1962 Triumph Herald Tires

The 1962 Triumph Herald uses two recognized tire sizes: 520-13 in bias-ply construction and 145R13 in radial construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, so the Herald's tire decision is less about wheel diameter and more about which construction and tire style best match the car's setup and intended use.

A car kept in a more traditional presentation may point toward 520-13, especially when sidewall appearance matters. A Herald driven regularly may lead some owners toward 145R13 radial options instead. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, since older British cars are often updated over time with replacement wheels or other changes.

The 1962 Triumph Herald uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. That applies to the 520-13 bias-ply fitment and the 145R13 radial fitment, so the tire size choice does not require changing to a different rim diameter within the covered Herald setup.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on a small car where wheel width can influence which tire works best. It is worth measuring the actual wheel on the car and checking for any aftermarket replacement, because a Herald that has been modified or updated may no longer have the same wheel specifications it started with.

The 1962 Triumph Herald Base follows the same overall fitment pattern as the model coverage here, using either 520-13 bias-ply or 145R13 radial tires on a 13-inch rim. There is no separate alternate wheel diameter within this Base fitment, so the main distinction is construction type rather than a different wheel size.

That makes the Base model easier to shop for, but the choice still affects how the car looks and feels on the road. A bias-ply tire keeps a more vintage presentation, while a radial introduces a different construction and sizing convention. The actual wheel width and the car's current setup should still be checked before final selection.

520-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1962 Triumph Herald. It uses the older numeric sizing system commonly associated with vintage bias-ply construction, and it represents the more traditional tire format available for this Herald compared with the 145R13 radial option.

That matters because construction affects both appearance and the kind of tire choices available. In 520-13, the selection includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, which can be important on a restoration-oriented car. Anyone moving away from this bias-ply size should confirm wheel width, overall fit, and the car's current condition before converting to a radial alternative.

Radial equivalents for 520-13 include 155R13 as an 80-series metric radial, P155/75R13 as a P-metric 75-series radial, and P155/70R13 as a P-metric 70-series radial. These are alternative radial sizing formats related to the original bias-ply size rather than additional primary Herald tire sizes.

Each equivalent should be treated as a fitment candidate, not an automatic substitute. The recommended rim-width range for these equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, and the car's wheel width, body clearance, and suspension condition all matter before making the switch. That is especially important on a compact car where small dimensional differences can affect space around the tire.

The right choice depends on how the 1962 Triumph Herald is being used and presented. A 520-13 bias-ply tire keeps the car in a more traditional sizing and appearance range, while 145R13 gives the Herald a radial option in the same 13-inch rim diameter for owners who prefer a more modern construction.

A restoration-minded car may favor the visual character of bias-ply tires, especially when whitewall styling is part of the look. A road-driven Herald may lead an owner toward radial construction instead. The decision should include the actual wheel dimensions, the condition of steering and suspension parts, and the amount of clearance available on the specific car.

Start with the role the tire needs to play on the car. A 520-13 tire for a 1962 Triumph Herald keeps the vintage numeric bias-ply format, so the main selection points are sidewall appearance, tire series, brand, and whether the car is being set up for a restoration-oriented look or regular local driving.

Firestone and Premium Sport choices in this size vary in presentation, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options available. Rim-width specifications can also differ between products, so the actual wheel on the car should be checked before choosing. Load figures and general tire proportions matter too, especially on a lightweight classic with small-diameter wheels.

The 1962 Triumph Herald has several sidewall style choices depending on tire size and construction. In 145R13 radial form, the available options are blackwall. In 520-13 bias-ply form, available styles include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, giving the Herald a broader visual range when staying with the vintage numeric size.

Sidewall choice is largely an appearance decision, but it should still be made within the correct size and construction for the car. A blackwall radial creates a cleaner, simpler look, while whitewall bias-ply tires can shift the Herald toward a more period-style presentation. The best choice depends on how original-looking, understated, or customized the finished car is meant to appear.

Michelin, Firestone, and Premium Sport all offer tires for the 1962 Triumph Herald within its covered fitments. Michelin and Firestone appear in the 145R13 radial range, while Firestone and Premium Sport cover the 520-13 bias-ply size with different sidewall styles and tire series aimed at distinct appearance preferences.

Brand choice should be weighed alongside size, construction, and product character rather than treated as the whole decision. Some tires focus on a straightforward blackwall radial look, while others offer more visual variety through whitewall styling in bias-ply form. Matching the brand to the correct size and wheel setup is more important than choosing by name alone.

A period-style 1962 Triumph Herald usually starts with the 520-13 bias-ply size rather than the 145R13 radial. That size preserves the vintage numeric format and opens the door to sidewall treatments such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall, all of which shape how authentically old-school the car appears.

The right look depends on how the Herald is being restored or presented, because period-style does not always mean one exact sidewall treatment for every car. Owners chasing higher historical accuracy should compare the tire choice against marque references, period photos, or restoration documentation. For a driver-level restoration, the best result is usually a tire that balances correct size, proportion, and overall visual character.

Tire construction changes the visual impression of a restored 1962 Triumph Herald more than many owners expect. A 520-13 bias-ply tire gives the car a more traditional small-car stance and opens up whitewall styling choices, while a 145R13 radial brings in a more modern tire format with blackwall-only options in the covered product range.

That difference can influence whether the finished car feels restoration-oriented or more like a classic driver updated for road use. Construction should be considered alongside wheel finish, ride height, and the overall presentation of the car. Even when a radial is practical, some owners still prefer the visual language of a bias-ply tire on a Herald of this era.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1962 Triumph Herald even when the tire size itself is recognized for the model. Changes to wheel width, wheel offset, suspension height, steering components, or body clearances can alter how a 520-13 or 145R13 tire sits and moves within the wheel opening.

That is why an older Herald should be checked as it exists today rather than assumed to match a stock setup. Replacement steel wheels, aftermarket wheels, or suspension work completed years ago can all change the fitment picture. Turning clearance, fender clearance, and the car's stance should be verified before committing to a tire choice.

Before driving a 1962 Triumph Herald on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that lug hardware is appropriate, and check the tires for proper seating and inflation. It is also wise to look at steering and suspension components, since wear in tie rods, bushings, or shocks can affect how a small classic car feels on fresh tires.

A short, careful road test is the best next step after installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for pull or vibration, and recheck pressure after the initial drive. On a collector car that may have sat for long periods, this is also a good time to inspect wheel bearings, brake components, and any signs that long storage has affected overall road readiness.

520-13 tires on a collector 1962 Triumph Herald should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and storage habits that protect the sidewalls and tread from age-related deterioration. Bias-ply tires on lightly used classics especially benefit from being kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment.

Frequent inspection matters more than mileage on a car like this, because collector vehicles often age their tires long before they wear them out. Look for cracking, flat spotting, bulges, cuts, or slow air loss, and examine the spare if one is carried. Moving the car periodically and keeping the suspension properly maintained also helps protect the tires during storage.