560-15 Tire Size Guide

The 560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size. In this code, 5.60 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and 15 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike a modern metric size, there is no separate aspect ratio figure written into the code.

Numeric vintage sizes like this are simpler than modern P-metric sizing, but they also leave out some information buyers may expect to see on a newer tire. The code does not directly spell out a profile ratio, speed rating, or load index the way many modern radials do. On an older vehicle, that means the buyer should look beyond the size itself and confirm wheel width, intended use, and the tire's actual sidewall markings before installation.

The 560-15 fits a 15-inch wheel, which is 381.0 millimeters in diameter. The wheel diameter must match exactly because the bead seat dimension is fixed; a 560-15 cannot be mounted on a 14-inch or 16-inch rim.

Wheel width matters too. In this size, product fitments span rims from 4.00 to 5.50 inches wide, depending on the tire's intended use and construction details. A wheel that falls outside that range can change the tire's shape and the way it sits in the wheel opening. Before ordering, compare your actual wheel width and not just the diameter stamped on the rim or listed in old literature.

The 560-15 has a section width of 5.6 inches, which is about 142.2 millimeters. Section width measures the tire at its widest point from sidewall to sidewall when inflated, not the width of the tread that actually meets the road.

That distinction matters because section width is usually the first clearance point at the fender edge, inner wheelhouse, or suspension hardware. A tire may have a narrow tread but still carry a fuller sidewall shape that takes up space. On older cars with tight wheel openings, section width is often more important than buyers expect, especially if the wheel width or tire construction differs from the original setup.

Yes, 560-15 and 5.60-15 are two common ways of writing the same basic vintage tire size. The decimal point is simply another notation style for the same nominal inch-based width and 15-inch wheel diameter.

You may also see the size written as 56015, 560 15, 560X15, or 5.60X15. Those variations can appear in old manuals, catalogs, or enthusiast discussions, so recognizing them helps when researching a period-correct replacement. Even so, buyers should still verify the actual tire construction, wheel width range, and intended application, because identical-looking size notations do not guarantee every tire in that size is built for the same purpose.

The 560-15 is commonly a tube-type fitment, which is typical of many vintage bias-ply sizes. Tube use is not decided by size alone, however, because the actual requirement depends on the tire design, the wheel being used, and the condition and construction of the rim.

On a collector car, the safest approach is to treat tube use as a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a simple sizing question. Original-style wheels, older riveted rims, and certain specialty applications may call for a different setup than a later replacement wheel. Before mounting the tire, confirm the recommendation for the exact tire and wheel combination and inspect the rim carefully for condition, sealing surface quality, and suitability.

Most passenger-car 560-15 tires in this size range from 16 to 19 pounds each, while a performance-oriented front-runner version is listed at 17 pounds. That gives buyers a useful idea of the light overall construction typical of a narrow vintage 15-inch tire.

Tire weight affects more than shipping or handling in the garage. It contributes to unsprung weight, which influences the way an older suspension reacts over bumps and how quickly the steering responds. On a light vintage car, even small differences can be noticeable. Weight should not be the only deciding factor, though; construction type, intended use, load capacity, and wheel width compatibility still matter more than a pound or two on paper.

The 560-15 is most closely associated with classic passenger cars from the postwar period into the 1970s, especially smaller European sedans, sports cars, and compact coupes that originally used narrow 15-inch tires. It was not a one-application size, so the same code can appear across several different vehicle layouts and weight classes.

Vehicle lists are useful starting points, but they should not be treated as a blanket fitment guarantee. Two cars that both used 560-15 may have different wheel widths, body clearances, or loading needs. When replacing an original tire, compare the wheel diameter, actual rim width, and available fender and suspension clearance. On restored cars, original owner's literature and the wheel currently on the vehicle are often the best references.

The 560-15 fits rims from 4.00 to 5.50 inches wide across the products commonly offered in this size. Staying within that range helps the tire maintain its intended profile, sidewall shape, and contact patch for the way it was designed to be used.

