The 1972 Renault grouping spans a distinctive mix of compact French cars, from practical Renault 12 sedan and wagon models to the Renault 16 and the sportier Renault 17 Gordini. That variety makes tire selection more vehicle-specific than the unusual page title might suggest, because fitment changes across the actual Renault model lines covered here. Depending on the sub-model, the primary fitment may be a bias-ply numeric size such as 560-13, 520-14, or 600-13, or a radial metric size such as 155R13, 155R14, or 165R13. Available choices also vary by blackwall versus whitewall presentation, tire series, and in some cases modern radial equivalents. The key is matching the exact Renault sub-model, wheel diameter, and construction approach before choosing for restoration or road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1972 Renault
Six primary tire sizes are used across this 1972 Renault grouping, and they are tied directly to the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Some covered Renaults use 13-inch wheels, while others use 14-inch wheels, and the fitment may be either bias-ply or radial depending on the application. The first step is confirming the exact Renault model and wheel size on the car before comparing tire style, construction, or radial-alternative options.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the covered 1972 Renault applications, it serves as a period-appropriate radial fitment for certain 13-inch-wheel models. Available choices center on blackwall radial designs from Michelin and Dunlop, including the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. This size is the right one to evaluate when your Renault already uses the smaller radial format and you want to stay with a traditional European-style radial presentation.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where the 560 designation represents an approximate 5.60-inch nominal section width and 13 identifies the rim diameter. It gives certain 1972 Renault applications a distinctly earlier tire construction and appearance than the radial alternatives used on other sub-models. Choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in classic bias-ply series. It is the size to review when preserving a bias-ply look on the correct 13-inch-wheel Renault application or when comparing it with available radial equivalents.
155R14 is a Euro-metric radial with a 155-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Within this 1972 Renault grouping, it belongs to the 14-inch-wheel application rather than the 13-inch cars, so wheel confirmation matters before selection. Product choices are blackwall radials from Michelin and Firestone, including Michelin X Radial and Firestone F560 Radial series. This size makes sense when the car is set up for the taller 14-inch radial fitment and the goal is to retain a period-style radial rather than switch to a bias-ply presentation.
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size in which 520 indicates an approximate 5.20-inch nominal section width and 14 denotes the wheel diameter. For the covered Renault application that uses this size, it represents the bias-ply counterpart to the 14-inch radial fitment. Available products focus on Premium Sport Lowrider bias-ply tires with narrow whitewall styling in several design variations. This size deserves close attention when the car carries 14-inch wheels and the objective is a traditional bias-ply look, while still checking actual wheel width and overall vehicle setup before making the change.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal 165-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Among the 1972 Renault models covered here, it is the larger 13-inch radial fitment and is not interchangeable in principle with the narrower 155R13 applications without checking the car’s exact setup. This size is available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop, including Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, and SP Sport Aquajet series. It is the size to focus on when the Renault uses the broader radial specification and you want to stay within that sizing family.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 600 indicates an approximate 6.00-inch nominal section width and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the covered 1972 Renault fitments, it is the wider 13-inch bias-ply option paired with a specific sub-model rather than a general replacement for every 13-inch Renault here. BFGoodrich offers this size in the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall choices. It is the correct size to evaluate when maintaining the bias-ply fitment for that application or when comparing it with the radial equivalents tied specifically to 600-13.
Tire fitment varies across the covered 1972 Renault sub-models, so identifying the exact Renault model is the first real step in choosing a tire. Some use 13-inch wheels, one uses 14-inch wheels, and each sub-model pairs its own radial and bias-ply fitment choices.
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1972 Renault 12 Sedan
The 1972 Renault 12 Sedan uses the same 13-inch fitment family as the Renault 12 Wagon and Renault 15 TL, with a choice between 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply sizing. That keeps selection focused on construction type, sidewall appearance, and whether a radial equivalent is more appropriate for the car’s intended use.
The 1972 Renault 12 Wagon shares its tire-fitment pattern with the Renault 12 Sedan and Renault 15 TL, using either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires on 13-inch wheels. Tire selection therefore comes down to preserving the original-style construction approach or comparing period-style bias-ply choices with radial alternatives in the same application range.
The 1972 Renault 15 TL follows the same basic 13-inch fitment path as the Renault 12 Sedan and Wagon, using either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply sizing. That gives owners a clear choice between a European-style blackwall radial look and a more traditional bias-ply presentation, with wheel compatibility still worth confirming.
