The 1981 Dodge Colt reflects the era when compact imports sold through American nameplates were valued for economy, tidy dimensions, and everyday practicality. That makes tire choice on this car less about excess and more about getting the size, profile, and overall character right for the way the Colt sits and drives. The 1981 Dodge Colt uses 13-inch radial tire fitments, with both 155R13 and 175/70R13 appearing across the model line. Available choices stay focused and purposeful, with blackwall radial options from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon in distinct tire series. For a stock-style car, the key is confirming which of the two radial sizes matches the wheel setup before choosing by series and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Dodge Colt
The 1981 Dodge Colt uses two primary tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. Both are radial fitments on 13-inch rims, and both appear across the covered sub-models, so the first step is confirming which wheel and tire size your particular car is wearing now. Once that is settled, the real choice becomes selecting the right radial within that size and matching the tire's character to a stock-style driver, restoration-minded car, or more sporting setup.
Fit(s): Base, Custom, Custom w/aluminum wheels, and w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 155 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 13 indicating rim diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not written into the size, and it is commonly understood as an 80-series style radial. For the 1981 Dodge Colt, this size keeps to the car's smaller, traditional compact-car tire profile and is available in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop across the Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet series. It is the size to evaluate when preserving a narrow, period-style radial presentation on the correct 13-inch wheel.
Fit(s): Base, Custom, Custom w/aluminum wheels, and w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that spells out more of the tire's dimensions: 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter. On a 1981 Dodge Colt, this size represents a wider low-profile radial format than 155R13 while remaining on the same 13-inch wheel diameter. The available choice in this size is the Avon CR6ZZ, a blackwall radial series with its own character and rim-width specification. It is the size to consider after confirming that the car's wheel setup and intended look call for the wider metric fitment.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1981 Dodge Colt sub-models because each one uses the same two radial size options on 13-inch rims. Sub-model names still matter, but the more important check is confirming which of the two sizes is actually mounted on the car's current wheels.
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1981 Dodge Colt Base
The 1981 Dodge Colt Base uses the same two 13-inch radial tire sizes found across the rest of the covered lineup. Selection comes down to confirming whether the car is set up for 155R13 or 175/70R13, then choosing the tire series that best suits a stock-style presentation or a more performance-oriented look.
The 1981 Dodge Colt Custom shares the same two radial tire size choices as the other listed Colt versions. That keeps fitment simple, but it is still worth checking the wheel and current tire size before ordering so the final choice matches the car's stance, clearance, and intended use.
The 1981 Dodge Colt Custom w/aluminum wheels also falls within the same 13-inch radial fitment range used across the covered sub-models. Because wheel material does not by itself confirm tire size, the practical next step is checking whether the car is using 155R13 or 175/70R13 before comparing available blackwall radial options.
The 1981 Dodge Colt w/aluminum wheels uses the same pair of 13-inch radial tire sizes as the rest of the listed Colt sub-models. Tire selection is therefore more about verifying the exact size already on the car and choosing the right series within that fitment than about sub-model-specific differences.
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 1981 Dodge Colt Tires for Sale
Available 1981 Dodge Colt tire choices center on blackwall radial designs in 155R13 and 175/70R13. Buyers can compare Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon offerings by tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the goal is a narrower period-style fitment or a wider metric radial setup.
These 1981 Dodge Colt tire FAQs focus on the two 13-inch radial sizes, how they relate to the sub-models, and what to check when choosing tires for appearance, wheel fitment, and regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Dodge Colt?
The 1981 Dodge Colt uses two radial tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. Both sizes are tied to 13-inch rims, and both appear across the covered Colt sub-models, including Base, Custom, and the versions with aluminum wheels.
That means the main fitment question is not the trim name alone, but which of those two sizes is actually on the car. Checking the current tire sidewall and confirming the wheel setup will help you choose the correct replacement size before comparing brands, tire series, or the narrower versus wider visual profile.
What size rim does a 1981 Dodge Colt use?
The 1981 Dodge Colt uses a 13-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The two fitments associated with this car, 155R13 and 175/70R13, are both built around that same 13-inch wheel diameter.
Rim diameter is only part of the picture, so it still helps to verify the actual wheel width before choosing a tire. Some products include stated rim-width ranges, and that matters when comparing a narrower 155R13 against a wider 175/70R13 or when the car has had wheel changes during its life.