A rim at the narrow end of the range can make the sidewall stand more upright, while a wider wheel stretches the profile flatter and can change both appearance and clearance. On a restoration, that affects the stance and the period look as much as it affects fitment. Measure the wheel you actually have, because many old cars no longer wear their original rims, and a 15-inch diameter alone does not tell you the wheel width.

For many antique and classic passenger-car restorations, the 560-15 is a strong period-style choice because it uses bias-ply construction and preserves the narrow, tall-sidewall proportions expected on postwar vehicles. Buyers trying to keep the original look and driving character often prefer this style over a wider modern radial substitute.

Authenticity still depends on the specific vehicle, wheel, and judging standard. Some cars originally used this size with blackwall treatment, while others were closely tied to whitewall presentation, and not every car that accepts a 560-15 did so from the factory. When originality matters, compare the car's documentation, sidewall appearance, and wheel width before choosing a tire simply because the nominal size matches.

A 560-15 bias-ply tire usually delivers the driving feel collectors expect from an older car: a taller, more compliant sidewall sensation, slower steering response, and behavior that follows the character of the original suspension. It preserves the look and road feel many restorers want, but it will not react like a modern radial of similar outside size.

Drivers moving from a radial setup should expect differences in tracking, steering effort, and the way the car responds to grooves or crown in the road. Alignment condition, suspension wear, tire age, and inflation all shape that experience. On a sound vintage chassis, bias-ply construction can feel entirely appropriate, but buyers should choose it with clear expectations about authenticity and period-correct behavior rather than modern handling standards.

Using a 155R15 or 560R15 instead of the 560-15 changes more than construction alone. Those radial alternatives are comparison sizes that may preserve a similar general footprint, but the car can still sit, steer, and track differently because radial carcass design and actual mounted dimensions may not mirror a vintage bias-ply exactly.

Buyers usually notice the difference first in stance and wheel-opening fill, especially on small cars where even modest dimensional changes stand out visually. A substitute may also alter clearance at the inner fender or suspension and can slightly affect speedometer reading if outside diameter differs. Before making the swap, compare the tire's overall proportions, section width, wheel width requirements, and the kind of road use the vehicle will actually see.

The 560-15 can serve regular road use when the tire is in proper condition and the vehicle is set up correctly, but buyers should approach it as a vintage bias-ply size rather than expecting modern-car behavior. Narrow bias-ply tires respond best when the chassis, steering components, brakes, and alignment are all in good order.

Road manners depend on more than size. Suspension wear, wheel condition, loading, and how long the tire has been in service all matter, especially on older cars that may see intermittent use. Before longer trips, inspect for cracking, bulges, air loss, and uneven wear, and make sure the wheel-and-tire combination matches the vehicle's needs. A properly sorted vintage car can drive well on this size, but it rewards careful maintenance and realistic expectations.

The 560-15 is available from Coker Classic, Firestone, Pro-Trac, and US Royal. Those names cover both traditional vintage passenger-car choices and a more specialized front-runner application, so brand alone does not tell the whole story of how a given 560-15 is intended to be used.

A smart comparison starts with the type of vehicle and the purpose of the tire rather than the sidewall name. Check whether the tire is built for classic passenger-car service or a specialty use, then compare load rating, wheel width compatibility, construction details, and visual style. On a restored car, buyers often get the best results by choosing a matched set that keeps the same proportions and appearance at all four corners.

A quality 560-15 should match the vehicle's intended use first. In this size, that means checking for proper bias-ply construction, a wheel width range that suits the rim, and a load rating that fits the vehicle rather than assuming every tire with the same size code is interchangeable.

Appearance matters too, especially on a restored car. The 560-15 is offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, and each creates a different period impression. Beyond appearance, look for consistency across the set in construction type and application. Mixing a specialty front-runner with traditional passenger tires, or mixing different visual styles, can change both the way the car presents and how balanced it feels on the road.

