The 670R16 tire is a classic radial size associated with classic European or compact passenger cars from the classic radial era. Its no-aspect Euro-metric format gives it a distinctly vintage sizing character while still appealing to drivers who want radial road manners and a period-minded profile. For restorations, it can be a sensible choice when originality is balanced against real-world drivability, though cars judged closely on authenticity may need extra scrutiny. Before choosing this size, buyers should confirm load requirements, wheel width compatibility (5.00 to 6.00 inches), and available clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering components.
The 670R16 size is offered in 1 brand with 2 product choices. Buyers should compare construction style, sidewall appearance, and load rating against the vehicle's wheel setup and intended use.
The 670R16 measures 670 mm in section width on a 16.0-inch rim, which equals 406.4 mm at the wheel diameter.
Section Width: 670 mm (26.38 in) — This is the dimension to check first against fender lips, suspension components, and brake clearance.
Rim Diameter: 16.0 in (406.4 mm) — This must match exactly — 670R16 cannot be mounted on any other rim diameter regardless of how other dimensions compare.
Rim Width: 5.00 - 6.00 in — A wheel that is too narrow causes the sidewall to bulge inward; one that is too wide splays the tire flat and distorts the profile.
Construction: Radial — Construction type affects ride feel, sidewall flex, handling behavior, and period-correctness for restoration.
Tire Weight: 20-26 lb — Heavier construction reflects a denser carcass and increases unsprung weight on the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about 670R16 tire sizing, fitment, compatibility, performance, maintenance, and replacement options.
Size Basics & Dimensions
What does 670R16 mean?
The 670R16 uses a classic Euro-metric radial format. In this code, 670 is the nominal section-width designation, R identifies radial construction, and 16 means the tire fits a 16-inch wheel.
Unlike a modern P-metric size such as 205/70R15, the 670R16 does not spell out an aspect ratio in the code itself. That older radial convention gives the buyer the width designation and wheel diameter, but not the full sidewall profile as a separate number. Because of that, fitment research should also include actual tire dimensions, wheel width, clearance, and the precise service description shown on the tire sidewall.
What size wheel does the 670R16 tire fit?
The 670R16 fits a 16.0-inch wheel, which is 406.4 millimeters in diameter. The wheel diameter must match exactly, because a tire built for a 16-inch bead seat will not mount correctly on any other rim diameter.
Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture. In this size, the observed wheel-width range is 5.00 to 6.00 inches, so buyers should also confirm that the wheel is within that span. A correct 16-inch diameter with the wrong wheel width can still affect the tire's profile, sidewall shape, and clearance at the body or suspension.
How wide is the 670R16 tire?
The 670R16 carries a nominal section width of 670 millimeters, which converts to 26.38 inches. Section width measures the tire at its widest point from sidewall to sidewall after inflation, not across the tread face.
Section width matters because it is the number most likely to affect clearance at the fender lip, inner wheelhouse, or suspension parts. Tread contact width is usually narrower, so using tread width as a stand-in can lead to mistakes. When checking a 670R16, compare the full section width against the vehicle's wheel offset, steering travel, and available room on both the inside and outside of the tire.
Is 670R16 the same as 670 R 16?
Yes, 670R16 and 670 R 16 refer to the same tire size. The difference is only the way the code is written, with spaces added for readability in one version and omitted in the other.
Buyers will often see vintage and specialty sizes written in more than one notation style across catalogs, sidewalls, and old vehicle documentation. Spacing does not change the wheel diameter or the basic construction format. Even so, a matching size code alone is not the whole answer, because service description, wheel width, and the actual physical dimensions of the tire still need to be checked before installation.
Why does 670R16 have no aspect ratio in the size code?
The 670R16 belongs to an older Euro-metric radial format that does not print the aspect ratio as a separate number in the size code. You get the width designation, the radial construction letter, and the wheel diameter, but not a modern-style sidewall percentage.
This matters because modern buyers are used to reading sidewall height directly from sizes like 195/75R14 or 205/70R15. With the 670R16, the overall tire shape has to be understood from the older sizing convention and from the tire's actual listed measurements and proportions. That is why wheel width, fender clearance, and the intended look on the vehicle are especially important when comparing this size to later radial formats.
How much does the 670R16 tire weigh?
The 670R16 appears in tires weighing from 20 to 26 pounds each. That spread reflects differences in construction detail and service description within the same nominal size.
