The 1981 Renault R18i came from an era when imported family cars were expected to deliver practicality, compact dimensions, and efficient road manners rather than excess bulk. In sedan and wagon form, the R18i reflects that European approach, and its tire fitment follows suit with 13-inch radial sizing. This model uses two primary radial sizes, 155R13 and 175/70R13, so the key decision is not bias-ply versus radial, but which of those 13-inch radial formats best matches the wheel setup on the car. Available choices lean toward blackwall European-style tires, with distinct series from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon that suit both preservation-minded ownership and regular road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1981 Renault R18i
The 1981 Renault R18i uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires for 13-inch wheels. Because every covered sub-model shares these same sizes, the first step is confirming which 13-inch wheel and tire setup is actually on the car, then choosing between the narrower Euro-metric 155R13 format and the lower-profile 175/70R13 metric radial option.
Fit(s): Deluxe Sedan, Deluxe Wagon, Sedan, and Wagon
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated, and it is commonly treated as an 80-series style radial. For the 1981 Renault R18i, this size supports a traditional European tire presentation, with blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop in established road-oriented series. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining a more original-looking narrow radial footprint on a 13-inch wheel.
Fit(s): Deluxe Sedan, Deluxe Wagon, Sedan, and Wagon
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size where 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter. That makes it a more explicitly modern metric sizing format than 155R13, while still staying within the Renault R18i's 13-inch wheel diameter. In this size, the available choice centers on the Avon CR6ZZ blackwall series. It is the size to review when the car already wears a 175/70R13 setup or when comparing a lower-profile 13-inch radial format against the narrower Euro-metric alternative.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1981 Renault R18i sub-models because each one uses the same two radial tire sizes. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm whether the car is a sedan or wagon, but the bigger fitment question is verifying which 13-inch wheel and tire combination is currently installed.
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1981 Renault R18i Deluxe Sedan
The 1981 Renault R18i Deluxe Sedan uses the same two primary radial tire sizes found across the rest of the covered lineup. That means tire selection centers on confirming whether the car is set up for 155R13 or 175/70R13, then choosing the right blackwall tire series for its current wheel and intended use.
The 1981 Renault R18i Deluxe Wagon shares the same 13-inch radial fitment choices as the other covered R18i versions. The practical step is making sure the wagon still has the wheel and tire setup you expect, then comparing the available radial options within the matching size.
The 1981 Renault R18i Sedan follows the same tire-fitment pattern as the other covered sub-models, using either 155R13 or 175/70R13 radials. Tire choice comes down to the actual wheel-and-tire package on the car and whether the goal is a narrow Euro-style presentation or a more modern metric profile.
The 1981 Renault R18i Wagon uses the same pair of radial tire sizes as the sedan and deluxe versions. That keeps the fitment decision simple: confirm which 13-inch size is on the wagon now, then compare available blackwall tires by series, construction details, and wheel compatibility.
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 Renault R18i Tires for Sale
Available 1981 Renault R18i tire choices focus on 13-inch blackwall radials from Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon. The product grid lets you compare distinct series across both primary sizes, including traditional Euro-style 155R13 options and the 175/70R13 alternative.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1981 Renault R18i, how the 13-inch radial fitments relate to each sub-model, and what to check when choosing tires for appearance, wheel compatibility, and regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1981 Renault R18i?
The 1981 Renault R18i uses two primary radial tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. Both sizes are built for 13-inch wheels, and both appear across the covered sedan and wagon sub-models, including Deluxe versions.
That means the main fitment step is confirming which wheel-and-tire setup is actually on your car now. A surviving R18i may have been changed over the years, so check the current wheel diameter and the size already fitted before choosing between the narrower Euro-metric 155R13 and the 175/70R13 metric radial format.
What size rim does a 1981 Renault R18i use?
The 1981 Renault R18i uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 155R13 or 175/70R13, the wheel diameter remains the same, so the tire must match a 13-inch wheel.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially if the car has replacement wheels, so it is smart to verify both diameter and width before selecting a tire. Matching the size on the sidewall to the wheel already on the car helps avoid confusion between the two available radial formats.
Do all 1981 Renault R18i sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes, the covered 1981 Renault R18i sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes: 155R13 and 175/70R13. That applies across the Sedan, Wagon, Deluxe Sedan, and Deluxe Wagon versions, all using radial construction on 13-inch wheels.
