The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal arrived during a period when compact front-wheel-drive American cars were leaning toward a cleaner, more modern driving feel without abandoning Buick’s traditional emphasis on comfort and presentation. For today’s owner, that means tire choice is less about converting from an older construction and more about matching the car’s exact 13-inch radial fitment. The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal uses either 185/80R13 or 205/70R13, depending on sub-model and wheel setup. Available choices range from blackwall to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs, with distinct brand and tire-series differences. The right selection depends on whether the goal is road-ready drivability, a more traditional appearance, or staying faithful to the car’s original era character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal
The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires built for 13-inch rims. The first step is confirming the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car, because the Limited uses 205/70R13 while the Base can use either size. Once that is settled, the real choice becomes tire appearance, brand, and how closely the finished look matches the character of the car.
185/80R13 is a metric radial size: 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal, this size suits owners who want a taller-profile 13-inch radial presentation in the correct fitment family for the Base sub-model. Available choices include Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Coker Classic options, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across several tire series. It is a strong size to consider when period-style appearance matters as much as everyday road use.
205/70R13 is also a metric radial size, using a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal, this size is the fitment shared by the Limited and also used on some Base cars, so it is important to confirm the exact sub-model and wheel setup before choosing. The available product in this size is a Michelin XDX-B blackwall radial. This size is the one to evaluate when the car is equipped for the broader 205-series fitment rather than the taller 185/80R13 alternative.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal because the covered versions do not all use the same tire size. The Base can use either of the two 13-inch radial sizes, while the Limited centers the decision on one specific fitment.
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1985 Buick Somerset Regal Base
The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal Base can use either 185/80R13 or 205/70R13, both in radial construction on 13-inch rims. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and it also gives more flexibility to choose between a traditional whitewall presentation and a more modern blackwall look.
The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal Limited uses 205/70R13 radial tires. Tire selection for this sub-model is therefore less about choosing between primary sizes and more about confirming the car still has the proper 13-inch wheel setup for that fitment.
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 1985 Buick Somerset Regal Tires for Sale
Available 1985 Buick Somerset Regal tires cover both primary 13-inch radial sizes, with choices from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Michelin. The main points of comparison are whitewall versus blackwall styling, tire series, and rim-width compatibility within each size.
Owners usually want to sort out the correct 13-inch tire size first, then compare sidewall style, brand, and sub-model fitment. These FAQs also cover wheel confirmation, appearance choices, and the inspections worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal?
The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal uses two primary tire sizes: 185/80R13 and 205/70R13. Both are radial tires for 13-inch rims. The Base sub-model can use either size, while the Limited uses 205/70R13.
That means the correct starting point is identifying the exact sub-model and confirming which wheels are on the car today. A Somerset Regal that has had wheel changes over the years may no longer match its original setup, so checking the current rim diameter and width before selecting a tire helps avoid choosing the right size for the wrong wheel.
What size rim does a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal use?
The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes. Whether the car is fitted with 185/80R13 or 205/70R13, the wheel diameter remains the same.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, so it is still wise to verify the actual wheel width before choosing among available tires. The Base sub-model can appear with either primary size, and a car with replacement wheels may need a closer look at wheel dimensions to make sure the selected tire matches the current setup.
Do all 1985 Buick Somerset Regal sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1985 Buick Somerset Regal Base can use 185/80R13 or 205/70R13, while the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal Limited uses 205/70R13. All of these are 13-inch radial fitments, but the primary tire size is not the same across every sub-model.
That distinction matters because a buyer looking at tires by year, make, and model still needs to confirm the exact version of the car. It also affects appearance and selection range, since 185/80R13 has whitewall options while the available 205/70R13 offering is a blackwall radial.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 185/80R13 or 205/70R13, both on 13-inch rims. From there, the decision usually comes down to the car’s current wheel setup, the intended look, and whether the owner wants a whitewall or blackwall presentation.
The 185/80R13 fitment offers more visible variety, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles from multiple brands and tire series. The 205/70R13 option is more focused, so the right choice is often guided by sub-model fitment first and appearance second, with rim-width compatibility checked before final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Buick Somerset Regal tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size. The 185/80R13 fitment offers the broadest appearance range, while the available 205/70R13 option is a blackwall radial.
That gives the owner a meaningful styling decision even when staying within the proper fitment family. A whitewall can complement the car’s mid-1980s Buick character in a more traditional way, while a blackwall tends to create a cleaner and more understated look. The first step is still making sure the chosen sidewall style is available in the size the car actually uses.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal?
Tires for the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Michelin. Brand choice depends partly on size, since 185/80R13 has several brand options while 205/70R13 is represented by a Michelin radial.
The practical comparison is not just the brand name but also the tire series, sidewall styling, and wheel compatibility within the selected size. A buyer choosing 185/80R13 can compare multiple whitewall-oriented options, while someone shopping 205/70R13 should focus on confirming that the car’s wheels and fitment match that specific radial setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Buick Somerset Regal?
For a period-style 1985 Buick Somerset Regal, the starting point is the correct primary size for the car’s sub-model and wheel setup. Within that fitment, 185/80R13 gives the broadest appearance choices, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radials that suit a restoration-oriented presentation.
A buyer aiming for the car’s original-era feel should focus on size first, then sidewall treatment and overall visual character. Exact originality can vary by how the car was equipped when new, so owners pursuing a highly detailed restoration should compare the finished tire appearance with vehicle-specific historical references before making the final call.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1985 Buick Somerset Regal?
On the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction question is less about switching from an earlier tire type and more about choosing the right radial in the right visual style. Appearance differences come mainly from size profile and sidewall design.
That makes whitewall versus blackwall a major styling decision on a restored car. A wide whitewall or narrow whitewall can give the Somerset Regal a more formal, traditional presentation, while a blackwall keeps the look cleaner and more restrained. Matching the tire’s profile and sidewall style to the car’s trim and stance usually matters as much as the brand name.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal?
Yes. Even though the 1985 Buick Somerset Regal uses 13-inch radial tire fitments, aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, or body modifications can alter what works on the car. A Base model is especially worth checking because it appears with two different primary tire sizes.
A Somerset Regal that has been lowered, fitted with different wheels, or altered for appearance may need more than a simple year-make-model tire lookup. Confirm the actual wheel diameter and width, then check clearance at the fenders and steering components before choosing between 185/80R13 and 205/70R13 or selecting a specific tire within those sizes.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the rim size matches the tire, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to check for obvious suspension or steering wear that could affect how a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal tracks on fresh tires.
A short test drive should be paired with a second look at tire clearance and any signs of rubbing, especially if the car has replacement wheels or has sat for long periods. Collector and low-use cars also deserve a careful inspection of brake condition, wheel hardware, and air retention before being put back into regular driving service.
How often should tires on a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal be inspected?
Tires on a 1985 Buick Somerset Regal should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look over the tread, sidewalls, and inflation condition before use rather than assuming a low-mileage tire is automatically road-ready.
A practical routine is to inspect the tires before longer drives and periodically during normal ownership for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or slow air loss. Storage conditions also matter on collector-era cars, so keeping the vehicle away from prolonged heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the tires between outings.