The 1972 Renault 16 stands apart from the 13-inch applications by using the 14-inch fitment family, with 155R14 radial or 520-14 bias-ply sizing. Tire choice here starts with confirming the 14-inch wheel setup, then deciding whether the car should retain radial construction or move toward a more traditional bias-ply appearance.
The 1972 Renault 17 Gordini uses the widest 13-inch fitment in this group, pairing 165R13 radial with 600-13 bias-ply sizing. That makes it important to avoid assuming that any 13-inch Renault tire is suitable, and instead choose within the correct width and construction range for the Gordini application.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1972 Renault
For 560-13, three radial-equivalent options are available: 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. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13 in 80-series metric radial form, P165/75R13 in 75-series P-metric form, and P175/70R13 in 70-series P-metric form. These options differ mainly by sizing convention and profile family rather than serving as automatic substitutes. A 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range is associated with both bias-ply sizes, so wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance should be checked before changing formats.
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)
165R13
Equivalent 80-series Metric Radial (600-13)
P165/75R13
Equivalent P-metric 75-series Radial (600-13)
P175/70R13
Equivalent P-metric 70-series Radial (600-13)
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 1972 Renault Tires for sale
Available choices span Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport, depending on the size and construction used on your Renault. The product grid lets you compare blackwall radials, narrow whitewall bias-ply tires, wide whitewall bias-ply tires, and several period-style tire series across 13-inch and 14-inch applications.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used across the covered 1972 Renault models, including 13-inch versus 14-inch fitment, bias-ply and radial choices, radial equivalents for the numeric sizes, appearance decisions, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1972 Renault?
A 1972 Renault can use several different tire sizes depending on the actual Renault model covered here. The fitments are 155R13 and 560-13 for the Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL, 155R14 and 520-14 for the Renault 16, and 165R13 and 600-13 for the Renault 17 Gordini.
That means the first step is not choosing between brands or sidewalls, but confirming which Renault model and wheel diameter you have. A 13-inch and 14-inch setup are both present in this group, and both radial and bias-ply constructions are represented, so the correct size should be matched to the exact sub-model before moving on to tire selection.
What size rim does a 1972 Renault use?
A 1972 Renault in this covered group uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13 sizes are built for 13-inch rims, while 155R14 and 520-14 are built for 14-inch rims.
That wheel diameter difference is one of the most important fitment checks on this page, because two otherwise similar-looking Renaults here may not use the same rim size at all. Before choosing a tire, confirm the wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or verify the mounted tire size, especially if the car has been changed from its earlier wheel and tire setup.
Do all 1972 Renault sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The covered 1972 Renault sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL share 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply fitments, the Renault 16 uses 155R14 radial and 520-14 bias-ply sizing, and the Renault 17 Gordini uses 165R13 radial and 600-13 bias-ply sizing.
That variation affects more than the number on the sidewall, because it also changes wheel diameter and the overall fitment family. A buyer should identify the exact sub-model first, then decide whether to stay with the original construction type used on that application or compare the correct radial and bias-ply alternatives tied to that specific Renault.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13?
For 560-13, the radial equivalents are 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. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in those same respective categories.
Those alternatives give a buyer several ways to compare a traditional bias-ply size with more modern radial sizing formats. Both numeric sizes are associated with a 4-5 inch recommended rim-width range for equivalent use, so the next step is to check wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and vehicle clearance rather than assume every equivalent will suit every Renault setup.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1972 Renault?
That depends on the exact Renault model and the result you want from the car. This 1972 Renault grouping includes both primary radial fitments such as 155R13, 155R14, and 165R13 and primary bias-ply fitments such as 560-13, 520-14, and 600-13, so either construction may be appropriate for the right application.
A restoration-oriented car may favor the traditional look of the correct numeric bias-ply size, while a driver may lean toward staying with the radial size used on that model or considering a radial equivalent where one is offered. The practical check is matching the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and wheel width before choosing construction rather than deciding by appearance alone.
What should I check before converting my 1972 Renault from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the conversion to the correct original bias-ply size. A 560-13 application has different radial-equivalent choices than a 600-13 application, and the Renault 16’s 520-14 bias-ply fitment is part of a different 14-inch setup entirely. The correct equivalent must be tied to the original size and wheel diameter already on the car.
