700-18 Tire Size Guide

The 700-18 is a numeric tire size in which the first number identifies the nominal section width in inches and the number after the dash identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In practical terms, this size is about 7.0 inches wide and is built to fit an 18-inch wheel.

Unlike a modern P-metric size, the 700-18 does not directly encode an aspect ratio, load index, or speed symbol in the size itself. It is an older bias-ply format used on antique vehicles, so buyers need to look beyond the size code and confirm the actual tire's construction, wheel width range, and load rating before treating one 700-18 as interchangeable with another.

The 700-18 tire fits an 18-inch wheel, which is 457.2 millimeters at the bead seat. That diameter must match exactly, because a tire designed for an 18-inch rim cannot be safely mounted on a different wheel diameter even if the rest of the proportions seem close.

Wheel width matters too. In this size, product fitments span from 3.75 to 6.50 inches wide, with narrower passenger-car applications and wider truck-oriented versions both appearing under the same size code. Buyers should compare the actual wheel on the vehicle with the tire they intend to use, rather than assuming every 700-18 shares the same wheel-width requirements.

The 700-18 is approximately 7.0 inches wide, which converts to about 177.8 millimeters of section width. Section width measures the tire at its widest point from sidewall to sidewall when mounted and inflated, not just across the tread surface.

Clearance decisions should be based on section width rather than tread width, because the sidewall bulge is usually what gets closest to fenders, steering arms, springs, or brake parts. On antique vehicles with tight wheelhouses and original chassis dimensions, that distinction matters. A 700-18 can look narrow by modern standards, but it still needs to be checked against the actual wheel and available space.

Yes. 700-18 and 7.00-18 are two common ways of writing the same size, and 700X18 or 7.00X18 are also familiar notation variants. The decimal point or separator style changes the appearance of the code, but not the basic width-and-rim meaning of the size.

Buyers should still read the rest of the tire carefully, because matching the written size alone does not guarantee the same construction, load capability, or wheel-width suitability. On vintage sizes, one 700-18 may be intended for a passenger-car restoration while another is built for heavier truck service. The notation can be the same while the tire's intended use is quite different.

The 700-18 is commonly a tube-type fitment and is often set up with a tube. On antique applications, that is normal for the era and wheel style, especially where original rims were designed around tube-type service rather than later tubeless practice.

Tube use is still a wheel-and-tire-system question, not a size question by itself. Rim condition, bead design, the specific tire being installed, and the wheel's original construction all matter. Before mounting the 700-18, confirm tube requirements against the actual wheel and tire combination and inspect the rim for corrosion, damage, or other conditions that could affect sealing and safe operation.

The 700-18 spans a fairly wide weight range depending on the version. Passenger-oriented examples run from 25 to 35 pounds, while a Military & Truck version in the same size weighs 37 pounds. That spread reflects differences in casing design, intended duty, and sidewall or construction details.

Tire weight affects more than shipping. A heavier tire adds unsprung weight, which can change steering effort, ride response, and how the suspension reacts over rough pavement. On an antique car, that may be noticeable at the wheel. When comparing 700-18 options, weight should be considered alongside load rating, wheel width, and whether the tire is meant for passenger-car restoration or heavier service.

The 700-18 was used on antique passenger cars and some light-truck applications from the late 1920s into the mid-1930s. It appears most often on large, premium, and upper-series vehicles from that era, where 18-inch wheels and tall bias-ply proportions were part of the original chassis and body design.

Original fitment should still be confirmed from factory literature, an unrestored reference car, or a trusted restoration source. Antique vehicles often had multiple wheel and tire combinations within the same make or series, and running-board clearance, fender shape, steering lock, and brake hardware can all influence what truly fits. The 700-18 is best treated as a historically appropriate size to verify, not a universal answer.

The 700-18 appears on products intended for wheel widths from 3.75 to 6.50 inches. The narrower end is associated with passenger-car applications, while wider examples in the same size include heavier-duty designs that call for a broader wheel.

Matching the wheel to the specific 700-18 being installed is important because wheel width changes the tire's profile and how it sits in the wheel opening. A narrow rim rounds the casing more, while a wide rim stretches it flatter. On a restoration, that can affect both appearance and clearance, so buyers should compare the actual tire's wheel-width range to the vehicle's wheel before installation.

Yes, the 700-18 is strongly associated with prewar and early postwar bias-ply fitments, so it is often a sound choice for an antique restoration that aims to preserve original proportions and driving character. Its tall sidewall and narrow section match the look most buyers expect on late-1920s and early-1930s American vehicles.

Restoration accuracy still depends on more than size alone. Wheel width, sidewall treatment, tread style, and the vehicle's original specification can all matter, especially on higher-level restorations or judged cars. If authenticity is the goal, the best approach is to match the 700-18 size with the correct wheel setup and a construction style that suits the car's era rather than choosing by size alone.

The 700-18 delivers the driving character typical of a vintage bias-ply tire: a taller sidewall, more visible carcass movement, and a period feel that suits antique steering and suspension systems. On the right vehicle, that character is part of the appeal, especially when the goal is to preserve the way a prewar car looks and responds.

Steering feel, tracking, and ride quality will still depend heavily on alignment, suspension wear, wheel condition, inflation, and tire age. A properly sorted chassis can make a bias-ply car feel far better than a worn one on the same size. Buyers should approach the 700-18 as an authentic-format tire that rewards careful setup rather than expecting the manners of a modern touring radial.

The 700-18 can be used for road driving when the vehicle, wheel, and tire are all in sound condition and the selected tire matches the car's intended service. In this size, some versions are aimed at passenger-car use while others carry heavier-duty ratings for Military & Truck applications, so the exact tire matters.

