By 1974, Renault had a strong foothold with compact European cars that appealed to buyers looking for practical packaging, light handling, and distinctive French character. The 1974 Renault Renault grouping here spans sedan, wagon, sporty coupe, and Gordini applications, so tire choice starts with identifying the exact model and whether it uses a period bias-ply size or a radial fitment. These vehicles use 13-inch tires in either 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, or 600-13 depending on sub-model and construction. Available choices include blackwall radials as well as narrow and wide whitewall bias-ply options. That makes fitment, appearance, and construction preference equally important before settling on a replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1974 Renault Renault
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1974 Renault Renault, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and whether the car is set up with radial or bias-ply tires. All of these fitments use a 13-inch rim, so the first step is confirming the exact model, then matching the proper size and construction before comparing available tire styles and product choices.
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 155 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 13 showing the wheel diameter in inches. On this Renault application, it represents a traditional small-car radial fitment with a modernized sizing convention that still suits period European vehicles. Available choices include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials in series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. This size is worth considering when the car is one of the covered sub-models that used radial construction and the goal is to keep a European radial presentation on a 13-inch wheel.
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size, with the 560 designating nominal section width in the older inch-based system and 13 identifying the wheel diameter. It is the period bias-ply counterpart used on several 1974 Renault Renault sub-models and gives the car a more traditional tire look than a later radial conversion. Product choices include BFGoodrich and Firestone offerings with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments in classic bias-ply series. This size matters when preserving a vintage appearance is part of the plan and the wheel width and overall vehicle setup remain compatible with a 560-13 bias-ply tire.
165R13 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 165-millimeter nominal width, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Within this Renault application, it is the larger radial fitment tied to the Gordini sub-model rather than the smaller sedan, wagon, and TL fitments. Michelin and Dunlop options are available in blackwall form, including Michelin XAS and XAS-FF series choices alongside the Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet. This size should be evaluated when the car is a 1974 Renault Renault 17 Gordini and the goal is to stay with the primary radial fitment on the correct wheel diameter.
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size, where 600 refers to nominal section width in the vintage numeric system and 13 denotes the wheel diameter. For this Renault grouping, it serves as the bias-ply fitment associated with the Gordini application, offering a wider period-style bias-ply option than 560-13. Available products center on BFGoodrich bias-ply tires in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall configurations within the Silvertown Classic Bias Ply series. This is the size to review when the car uses the Gordini bias-ply setup and the buyer wants to compare sidewall presentation while staying with a 13-inch vintage-size tire.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1974 Renault Renault because tire sizing is split between smaller 12 and 15 applications and the larger 17 Gordini setup. Every covered model uses a 13-inch rim, but the correct tire size and construction still depend on identifying the exact sub-model first.
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1974 Renault Renault 12 Sedan
The 1974 Renault Renault 12 Sedan uses the smaller tire fitment pair, with a choice between radial and bias-ply primary sizing. That means selection usually comes down to keeping the car in its present construction style or comparing a period bias-ply look with a blackwall radial alternative on the same wheel diameter.
The 1974 Renault Renault 12 Wagon follows the same tire-fitment pattern as the sedan, using the smaller 13-inch Renault size set in either radial or bias-ply form. Tire choice is therefore more about construction preference, sidewall appearance, and wheel compatibility than sorting through multiple wheel diameters.
The 1974 Renault Renault 15 TL shares the same smaller-size fitment family used by the Renault 12 sedan and wagon applications. That keeps selection fairly straightforward, with the main decision being whether to retain a vintage bias-ply presentation or stay with the radial tire setup tied to this sub-model range.
The 1974 Renault Renault 17 Gordini uses the larger tire-size pair within this Renault grouping, again split between radial and bias-ply constructions. Choosing for this sub-model means focusing on the correct Gordini sizing first, then narrowing the decision by construction type, blackwall radial selection, or whitewall bias-ply appearance.
Bias-Ply to Radial Tire Conversion for the 1974 Renault Renault
Two primary bias-ply sizes on the 1974 Renault Renault have radial-equivalent choices. For 560-13, the 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 the same sequence of formats. These options range from a traditional Euro-metric radial profile to lower-profile P-metric alternatives, and each group carries a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches. Wheel width, overall dimensions, and vehicle clearance should still be checked before changing sizes or construction.