Tire weight does not determine fit by itself, but it can influence steering response and unsprung weight on smaller classic cars. A heavier version of the 670R16 may feel different over bumps or during low-speed steering than a lighter one. When comparing options, it helps to look at weight together with load rating, wheel width compatibility, and how closely the tire's overall look matches the character of the vehicle.
Tire Compatibility & Fitment
What kinds of vehicles typically use the 670R16?
The 670R16 is commonly associated with classic European or compact passenger-car use rather than heavy truck or modern SUV applications. Its sizing format belongs to the classic radial period and is most relevant to vehicles that originally used older Euro-metric radial conventions.
Vehicle fitment should still be treated as a starting point, not a guarantee. Cars within the same general category can use different wheel widths, offsets, suspension layouts, and body clearances. Before fitting the 670R16, compare the existing tire size, the wheel's actual dimensions, and the available room at full steering lock and full suspension movement.
How important is wheel width when fitting the 670R16?
Wheel width is a major part of 670R16 fitment. In this size, the observed wheel-width range is 5.00 to 6.00 inches, and staying within that span helps the tire hold the profile it was built to have.
A wheel that is too narrow can pull the sidewalls inward and make the tire stand taller and rounder than intended. A wheel that is too wide can flatten the profile, change the contact patch shape, and create clearance issues where the sidewall sits farther out. Buyers should measure the wheel, not assume from the car, and should verify clearance after mounting if the setup is close.
Is the 670R16 a good choice for a period-correct restoration?
The 670R16 can make sense for a restoration that originally used a classic radial size, especially when the goal is to keep vintage proportions while improving road manners compared with older construction types. Its older Euro-metric radial format looks more at home on certain classic cars than a visibly modern replacement size.
Judged originality can be more demanding than general driver-level restoration. Some builds need the exact construction type and appearance that the vehicle wore when new, while others prioritize dependable road use with an authentic overall stance. If authenticity is a central goal, compare the tire size, sidewall look, and service markings against factory documentation and the standards used in the events where the car will be shown.
Performance & Driving Experience
How does the 670R16 feel on the road compared with older tire constructions?
The 670R16 is a radial size, so it is generally chosen by drivers who want more settled road behavior than they typically associate with older non-radial designs. Radial construction usually changes the way the tire flexes, which can influence tracking, ride quality, and day-to-day drivability.
Driving feel still depends on the whole vehicle system. Suspension wear, alignment settings, steering design, wheel width, and tire age all affect how the car behaves at speed and over uneven pavement. On a classic passenger car, the 670R16 is often selected to preserve a vintage look while giving the owner a more familiar radial feel on modern roads.
Can the 670R16 work well for regular road driving?
The 670R16 is often considered by owners who actually drive their classic cars rather than keeping them strictly for display. Its radial construction can make it attractive for routine road use when the wheel fit, load needs, and overall dimensions suit the vehicle.
Regular road driving places more emphasis on condition and setup than on size code alone. A fresh, properly matched 670R16 on sound wheels and suspension will usually inspire more confidence than an aged tire with good tread but compromised rubber. Before longer trips, inspect for cracking, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss, and make sure the tire's service description matches the way the vehicle is being used.
Does wheel width change how the 670R16 drives?
Yes, wheel width can noticeably affect how the 670R16 feels in service. Within the 5.00 to 6.00 inch range, the same tire can present a slightly different sidewall shape and contact patch depending on where the wheel falls in that span.
On the narrower end, the tire may feel a bit rounder in profile and can respond differently to steering inputs. On the wider end, the tread may sit flatter, which can change the visual stance and the way the car feels during turn-in. Buyers trying to preserve original character should consider wheel width part of the driving experience, not just a mounting detail.
Tire Brands & Quality
What brands are available in the 670R16?
The 670R16 is available from Avon in the current product selection shown for this size. That gives buyers a focused choice rather than a long cross-section of unrelated modern replacements.
When a size is offered by only one brand, the decision usually shifts from brand shopping to specification matching. Buyers should compare service description, tire weight, wheel-width compatibility, and whether the construction style fits the character of the vehicle. On a classic car, consistency across the full set also matters, both for appearance and for predictable road behavior.
What should buyers look for in a quality 670R16 tire?