After that, check wheel width, wheel condition, and available clearance at the fenders and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the car has not been altered with different wheels or suspension parts over the years. A radial equivalent can be a useful alternative, but it should be evaluated against the actual wheel and vehicle setup rather than treated as an automatic swap.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1972 Renault?
Start with the exact Renault sub-model, because this 1972 Renault grouping uses multiple primary sizes across both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels. After size, the next decision is construction: some applications use radial sizes such as 155R13, 155R14, or 165R13, while others use numeric bias-ply sizes such as 560-13, 520-14, or 600-13.
From there, compare the kind of tire that suits the car’s purpose and appearance. Some sizes are offered only as blackwall radials, while others include narrow whitewall or wide whitewall bias-ply options. Rim-width range, load figures where shown, and the overall presentation you want from the car are more useful selection points than brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Renault tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size and construction chosen for the covered Renault model. The radial sizes offered here are blackwall tires, while the bias-ply sizes introduce whitewall choices. Depending on size, the bias-ply selections include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments rather than one uniform sidewall style across the entire vehicle grouping.
That makes sidewall choice part of the overall look of the car, not just a minor cosmetic detail. A blackwall radial keeps a restrained European appearance, while a whitewall bias-ply can create a more traditional presentation. The important thing is to begin with the correct size for the sub-model, then compare available sidewall treatments within that fitment instead of choosing by style first.
What brands offer tires for the 1972 Renault?
The covered 1972 Renault fitments are available from several brands, including Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Brand availability changes by size: the radial applications are centered on Michelin, Dunlop, and Firestone depending on the exact size, while the bias-ply sizes are represented by BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport.
That means the right comparison is usually made within the correct size rather than across the whole page. Once the sub-model and tire size are confirmed, brand choice can be narrowed by construction type, sidewall style, tire series, and wheel compatibility. A buyer gets the clearest result by selecting the correct fitment family first and then comparing the brand options available within it.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1972 Renault?
A period-style choice starts with the tire size and construction used by the exact Renault model. For the covered applications, that may mean a numeric bias-ply size such as 560-13, 520-14, or 600-13, or a metric radial size such as 155R13, 155R14, or 165R13. The right period-style direction depends on the individual Renault rather than the page title alone.
Once the fitment is correct, appearance can be refined through sidewall treatment and tire series. Blackwall radials preserve a restrained European look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional visual statement. If exact originality matters, the best next step is to compare the selected fitment with marque-specific historical references for that Renault model before making a final restoration decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1972 Renault?
Tire construction changes the visual character of these Renaults in a noticeable way. A bias-ply tire in 560-13, 520-14, or 600-13 brings a distinctly vintage presentation, especially when paired with narrow or wide whitewall styling. A radial such as 155R13, 155R14, or 165R13 keeps a more understated European look, and the available examples here are blackwall designs.
That visual difference matters on a restored car because the tire helps set the era and stance the viewer reads first. Construction should still follow the correct fitment for the specific model, but once that is settled, the choice between bias-ply and radial becomes one of the strongest appearance decisions you can make on a Renault in this year range.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1972 Renault?
Yes. Modifications can change how any of these Renault tire sizes work on the car, even when the wheel diameter matches. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or bodywork differences can all affect whether the original 13-inch or 14-inch fitment family still makes sense for the vehicle as it sits today.
That is especially important here because the covered Renault models already span several different sizes and two wheel diameters. A car that has been changed over the years should be checked for actual wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before selecting a tire. Matching the sidewall marking alone is not always enough on a modified collector vehicle.
What should I inspect before driving a 1972 Renault on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, and the new tires themselves. Look for proper inflation, bead seating, visible damage, and any interference around the fenders, suspension, and steering as the wheels are turned. It also helps to confirm that the tire size installed matches the exact Renault model and wheel diameter used on the car.
A collector car should also be checked for issues that are not caused by the new tires but can affect how they work, such as loose suspension parts, worn alignment components, or poor wheel condition. A short, careful initial drive is a sensible way to confirm that the car tracks cleanly and that nothing rubs under normal steering and movement.
How should tires on a collector 1972 Renault be maintained?
Collector-car tires should be inspected regularly even when the car sees limited mileage. Check inflation, tread condition, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and signs of air loss, and look over the wheels at the same time. On a 1972 Renault, this is especially important because many cars in this age group spend long periods parked rather than being driven routinely.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires over time. It is also wise to recheck them before any longer drive, since a tire that looks acceptable in storage can still deserve closer attention once the car is returning to regular road use.
