1976 Renault Tires

The 1976 Renault uses five primary tire sizes across its covered sub-models: 145R13, 155R13, 165R13, 560-13, and 600-13. The correct size depends on the exact vehicle. Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, Renault 15 TL, and Renault 17 TL use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, the Renault 17 Gordini uses 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply, and the Renault 5 Le Car uses 145R13 radial.

That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model before choosing a tire. All of these sizes fit 13-inch rims, but they are not interchangeable just because the rim diameter is shared. Construction type also matters, since some applications are presented as radial fitments and others as bias-ply. Matching the car to the right size first helps narrow the decision to style, series, and wheel compatibility.

The covered 1976 Renault tire sizes all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That includes the radial sizes 145R13, 155R13, and 165R13, as well as the numeric bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13. Even though the tire sizes differ by sub-model and construction, the wheel diameter remains consistent across the fitments shown here.

Shared rim diameter does not mean every tire size should be treated the same. Width, construction, and the intended sub-model still need to match the car. A Renault 5 Le Car on 145R13 should not be approached the same way as a Renault 17 Gordini on 165R13 or 600-13. It is wise to verify the actual wheel width on the vehicle, especially if the car has changed hands or has been modified.

More than one tire size appears because this page covers several distinct 1976 Renault sub-models, not one single configuration. The Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, Renault 15 TL, and Renault 17 TL share the 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply pattern, while the Renault 17 Gordini uses the larger 165R13 or 600-13 fitments and the Renault 5 Le Car uses 145R13 radial.

For a buyer, that means the real decision starts with the exact model badge rather than the year alone. Once the sub-model is confirmed, the tire search becomes much simpler because the available sizes and constructions narrow quickly. This is especially important on collector vehicles, where wheel changes, replacement hubs, or previous owner updates can make it risky to assume all Renault applications from the same year use the same tire.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size on the 1976 Renault. It appears alongside 155R13 as an alternate primary fitment on sub-models such as the Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, Renault 15 TL, and Renault 17 TL. In plain terms, 560-13 represents the traditional numeric bias-ply format, while 155R13 represents the radial version used on the same general family of 13-inch Renault applications.

That distinction matters because a bias-ply setup affects both appearance and replacement choice. Available 560-13 tires include classic bias-ply whitewall styles, which may appeal to a restoration-minded owner, while the radial alternatives use a different construction and sizing system. Anyone moving from 560-13 to a radial equivalent should check wheel width, the actual wheel condition, and clearance around the suspension and body before making the change.

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 radial equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. Each group keeps the same 13-inch rim diameter while offering modern radial sizing formats in place of the original-style numeric bias-ply size.

These equivalent sizes are useful comparison points, but they should not be treated as automatic replacements. The recommended rim-width range attached to both bias-ply equivalents is 4 to 5 inches, which makes wheel-width confirmation especially important. Clearance at the fender, steering, and suspension should also be checked, particularly on a smaller European car where tire space can be tight and previous wheel changes are not unusual.

Start with the original bias-ply size and its stated radial equivalent. A 560-13 application can be compared with 155R13, P155/75R13, or P155/70R13, while a 600-13 application can be compared with 165R13, P165/75R13, or P175/70R13. All of these stay on a 13-inch rim, and the referenced rim-width range for the bias-ply equivalents is 4 to 5 inches.

After that, inspect the actual wheels on the car and make sure their width suits the tire being considered. It also helps to check steering travel, fender clearance, and suspension condition before changing construction. A collector Renault may have replacement wheels, aging bushings, or ride-height changes that affect how a radial sits. Matching the tire to the car as it exists today is more important than assuming every equivalent behaves the same.

The key factors are exact sub-model, correct tire size, and construction type. A Renault 5 Le Car uses 145R13 radial, several Renault 12 and Renault 15 or 17 TL applications use 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply, and the Renault 17 Gordini uses 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply. Once that match is made, the remaining choices involve brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility.

A road-use-focused owner may prefer to stay within the radial options already associated with the car, while a restoration-minded owner may be more interested in the traditional look of the bias-ply offerings. It also helps to compare the wheel widths on the vehicle with the tire's rim-width range where that specification is given. Choosing carefully at this stage reduces the chance of ending up with a tire that suits the catalog but not the car.

