller rim.

Wheel width matters too, not just wheel diameter. In this size, the available fitment range runs from 3.50 to 4.50 inches wide depending on the tire, so buyers should confirm that their wheels fall within that span before installation. A correct diameter with the wrong rim width can change the tire's profile, alter clearance, and affect how well the sidewall supports the car during normal driving.

The 560-13 is 5.6 inches wide at section width, which converts to about 142.2 millimeters. Section width is measured at the widest point of the inflated sidewall, not across the tread face that actually contacts the road.

Clearance decisions should be based on section width because the sidewall is usually the part that comes closest to suspension pieces, inner fenders, and wheel lips. Tread width is often narrower, so using tread alone can understate how much space the tire really needs. On a small vintage car, that difference can matter when steering is at full lock or when the suspension compresses over uneven pavement.

Yes, 560-13 and 5.60-13 are two common ways of writing the same basic size. The decimal point is simply a notation difference, and buyers will also see variations such as 56013, 560 13, 560X13, and 5.60X13 used in catalogs, searches, and older fitment references.

Those alternate spellings are helpful when researching older vehicles because period literature and replacement guides were not always consistent in how they printed tire sizes. Even so, matching the written code is only the first step. Construction type, wheel diameter, wheel width, sidewall style, and load capacity still need to line up with the actual car and the tire being selected.

The 560-13 is commonly a tube-type fitment, especially in vintage applications using older wheel designs. Even so, tube use is a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question by itself, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual wheel and the specific tire being installed.

Older collector cars often retain original wheels that were designed around tube use, while some restored or replacement wheels may differ. Tube selection also depends on wheel condition, bead-seat design, and the tire manufacturer's guidance for the tire itself. When a car is being returned to original-style service, it is smart to inspect the wheel carefully and confirm the proper tube setup before mounting the tire.

The 560-13 weighs 17 pounds in the available products for this size. That figure refers to one tire by itself, without the wheel, and gives buyers a useful reference point when comparing vintage replacement tires.

Tire weight does not determine fitment on its own, but it can influence the feel of a light classic car because it adds to unsprung weight at each corner. On smaller vintage passenger cars, even moderate changes in tire and wheel mass can subtly affect steering response and ride character. Keeping a matched set with similar construction and weight helps preserve more consistent handling and appearance.

The 560-13 was used on a wide range of small passenger cars, with documented applications spanning 1952 through 1981. It appears on compact European, British, Japanese, and U.S.-market cars, which tells you the size served smaller, lighter vehicles rather than full-size American sedans or heavy-duty utility applications.

Because that spread covers many makes and wheel designs, the size should be treated as a starting point instead of a universal fitment answer. Buyers should compare wheel diameter, actual wheel width, body clearance, and intended vehicle use before assuming interchangeability. Original owner literature, service manuals, and the markings on the current tires are still important checks when replacing a vintage fitment like 560-13.

The 560-13 fits wheel widths from 3.50 to 4.50 inches across the available tires in this size. Staying within that range helps the tire seat correctly and maintain the intended sidewall shape on a 13-inch wheel.

A wheel near the narrow end of the range will hold the sidewalls more upright, while a wider wheel in the same approved span can change the profile slightly and affect how the tire fills the wheel opening. Buyers restoring a car to factory appearance often care about that difference because it can influence stance. Before installing the tire, measure the actual wheel rather than assuming a wheel is original or correctly sized.

The 560-13 is often a strong choice when a restoration calls for a narrow 13-inch bias-ply tire with a factory-style look and feel. Bias-ply construction is commonly the more authentic match for antique and classic cars that originally ran this type of size, especially when preserving original proportions matters.

Authenticity is only one part of the decision, though. A restoration buyer should also confirm the wheel width range of 3.50 to 4.50 inches, check body and suspension clearance, and make sure the tire's load capacity suits the actual vehicle. Cars that have been modified with later wheels, brake upgrades, or altered ride height may need more fitment review than a stock car using original-style components.

The 560-13's bias-ply construction usually gives a distinctly vintage driving feel, with more sidewall movement and a different steering response than a modern radial. On a small classic passenger car, that often translates into a period-correct ride character that suits restoration-minded owners better than a modernized feel would.

Driving impressions depend on more than construction alone. Suspension wear, alignment settings, wheel width, tire age, and inflation all influence how the car tracks and responds. A freshly restored car with tight steering and proper alignment may feel very different from the same size tire on a car with worn bushings or loose front-end parts, so buyers should judge the whole setup rather than the size code by itself.

A radial substitute such as 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13 can change the driving character compared with a 560-13 bias-ply tire. Radials typically alter steering feel, sidewall behavior, and ride response, while differences in profile can also affect how the car sits and how much of the wheel opening the tire fills.

Each equivalent should be treated as a comparison point rather than a guaranteed replacement. The P155/75R13 is often the closest modern match, while a lower-profile option like P155/70R13 may change stance more noticeably. Buyers considering the switch should compare overall diameter, section width, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock before deciding whether improved modern familiarity is worth the change in original appearance.

The 560-13 can be used on today's roads when the tire is in proper condition and matched to the vehicle, but buyers should approach highway use with realistic expectations for a narrow vintage bias-ply design. The road feel, steering response, and general behavior will not be the same as a modern radial replacement on the same car.

