855-15 Tire Size Guide

The 855-15 uses a traditional numeric bias-ply size format. In this code, 8.55 identifies the tire's nominal section width in inches, and 15 identifies the wheel diameter in inches, so the tire is intended for a 15-inch rim and carries an approximate nominal width of 8.55 inches.

Older numeric sizes like this differ from modern P-metric sizing because they do not spell out an aspect ratio in the code. A modern size such as P225/75R15 tells you width, profile, construction, and rim diameter, while 855-15 is a simpler inch-based designation tied to the bias-ply era. Buyers usually choose it for original-type fitment, traditional proportions, and period-correct appearance rather than for the more detailed sizing information found on newer tire formats.

The 855-15 fits a 15-inch wheel, which is 381.0 millimeters in diameter. The wheel diameter must match exactly, because a tire built for a 15-inch bead seat will not mount correctly on any other rim diameter.

Wheel width matters too. In this size, the available tires are designed for rims from 6.00 to 6.50 inches wide, which helps the sidewall maintain the intended profile. A rim outside that range can alter the tire's shape, affecting clearance and appearance. On a restoration, that can change the car's stance; on a driver, it can change how the tire sits on the wheel and how much room it takes up near suspension and fender edges.

The 855-15 has a nominal section width of 8.55 inches, which is about 217.2 millimeters. Section width is measured at the widest point of the inflated tire from one sidewall to the other, not across the tread face.

Clearance decisions should be based on section width rather than tread width because the sidewall bulge is what most often comes close to fender lips, steering components, and suspension parts. On an older full-size car, that extra sidewall shape is part of the original look, but it still needs to clear the car through full steering travel and suspension movement. Buyers comparing this size to a radial equivalent should pay attention to width changes as closely as diameter.

Yes, 855-15 and 8.55-15 refer to the same tire size. The difference is simply how the width is written, with one version dropping the decimal point and the other showing it explicitly as 8.55 inches.

You may also see the size written as 85515, 855 15, 855X15, or 8.55X15. Those variations are common search and catalog forms, but they point back to the same basic numeric bias-ply sizing convention. What matters most is confirming the actual wheel diameter, intended construction type, and the vehicle's clearance needs, because notation differences do not change the physical bead diameter or the general width class of the tire.

The 855-15 is commonly a tube-type fitment and is often set up with a tube. Tube use is still a wheel-and-tire-system question rather than a size-only question, so the final decision should be confirmed against the actual tire and wheel being used.

Older rims, especially original wheels from the bias-ply era, may have design features or condition issues that affect whether a tube is appropriate. Tube choice also depends on the tire's construction details and the wheel's bead area, rivets, and sealing surface. Buyers restoring a vintage car should confirm the complete wheel setup before installation rather than assuming every 855-15 application is identical simply because the size code is the same.

The available 855-15 tires weigh 26 pounds each. That figure refers to the weight of one tire without the wheel, which is useful when comparing construction density and overall package weight.

Tire weight is not usually the first fitment question on a vintage passenger-car size, but it can matter when balancing ride quality, steering feel, and unsprung weight. A heavier tire can influence how an older suspension reacts over broken pavement, while a lighter tire may feel slightly different at the wheel. In practical terms, 26 pounds is most useful as a comparison point when you are trying to keep a matched set consistent across all four corners.

The 855-15 is associated with classic passenger cars, especially large domestic cars from the bias-ply era. Vehicle examples tied to this size extend from 1966 through 1972, which places it in later full-size applications even though the numeric format itself comes from an earlier period.

Fitment should still be treated as vehicle-specific work, not as a blanket rule. Full-size cars varied by body style, suspension package, trim level, and wheel specification, and those differences can change how much room the tire has at the fender, frame, and steering linkage. The best approach is to compare the current wheel setup and available space on the car with the tire's 15-inch rim fitment and 8.55-inch nominal width before making a final choice.