Because the sub-model fitment stays consistent, the real question is which of the two approved sizes matches the wheels currently on your car. Sedan versus wagon does not change that basic choice here, but an older vehicle may have had wheels or tires changed, so a quick hands-on check is still worthwhile before ordering replacements.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155R13 or 175/70R13 tire for a 1981 Renault R18i?
Start with the size that is already appropriate for the wheel setup on your 1981 Renault R18i. The two primary choices are 155R13, a Euro-metric radial format with a traditional narrow profile, and 175/70R13, a metric radial with a stated 70-series aspect ratio.
After confirming size, compare the tire's intended character, series, and wheel compatibility. A preservation-minded owner may prefer the look of a narrow European-style radial, while another car may already be set up around 175/70R13. Choosing the correct size first keeps brand and series comparisons useful rather than leading to a mismatch at the wheel.
What sidewall styles are available for 1981 Renault R18i tires?
The available tire choices for the 1981 Renault R18i use blackwall sidewalls. That applies across the current options in both 155R13 and 175/70R13, so the visual presentation stays clean and understated rather than adding whitewall or raised-letter styling.
For a car like the R18i, that blackwall appearance suits the practical European character of the vehicle and keeps attention on the proper size and series. Since there is no sidewall-style split in these choices, the better comparison points become the tire size itself, the brand, and the overall style of the tread and casing design.
What brands offer tires for the 1981 Renault R18i?
Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon all offer applicable tires for the 1981 Renault R18i. The 155R13 size is available from Michelin and Dunlop, while 175/70R13 is represented by Avon, giving the car a mix of recognizable European-oriented tire choices.
Brand choice should come after confirming the correct tire size for the wheels on the car. Once that is settled, compare the available series within that size and decide whether your priorities lean toward a traditional European look, a particular tread style, or simply matching the overall presentation you want from the finished car.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1981 Renault R18i?
A period-style 1981 Renault R18i usually starts with the correct primary size for the wheel setup already on the car, then narrows the choice by overall presentation. In many cases, 155R13 gives a traditional Euro-metric look, while 175/70R13 reflects a more explicit modern metric format within the same 13-inch rim diameter.
Blackwall sidewalls suit the available choices and keep the appearance aligned with the R18i's practical early-1980s character. Exact originality can depend on the specific car and how it was delivered, so owners pursuing a highly accurate restoration should compare the tire size on the vehicle with period references, marque literature, or model-specific historical documentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1981 Renault R18i restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1981 Renault R18i restoration because tire size affects both the stance of the car and the overall visual balance around its 13-inch wheels. Using one of the proper primary sizes, 155R13 or 175/70R13, keeps the restoration grounded in an appropriate radial fitment.
Appearance is only part of the decision. Tire width, wheel width, and the car's current setup all influence how authentic and settled the finished vehicle looks once it is back on the road. A well-chosen tire supports the restoration visually without forcing a size that does not suit the wheels currently fitted to the car.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1981 Renault R18i?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1981 Renault R18i even though the primary tire sizes remain 155R13 and 175/70R13. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension work, or body clearance differences can shift which tire setup is practical on the car.
A replacement tire should be matched to the wheel and chassis actually in use, not just the model name on the title. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at the fender and steering points is especially important on an older vehicle, since many have been updated or repaired over time with non-original parts.
What should I inspect before driving a 1981 Renault R18i on new tires?
Before driving a 1981 Renault R18i on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the mounted tire size, and make sure the tires seat properly and hold pressure. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and any visible signs of rubbing at the suspension or body.
An older car deserves a broader pre-drive check than tire size alone. Steering components, shocks, bushings, and alignment condition can all influence how the car behaves once the new tires are installed. A short local test drive followed by another look for scuffing or uneven contact is a smart way to catch fitment issues early.
How should 155R13 and 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1981 Renault R18i be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1981 Renault R18i should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age-related deterioration as well as tread wear. Both 155R13 and 175/70R13 radials benefit from being kept clean, properly inflated, and protected from long periods of disuse on poor surfaces.
Collector cars often age their tires before they wear them out, so look for cracking, bulges, flat spotting, cuts, and slow air loss even when mileage is low. Storage conditions matter too. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment can help preserve the sidewalls and overall casing condition.
