The 1981 Plymouth Reliant arrived at the start of Chrysler's K-car era, when practical packaging, front-wheel-drive efficiency, and clean early-1980s styling mattered more than excess. For many owners today, that makes the Reliant less about nostalgia alone and more about preserving a milestone in everyday American automotive history. Tire fitment on the 1981 Plymouth Reliant centers on three radial sizes: 175/75R13, 185/70R13, and 185/65R14, with size choice tied to wheel diameter and sub-model configuration. Available 185/70R13 options add meaningful variety through blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles across several tire series. The right choice comes down to confirming the exact setup, then balancing appearance, road use, and proper wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Plymouth Reliant
The 1981 Plymouth Reliant uses three primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes mount on 13-inch rims, while one uses a 14-inch rim, so the first step is confirming both the specific Reliant trim and the wheels currently on the car. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right radial style and product character within the correct size.
175/75R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 75 is the aspect ratio, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Its radial construction matches the 1981 Plymouth Reliant's modern fitment era and suits owners who want to stay with the car's original sizing approach rather than move to a different wheel diameter. This size is one of the shared Reliant fitments across multiple sub-models. It is the right place to start when the car retains a 13-inch wheel setup and the goal is preserving the intended overall tire profile.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1981 Plymouth Reliant, this size is one of the main 13-inch radial fitments and has the broadest visible product variety, including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein choices. Available sidewall treatments include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, along with series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, SP Sport Aquajet, Michelin XDX-B, and Sprint Classic. This size deserves close attention when appearance and tire character matter as much as basic fitment.
185/65R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, and a 14-inch wheel diameter. Its radial construction keeps it within the same general fitment family as the Reliant's other sizes, but the 14-inch rim requirement makes wheel confirmation essential before any selection is made. This size applies only to certain 1981 Plymouth Reliant configurations rather than the full model range. It becomes the relevant choice when the car is equipped with the corresponding 14-inch wheel setup and the owner wants to stay with that specific factory-era diameter.
Sub-model fitment on the 1981 Plymouth Reliant is not completely uniform, because wheel and tire choices vary across the Base, Custom, and SE. Checking the exact trim matters before choosing a tire, especially since the SE can use a 14-inch size that does not share the same rim diameter as the 13-inch fitments.
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1981 Plymouth Reliant Base
The 1981 Plymouth Reliant Base uses 13-inch radial tire fitments rather than the 14-inch option seen elsewhere in the range. That makes wheel confirmation fairly straightforward, and the main decision becomes selecting the right 13-inch size and then choosing the appearance and tire series that suit the car.
The 1981 Plymouth Reliant Custom shares the same 13-inch radial fitment pattern as the Base model. Tire selection starts with confirming which of the two 13-inch sizes is on the car now, then comparing available product styles if a restoration-minded look or a more understated blackwall presentation is preferred.
The 1981 Plymouth Reliant SE has the widest fitment spread, using the two 13-inch radial sizes as well as a 14-inch radial option. That means the owner should confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car before narrowing the search, especially if the goal is to keep the existing setup rather than change wheels.
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 Plymouth Reliant Tires for Sale
Available 185/70R13 tires give the 1981 Plymouth Reliant the widest comparison range, with BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein offerings. Buyers can compare blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles across several radial series, along with rim-width ranges and other product-specific details.
Common 1981 Plymouth Reliant tire questions usually center on identifying the correct size by sub-model and wheel diameter, then comparing radial choices by appearance, series, and intended use. Owners also tend to ask about wheel changes, inspection, and what to verify before putting a collector-era Reliant back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Plymouth Reliant?
A 1981 Plymouth Reliant can use 175/75R13, 185/70R13, or 185/65R14, depending on the specific sub-model and wheel setup. The Base and Custom use the two 13-inch radial sizes, while the SE can also use the 14-inch 185/65R14 size.
That means the correct starting point is not the model name alone, but the actual trim and wheel diameter on the car. A 13-inch Reliant should stay within the 13-inch fitment group, and a 14-inch SE setup needs the matching 14-inch size. Cars that have had wheel changes over the years should be measured before replacement tires are chosen.
What size rim does a 1981 Plymouth Reliant use?
The 1981 Plymouth Reliant uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on which tire size applies. Both 175/75R13 and 185/70R13 are 13-inch fitments, while 185/65R14 is the 14-inch fitment used on certain configurations.
Rim diameter is the first thing to confirm because a 13-inch tire cannot mount on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is equally true. It also helps to check actual wheel width when comparing tire options, especially on older cars that may no longer wear their original wheels. Using the right diameter narrows the search quickly and avoids ordering the wrong tire family.
