1977 Renault Tires

The 1977 Renault uses five primary sizes across its covered sub-models: 145R13, 155R13, 165R13, 560-13, and 600-13. The Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, 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 correct answer depends on the exact Renault model rather than the year alone. Start by confirming the sub-model on the car, then verify that the wheels are still the correct 13-inch diameter and have not been changed over time. Once that is settled, tire choice becomes a matter of construction, appearance, and the available product options within the correct size.

All of the tire sizes used on the 1977 Renault in this fitment group are built around 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.

Rim diameter is only the first checkpoint, though, because wheel width still matters when choosing among available tires or evaluating a radial equivalent for a bias-ply size. A car can still have the correct 13-inch diameter and the wrong width for the tire being considered. It is also worth confirming that the wheels on the car are original-type dimensions and not later replacements.

No, the 1977 Renault sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Several models share 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply fitment, the Renault 17 Gordini steps up to 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply, and the Renault 5 Le Car uses 145R13 radial.

That variation is important because the tire that looks generally correct for one Renault may be the wrong width or construction for another. The safest starting point is to identify the exact sub-model and then match the tire size to that configuration before comparing brands, sidewall styles, or radial alternatives. This matters even more if the car has had wheel or suspension changes at some point.

On the 1977 Renault, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size rather than a radial. It appears on the Renault 12 Sedan, Renault 12 Wagon, and Renault 17 TL as the traditional bias-ply fitment paired with those models' 13-inch wheel setup.

That matters because a buyer choosing 560-13 is usually deciding to keep a more vintage construction and appearance, often with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling. If the goal is radial road manners instead, the radial-equivalent options should be reviewed carefully. Wheel width, overall tire dimensions, and body or steering clearance still need to be checked before moving away from the original bias-ply format.

For 560-13, the available radial equivalents are 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13. For 600-13, the available radial equivalents are 165R13, P165/75R13, and P175/70R13. In each case, the first option is an 80-series metric radial, followed by a 75-series P-metric radial and then a 70-series P-metric radial.

Those equivalents give a useful range of radial formats, but they should be treated as alternatives rather than automatic substitutions. Both bias-ply sizes carry a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches for equivalent comparison, and the actual car still needs to be checked for wheel width, tire clearance, and overall fit on the specific Renault sub-model.

A 1977 Renault that starts with 560-13 or 600-13 bias-ply fitment can be evaluated against radial equivalents, but the conversion begins with the exact sub-model and wheel setup. The key checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, the equivalent size being considered, and whether the car uses the smaller 560-13 family or the larger 600-13 family.

After that, compare the radial's fit on the actual wheel and inspect for clearance at the fenders, steering stops, and suspension travel. An older Renault may also have replacement wheels, alignment changes, or worn suspension parts that affect how a different construction behaves. A conversion makes the most sense when the owner wants radial sizing options and has verified the car's hardware first.

Start with the exact sub-model, because the 1977 Renault does not use one universal tire size. The right choice may be a 145R13, 155R13, or 165R13 radial, or a 560-13 or 600-13 bias-ply, depending on the specific Renault configuration and whether the car is meant to keep a traditional look or a period European radial setup.

Once the size is confirmed, compare construction, wheel-width compatibility, sidewall style, and the character of the available tire series. A blackwall radial gives a different visual result than a narrow whitewall or wide whitewall bias-ply. Buyers should also think about how the car is used, since occasional show driving and regular road use can lead to different priorities.

Sidewall choice depends on size and construction. The radial sizes offered for the 1977 Renault are blackwall tires, while the bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 600-13 are available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall treatments in the applicable classic-series products.

That difference has a strong effect on appearance, especially on a small European car where the sidewall is visually prominent. A blackwall radial keeps a more understated period-European look, while whitewall bias-ply tires create a more traditional presentation. The right choice depends on the sub-model, the correct tire size, and whether the car is being styled more for preservation, restoration, or general vintage use.

The 1977 Renault has tire options from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone, depending on the size being used. Michelin and Dunlop cover several of the radial fitments, while BFGoodrich and Firestone appear in the bias-ply offerings, and Firestone also appears in the 145R13 radial category.

Brand choice should come after size and construction are settled, not before. Some sizes have a broader mix of brands and series than others, and the available sidewall styles also change with the tire category. Once the correct size is established for the sub-model, it becomes easier to compare the visual style, rim-width specification, and overall character of the available products.

A period-style 1977 Renault starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model, then moves to the construction that best matches the intended presentation. The shared Renault 12 and 17 TL fitment can be approached with either 560-13 bias-ply or 155R13 radial, the 17 Gordini with 600-13 or 165R13, and the 5 Le Car with 145R13 radial.

Bias-ply tires usually create a more traditional visual impression, especially when whitewall treatments are part of the available options, while blackwall radials preserve a more European late-1970s look. If exact originality matters, the final decision should be cross-checked against marque references, surviving-car evidence, or restoration documentation rather than assuming any one brand or sidewall style is automatically correct.

Tire construction changes more than ride and handling; it also changes how a restored 1977 Renault looks at the curb. A numeric bias-ply size such as 560-13 or 600-13 gives the car a more traditional vintage presentation, especially when paired with narrow whitewall or wide whitewall styling, while the radial options are offered as blackwalls with a more restrained European appearance.

That visual difference can be especially noticeable on compact cars with relatively small 13-inch wheels. The right choice depends on whether the car is being restored toward a conservative roadgoing look, a more traditional collector-car style, or a period-inspired European presentation. Matching the correct size to the correct sub-model still comes first, because appearance only works when the underlying fitment is right.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1977 Renault even when the nominal wheel diameter remains 13 inches. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, lowering, or body repairs can all change how a 145R13, 155R13, 165R13, 560-13, or 600-13 tire sits in the wheel opening.

That is why an owner should inspect the actual car rather than relying only on year and model identity. A sub-model that originally used one of these sizes may now have different wheels or altered clearances. Before choosing a tire, confirm wheel width, look for rubbing points at steering lock, and check that the suspension and alignment are in sound condition for the intended tire construction.

Before driving a 1977 Renault on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the chosen tire size matches the exact sub-model, and look over the valve stems, wheel hardware, and general mounting surfaces. It also helps to confirm that the car's steering and suspension components are in serviceable condition before putting fresh tires into use.

A short test for clearance is important on older cars, especially if the Renault has had wheel changes, brake work, or suspension repairs over time. Check for interference at full steering lock and through normal suspension movement. After the first drives, recheck air pressure and watch for uneven wear or rubbing marks, since those signs often reveal a setup problem early.

Tires on a collector 1977 Renault should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Whether the car uses radial or bias-ply tires, owners should look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and slow air loss, especially on a vehicle that spends long periods parked between drives.

Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a lightly used collector car. Keeping the Renault away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the tire casing and sidewall. It is also smart to inspect the tires before any longer outing, because an older collector vehicle can show tire problems from time and storage rather than from daily road use.