The 1971 Renault Renault grouping here covers several compact French models from an era when Renault was known for efficient packaging, light steering, and practical everyday drivability. These cars reward owners who pay attention to wheel and tire details, because fitment varies between the covered Renault 12, Renault 15, and Renault 16 applications. Primary fitments include both bias-ply and radial sizes, with 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters depending on the sub-model. Available choices range from traditional whitewall bias-ply tires to blackwall Michelin, Dunlop, Firestone, and other radial options, with a radial equivalent path also available for 560-13. The right decision starts with confirming the exact model and wheel size before choosing for appearance, restoration character, or road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1971 Renault Renault
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1971 Renault Renault grouping, and they are split by both sub-model and wheel diameter. Some applications use 13-inch rims while others use 14-inch rims, and each of those can appear in either bias-ply or radial form. The first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then deciding whether to stay with the original style of construction or evaluate the available radial alternative where it applies.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On these Renault applications, it represents a modern-feeling radial fitment on a 13-inch rim for the sub-models that use it. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall tires in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size suits an owner who has the correct 13-inch wheel setup and wants to stay with the radial fitment used on the applicable cars.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 5.60 referring to the nominal section width class and 13 indicating the wheel diameter. Its bias-ply construction delivers the period-style tire format associated with the 13-inch Renault applications that use it. Available options include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings in classic bias-ply series, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size is the one to evaluate when a traditional look matters or when the car is being kept closer to its earlier-style bias-ply presentation.
155R14 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 155-millimeter nominal section width and fits a 14-inch wheel. In this Renault grouping, it is the radial fitment associated with the 14-inch application rather than the 13-inch cars. Michelin and Firestone both offer blackwall choices here, including Michelin X Radial and Firestone F560 Radial series. This size deserves attention when the car has the correct 14-inch wheel diameter and the goal is to maintain the radial construction used on that specific application.
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the leading 5.20 designating the nominal width class and the 14 identifying wheel diameter. Its bias-ply construction places it firmly in the traditional tire category for the Renault application that uses a 14-inch wheel. The available products are centered on Premium Sport bias-ply tires in the Premium Sport Lowrider series, with narrow whitewall styling in several versions. This size is worth choosing when the car requires the 14-inch bias-ply fitment and appearance carries as much weight as road-going function.
Sub-model fitment is not uniform across this 1971 Renault Renault grouping. The Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL share the same 13-inch tire choices, while the Renault 16 moves to a different 14-inch fitment, so confirming the exact model matters before selecting tires.
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1971 Renault Renault 12 Sedan
The 1971 Renault Renault 12 Sedan uses the 13-inch fitment family, with either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires. That gives the owner a choice between a blackwall radial presentation and a more traditional bias-ply look, while still keeping attention on the correct wheel diameter.
The 1971 Renault Renault 12 Wagon shares the same 13-inch tire fitment pattern as the Renault 12 Sedan, using either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply. Tire selection here comes down to construction, sidewall style, and intended use rather than sorting through multiple wheel diameters.
The 1971 Renault Renault 15 TL also falls into the 13-inch group and uses either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires. That makes it important to choose based on the actual wheel setup and whether the goal is a more period-style bias-ply appearance or a radial alternative in the correct basic fitment range.
The 1971 Renault Renault 16 uses the 14-inch fitment set, with 155R14 in radial form or 520-14 in bias-ply form. Its tire decision is separate from the 13-inch Renault models, so wheel diameter needs to be confirmed first before comparing construction and sidewall style.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1971 Renault Renault
For the 560-13 primary tire size, three radial-equivalent options are available. 155R13 is the 80-series metric radial equivalent, P155/75R13 is the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 is the P-metric 70-series radial alternative. These choices move from a traditional Euro-metric radial format to progressively more modern P-metric sizing conventions. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies, and any conversion should be checked against wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance before use.
Modern Radial Equivalents
155R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (560-13)
P155/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (560-13)
P155/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (560-13)
Important Considerations When Replacing Bias Ply With Radial
Compare overall diameter and section width carefully to ensure proper fit.