Do all 1981 Plymouth Reliant sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1981 Plymouth Reliant Base and Custom use 175/75R13 and 185/70R13, while the SE can use those same 13-inch sizes plus 185/65R14. The full Reliant line therefore does not share one universal tire size.
Sub-model identification matters most when an SE is involved, because that is where the 14-inch fitment enters the picture. On any Reliant, the safest next step is to confirm the trim badge, then verify the wheel diameter actually on the car today. That is especially important on surviving examples that may have received replacement wheels or later tire changes during regular service.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1981 Plymouth Reliant?
Start with the basics: 185/70R13 must match a 13-inch wheel and the car's actual fitment. From there, the main considerations are sidewall appearance, tire series, rim-width compatibility, and how the car will be used, whether as a preserved driver, a restoration-minded cruiser, or an occasional show car.
This size offers meaningful variety, so the choice is less about finding any tire and more about selecting the one that suits the car's presentation. A blackwall can keep the look understated, while redline or wide whitewall versions change the car's visual character. Comparing rim-width ranges and load figures where shown helps narrow the choices to the most appropriate setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1981 Plymouth Reliant tires?
In 185/70R13, sidewall choices include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. Those styles give the 1981 Plymouth Reliant a noticeably different visual effect even when the tire size remains the same, from a more restrained driver look to a stronger period-style statement.
Appearance should be balanced with the rest of the car rather than chosen in isolation. A preserved original-looking Reliant may suit a simpler blackwall, while a restoration-oriented car might call for a more distinctive sidewall treatment. Since sidewall style does not change the wheel diameter requirement, the practical step is still confirming the correct 13-inch fitment first and then choosing the presentation that matches the build.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Plymouth Reliant?
Available 185/70R13 tires for the 1981 Plymouth Reliant come from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands appear across several radial series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, Michelin XDX-B, and Sprint Classic.
Brand choice is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare the tire series, sidewall treatment, rim-width range where stated, and the overall visual character each tire brings to the car. A buyer focused on period-style appearance may land on a different option than someone who wants a clean blackwall presentation, even though both remain within the same 185/70R13 fitment.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Plymouth Reliant?
A period-style 1981 Plymouth Reliant should start with the correct size for the car's actual setup, then narrow the choice by sidewall appearance and tire series. In 185/70R13, that can mean comparing blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall presentations rather than treating every radial option as visually interchangeable.
The most convincing result usually comes from matching the tire's look to the way the car is being restored or preserved. A plain blackwall tends to keep the Reliant understated, while redline or wide whitewall options create a more deliberate visual statement. When exact originality matters, marque literature, period photos, and surviving vehicle records are worth checking before finalizing the sidewall style.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1981 Plymouth Reliant restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1981 Plymouth Reliant restoration because wheel diameter and overall tire presentation have a strong effect on how the car sits and looks. Using the proper 13-inch or 14-inch fitment family is just as important as choosing a sidewall style that suits the restoration goal.
A mismatched tire size can alter the visual balance of the car and complicate replacement decisions later. It also makes judging appearance more difficult when comparing restored examples. Even on a driver-quality project, confirming the exact sub-model and measuring the wheels already on the car helps keep the finished Reliant closer to its intended stance and more coherent in overall presentation.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Plymouth Reliant?
Yes. A 1981 Plymouth Reliant may no longer have its original wheel and tire setup, and changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or ride-height changes can affect which tire size is appropriate. That matters even more here because the Reliant uses both 13-inch and 14-inch fitment families.
The practical check is to measure what is actually on the car before choosing replacement tires. Wheel diameter comes first, then width and visible clearance at the fenders and steering components. A Reliant that has been lowered or fitted with different wheels should be evaluated carefully so the selected tire matches the current setup rather than assumptions about how the car left the showroom.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Plymouth Reliant on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Plymouth Reliant on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the lug hardware is correct, and check that the tires are mounted in the proper size for the car's wheel diameter. It is also smart to look at alignment condition, brake function, and basic steering and suspension health.
A collector-era car that has been parked for long periods deserves an extra walk-around before road use. Look for rubbing at full steering lock, verify air pressure after installation, and keep an eye out for vibration or pulling on the first drive. Those checks help separate a normal tire replacement from a broader chassis issue that could affect wear or drivability.
How should tires on a collector 1981 Plymouth Reliant be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1981 Plymouth Reliant should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long periods of sun, heat, moisture, and ozone exposure. Even a lightly used car can age its tires before it ever wears them out.
Routine checks matter more on a low-mileage Reliant than many owners expect. Air loss can go unnoticed during storage, and an older tire can look acceptable at a glance while still deserving closer inspection. Rolling the car occasionally, keeping the wheels clean, and checking condition before longer drives helps preserve both the tires and the confidence to use the car on the road.
