670-16 Tire Size Guide

The 670-16 is a numeric tire size in which 6.70 identifies the nominal section width in inches and 16 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In practical terms, it is a classic inch-based sizing format used on bias-ply passenger-car tires from the postwar period into the early 1960s.

Unlike a modern P-metric code, the 670-16 does not directly spell out an aspect ratio, load index, or speed symbol in the size itself. Buyers should read it as an older width-and-rim format, then check the actual tire's sidewall markings and specifications for the remaining details that matter to fitment, road use, and restoration accuracy.

The 670-16 tire fits a 16.0-inch wheel, which is 406.4 millimeters in diameter. Rim diameter must match exactly, because a 16-inch tire will not seat correctly on any other wheel diameter.

Wheel width matters too. In this size, published fitments place the tire on rims from 4.50 to 5.00 inches wide, which helps preserve the intended sidewall shape and footprint. If the wheel is outside that range, the tire profile can change enough to affect appearance, clearance, and how the car feels on the road.

The 670-16 has a nominal section width of 6.7 inches, which converts to about 170.2 millimeters. Section width is measured at the tire's widest point from sidewall to sidewall when inflated.

Section width is not the same as tread width. The tread that actually touches the road is usually narrower, while the section width is the measurement that matters most for fender clearance, steering lock clearance, and space around suspension parts. On a vintage car, that difference is important because a tire can clear the body in one area but still rub at the sidewall.

Yes, 670-16 and 6.70-16 are commonly used to describe the same basic tire size. The difference is mainly how the width is written, with one version showing the decimal point and the other omitting it.

Other variations such as 67016, 670 16, 670X16, and 6.70X16 are also common in catalogs, old literature, and search results. Even so, buyers should still check the full tire description and wheel diameter before ordering, because older tire notation can appear in several forms while still needing the same 16-inch wheel and the correct wheel width.

The 670-16 is commonly a tube-type fitment and is often set up with a tube. That said, tube use is not determined by size alone, because the actual tire design and the wheel being used are both part of the decision.

Vintage wheels, especially older multi-piece or non-safety-rim designs, often influence whether a tube is required. Buyers restoring an original car should confirm the wheel type, inspect the rim condition, and follow the guidance for the specific tire and wheel combination. Using the right tube setup matters for air retention, serviceability, and dependable operation on a collector vehicle.

The 670-16 weighs between 23 and 26 pounds across the tires in this size. That figure is the weight of one tire by itself, without the wheel.

Weight differences can reflect variations in casing design, internal construction, and intended service. On a vintage passenger car, a few pounds may not sound dramatic, but tire weight still contributes to unsprung weight and can subtly affect ride response and steering feel. When comparing options, it makes sense to look at weight alongside construction, load capability, and the kind of driving the car actually sees.

The 670-16 was used on classic passenger cars from the 1951 to 1962 period, especially British and European applications. It belongs to the postwar numeric bias-ply era, when tire sizing was still expressed mainly by nominal width and wheel diameter rather than by modern metric formatting.

A historical application does not automatically make the size correct for every car that can physically mount it. Factory wheel width, body clearance, steering geometry, and the vehicle's intended trim level all matter. Buyers should use the known application history as a research starting point, then confirm the actual wheel and tire specifications against original documentation or an experienced restoration shop.

Rim width is a major part of 670-16 fitment. The size is matched to wheels from 4.50 to 5.00 inches wide, and staying within that range helps the tire hold the intended cross-section and sidewall shape.

A wheel narrower than that range can pinch the sidewalls inward, while a wider wheel can flatten the profile and change both appearance and clearance. On a vintage car, those shape changes can affect steering effort, wheel-opening fill, and how period-correct the car looks. Checking wheel width before mounting is just as important as confirming the 16-inch diameter.

The 670-16 is often a strong choice when a restoration calls for a period-style bias-ply tire from the 1940s through the early 1960s. Its numeric sizing format and bias-ply construction fit the look and driving character many antique and classic passenger cars originally had.

Authenticity still depends on the exact vehicle, wheel, and judging standard. Some restorations prioritize original steering feel and sidewall profile, while others balance appearance with broader road-use concerns. Before settling on the size, compare the car's original specifications, confirm the 16-inch wheel diameter, and make sure the wheel width and load capability suit the particular vehicle being restored.

The 670-16 is a bias-ply tire, so its road feel is different from that of a modern radial. Buyers should expect a more traditional vintage driving character, with more sidewall influence in steering response and a feel that is closely tied to the suspension and alignment condition of the car.

On a well-sorted classic passenger car, that behavior is often part of the appeal because it preserves the period character of the vehicle. Drivers accustomed to later radial-equipped cars may notice different tracking, steering effort, and response to pavement grooves. Tire age, inflation, wheel condition, and the state of bushings and steering components all shape the final result.

Bias-ply construction gives the 670-16 a different steering and handling personality than a radial tire of similar width. The carcass design tends to produce more sidewall interaction in cornering and a more traditional response that suits many postwar cars.