Modern-road behavior should be judged conservatively. Bias-ply construction, antique steering geometry, brake performance, and speed expectations all shape how the vehicle feels in traffic. Before regular use, inspect the full tire set, confirm load requirements, and make sure the wheels and suspension are in proper condition. The 700-18 belongs in a vintage driving context, not as a substitute for modern tire behavior.

Yes. The 700-18's tall, narrow profile is a major part of how an antique vehicle sits and rides. On cars designed around this size, the visual relationship between the tire, the wheel opening, and the fender line depends on that older bias-ply proportion rather than the shorter, wider look common on later tires.

Ride character follows the same pattern. A tall vintage casing can contribute to the gentle, period-style compliance buyers expect from prewar cars, while also changing steering response compared with a lower-profile alternative. If preserving original stance is important, buyers should stay focused on overall proportions, wheel width, and intended vehicle use instead of looking at section width alone.

The 700-18 is available from Excelsior, Firestone, Lester, and STA. Those names cover a mix of antique passenger-car and heavier-duty offerings, so buyers can find the same basic size in more than one style and service category.

Brand choice should be guided by the vehicle's purpose rather than the name alone. For an antique passenger-car restoration, buyers often focus on period look, correct construction, and sidewall presentation. For heavier service, wheel-width fit, load rating, and casing type may matter more. The best 700-18 choice is the one that matches the vehicle's intended use across the whole set.

A quality 700-18 starts with the basics: correct bias-ply construction for the application, an appropriate load rating, and compatibility with the wheel width being used. In this size, products range from passenger-car styles to Military & Truck service, so quality selection means choosing the right kind of tire before comparing finer details.

Appearance and consistency matter too. On antique vehicles, the tire's sidewall style and overall shape can change the finished look as much as the paint or wheel trim. Buyers should compare whether they want blackwall, wide whitewall, or double-whitewall presentation, then make sure the same construction type, visual style, and service category are carried across all four tires.

Yes, sidewall style can matter a great deal on the 700-18 because this size appears in blackwall, wide whitewall, and double-whitewall form. On an antique vehicle, that visual choice can noticeably change how formal, sporting, or factory-correct the finished car appears.

Selection should follow the vehicle's original trim level and restoration goal, not just personal taste. Some builds look most appropriate on blackwalls, while others benefit from a broader whitewall treatment that matches the era. Buyers should choose the sidewall style at the same time they confirm wheel width and load needs so the tire fits both the vehicle's appearance and its mechanical requirements.

The 700-18 should be inspected regularly for sidewall cracking, tread separation, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and slow air loss. On an antique bias-ply tire, condition can change with time even when mileage stays low, so visual checks are just as important as tread depth.

Age-related deterioration often comes from heat, sunlight, ozone, long periods of sitting, and storage conditions rather than road wear alone. Before touring or event use, inspect the full set and look closely at the beads and sidewalls. If the tires have been on the car for years, a careful evaluation by a qualified tire professional is a smart step even if the tread still looks serviceable.

The 700-18 will age best when stored away from direct sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors or battery chargers. Clean, dry storage helps preserve the casing and sidewall appearance, which matters on antique vehicles that may spend long periods parked between events.

If the vehicle sits for extended stretches, keep the tires properly inflated, move the car occasionally if practical, and avoid leaving the full weight on one contact patch for months at a time. Bias-ply tires can develop temporary flat spotting after storage, so gentle driving after the car returns to use is wise until the tires warm and round out.

The 700-18 is commonly a tube-type fitment, so tube service should be approached as part of the complete wheel-and-tire system rather than as an afterthought. The wheel's original design, the condition of the rim, and the exact tire being mounted all influence whether a tube setup is appropriate.

Before installation, inspect the wheel carefully for rust, sharp edges, and any bead-seat damage that could affect the tube or the tire. Proper tube and flap selection, where required, should match the actual rim and tire being used. On antique wheels, careful mounting practice matters because damage during installation can shorten service life even when the size itself is correct.

The 700-18 should be replaced when age, cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or other visible condition issues raise concern, even if tread remains. Antique tires often see low annual mileage, but time and storage conditions can age the casing long before the tread is worn out.

Road use decisions should be based on condition, not appearance alone. Before any long drive, inspect the sidewalls, beads, and tread area closely and review the tire's current markings. If there is any uncertainty about age-related deterioration or structural condition, a qualified tire professional should evaluate the tire before it is used at sustained road speeds.

Load ratings in 700-18 vary by the tire's intended service. Passenger bias-ply examples in this size are rated at 1,520 pounds at 36 psi, while a Military & Truck version is rated at 2,350 pounds at 65 psi. Those figures are not interchangeable, because each load number applies only at its own stated inflation pressure.

Buyers should match the tire to the vehicle's actual weight, use, and wheel setup rather than assuming every 700-18 carries the same capacity. This matters especially on larger antique cars and light trucks, where axle loads can differ significantly. When comparing options, keep the load-and-pressure pairing together and verify that the wheel and tire are both suitable for the intended service.

The most important checks are tire condition, correct wheel diameter, appropriate wheel width, and confirmation that the tire's load rating matches the vehicle's needs. On the 700-18, wheel fit also includes making sure the 18-inch rim is correct and that the selected tire suits the actual wheel width within the 3.75 to 6.50 inch range used by products in this size.

Tube-related inspection is equally important because the 700-18 is commonly set up with a tube. Buyers should confirm the wheel-and-tire combination, inspect for cracking or air loss, and look over the suspension and steering before road use. Antique vehicles place more responsibility on careful pre-drive inspection, especially before a tour, highway run, or any trip far from home.