1958 Renault Daughine Tires

The 1958 Renault Daughine reflects the postwar European small-car formula at its most distinctive, with compact dimensions, light weight, and a driving character that depends heavily on keeping the tire choice in scale with the car. For owners today, that makes fitment as much about proportion and presentation as basic road use. The 1958 Renault Daughine uses either a 145R15 radial or a 5.20-15 bias-ply tire, both on 15-inch rims. That opens the door to a traditional bias-ply look or a period-friendly radial approach, with blackwall and wide whitewall radial choices available. The right decision comes down to wheel compatibility, intended use, and how original or road-oriented the car needs to feel.

Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1958 Renault Daughine

The 1958 Renault Daughine uses two primary tire sizes, and both fit the same 15-inch rim diameter. The key decision is not wheel diameter but whether the car is being kept on a traditional 5.20-15 bias-ply setup or moved to a 145R15 radial configuration. Since the Base sub-model uses both sizes, the real choice centers on construction, appearance, and confirming that the wheels suit the tire being considered.

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145R15Euro-metric radial
Fit(s): Base
Construction: RadialRim: 15 in

145R15 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 145 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R designates radial construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. On a 1958 Renault Daughine, this size gives the car a radial option that stays visually appropriate for a small European sedan while using a modernized sizing format. Available choices include Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich, with blackwall and wide whitewall presentations offered across different tire series. This size is worth considering when the goal is to keep the car close to its intended scale while choosing among distinct brand and appearance options.

Explore 145R15 Tires
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5.20-15Numeric bias-ply
Fit(s): Base
Construction: Bias PlyRim: 15 in

5.20-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.20 indicating nominal section width in inches and 15 indicating the wheel diameter. That format belongs to the traditional bias-ply system used on many small mid-century cars, making it a natural choice for owners who want a more period-style tire construction on the 1958 Renault Daughine. Bias-ply construction affects both appearance and the car's overall presentation in a way that differs from a radial setup. This size deserves a careful look when restoration character matters and the wheel and vehicle setup are being kept close to traditional specifications.

Explore 5.20-15 Tires

1958 Renault Daughine Sub-Model Tires

Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1958 Renault Daughine sub-models because the Base model uses the same two tire-size paths. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car is staying with a traditional bias-ply setup or using the radial alternative on its 15-inch wheels.

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1958 Renault Daughine Base

The 1958 Renault Daughine Base can be fitted with either a 145R15 radial or a 5.20-15 bias-ply tire. That gives the owner a clear choice between a more traditional construction and a radial format, so wheel compatibility and the desired appearance should be confirmed before selecting a tire.

Associated Tire Sizes

Important Fitment Notes

The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:

  • Wheel modifications (wider rims, offset changes, aftermarket wheels)
  • Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
  • Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)

If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.

Best 1958 Renault Daughine Tires for Sale

Available 145R15 options for the 1958 Renault Daughine include Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich radial tires. The main product differences are tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility across these 15-inch radial choices.

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80 Series Metric Radial

Firestone F560 Radial Tire | 145R15

Firestone - F560 Radial

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH4.00 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT14.35 lb
MAX LOAD935@44 psi
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80 Series Metric Radial

Michelin XZX | 145SR15 78S

Michelin - Michelin XZX

SIDEWALLBlackwall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH3.50 - 5.00 in
WEIGHT20 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Radial Tires

BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 1.875 Inch Whitewall | 145R15

BFGoodrich - Silvertown Radial

SIDEWALLWide Whitewall
RIM DIAMETER15 in
RIM WIDTH—
WEIGHT18 lb
MAX LOAD—
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Frequently Asked Questions

Owners of a 1958 Renault Daughine usually want clarity on 145R15 versus 5.20-15 fitment, 15-inch wheel compatibility, radial versus bias-ply construction, and how sidewall style and maintenance affect a small collector-era Renault.

Tire Size & Fitment

What tire size fits a 1958 Renault Daughine?

A 1958 Renault Daughine uses either a 145R15 radial tire or a 5.20-15 bias-ply tire. Both sizes are associated with the same vehicle and both use a 15-inch rim diameter, so the basic fitment decision is centered on tire construction and sizing format rather than a change in wheel diameter.

That means the next step is confirming which setup is on the car now and which direction best suits its use. A 5.20-15 keeps the traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 145R15 moves to a Euro-metric radial. The condition and width of the wheels should be checked before changing constructions, especially on a lightly used collector car.

What size rim does a 1958 Renault Daughine use?

The tire sizes used on a 1958 Renault Daughine are built around a 15-inch rim diameter. Both the 145R15 radial and the 5.20-15 bias-ply size share that same wheel diameter, so the car's tire selection stays within the 15-inch category.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, however. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing available radial products, and an older car may no longer have its original wheels. Measuring the actual wheels on the car before choosing tires helps avoid problems with bead seating, profile shape, or clearance once the car is back on the road.

Does the 1958 Renault Daughine Base use the same tire size?

The 1958 Renault Daughine Base follows the same overall fitment pattern, using either a 145R15 radial or a 5.20-15 bias-ply tire. There is no separate alternate rim diameter for the Base within this fitment range, so the main distinction remains the choice of construction and size format.

That keeps selection fairly simple, but it does not remove the need to inspect the car itself. A Daughine that has been restored, modified, or stored for many years may have different wheels than expected. Checking the tire currently on the car, reading the wheel size if accessible, and confirming clearances before replacing a set are sensible precautions.

Bias-Ply & Radial Options

Is 5.20-15 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1958 Renault Daughine?

On a 1958 Renault Daughine, 5.20-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It uses the older numeric sizing format common to period applications, where the first number reflects nominal section width in inches and the final number identifies the 15-inch rim diameter.