Verify recommended rim range (4-5 in) and load needs match your vehicle specifications.
Check fender clearance, steering clearance, and stance before installation.
Consider suspension condition and intended road use when choosing equivalents.
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:
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 1971 Renault Renault Tires for sale
Available tire choices span 13-inch and 14-inch fitments in both radial and bias-ply construction. Buyers can compare Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport offerings by tire series, blackwall or whitewall presentation, and the rim-width specifications that apply to each size.
Common questions for the 1971 Renault Renault usually center on identifying the right size for the exact sub-model, understanding bias-ply versus radial choices, and checking wheel fitment, appearance, and road-use readiness before putting the car back in service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1971 Renault Renault?
A 1971 Renault Renault can use four different primary tire sizes depending on the exact sub-model and wheel setup: 155R13, 560-13, 155R14, or 520-14. The Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL use the 13-inch group, while the Renault 16 uses the 14-inch group.
That means the first decision is not simply choosing a brand or sidewall style. The important step is confirming whether the car has the 13-inch or 14-inch wheel application, then choosing between the radial and bias-ply size used for that model. Any car that has been modified over the years should be checked at the wheel before a tire is selected.
What size rim does a 1971 Renault Renault use?
The 1971 Renault Renault grouping here uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL use the 13-inch tire fitment family, while the Renault 16 uses the 14-inch family.
Wheel diameter is the key fitment checkpoint because it separates the tire choices into two distinct groups. A 13-inch tire should not be treated as a substitute for a 14-inch application, and the reverse is also true. Measuring the mounted wheel and confirming the car's exact model will prevent a lot of confusion before comparing bias-ply and radial options.
Do all 1971 Renault Renault sub-models use the same tire size?
No, they do not all use the same tire size. The 1971 Renault Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL share the 13-inch fitment pair of 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, while the 1971 Renault Renault 16 uses 155R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply.
That difference matters because the tire decision starts with model identification, not just year and make. Once the exact sub-model is confirmed, the choice becomes much narrower and easier to manage. Owners should also verify whether the car still has its original wheel diameter, since older imported cars are sometimes found with replacement wheels from another application.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1971 Renault Renault?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1971 Renault Renault applications that use the 13-inch bias-ply fitment. It sits alongside 155R13, which is the radial option used in the same general 13-inch sub-model group rather than a second way of writing the same construction.
That distinction matters because bias-ply and radial tires differ in construction, appearance, and the wheel specifications commonly associated with them. Anyone choosing between the two should confirm the actual wheel width, the condition of the suspension and steering components, and the goal for the car, whether that is a more traditional presentation or a more modern radial setup.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13?
Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial alternative, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial alternative. Each one keeps the conversation within the 13-inch wheel family while using a different sizing convention.
Those sizes should be treated as alternatives to evaluate, not automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range for the equivalency path is 4 to 5 inches, and the actual wheel width should be confirmed before converting. It is also smart to check overall clearance at the fender, suspension, and steering range rather than assuming every 13-inch equivalent behaves the same.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1971 Renault Renault?
The right choice depends on the exact sub-model, wheel setup, and what matters most to the owner. This Renault grouping includes both bias-ply and radial primary fitments, with 560-13 and 520-14 in bias-ply form and 155R13 and 155R14 in radial form for the applications that use those sizes.
Bias-ply usually appeals to owners focused on a traditional period-style look, especially when whitewall presentation is part of the plan. Radial choices may suit drivers who want to stay with the radial fitment used on the applicable cars. The safest approach is to start with the correct tire size and wheel diameter, then evaluate construction after confirming wheel width and overall vehicle condition.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1971 Renault Renault?
Start with the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because this 1971 Renault Renault grouping does not use one universal tire size. The 13-inch Renault 12 and Renault 15 TL applications differ from the 14-inch Renault 16, and each can involve either a bias-ply or radial tire depending on the fitment being followed.
