The 1979 Dodge Omni arrived at a turning point for American small cars, bringing front-wheel-drive packaging and practical hatchback versatility into Chrysler showrooms. Today, that makes the early Omni an interesting survivor for owners who appreciate late-1970s economy-car design and want to keep the car looking and driving in character. Tire fitment centers on 13-inch radial sizes, with 155/80R13, 165/75R13, and 185/70R13 appearing across the covered hatchback configurations. That opens up meaningful choice in sidewall style and tire series, especially where blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline options are available. The key is matching the correct size to the exact body style and wheel setup before choosing the look and road manners you want.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Dodge Omni
Three primary tire sizes apply to the 1979 Dodge Omni, and the right one depends on the exact hatchback configuration. All of them are radial tires for 13-inch rims, but the covered sub-models do not share the same fitment pattern. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is a 2 Dr. Hatchback or 4 Dr. Hatchback, then verify the wheel setup on the car in case it has been changed over the years.
165/75R13 is a metric radial size in which 165 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1979 Dodge Omni, this size is one of the shared fitments that appears across more than one hatchback configuration, making it a common reference point when confirming replacement tires. The practical decision here is less about construction and more about matching the car's actual wheel and existing fitment. This size is worth close attention when the car still carries its 13-inch wheels but may not match the larger or taller alternatives used on other Omni sub-models.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1979 Dodge Omni, this is the widest of the primary sizes shown and it is associated with the 2 Dr. Hatchback fitment group rather than the full range of covered sub-models. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline presentations depending on the tire series. It is the size to evaluate carefully when appearance, rim-width compatibility, and the car's current wheel setup all matter to the final selection.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size where 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, and 13 is the wheel diameter. On the 1979 Dodge Omni, this size appears with the 4 Dr. Hatchback fitment group and should not be treated as universal across every Omni configuration. Product choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles available for owners who want a more traditional small-car appearance. This size makes the most sense when the car still uses the wheel and fitment combination associated with the narrower 13-inch radial setup.
Sub-model identification matters on the 1979 Dodge Omni because the covered hatchback versions do not all use the same tire-size combinations. Once the exact body style is confirmed, tire selection becomes much more straightforward within the correct 13-inch radial fitment.
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1979 Dodge Omni 2 Dr. Hatchback
The 1979 Dodge Omni 2 Dr. Hatchback uses a two-size radial fitment pattern that includes the shared mid-size option and the wider 185/70R13 choice. That means the buyer should confirm which wheel and tire setup is actually on the car before choosing among blackwall, whitewall, or redline product options.
The 1979 Dodge Omni 4 Dr. Hatchback uses a narrower radial fitment pattern that includes 155/80R13 along with the shared 165/75R13 size. Tire selection here is usually about confirming which of those two 13-inch combinations the car carries, then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit the intended look and use.
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 1979 Dodge Omni Tires for Sale
Available 1979 Dodge Omni tires center on 155/80R13 and 185/70R13 radial options from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Maxxis, Tornel, Travelstar, and Vredestein. Choices vary by tire series, blackwall or whitewall styling, redline presentation, and rim-width compatibility.
These 1979 Dodge Omni tire FAQs focus on the sizes used by the 2 Dr. and 4 Dr. Hatchback models, along with rim fitment, sidewall choices, restoration-minded appearance, and the checks worth making before putting a surviving Omni back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Dodge Omni?
The 1979 Dodge Omni uses three primary radial tire sizes: 155/80R13, 165/75R13, and 185/70R13. The correct one depends on the exact hatchback configuration, since the 2 Dr. Hatchback and 4 Dr. Hatchback do not share the same full set of fitments.
That means the first step is confirming the body style and then checking the wheels currently on the car. Many surviving economy cars have seen replacement wheels or tire changes over time, so the safest approach is to match the tire size to the actual 13-inch wheel setup and the fitment used by that specific Omni sub-model.
What size rim does a 1979 Dodge Omni use?
The covered 1979 Dodge Omni tire sizes all use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to 155/80R13, 165/75R13, and 185/70R13, so wheel diameter stays consistent even though the tire widths and profiles vary by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it still helps to verify wheel width before choosing a tire, especially when comparing available products with published rim-width ranges. A 13-inch wheel can still differ in width or design, and that can influence which Omni tire choice makes the most sense for the car.