Choosing 5.20-15 usually means keeping a more traditional tire presentation and construction style on the car. That can matter for restoration-minded owners who want the tire to look and feel closer to a mid-century setup. Before selecting it, confirm that the wheels and overall vehicle setup are appropriate for a bias-ply tire rather than assuming any 15-inch wheel is automatically suitable.

Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1958 Renault Daughine?

A 1958 Renault Daughine can be approached either way, using 5.20-15 in a bias-ply format or 145R15 in a radial format. The better choice depends on what matters most for the car: a more traditional period-style presentation or a radial-based setup within the sizes used for this model.

Construction choice affects more than the size molded into the sidewall. A radial and a bias-ply can change the car's visual stance, road feel, and wheel requirements, so the current wheel width and condition should be checked before changing direction. Owners aiming for a restoration-oriented result often prioritize appearance, while regular road-use plans may push the decision toward radial options.

What should I check before converting my 1958 Renault Daughine from bias-ply to radial tires?

The first checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, and the exact tire size being considered. A 1958 Renault Daughine uses a 15-inch rim diameter, and the radial size associated with the car is 145R15, so the wheel must suit that size and construction rather than only matching the diameter.

Attention should also go to tire-to-body and tire-to-suspension clearance, especially if the car has replacement wheels, altered ride height, or aging suspension parts. The present condition of the wheels matters as much as the nominal size. On a collector Renault, it is wise to inspect the whole setup carefully before changing construction so the tire choice matches the car's actual hardware.

Choosing the Right Tire

What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1958 Renault Daughine?

Start with the two correct size paths for the 1958 Renault Daughine: 145R15 in radial form or 5.20-15 in bias-ply form. From there, the important questions are whether the car is staying true to a traditional period-style setup, how it will be driven, and whether the wheels are appropriate for the construction being considered.

Product details become more meaningful once that choice is made. On the radial side, available tires differ by brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width range. A careful selection should balance appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended use instead of treating every 15-inch tire as equivalent for a small rear-engined French sedan.

What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Renault Daughine tires?

For the 145R15 radial fitment used on the 1958 Renault Daughine, available sidewall styles include blackwall and wide whitewall. Those two presentations give the car noticeably different visual character even when the tire size remains the same, which is especially important on a compact vehicle where tire appearance is easy to notice.

Blackwall keeps the look simple and understated, while a wide whitewall adds a more dressy, period-flavored presentation. Neither style should be assumed to represent one exact original factory appearance without vehicle-specific historical confirmation. The practical choice usually comes down to how authentic, understated, or visually prominent the tire should look against the car's paint and trim.

What brands offer tires for the 1958 Renault Daughine?

The 145R15 radial tire size for the 1958 Renault Daughine is available from Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich. Those options appear across different tire series, including Firestone F560 Radial, Michelin XZX, and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial, giving the buyer more than one approach within the same basic radial fitment.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside sidewall style, wheel-width compatibility, and the overall look you want on the car. A small European sedan can look noticeably different depending on whether the tire is a plain blackwall radial or a wide whitewall radial. Comparing the full specifications within the correct size is more useful than choosing on brand name alone.

Restoration & Appearance

Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1958 Renault Daughine?

For a period-style 1958 Renault Daughine, the 5.20-15 bias-ply size is the most traditional starting point because it uses the vintage numeric bias-ply format associated with the car. A 145R15 radial can also suit the car visually, but it represents a different construction approach even though it stays within the correct overall fitment family.

The best choice depends on whether the goal is closer visual authenticity, easier road use, or a balance of both. Buyers focused on exact restoration details should compare the tire choice against marque-specific historical references and the individual car's intended presentation. Construction, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility all influence how convincing the finished car will look.

How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1958 Renault Daughine?

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1958 Renault Daughine more than many owners expect. A 5.20-15 bias-ply brings a more traditional mid-century look through its sizing format and overall character, while a 145R15 radial gives the car a later-style radial presentation even when the wheel diameter stays the same.

Sidewall treatment then adds another layer to that decision. A blackwall keeps the look restrained, while a wide whitewall creates a much more decorative period-style effect. For a restoration-oriented build, the tire should complement the wheel design, ride height, and trim level of the car rather than being chosen only by size and rim diameter.

Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use

Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1958 Renault Daughine?

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1958 Renault Daughine even when the tire size itself is correct. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or ride-height adjustments can influence how a 145R15 radial or 5.20-15 bias-ply sits within the wheel opening and how it clears nearby components.

A Daughine that has been changed from its original setup should be measured rather than judged by catalog size alone. Tire-to-fender, tire-to-suspension, and steering clearance all deserve attention, especially on a compact car. Looking at the actual wheel dimensions on the vehicle is one of the most useful steps before settling on a replacement tire.

What should I inspect before driving a 1958 Renault Daughine on new tires?

Before driving a 1958 Renault Daughine on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tires are seated properly, and make sure inflation is correct for the tire being used. It also helps to check for rubbing at full steering lock and to look over suspension and steering parts on a car that may have spent long periods in storage.

Collector cars often reveal problems only after they are back on the road, so a short, careful test drive is wise. Watch for vibration, pull, unusual noise, or any sign of contact inside the wheel opening. Rechecking pressure and visually inspecting the tires again after the first drive can catch issues before they become more serious.

How should tires on a collector 1958 Renault Daughine be maintained?

Tires on a collector 1958 Renault Daughine should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low annual mileage does not stop rubber from aging, and long storage periods can hide deterioration that is easy to miss during casual garage checks.

Proper storage matters as much as occasional use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and maintaining appropriate inflation reduces stress on the casing while parked. A brief visual walkaround before every drive is a good habit, particularly on an older Renault that may sit for extended stretches.