No. The 855-15 requires a 15-inch wheel diameter, but diameter alone does not make every wheel suitable. In this size, the available tires are intended for rims that measure 6.00 to 6.50 inches wide, and wheel design can matter just as much as width.

Bead-seat condition, wheel profile, and the way the tire sits in the wheel opening all affect real-world fitment. A wheel outside the proper width range can pull the sidewalls inward or spread them too far apart, changing both appearance and clearance. On a vintage car, those changes may be obvious in the stance; on the road, they can also alter the way the tire carries load and responds to steering inputs.

The 855-15 is often a strong choice when a restoration calls for traditional bias-ply construction and original-style proportions. Its numeric format and bias-ply build align with the look and driving character many antique and classic passenger-car owners want to preserve.

Authenticity is not only about the size code, though. Buyers should also consider whether the car originally used this width range, whether the wheel width falls within 6.00 to 6.50 inches, and whether the finished stance matches the vehicle's intended appearance. If a car will be judged on originality, compare the tire against factory documentation and existing wheel hardware rather than choosing by size notation alone.

A bias-ply 855-15 typically delivers the traditional driving character expected from older full-size cars, with a taller, more flexible sidewall and a period-style response to road surfaces. Many owners choose it because it supports the original look and preserves the kind of ride behavior these cars were built around.

Steering feel and tracking can differ from a modern radial, especially on crowned roads or in vehicles with worn suspension parts. Alignment, wheel condition, load, and the age of the tire all influence how the car behaves. On a well-sorted chassis, the result is usually more about authentic feel than sharp modern response, which is exactly what many restorers and collector-car owners are looking for.

Switching from the 855-15 to a radial comparison size such as 215R15, P225/75R15, P235/70R15, or 760R15 can change steering response, sidewall behavior, and the way the car settles into the road. Even when sizes are close on paper, the vehicle may feel different in turn-in, straight-line tracking, and ride firmness.

Diameter and width changes can also affect wheel-opening fill and visual stance. A taller substitute may alter gearing feel and speedometer behavior, while a wider one may tighten clearance at the fender or steering components. Buyers using an equivalent should compare overall proportions as carefully as they compare construction type, because on a classic full-size car the difference is both mechanical and visual.

The 855-15 can be used on today's roads when the tire is in proper condition and matched to the vehicle's needs, but buyers should not expect it to behave exactly like a modern radial. Bias-ply construction brings different sidewall flex, response, and road feel, which can be more noticeable at sustained speed.

Vehicle condition plays a major role here. A classic car with fresh suspension parts, correct alignment, sound wheels, and a properly matched load rating will generally feel more settled than one with worn steering or uneven ride height. Before extended interstate use, inspect the tires carefully, confirm the 1,710-pound-at-32-psi load rating meets the application, and make sure the wheel and tube setup are appropriate for the tire being installed.

The 855-15 is available from BFGoodrich in the current selection for this size. That makes construction type, sidewall treatment, and sizing accuracy more important comparison points than broad brand shopping within this particular fitment.

When reviewing a vintage size like this, quality should be judged by how well the tire supports the vehicle's intended use. Look at whether the tire is built as a true bias ply, whether the load rating matches the car, whether the wheel width falls within 6.00 to 6.50 inches, and whether the overall appearance fits the restoration or driver goal. Consistency across a full set matters just as much as the name on the sidewall.

A quality 855-15 tire should first be the right construction for the vehicle and the owner's goal. In this size, that usually means a properly made bias-ply tire with accurate 15-inch bead fitment, the correct overall vintage proportions, and a load rating that suits a heavier classic passenger car.

Sidewall presentation matters too because this size often appears on cars where visual authenticity is part of the decision. The available 855-15 products use a narrow whitewall, which helps support a factory-style appearance on many mid-century and later full-size builds. Buyers should also aim for a matched set from the same line so the car sits evenly and maintains consistent road feel from corner to corner.

