1958 Renault CV Tires

The 1958 Renault CV uses two primary tire sizes: 145R15 in radial construction and 5.20-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are tied to the same 15-inch rim diameter, so the fitment question is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction style matches the car and the owner’s goals.

A 145R15 points you toward radial-format options, while 5.20-15 keeps the car in a traditional numeric bias-ply size. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheel width on the car, look for any prior wheel changes, and decide whether appearance, driving character, or restoration style matters most for how the Renault will be used.

The 1958 Renault CV uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both of its applicable tire sizes. That shared diameter is important because both the 145R15 radial and the 5.20-15 bias-ply are built around a 15-inch wheel, even though the size formats look very different.

Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing available 145R15 products, since radial offerings can carry different approved rim-width ranges. A quick inspection of the wheels already on the car helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the diameter but is less suitable for the actual wheel setup.

Yes. The 1958 Renault CV Base uses the same two fitment paths found for this model: 145R15 radial and 5.20-15 bias-ply. There is no separate tire-size split here that forces the Base model into a different rim diameter or a unique sizing pattern.

That makes selection more straightforward, but the car still needs to be checked as it sits today. Older compact cars are often changed over time, so it helps to confirm the wheel dimensions, inspect for clearance around suspension and fenders, and decide whether a traditional bias-ply look or a radial-format tire better suits the intended use.

On the 1958 Renault CV, 5.20-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses a vintage numeric sizing format in which the 5.20 value refers to nominal section width in inches and the 15 refers to rim diameter, making it the traditional construction choice among the two primary fitments.

Choosing 5.20-15 usually appeals to owners who want to preserve an earlier tire look and period-style sizing. It is still important to confirm the wheel condition and the actual wheel dimensions, especially on a collector car that may have seen repairs or changes over the years, before committing to a new bias-ply set.

Both can be appropriate for a 1958 Renault CV because both 5.20-15 bias-ply and 145R15 radial are primary fitments. The bias-ply route keeps the car in a more traditional size and construction style, while the 145R15 radial follows a metric radial format that still works with the same 15-inch rim diameter.

The better choice depends on how the car is being finished and driven. A restoration-minded owner may lean toward bias-ply for presentation, while a road-use-focused owner may prefer a radial-format option. Wheel width, suspension condition, and any prior modifications should be checked before deciding which construction makes the most sense.

Start by confirming that the car is using the correct 15-inch wheels and that the wheel width matches the radial tire being considered. The 1958 Renault CV uses 145R15 as its radial size, and available products in that size carry rim-width recommendations that should be matched to the wheel rather than assumed.

The next step is checking the car itself. Look at fender and steering clearance, verify that suspension components are in sound condition, and make sure the tires chosen suit the way the car will actually be driven. Those checks matter on small vintage cars, where a modest change in tire design can affect fitment confidence.

The first decision is construction and size format. A 1958 Renault CV can use either a 5.20-15 bias-ply or a 145R15 radial, both on 15-inch rims, so the choice starts with whether the car should keep a traditional period-style tire or move to a radial-format option.

After that, compare the details that affect fitment and presentation: wheel width compatibility, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and the overall look you want on the car. A small French car can change character visually with something as simple as blackwall versus wide whitewall, so appearance should be considered alongside basic fitment.

The available 145R15 radial choices for a 1958 Renault CV include both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Blackwall options appear in Firestone and Michelin offerings, while a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial is available with a 1.875-inch wide whitewall for a more traditional visual treatment.

That choice affects appearance more than size, but it can completely change how the car presents. Blackwalls tend to keep the look restrained and European, while a wide whitewall adds a more restoration-oriented, dressier style. The right pick depends on whether the car is being preserved as a simple driver or finished with more visual emphasis.

The 145R15 radial size for the 1958 Renault CV is available from Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich. Those options span different tire series, including Firestone F560 Radial, Michelin XZX, and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, giving the owner several ways to stay within the same basic radial fitment.

Brand alone should not be the only filter. Compare the sidewall presentation, the tire series style, and the wheel-width range that matches the wheels on the car. That approach keeps the focus on actual fitment and the finished look of the Renault instead of treating every 145R15 offering as exactly the same.

For a period-style 1958 Renault CV, the 5.20-15 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point because it keeps the car in its vintage numeric bias-ply format. That makes it especially relevant for owners who want the tire itself to reflect the visual language and construction style associated with a late-1950s small car.

A 145R15 radial can still make sense on a restoration-oriented car, particularly if the goal is a balanced driver rather than a stricter period presentation. When exact originality matters, the best next step is checking marque-specific references, period photos, or restoration records before settling on construction, sidewall style, and overall appearance.

Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1958 Renault CV more than many owners expect. A 5.20-15 bias-ply keeps the car in a distinctly vintage size format, while a 145R15 radial gives it a later metric-radial appearance even though both fit the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

Sidewall treatment adds another layer to that decision. Blackwall options keep the presentation simple and restrained, while a wide whitewall creates a more decorative period-style effect. Matching construction and sidewall style to the intended finish of the car usually produces a more convincing restoration result than choosing by size alone.

Yes. Even though the 1958 Renault CV uses compact 15-inch tire sizes, modifications can still affect fitment. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, lowered ride height, or body repairs can influence how a 145R15 radial or 5.20-15 bias-ply sits in the car’s wheel openings.

A car that appears stock at a glance may still have wheel or chassis changes from decades of ownership. Checking wheel dimensions, steering movement, and clearance at the fenders and suspension before mounting new tires helps avoid surprises, especially on a small vintage vehicle where space can be tighter than expected.

Begin with the basics: confirm the wheel diameter and width, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the setup being used. On a 1958 Renault CV, it also makes sense to look closely at suspension and steering condition before regular road use.

After installation, check inflation pressure, watch for uneven seating or air loss, and verify that the tires clear through full steering travel. A short shakedown drive can reveal rubbing, vibration, or pull that needs attention. Small collector cars often spend long periods parked, so a careful first inspection is especially worthwhile.

Tires on a collector 1958 Renault CV should be inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging, and long periods of storage can be just as important to tire condition as road wear.

Proper pressure, a clean storage surface, and protection from prolonged sunlight, heat, and ozone sources all help preserve tire condition. It also helps to move the car periodically and look over the tread and sidewalls before each outing. That routine is useful whether the Renault is wearing traditional bias-ply tires or modern radial construction.