1962 DKW Junior Tires

A 1962 DKW Junior can use 145R12, 520-12, 5.50-13, or 560-13, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel setup. The Base model uses the 12-inch family, while the Deluxe F11 & F12 uses 13-inch bias-ply sizing. That means the correct tire is tied to both configuration and rim diameter, not simply to the model name alone.

The practical first step is confirming whether the car has 12-inch or 13-inch wheels and then matching the correct size to the specific Junior version. A 12-inch radial such as 145R12 and a 12-inch bias-ply such as 520-12 may both relate to the Base model, but they are still different tire formats with different selection considerations.

The 1962 DKW Junior uses either a 12-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size being fitted. The 145R12 and 520-12 sizes are 12-inch applications, while 5.50-13 and 560-13 are 13-inch applications. Rim diameter is one of the most important checkpoints on this vehicle because the Junior does not use a single wheel size across every covered version.

Once rim diameter is confirmed, it is smart to review actual wheel width as well, especially when comparing product options or considering a radial equivalent. A tire that matches the diameter still needs to suit the wheel's width range and the car's available clearance, particularly on a compact vintage European car where space can be tighter than on larger American vehicles.

No, the covered 1962 DKW Junior sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base model uses 12-inch sizes, including 145R12 radial and 520-12 bias-ply, while the Deluxe F11 & F12 uses 13-inch bias-ply sizes such as 5.50-13 and 560-13. The difference is significant because it changes both wheel diameter and, in some cases, tire construction.

That variation means the buyer should identify the exact sub-model before comparing tires by appearance or brand. It also helps avoid treating a 12-inch fitment and a 13-inch fitment as if they are interchangeable just because they belong to the same model line. On a Junior, the sub-model decision comes before the tire-style decision.

520-12 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1962 DKW Junior. It is one of the 12-inch fitments associated with the Base model and uses the vintage numeric sizing format common to compact cars of the period. By contrast, 145R12 is the radial-format size found in the same general 12-inch fitment family.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply tire preserves a more traditional appearance and sizing language, while a radial-format option changes the construction and presentation. Anyone moving away from 520-12 should verify wheel width, overall fit, and clearance rather than assuming every 12-inch alternative behaves the same on the car.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P155/70R13 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are all radial alternatives to the 560-13 bias-ply size, and the associated recommended rim-width range is 4 to 5 inches.

The useful difference between those options is the sizing convention and profile family, not a guarantee of automatic interchangeability. Before choosing one for a 1962 DKW Junior, check the actual wheel width, confirm the 13-inch wheel application, and compare how the tire will sit within the fenders and steering range on the specific car.

Start by confirming the original bias-ply size and wheel diameter, then compare it only to radial equivalents that match that specific application. For the Junior, that can mean looking at 125R12 or P125/75R12 for 520-12, or 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13 for 560-13. The wheel's actual width should also be checked before a conversion is treated as workable.

A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but the rest of the car still needs attention. Clearance at full steering lock, suspension condition, ride height, and any wheel changes all influence whether the substitute is a sensible choice. On a small vintage car, even modest dimensional differences can matter more than they would on a larger platform.

The main decision points are the exact sub-model, the wheel diameter on the car, and whether the intended tire should stay bias-ply or move to a radial format. A 1962 DKW Junior may use a 12-inch or 13-inch application, so appearance choices only matter after the fitment is narrowed to the correct size family.

From there, compare construction, sidewall treatment, brand availability, and any rim-width guidance attached to the tire you are considering. A buyer focused on period-style presentation may lean toward a bias-ply whitewall, while someone prioritizing a radial-format option should still verify that the wheel and vehicle setup suit the selected equivalent or radial size.

Available sidewall styles for the 1962 DKW Junior include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the size selected. The 145R12 Michelin MX is offered as a blackwall radial, 520-12 appears in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 560-13 is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions.

That gives the Junior owner room to shape the car's presentation without changing the underlying size category. Blackwall tends to keep the look simple and understated, while whitewall options create a more period-forward appearance. The key is to treat sidewall style as a finishing decision after the correct size, wheel diameter, and construction have already been confirmed.

Tires for the 1962 DKW Junior are available from Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Firestone across the covered sizes. Michelin appears in the 145R12 radial application, BFGoodrich covers 520-12 and 560-13 bias-ply options, and Firestone is also available in 560-13. The brand mix changes with the size, so the tire choice is tied to fitment first.

That means brand comparison should happen only after the exact tire size has been settled. On this vehicle, the product range is less about ranking brands and more about matching the correct size with the desired construction, sidewall appearance, and wheel specification. A buyer choosing between BFGoodrich and Firestone in 560-13, for example, may also be choosing between different whitewall presentations and rim-width guidelines.

A period-style 1962 DKW Junior usually starts with the correct primary size for the specific sub-model and wheel diameter, then stays within the bias-ply format where that traditional presentation matters most. That can mean 520-12 on a 12-inch Base application or 5.50-13 or 560-13 on a 13-inch Deluxe F11 & F12, depending on the car.

After the size is confirmed, the visible character comes from sidewall treatment and brand or series choice rather than from the model name alone. Buyers concerned with exact originality should compare the selected tire's appearance against period photos, marque-club guidance, or restoration records, since a period-style tire is not automatically the exact factory-delivered presentation.

Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1962 DKW Junior as much as the sidewall color can. A numeric bias-ply size such as 520-12 or 560-13 presents the car in a distinctly vintage way, while a radial-format size such as 145R12 introduces a more modern sizing style even when the overall look remains sympathetic to the era.

That difference is worth considering early in a restoration because it influences both stance and visual authenticity. Whitewall versus blackwall finishes add another layer, but the construction choice often sets the tone first. For a car being restored with strong attention to period appearance, bias-ply sizing usually serves as the visual reference point.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 DKW Junior, especially because the car already spans both 12-inch and 13-inch applications. If the Junior has aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, brake changes, or bodywork differences, those changes can influence wheel width, available clearance, and which tire sizes remain practical.

A car that has been modified should be measured rather than assumed to match original-style fitment. The useful checks are wheel diameter, actual wheel width, steering clearance, and how the tire sits within the fender opening through suspension movement. Small vintage cars are often more sensitive to these changes than larger vehicles, so modest alterations can have noticeable fitment consequences.

Before driving a 1962 DKW Junior on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are seated properly, and make sure there is no contact at the fenders or steering components. It is also wise to check inflation, lug hardware, valve stems, and overall clearance with the car at normal ride height.

A short, careful test drive is the best next step, paying attention to pull, vibration, rubbing, or unusual steering feel. Recheck air pressure after that initial drive and look again for any signs of interference. On a collector car that may have seen long periods of storage, it also makes sense to inspect suspension bushings and steering parts before extended road use.

Tires on a collector 1962 DKW Junior should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and periodic review for age-related deterioration. Even when tread wear is minimal, a low-use vintage car can develop sidewall cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or air loss simply from time, storage conditions, and infrequent movement.

Good storage habits help as much as mileage-based maintenance. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, and ozone sources can slow tire aging, and moving the vehicle occasionally helps reduce set-in flat spots. Before each driving season, inspect both the tread and sidewalls closely and confirm that the tire still suits the wheel and overall condition of the car.