Do all 1981 Dodge Colt sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1981 Dodge Colt sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. That applies to the Base, Custom, Custom w/aluminum wheels, and Colt w/aluminum wheels configurations in this fitment group.
Even with shared fitment coverage, the car still needs to be checked for its actual wheel and tire setup. A Colt wearing 155R13 calls for a different replacement than one already set up with 175/70R13, so the safest approach is to confirm the size on the sidewall rather than relying on model name alone.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 tire for a 1981 Dodge Colt?
A 155R13 tire choice for a 1981 Dodge Colt starts with staying within the correct 13-inch radial size and then comparing the available tire series. In this fitment, blackwall options include Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, both aimed at buyers who want a narrow Euro-metric radial presentation.
After size is confirmed, compare details that affect how the tire suits the car, such as rim-width compatibility where stated, load specification where available, and the overall look you want. A stock-style Colt often benefits from the more traditional narrow appearance of 155R13, but wheel changes over the years should always be checked first.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Dodge Colt?
Tires for the 1981 Dodge Colt are available from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon across its covered fitments. Michelin and Dunlop appear in 155R13, while Avon appears in 175/70R13, giving the car brand coverage across both of its primary 13-inch radial sizes.
Brand choice should follow confirmed size rather than the other way around. Once the car's actual fitment is verified, compare the available series within that size and consider whether the priority is a narrower period-style compact-car look or the wider profile associated with the 175/70R13 metric radial option.
What tire series are available for the 1981 Dodge Colt?
The available tire series for the 1981 Dodge Colt include Michelin XAS-FF, Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet, and Avon CR6ZZ. Those series are spread across the car's two primary radial sizes, with Michelin and Dunlop covering 155R13 and Avon covering 175/70R13.
Series selection matters because it helps define the tire's visual character and intended use within the correct fitment. The first step is still choosing the proper size for the car's wheels, then using the series differences to narrow the decision between a more traditional narrow radial and a wider, lower-profile metric radial setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Dodge Colt?
For a period-style 1981 Dodge Colt, the best starting point is the tire size already appropriate to the car's wheel setup, either 155R13 or 175/70R13. The narrower 155R13 Euro-metric radial often delivers a more traditional compact-car presentation, while 175/70R13 gives a wider metric radial look on the same 13-inch rim diameter.
Appearance should be balanced against the car's actual wheel width and the way the car is being restored or driven. Buyers aiming for a historically believable result should confirm old photos, original paperwork, or marque-specific references when exact presentation matters, then choose the radial series that aligns with that direction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1981 Dodge Colt?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1981 Dodge Colt because both primary fitments are radial sizes. That means the visual differences come less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the sizing format itself, especially the narrower 155R13 compared with the wider 175/70R13 profile.
A restored Colt can change character noticeably depending on which of those two radial sizes is mounted. The smaller Euro-metric presentation tends to look more restrained and period-minded, while the wider metric size has a fuller stance, so wheel width and the overall restoration goal should guide the final choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Dodge Colt?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Dodge Colt even though the primary sizes are well defined. Wheel changes, altered offsets, suspension lowering, or bodywork repairs can all change how a 155R13 or 175/70R13 tire sits within the fender opening and around steering components.
A Colt that no longer has its original wheel setup should be measured before new tires are chosen. Confirm the actual rim diameter and width, then check clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel so the selected tire matches the car as it sits now, not simply how it left the showroom.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Dodge Colt on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Dodge Colt on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct 13-inch tire size, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the car is not introducing vibration, wander, or uneven contact from worn hardware.
A short test drive should be used to recheck air pressure, wheel fastener torque, and any signs of rubbing or unusual handling. Collector-era compacts that spend long periods parked also deserve a quick look for fluid leaks, dragging brakes, or alignment issues that could shorten tire life even when the tires themselves are new.
How should 155R13 and 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1981 Dodge Colt be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1981 Dodge Colt should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration as well as tread wear. Whether the car runs 155R13 or 175/70R13, look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss before the car is driven.
Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older compact that sees occasional use. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires, and periodic movement or careful support during long storage helps avoid flat spotting and other problems tied to inactivity.