Drivers often choose that behavior deliberately when the goal is to keep the car feeling close to its original road manners. Results still depend heavily on alignment, steering play, shock condition, and the surface being driven on. For a collector car used regularly, it is wise to judge the full wheel-and-suspension package rather than assuming the tire alone determines how the car will drive.

The 670-16 can be used on today's roads when the tire, wheel, and vehicle are all in proper condition, but buyers should approach it as a vintage bias-ply fitment rather than expecting modern radial behavior. Interstate use places more demand on tire condition, alignment, and load matching than occasional local driving does.

Before longer trips, inspect for cracking, air loss, bulges, and uneven wear, and confirm that the chosen tire's markings match the intended use of the vehicle. A classic car on bias-ply tires may respond differently to grooves, crosswinds, and abrupt steering inputs than a later radial-equipped car, so realistic expectations and good mechanical condition matter.

The 670-16 is available from Avon and Firestone. Both are relevant options for buyers looking at a vintage 16-inch bias-ply size for a classic passenger-car application.

Brand selection should be based on more than name recognition alone. Buyers should compare construction type, sidewall appearance, wheel-width compatibility, load capability, and how closely the tire matches the car's intended use. For a restoration, consistency across the full set also matters, since mixing different constructions or visual styles can change both the look and road manners of the vehicle.

A quality 670-16 tire should match the vehicle's intended role, fit the correct 16-inch wheel, and suit the wheel width range of 4.50 to 5.00 inches where applicable. In this size, bias-ply construction is a central part of the decision because it directly affects both appearance and driving feel.

Good selection comes down to sizing accuracy, consistent construction, appropriate load capability, and a sidewall presentation that fits the car. Buyers working on an antique or classic restoration should also consider whether they want to preserve original-style road manners or simply capture the right visual proportions. Looking at the whole set, not just one tire, helps keep the finished car balanced.

Yes, a matched set is especially important in the 670-16 size. Using the same construction type, overall visual style, and comparable specifications at all four corners helps a vintage car behave more consistently and look properly sorted.

Mixing tires with different carcass designs, sidewall presentations, or load capabilities can create uneven steering feel and an unbalanced appearance. On a collector vehicle, those differences are often more noticeable than on a modern daily driver. Buyers replacing only one or two tires should compare the existing set carefully and consider whether a full replacement would deliver better uniformity.

The 670-16 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and gradual air loss. Because this is a vintage-style bias-ply size often used on collector cars, inspection should include both tread condition and the condition of the sidewalls and bead area.

Owners should also look at the wheels themselves, especially on older cars where rim condition can affect sealing and tube service. Before any long drive, check inflation, examine the valve area, and make sure the tire is wearing evenly across the tread. A low-mileage classic can still develop age-related tire issues even when tread depth appears healthy.

The 670-16 can age out before it wears out when used on an occasionally driven collector car. Time, heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and long periods of sitting can all shorten service life even if the tread still looks good.

Storage conditions make a real difference. Keep the car away from direct sunlight, electric motors, moisture, and extreme heat, and move it periodically to reduce prolonged flat spotting. Seasonal inspection is important because vintage-use patterns often hide tire aging until the car is finally taken on a longer drive.

The 670-16 is often set up with a tube, but the correct approach depends on the exact tire and the wheel it is being mounted on. Tube service should be treated as part of the whole wheel-and-tire system, not as a conclusion drawn from size alone.

When replacing or restoring this type of tire, inspect the wheel interior, valve opening, and bead surfaces carefully. If there is any doubt about the proper tube setup, confirm the recommendation for the specific tire and wheel combination before mounting. Correct tube service supports air retention and helps avoid preventable issues in long-term collector use.

The 670-16 should be replaced when it shows cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or other signs of structural aging, even if the tread still appears usable. On collector cars, elapsed time and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage.

Vintage-use patterns often hide deterioration because the car is driven infrequently and at moderate speeds. Buyers should inspect the tire closely before any road trip and treat visible aging as a serious warning sign. If there is uncertainty about condition, a qualified tire professional should evaluate both the tire and the wheel before continued use.

Load matching and wheel fit are two of the most important safety checks with the 670-16. In this size, one tire is rated at 1,130 lb at 30 psi, while another reaches 1,279 lb, so buyers should confirm that the chosen tire suits the vehicle's actual load requirements.

Wheel diameter must be 16 inches, and wheel width should be checked carefully because this size is matched to rims from 4.50 to 5.00 inches wide where that specification is published. A tire that is technically mountable but mismatched to the wheel or vehicle load can compromise service life, handling consistency, and overall roadworthiness.

Before using the 670-16 on public roads, buyers should verify the tire's current sidewall markings, inspect overall condition, confirm wheel compatibility, and make sure the tire matches the intended load and use of the vehicle. Roadworthiness depends on the complete tire-and-wheel assembly, not the size code by itself.

Local requirements and inspection expectations can vary, so it is wise to review current rules for the vehicle's location and use pattern. For a vintage car, buyers should also confirm whether the wheel setup calls for tube service and check the rims for corrosion, damage, or old repairs before putting the car back into regular service.