Yes. Sidewall style can make a noticeable difference on a vintage full-size passenger car because the tire is visually prominent and strongly affects the finished look. In this size, the available products use a narrow whitewall, which suits many original-style American passenger-car restorations.

Appearance should still be balanced with fitment and intended use. A sidewall treatment that looks right on one trim level may feel out of place on another, and judged restorations often reward details that match the car's era and equipment. Before choosing a full set, compare the sidewall look with the vehicle's factory presentation, wheel covers, and stance so the tire complements the car instead of drawing attention for the wrong reason.

The 855-15 should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and any sign of air loss. On a bias-ply tire, irregular wear can also point to alignment, wheel, or suspension issues, so the inspection should include the complete wheel-and-tire system rather than the tread alone.

Collector cars often accumulate fewer miles than daily drivers, but low mileage does not stop tire aging. Heat, sunlight, ozone exposure, and long stationary periods can all affect rubber condition over time. A good routine is to check the tires before each driving season and again before any long trip, paying close attention to the sidewalls and bead area where age-related problems may appear first.

The 855-15 will last better when the vehicle is stored away from direct sunlight, heat sources, moisture, and electric motors or chargers that create ozone. Clean, dry storage conditions help protect the rubber and preserve the sidewall appearance that is often important on a vintage passenger-car tire.

Long parked periods can also encourage flat spotting and unnoticed air loss. If the car sits seasonally, move it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged stress on one contact patch, and inspect the tires before returning the vehicle to road use. Storage care is especially important on a bias-ply fitment because many owners keep these cars for years and drive them only occasionally.

The 855-15 is commonly a tube-type fitment, but tube use should still be confirmed from the actual tire and wheel combination. The wheel's design, condition, and sealing surface matter just as much as the size code when deciding whether a tube is appropriate.

Original wheels may have age, corrosion, rivets, or surface details that affect air retention, while the tire itself may carry construction guidance that should be followed. Buyers should review the markings on the tire being installed, inspect the rim carefully, and consult a qualified tire professional if there is any doubt. Treat tube choice as part of the whole wheel system, not as an assumption attached to every 855-15 application.

The 855-15 should be replaced when age or condition shows up as cracking, bulges, repeated air loss, impact damage, or other visible deterioration, even if tread depth still appears usable. On collector vehicles, time and storage conditions can age a tire long before mileage wears it out.

Bias-ply tires deserve especially careful inspection because many spend long periods parked and then return to service for events or highway drives. Before any extended trip, check sidewalls, tread surfaces, and the bead area for damage or drying. If condition is questionable, replacement is the safer decision than relying on appearance alone, particularly on a large passenger car that places meaningful load on each tire.

The available 855-15 tires are rated at 1,710 pounds at 32 psi. Buyers should confirm that this matches the actual weight and intended use of the vehicle, especially on large classic passenger cars that may carry multiple passengers and substantial front or rear axle loads.

Load checking should be done as part of the entire tire decision, not after the size has already been chosen. If the car has been modified, carries extra equipment, or sees regular highway use, compare the real vehicle demands with the tire's stated rating and the wheel's condition. Matching load capacity correctly is just as important as getting the 15-inch diameter and 6.00-to-6.50-inch wheel width right.

The most important checks are tire condition, correct wheel diameter, proper wheel width, and confirmation that the tire's 1,710-pound-at-32-psi rating suits the vehicle. Because the 855-15 is commonly used with a tube setup, the wheel and tube arrangement should also be verified before the car goes back on the road.

Roadworthiness depends on the whole system working together. Inspect for cracking, damage, uneven wear, and air loss, then make sure the tire is mounted on a 15-inch wheel within the 6.00 to 6.50 inch width range. Buyers should also review current sidewall markings, verify that the car has adequate fender and steering clearance, and have the setup checked by a qualified tire professional whenever wheel condition or tube use is uncertain.