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 1974 Renault Renault Tires for sale
Available 13-inch choices span Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, with both radial and bias-ply construction represented. Buyers can compare blackwall European-style radials against narrow whitewall and wide whitewall bias-ply tires across Michelin XAS, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply lines.
Owners of a 1974 Renault Renault usually need to sort out the exact sub-model first, then decide between radial and bias-ply sizing, sidewall appearance, and 13-inch wheel compatibility. These FAQs focus on fitment, equivalents, product selection, restoration-minded choices, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1974 Renault Renault?
A 1974 Renault Renault uses one of four 13-inch tire sizes: 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, or 600-13. The Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL use the smaller pair, while the Renault 17 Gordini uses the larger pair. Each sub-model includes both a radial and a bias-ply primary fitment path.
The key is matching the tire to the exact sub-model and the construction style on the car. A smaller Renault 12 or 15 TL should not be assumed to use the Gordini size, even though all of them are built around a 13-inch wheel. Checking the sidewall markings already on the car and confirming wheel width helps narrow the correct replacement choice.
What size rim does a 1974 Renault Renault use?
The covered 1974 Renault Renault applications use a 13-inch rim. That rim diameter stays consistent across the listed radial and bias-ply tire sizes, including 155R13, 560-13, 165R13, and 600-13. The difference between these tire sizes is not wheel diameter, but the size family and the sub-model they belong to.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on older compact European cars. Wheel width can vary between the available tire choices, and that matters when moving between bias-ply and radial construction or when comparing smaller and larger sub-model fitments. Looking at the actual wheel on the car is the safest next step before selecting a replacement tire.
Do all 1974 Renault Renault sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1974 Renault Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL share the smaller size family, while the 1974 Renault Renault 17 Gordini uses the larger size family. Each group includes both a radial and a bias-ply option, so the sub-model determines the size range before construction preference is considered.
That distinction matters because a 155R13 or 560-13 selection belongs to a different sub-model group than 165R13 or 600-13. Choosing by wheel diameter alone is not enough, since every fitment here is built around a 13-inch rim. The actual model identification and the current wheel-and-tire setup should both be confirmed before moving to product and appearance choices.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 560-13 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1974 Renault Renault?
560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1974 Renault Renault. It is one of the primary vintage numeric fitments used on the Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL, paired against the radial 155R13 option within the same general sub-model group.
That matters because a bias-ply 560-13 affects both appearance and tire selection differently than a radial 155R13. Whitewall treatments are available in 560-13, while the radial choices in the matching size family are blackwall. Anyone changing from one construction to the other should confirm wheel width, overall dimensions, and clearance rather than assuming the same 13-inch rim makes every option interchangeable.
What radial tire sizes are equivalent to 560-13 and 600-13?
For 560-13, radial equivalents 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. For 600-13, the equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13 in those same radial categories. Each bias-ply size has its own equivalent family.
These equivalents give a useful path for comparing vintage numeric bias-ply sizing with modern radial formats, but they still need to be checked against the actual car. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches applies to both equivalent groups. Wheel width, tire dimensions, and chassis clearance should all be reviewed before a conversion is treated as workable.
What should I check before converting my 1974 Renault Renault from bias-ply to radial tires?
Start by matching the correct bias-ply size to the right radial equivalent family. A 560-13 conversion points toward 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, while a 600-13 conversion points toward 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13. Both equivalent groups call for a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches.
Construction changes should also be checked against the car’s actual wheels, steering clearance, and body space. Older Renaults may have been modified over the years, so current wheel width and suspension condition matter as much as the original size family. Keeping all four tires in the same construction type is usually the cleaner way to preserve consistent response and appearance.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1974 Renault Renault?
The first decision is the exact sub-model, because the Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 15 TL use a different size family than the Renault 17 Gordini. The next choice is construction, since each group includes both radial and bias-ply fitments on 13-inch rims. After that, sidewall appearance and brand selection become the meaningful comparison points.