Do all 1979 Dodge Omni sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1979 Dodge Omni 2 Dr. Hatchback uses 165/75R13 and 185/70R13, while the 4 Dr. Hatchback uses 155/80R13 and 165/75R13. The 165/75R13 size is shared, but the other primary size differs between the two body styles.
That shared middle size can make an Omni seem simpler than it really is, especially if the car has changed hands several times. Checking the exact sub-model and the wheel-and-tire setup currently installed will help prevent choosing a narrower or wider fitment that belongs to a different covered hatchback configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1979 Dodge Omni tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1979 Dodge Omni sub-model, then look at the tire's construction, sidewall style, and rim-width suitability. Since these Omni fitments are all radial 13-inch tires, the real differences come from size selection, appearance, and how each product matches the wheel already on the car.
A buyer restoring a period-looking hatchback may care more about whitewall or redline presentation, while another owner may want a straightforward blackwall radial for general road use. It also helps to compare load figures and wheel-width ranges where they are published, especially when the car no longer wears its original-style wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Dodge Omni tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1979 Dodge Omni include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. The broadest visible variety appears in the available 155/80R13 and 185/70R13 products, where appearance can change the character of the car as much as the brand or series does.
That makes sidewall selection an appearance decision as well as a fitment one. A blackwall keeps the look simple and understated, while whitewall and redline options lean more toward a vintage presentation. The key is making sure the preferred sidewall treatment is offered in the exact size that belongs on that particular Omni configuration.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Dodge Omni?
Available 1979 Dodge Omni tires come from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, Travelstar, Maxxis, and Tornel, depending on size. The 185/70R13 selection includes several performance-leaning and classic-style radial series, while 155/80R13 includes a mix of whitewall-oriented options from multiple brands.
Brand choice should come after size and wheel confirmation, not before. Once the correct fitment is settled, compare each brand's sidewall treatment, published rim-width range when available, and the overall look you want on the car. That approach keeps the decision centered on the Omni's actual setup instead of picking by name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Dodge Omni?
A period-style 1979 Dodge Omni tire starts with using the correct radial size for the exact hatchback configuration, then choosing a sidewall treatment that suits the car's presentation. On this page, that can mean a simple blackwall, a narrow or wide whitewall, or even a redline depending on the size being fitted.
For a restoration-minded Omni, appearance matters almost as much as the raw size because these cars have a distinctly late-1970s compact-car character. Exact originality claims should be checked against marque references or period documentation, but using the right size and a visually appropriate sidewall is the best starting point for a convincing result.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Dodge Omni?
On the 1979 Dodge Omni, the primary fitments are radial tires, so construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision. The more visible differences come from the size itself and from sidewall styling, such as blackwall, whitewall, or redline treatments within the available product range.
That keeps a restoration-oriented decision focused on profile and presentation rather than on switching construction types. A narrow whitewall can give the Omni a more upscale period flavor, while a blackwall keeps the look more utilitarian. Matching the correct size to the body style still matters, since the wrong fitment can alter the car's stance and visual balance.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Dodge Omni?
Yes. Even though the 1979 Dodge Omni uses 13-inch radial fitments, aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body modifications can alter which tire size works on the car now. That matters most when choosing between the narrower 155/80R13, the shared 165/75R13, and the wider 185/70R13 fitments.
An Omni that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or repaired with replacement body parts may have tighter clearance than expected. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and space at the fenders before mounting tires helps avoid surprises, especially when the car no longer matches a stock-style wheel-and-suspension setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Dodge Omni on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car's actual setup, and make sure each tire is mounted on the correct 13-inch rim. It is also wise to check valve stems, wheel fasteners, and inflation pressure so the tire installation starts from a solid baseline.
A surviving 1979 Dodge Omni may have spent long periods parked, so the rest of the car deserves attention too. Look over steering components, suspension wear, brake condition, and any sign of rubbing at full lock or over bumps. A fresh set of tires works best when the rest of the chassis is ready for road use as well.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Dodge Omni be maintained?
Collector-car tire maintenance for a 1979 Dodge Omni starts with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and watching for cracking, bulges, cuts, or uneven wear. Because these cars are often driven less than modern daily transportation, tire condition and age can matter as much as remaining tread depth.
Storage habits make a difference on low-use vehicles. Keeping the Omni away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve the tires, and occasional movement helps avoid long-term flat spotting. It also pays to inspect the tires before each outing rather than assuming they are ready simply because the car was fine last season.