Sidewall style depends on the tire size and construction. The radial sizes offered for the 1976 Renault are blackwall tires, including the 145R13, 155R13, and 165R13 applications. The bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 add traditional whitewall choices, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions available depending on the product and brand.

That makes sidewall choice part of the vehicle's visual character as much as its fitment. A blackwall radial often suits a more understated European look, while a whitewall bias-ply gives a more overt period-style presentation. The important step is to choose the sidewall only after confirming the correct size and construction for the specific sub-model. Appearance should refine the decision, not override proper fitment.

Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone all offer tires for 1976 Renault applications covered here. Michelin and Dunlop appear in the radial 13-inch sizes, while BFGoodrich and Firestone cover the vintage numeric bias-ply sizes. The available tire series include Michelin XAS, Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone F560 Radial.

Brand matters most after the correct size and construction have already been settled. At that point, the buyer can compare details such as blackwall versus whitewall presentation, rim-width suitability, and the overall character of the tire series. Since the assortment spans both period-style bias-ply tires and more modern radial formats, the right brand choice often follows the intended use of the car rather than a simple brand preference.

A period-style choice starts with using the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and then deciding whether the car's presentation should stay with bias-ply or radial construction. For several Renault 12, Renault 15 TL, and Renault 17 TL applications, that means considering 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial. For the Renault 17 Gordini, the comparable period-size path is 600-13 bias-ply or 165R13 radial.

Bias-ply tires tend to deliver the most traditional look in this group, especially where whitewall options are available, while blackwall metric radials preserve a distinctly European appearance. If exact restoration accuracy matters, the final appearance choice should be checked against marque-specific references and the car's own history. For most owners, correct size and era-appropriate construction are the best foundation for a convincing period-style result.

Construction changes the car's visual impression as well as its fitment story. On a 1976 Renault, the radial sizes are offered as blackwall tires in classic metric formats such as 145R13, 155R13, and 165R13. The bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 bring a more traditional vintage presentation, especially because they are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments.

That means construction is not just a mechanical decision. A restored Renault set on blackwall radials can look tidy and authentically European, while a bias-ply whitewall setup creates a distinctly different period-style statement. The best choice depends on the exact sub-model, the way the car is being presented, and whether the owner values traditional visual cues more than consistency with a radial-equipped appearance.

Yes, modifications can change how a tire fits even when the tire size itself is correct for a 1976 Renault sub-model. Aftermarket wheels may alter wheel width, and suspension changes can affect clearance at the fender, steering, or inner body. That matters on a car with multiple 13-inch tire sizes, because the wheel diameter may stay the same while the actual fitment space and wheel dimensions have changed.

A careful inspection helps prevent surprises. Check the wheel width, look at tire-to-body clearance at full steering lock, and confirm there is enough room around the suspension. This is especially important when comparing a bias-ply size with a radial equivalent, since construction and section shape can differ. Matching the tire to the car's current setup is the safest approach after any wheel or suspension change.

Begin with the basics: confirm the tire size matches the exact sub-model, check that all four wheels are the correct 13-inch type, and inspect the wheels themselves for damage or corrosion. Then look over the suspension and steering for looseness or visible wear. A collector Renault that has seen limited use may also need fresh valve stems and a close inspection for old mounting issues before returning to regular road use.

Tire condition should still be monitored even when the tires are new. Verify air pressure, check for any rubbing after installation, and recheck the tires after the first short drive. It also helps to watch for uneven stance or steering pull, which can point to alignment or suspension issues rather than a problem with the tire itself. New tires perform best when the rest of the chassis is ready for them.

Collector-car tire care starts with regular inspection, even if the 1976 Renault is driven infrequently. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, and gradual air loss. Because this Renault family uses several compact 13-inch fitments, maintaining the correct size and keeping a matched set on the car are also important. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance can still age out during long storage.

Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or welders. Move the vehicle occasionally or adjust how the weight sits on the tires during long storage periods. Before any longer trip, inspect pressure and overall condition again, since collector vehicles often reveal age-related tire issues only when they return to active use.