Once size is confirmed, the real comparison becomes construction, appearance, and wheel compatibility. Some buyers will prefer blackwall radial choices from Michelin, Dunlop, or Firestone, while others will want a whitewall bias-ply presentation from BFGoodrich, Firestone, or Premium Sport. Rim-width specifications, load figures where shown, and how the car will actually be driven should guide the final decision.
What sidewall styles are available for 1971 Renault Renault tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1971 Renault Renault include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size and product line. The radial offerings in 155R13 and 155R14 are blackwall, while the bias-ply selections bring the whitewall options into the mix.
That gives the owner a clear appearance decision once the correct size is established. A blackwall radial keeps the look simple and understated, while narrow or wide whitewalls create a more distinctly vintage visual effect. Sidewall style should be chosen after size and wheel diameter are confirmed, since not every sidewall treatment is available across all four primary fitments.
What brands offer tires for the 1971 Renault Renault?
Tires for the 1971 Renault Renault are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport across the applicable sizes. Brand availability depends on the tire size, with some names appearing in radial fitments and others concentrated in the bias-ply side of the range.
Brand choice is most useful after the correct size has already been narrowed down. A buyer looking at 155R13 or 155R14 will be comparing different options than someone shopping for 560-13 or 520-14. It makes more sense to compare brands within the right size family, then consider sidewall styling, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility before making the final selection.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1971 Renault Renault?
For a period-style 1971 Renault Renault, the bias-ply options are usually the natural starting point because they preserve the older sizing format and traditional tire presentation. That means 560-13 for the 13-inch applications and 520-14 for the Renault 16's 14-inch application, provided those are the correct sizes for the exact car.
The appearance choice then becomes more specific, especially where whitewall treatments are available. A traditional-looking tire can support the overall character of the car without automatically claiming exact factory originality. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should still compare the chosen size and sidewall treatment with marque-specific references and period vehicle documentation before settling on one look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1971 Renault Renault?
Tire construction has a visible effect on the finished look of a restored 1971 Renault Renault. Bias-ply tires in sizes like 560-13 or 520-14 carry a more traditional presentation, especially when paired with narrow or wide whitewall styling, while the radial options in 155R13 and 155R14 present a more contemporary blackwall appearance.
That visual difference can be just as important as the size itself on a collector vehicle. A restoration oriented toward period character may lean toward the bias-ply format, while a driver-focused car may lean toward the radial fitment used on the applicable model. Either way, the exact sub-model and wheel diameter still need to lead the decision so the appearance choice stays grounded in correct fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1971 Renault Renault?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1971 Renault Renault. Aftermarket wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body changes can shift the wheel diameter, wheel width, or available clearance enough to complicate what would otherwise be a straightforward choice between the original 13-inch or 14-inch fitment families.
A car that no longer carries its original-style wheel setup should be measured before any tire is chosen. Wheel diameter comes first, then wheel width, followed by visual clearance at the fender and through the steering range. That is especially important when considering a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size, because matching the wheel and car setup matters just as much as matching the nominal size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1971 Renault Renault on new tires?
Before driving a 1971 Renault Renault on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are properly seated, and check inflation pressure. It is also smart to look over the steering and suspension, especially on a collector car that may have sat for long periods between uses.
A short visual inspection should include sidewall condition, signs of air loss, cuts, bulges, and any rubbing marks after the first few miles. Older cars can also reveal wheel-bearing play, alignment problems, or tired suspension bushings once fresh tires are installed. Catching those issues early helps protect both the tires and the way the car feels on the road.
How should tires on a collector 1971 Renault Renault be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1971 Renault Renault should be inspected regularly even if the car is not driven often. Check inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any signs of slow air loss, since age and storage can affect an infrequently used vehicle as much as mileage does.
Storage conditions matter too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber, and moving the vehicle occasionally can help avoid long-term stress in one contact patch area. Every driving season should begin with a careful review of the tires and wheels so the car is road-ready before longer trips.