The right sidewall treatment in 560-15 depends on the era and appearance you want the car to project. Blackwall gives the cleanest and most understated look, while narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options move the presentation more firmly into period styling associated with many 1950s and early 1960s passenger cars.

Original trim level, wheel covers, and overall restoration theme should guide that choice. A whitewall that is too wide or too narrow for the car's character can look just as off as the wrong wheel. If originality matters, compare the car's historical presentation before selecting by appearance alone. Buyers focused more on utility may still prefer blackwall for a simpler look, but visual consistency across the full set remains important.

The 560-15 benefits from the same storage care as other vintage bias-ply tires. Keep the car and tires away from direct sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment, and inspect the tires regularly even if the tread still looks good. Time and storage environment can age a tire long before mileage does.

Long parked periods also raise the chance of flat spotting and unnoticed air loss. If the vehicle is a seasonal driver, check the tires before each return to service for cracking, sidewall distortion, and changes in ride quality. Collector cars often spend more time standing than rolling, so condition and age deserve as much attention as appearance when deciding whether a stored tire should stay in service.

A regularly driven car on 560-15 tires should be inspected often for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear. Bias-ply construction can show changes in wear pattern differently than a modern radial, so visual checks and a steady routine matter more than waiting for obvious trouble.

Before weekend drives or longer outings, look closely at the tread and both sidewalls and pay attention to any new vibration or pull. Older cars can wear tires unevenly if suspension parts or alignment drift out of spec. Regular inspections help catch those issues early and also help protect the tire from being used too long simply because the vehicle does not rack up miles quickly.

The 560-15 is often set up with a tube, but the final decision should be made by looking at the exact tire and the exact wheel together. Tube use depends on the wheel design, rim condition, and the tire manufacturer's guidance, not just the size code printed on the sidewall.

Vintage wheels can vary widely, especially if a car has been restored more than once or fitted with later replacement rims. Inspect the wheel for sealing surface condition and confirm whether it is appropriate for tube or tubeless service with the tire you intend to use. When there is any doubt, a qualified tire professional should evaluate the wheel-and-tire system before the tire goes into road service.

The 560-15 should be replaced when age or condition raises concern, even if tread depth still looks usable. Cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or a change in how the tire runs are all stronger warning signs than tread alone on a lightly used vintage vehicle.

Collector cars often age tires by time rather than mileage, so a low-mileage sidewall is not automatically a healthy one. Inspect the tire before extended drives and after long storage periods, and review the current sidewall markings if you are uncertain about age. When condition is questionable, replacement is the safer course than trying to stretch the life of an old bias-ply simply because it still looks original.

For the passenger-car 560-15 products in this size, the stated load figure is 970 pounds at 32 psi. That number should be checked against the actual vehicle's weight distribution and intended use, especially if the car carries passengers, luggage, or sustained road speeds beyond casual local driving.

Load capacity is only meaningful when matched to its inflation pressure, so buyers should not separate the 970-pound figure from the 32 psi figure attached to it. A tire that matches the size but not the vehicle's load needs is not the right choice. Before installation, confirm that all four tires meet the car's real-world requirements and that the wheel-and-tire combination is appropriate for service.

Running the 560-15 on modern roads calls for attention to condition, wheel compatibility, and realistic expectations from a vintage bias-ply design. Buyers should confirm that the tire fits the correct 15-inch rim, that the wheel width is appropriate, and that the tire's age and physical condition support the kind of driving planned.

Modern traffic speeds and road surfaces can expose weaknesses in an old or mismatched setup quickly. Before highway trips, inspect the tires carefully, verify load requirements, and make sure the wheel-and-tire system is suitable if tubes are involved. Local regulations and inspection expectations can vary, so it is wise to review current markings and consult a qualified tire professional whenever fitment, condition, or service use is in question.