1962 Peugeot 404 Tires

A 1962 Peugeot 404 uses two primary tire sizes: 165R15 in radial construction and 590-15 in bias-ply construction. Both sizes are associated with the car on a 15-inch rim, so the fitment question is less about diameter and more about which construction style matches the vehicle setup and the owner’s goals.

That means the right choice depends on whether the car is being kept in a traditional bias-ply format or run with the radial size used on this model. Before selecting either one, confirm the actual wheel width on the car and look closely at any previous wheel changes, since an older Peugeot may no longer be on its original wheel set.

The 1962 Peugeot 404 uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes, 165R15 and 590-15. The shared rim diameter makes it easier to compare the bias-ply and radial fitment paths because the key difference is tire construction and sizing format rather than moving to a different wheel diameter.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the decision, though, because wheel width still matters. Many 165R15 radial products are intended for widths around 4 to 6 inches, while 590-15 bias-ply products are commonly tied to narrower widths, so the actual wheel should be measured before changing from one construction type to the other.

The 1962 Peugeot 404 Sedan & Convertible shares the same tire-fitment choices. Both body styles can use either the 165R15 radial or the 590-15 bias-ply size, which keeps the sub-model decision simple and puts the focus on construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility rather than chasing a trim-specific tire size.

That consistency helps when comparing products, but it does not mean every tire in those sizes is automatically the right one for every car. A restored convertible, an unrestored sedan, or a car with replacement wheels may each need a different approach, so checking wheel width and the current overall setup remains important before ordering tires.

On the 1962 Peugeot 404, 590-15 is a bias-ply tire size. It is the traditional numeric bias-ply format for this car, using a 15-inch rim and a nominal 5.90-inch section-width designation, which gives it a distinctly vintage sizing convention compared with the metric radial alternative.

Choosing 590-15 usually means preserving a more period-style look and staying with the driving character associated with bias-ply construction. That path makes sense for owners focused on restoration-oriented presentation, but the wheel should still be checked carefully because the typical rim-width range for available 590-15 products is narrower than many 165R15 radial offerings.

Radial equivalents for 590-15 include 165R15 as an 80-series metric radial, P165/75R15 as a 75-series P-metric radial, and P175/70R15 as a 70-series P-metric radial. These are equivalent-size options for comparing a modern radial alternative to the original bias-ply format used on the 1962 Peugeot 404.

Each equivalent uses a different sizing convention and profile family, so the decision should not be made by size code alone. A 4-to-5-inch recommended rim-width range applies to the equivalent fitment, and the owner should verify wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and steering or fender clearance before converting from the original 590-15 bias-ply setup.

A 1962 Peugeot 404 can be set up with either the 590-15 bias-ply size or the 165R15 radial size, so the better choice depends on what matters most for the car. Bias-ply keeps the more traditional tire format, while the radial size follows the car’s radial fitment path on the same 15-inch wheel diameter.

The decision usually comes down to appearance, intended driving use, and the wheel dimensions currently on the car. A restoration-oriented owner may prefer the visual character of a 590-15 bias-ply, while someone planning more regular road use may lean toward a radial setup, but either route should be checked against wheel width and vehicle clearance first.

Start with the fact that 165R15 is the radial tire size used on the 1962 Peugeot 404 and that it comes in several distinct forms. Buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, along with series such as Michelin XZX, Michelin XAS, Firestone F560 Radial, Vredestein Sprint Classic, Vredestein Snow Classic, Coker Classic, and American Classic Radial.

After deciding on appearance, compare the wheel-width range of each tire against the actual wheel on the car. It also helps to look at load figures and intended use, since some owners want a traditional touring presentation while others want a more European blackwall look that suits the Peugeot’s character without moving away from the 165R15 radial size.

The 1962 Peugeot 404 has a useful spread of sidewall choices across its available tires. In 165R15 radial form, blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options are available, while the 590-15 bias-ply selection includes blackwall and wide whitewall styles for owners who want a more traditional presentation.

Sidewall style affects the car’s appearance more than its fitment, so the best choice depends on the look being pursued. A blackwall often suits a restrained European presentation, while whitewall options push the car toward a more formal vintage look, and that visual decision should be made after settling the more important question of radial versus bias-ply construction.

Tires for the 1962 Peugeot 404 are available from Coker Classic, American Classic, Firestone, BFGoodrich, Michelin, Vredestein, and Avon. Brand availability depends on size and construction, with the broadest selection appearing in 165R15 radial form and a smaller, more traditional group of choices in the 590-15 bias-ply size.

The practical way to compare brands on this car is by what each one offers within the correct size: sidewall style, tire series, wheel-width compatibility, and overall presentation. Rather than choosing by brand name alone, narrow the decision first to 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply, then compare the products that suit the car’s intended look and use.

For a period-style 1962 Peugeot 404, the starting point is deciding whether the car should retain the traditional 590-15 bias-ply format or use the 165R15 radial size also associated with this model. Either direction can support a vintage presentation, but the visual effect and overall character of the tire are noticeably different.

Bias-ply usually gives the car a more traditional stance and feel, while a 165R15 radial can still look appropriately vintage, especially in blackwall or whitewall form depending on the build. When originality matters at a very high level, the smartest next step is to compare the tire choice against marque-specific restoration references for the exact car being restored.

Tire construction changes more than ride character on a restored 1962 Peugeot 404; it also changes how the car presents visually. A 590-15 bias-ply gives the Peugeot a more traditional vintage tire profile, while a 165R15 radial introduces a look associated with period European radial fitment and opens up more whitewall and blackwall choices.

That difference matters because restoration goals are not all the same. Some owners want the car to read as early-1960s traditional, while others want a clean European road-car look that still feels appropriate to the era, so construction choice should be made alongside sidewall style and wheel width rather than treated as a purely mechanical decision.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Peugeot 404 even when the tire size itself is correct. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, brake conversions, or bodywork changes can all influence how a 165R15 radial or 590-15 bias-ply sits within the wheel opening and how much clearance remains during steering and suspension movement.

That is why an older Peugeot should be checked as it currently sits, not as it left the factory decades ago. Measure wheel width, confirm the 15-inch rim diameter, and inspect inner and outer clearance before choosing a tire, especially if the car has been restored, modified, or simply passed through several owners over the years.

Before driving a 1962 Peugeot 404 on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the beads seat properly, and verify that all four tires are inflated to the pressure appropriate for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also worth checking for rubbing at the fenders, suspension, and steering components once the car is on the ground.

A collector car deserves a broader inspection before road use, not just a tire change. Look over valve stems, wheel fasteners, brake condition, and suspension wear, then watch for air loss, vibration, or clearance issues during the first few miles, since those early signs often reveal setup problems that are easy to miss in the garage.

Tires on a collector 1962 Peugeot 404 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Whether the car is on 165R15 radials or 590-15 bias-ply tires, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, especially if the Peugeot spends long periods parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use vintage car. Keeping the Peugeot away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire, and a quick inspection before each drive is a smart routine because aging, underinflation, or damage can appear on collector vehicles long before the tread looks worn.