Before longer trips, inspect the tires carefully, verify the car's load needs, and confirm that the wheel and tire combination is appropriate for the way the vehicle will be driven. Road manners also depend heavily on suspension condition, alignment, braking condition, and tire age. Owners who drive frequently at modern traffic speeds often compare a period-correct bias-ply setup with a radial equivalent before settling on the best compromise.

The 560-13 is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the products shown for this size. Both appear here in bias-ply form, which keeps the focus on vintage-style construction rather than a modern radial replacement strategy.

Brand choice should still be weighed alongside the exact wheel-width fitment, sidewall appearance, and the vehicle's intended use. A buyer chasing judged originality may prioritize a certain look, while another owner may care more about matching a full set across all four corners. The most useful comparison is not just brand name, but how well each version lines up with the car's restoration goals and wheel specifications.

A quality 560-13 tire starts with correct construction, accurate sizing, and compatibility with the narrow wheel widths these cars typically used. In this size, that means paying attention to the 13-inch rim requirement, the 3.50 to 4.50 inch wheel-width range, and the load rating of 850 pounds at 30 psi.

Appearance matters too because this is a restoration-oriented size. Buyers often compare whether the tire preserves the narrow vintage proportions that make older compact cars look right, and whether the sidewall treatment suits the trim level of the vehicle. Selecting four matching tires from the same construction family helps maintain more consistent steering behavior, ride character, and overall presentation.

Yes, sidewall style can be an important part of choosing the 560-13 because this size is closely tied to classic passenger-car restoration. Available versions include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs, and that visual difference can change how authentic the finished car looks even when the basic size remains the same.

Factory trim level, market region, and the era of the restoration often influence which sidewall treatment looks most believable. A tire that is dimensionally correct can still appear out of place if the whitewall width does not match the car's character. Buyers trying to maintain a balanced look should compare all four tires together so the sidewall style, construction, and proportions remain consistent across the set.

The 560-13 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, air loss, and uneven wear, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Bias-ply tires on light classics can look usable for a long time, so visual tread depth alone is not enough to judge serviceability.

Collector cars often spend long periods parked, which can hide age-related problems until the vehicle is finally driven at speed. Inspect the sidewalls, bead areas, and tread surface before shows, tours, or seasonal use, and watch for flat spotting after storage. If the wheels use tubes, the whole wheel-and-tire assembly should be checked carefully, since leakage or damage may come from more than the outer tire itself.

Good tread does not automatically mean a 560-13 tire is still ready for service. Age, storage conditions, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and long periods of inactivity can all shorten the useful life of a vintage-style tire even when the tread surface still looks respectable.

Replacement timing should be based on condition as well as mileage. Buyers should inspect for sidewall cracking, internal damage, repeated air loss, and changes in ride quality or steering feel, especially on cars that sit for months at a time. If there is any doubt about age-related deterioration, a qualified tire professional can help evaluate whether the tire remains appropriate for continued road use.

The 560-13 is often set up with a tube, but tube use should be confirmed from the actual wheel and the specific tire rather than assumed from size alone. Older 13-inch wheels vary in design, condition, and sealing ability, so the complete wheel-and-tire system determines the right approach.

When working on a vintage car, inspect the rim for rust, pitting, and bead-seat condition before mounting the tire. Wheel design, valve-stem arrangement, and the tire manufacturer's guidance all matter. Using the correct tube setup when needed helps avoid preventable air-loss issues, while assuming every wheel in this size works the same can create problems that are unrelated to the nominal 560-13 size itself.

The 560-13 should be replaced when inspection shows cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or other signs that the tire's structure may be compromised. Age also matters, because a vintage-style tire can deteriorate over time even if the car has been driven very little and the tread still appears decent.

Before tours or longer road use, check each tire closely and include the spare if one is carried. Collector vehicles often log low miles, but years of storage, sun exposure, and heat cycling can still weaken the rubber and internal structure. Buyers who are uncertain about condition should have the tires and wheels evaluated before trusting them for sustained road use.

In the available products for this size, the 560-13 is rated at 850 pounds at 30 psi. That figure is per tire, so buyers need to compare it against the vehicle's actual weight distribution, passenger load, and intended use rather than assuming any 13-inch classic fitment carries the same requirement.

Load verification is especially important on restored cars that may now carry accessories, luggage, or usage demands that differ from their original role. A tire can be the correct nominal size and still be the wrong choice if the vehicle's real load needs are not matched. Reviewing the tire's current sidewall markings and the vehicle's original specifications is the safest way to avoid an avoidable mismatch.

The most important checks before driving on the 560-13 are tire condition, wheel compatibility, air retention, and proper load matching. Buyers should confirm the 13-inch wheel diameter, verify that the wheel width falls within the 3.50 to 4.50 inch range used by available tires, and inspect for visible damage or age-related deterioration.

Trip preparation should also include checking whether the wheel and tire setup calls for a tube, especially on older original wheels. Classic cars can be more sensitive to small fitment errors than modern vehicles, so a careful inspection pays off before highway speeds or longer distances are involved. Local requirements and current tire markings should be reviewed as part of the usual roadworthiness check.