A good 670R16 choice starts with the basics being correct: proper 16-inch rim fit, a wheel width within the 5.00 to 6.00 inch range, and a service description that suits the vehicle's load and intended use. Build quality also shows up in sizing consistency, sidewall finish, and how well the tire matches the car's proportions.
Classic-car buyers often have two priorities that need to be balanced. One is dependable real-world operation, and the other is preserving the visual character that makes an older car look right. In this size, it also helps to look closely at whether the tire is meant to deliver a vintage-style profile, because appearance can matter nearly as much as outright specification on a restoration-minded build.
Does construction style matter when choosing the 670R16?
Yes, construction style matters even within the same nominal size. The 670R16 is a radial size, and the products shown in this size use a bias-look radial approach, which can matter to buyers trying to blend classic appearance with radial construction.
Construction style affects more than the way a tire looks on the wheel. It can influence sidewall shape, steering feel, and how natural the tire appears on a vintage vehicle with tall, traditional proportions. Buyers should compare the visual profile as carefully as the fitment details, especially if the goal is to avoid a modern look that feels out of place on an older European or compact passenger car.
Maintenance & Longevity
How often should the 670R16 be inspected on a car that is driven regularly?
A 670R16 used in regular service should be inspected routinely for air loss, cuts, bulges, cracking, and uneven wear. Frequent visual checks matter on classic cars because suspension and alignment issues can show up at the tire before they become obvious elsewhere.
Regular use does not stop tires from aging. Heat cycles, sunlight, road impacts, and long periods parked between drives can all affect the rubber over time, even if tread depth still looks healthy. Before highway trips, check the sidewalls and tread carefully, and confirm that all four tires match in size and general condition so the car stays predictable on the road.
Does the 670R16 normally use a tube?
The 670R16 is normally a tubeless fitment. Tube use is still a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size question, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual wheel and the exact tire being used.
Older wheels can complicate what looks straightforward on paper. Rim condition, bead-seat design, and any past wheel modifications can all affect whether a tubeless setup is appropriate. If there is any doubt, have the wheel inspected and compare the tire's sidewall markings and manufacturer guidance before mounting, especially on a collector car that may still use original or refurbished wheels.
How should the 670R16 be stored if the vehicle is not driven year-round?
The 670R16 should be stored away from direct sunlight, moisture, heat sources, and ozone-producing equipment when the vehicle is parked for extended periods. Clean, dry indoor storage helps slow rubber aging even when the car is not accumulating miles.
Collector vehicles often spend more time sitting than driving, and that can lead to flat spotting or age-related sidewall deterioration if conditions are poor. Move the vehicle occasionally if practical, maintain proper inflation, and inspect the tires before returning the car to regular use. Time and storage environment matter almost as much as mileage when judging the long-term condition of a classic radial tire.
Safety & Regulations
When should the 670R16 be replaced even if the tread still looks good?
The 670R16 should be replaced when age or condition becomes a concern, even if the tread appears usable. Cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or visible irregular wear are stronger warning signs than tread depth alone on an older or lightly used classic tire.
Time can harden rubber and reduce confidence long before a tire looks worn out in the usual sense. Many collector cars cover few miles, but they still expose tires to sunlight, heat, and long stationary periods. Before sustained road use, especially at higher speeds, inspect each 670R16 carefully and consult a qualified tire professional if condition, age, or service history is uncertain.
What load details should buyers verify on the 670R16?
Load details matter because the same 670R16 size appears with more than one service description. In the products shown here, one version is rated at 1,609 pounds at 44 psi, while another carries a 1,819-pound service description, so buyers should review the exact tire markings before treating them as interchangeable.
Vehicle weight, passenger load, luggage, and intended road use all affect which version makes sense. Matching the size code alone is not enough if the car has different operating demands than the tire was selected for. Compare the tire's full sidewall information against the vehicle's requirements and keep all four tires consistent in rating and condition whenever possible.
Is the 670R16 legal and appropriate for modern road use?
The 670R16 can be considered for modern road use on the right classic vehicle, but legality and suitability should be confirmed from the tire's current sidewall markings, the wheel condition, and local requirements. Size alone does not answer every road-use or inspection question.
Modern traffic places different demands on a classic car than the roads many of these vehicles originally saw. Buyers should verify wheel compatibility, inspect tire condition before long trips, and make sure the tire's service description matches the vehicle's actual use. If the car will see sustained interstate speeds or heavier loading, that check becomes even more important.