A buyer choosing for appearance may lean toward the whitewall bias-ply options, while someone staying with a European radial look may focus on the blackwall Michelin or Dunlop offerings. Wheel width should be checked carefully, since the available tires do not all call for the same rim-width range. Intended use, present setup, and the car’s visual style should guide the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 1974 Renault Renault tires?
Sidewall choice depends on the tire size and construction. The radial options in 155R13 and 165R13 are available as blackwalls, while the bias-ply choices in 560-13 and 600-13 include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments. That creates a clear split between a European radial look and a more vintage decorative bias-ply presentation.
Sidewall style can change the car’s overall character as much as the size itself, especially on a compact 1970s Renault. A blackwall keeps the look understated and more sporting, while a whitewall draws more visual attention to the wheel opening. Matching the sidewall to the vehicle’s restoration direction and existing trim helps keep the result cohesive rather than simply selecting by size alone.
What brands offer tires for the 1974 Renault Renault?
Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all appear in the available 1974 Renault Renault tire choices. Michelin and Dunlop cover the radial side in 155R13 and 165R13, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the bias-ply side in 560-13 and 600-13. The available tire lines include Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.
Brand choice should be weighed alongside construction type, sidewall presentation, and wheel-width compatibility rather than treated as a separate decision. Some buyers will start with the look they want, while others begin with radial versus bias-ply construction. Once the correct size family is confirmed, the product grid becomes a practical way to compare series character and visible style differences.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1974 Renault Renault?
A period-style 1974 Renault Renault tire choice begins with the right sub-model size family, then moves to the construction and appearance that best suits the car’s intended presentation. The bias-ply 560-13 and 600-13 options deliver the most traditional visual impression, while 155R13 and 165R13 radials retain the smaller European blackwall look associated with many imported cars of the era.
The right answer depends on whether the goal is a vintage showroom feel, a road-ready driver, or something in between. Whitewall width, blackwall presentation, and construction all change the car’s stance and personality. When exact originality matters, marque literature, period photos, and model-specific restoration references are the best way to confirm how a particular Renault was equipped.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1974 Renault Renault?
Tire construction changes more than ride and handling; it also changes the car’s visual message. On a restored 1974 Renault Renault, a numeric bias-ply such as 560-13 or 600-13 creates a distinctly vintage appearance, especially with narrow or wide whitewall sidewalls. A radial like 155R13 or 165R13 gives the car a more restrained European look with blackwall styling.
That difference becomes especially noticeable on compact body shapes, where tire sidewall shape and sidewall detail are easy to see. A restoration aimed at period character may favor the bias-ply visual language, while a driver-oriented build may prefer the radial look. The most convincing result usually comes from matching tire construction to the car’s wheel style and overall restoration direction.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1974 Renault Renault?
Yes. Even though every listed fitment for the 1974 Renault Renault uses a 13-inch rim, aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body modifications can affect which tire size works cleanly on the car. That matters even more when comparing bias-ply sizing with radial equivalents, because the construction and dimensions are not expressed in the same format.
A car that has been lowered, widened, or converted to a different wheel package should be measured at the wheel and the body, not judged by model year alone. Tire clearance at the fender, steering components, and suspension should all be reviewed through the full range of motion. Existing modifications can turn a normally suitable size into a poor fit.
What should I inspect before driving a 1974 Renault Renault on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for the correct 13-inch diameter and appropriate width for the chosen tire, then check valve stems, mounting condition, and inflation. The rest of the car deserves equal attention, especially on an older Renault that may spend long periods parked. Steering and suspension wear can undermine a new tire installation quickly.
A careful walkaround should also include sidewall clearance, tread-to-body clearance, lug security, and signs of uneven stance that could point to alignment or spring issues. Short test driving at low speed is a sensible final check before regular use. Any vibration, rubbing, or pulling should be addressed immediately rather than dismissed as part of an older car’s character.
How should tires on a collector 1974 Renault Renault be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition even if the car sees very little mileage. A 1974 Renault Renault stored for long periods can develop cracking, flat spotting, or air loss simply from inactivity. Bias-ply and radial tires alike benefit from being kept clean, properly inflated, and moved occasionally.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as driving habits. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the sidewalls and casing over time. Tires should also be inspected before any longer trip, since a low-use collector car can hide issues that are easy to miss in the garage. Condition should always outweigh tread depth alone.
