The 1985 Ford Tempo belongs to the wave of front-wheel-drive American sedans that brought more compact packaging and modern road manners to mainstream family transportation in the mid-1980s. For owners preserving one today, tire selection is less about vintage bias-ply authenticity and more about matching the correct radial size to the exact trim and wheel setup. The 1985 Ford Tempo uses either 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 radial tires, depending on sub-model. That creates a meaningful choice between traditional whitewall presentations in the 13-inch size and a broader mix of blackwall and whitewall touring-style options in the 14-inch size. The right decision starts with confirming trim level and rim diameter before comparing appearance and tire series.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Ford Tempo
The 1985 Ford Tempo uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Both are radial fitments, but one is built around a 13-inch rim and the other around a 14-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, the first step is confirming whether the car has the 13-inch or 14-inch wheel setup that matches its trim and current configuration.
A 175/80R13 tire uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1985 Ford Tempo, this size serves trims that use the smaller wheel package and keeps the fitment in a straightforward modern radial format. Available choices include Maxxis and BFGoodrich, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments for a more traditional sedan appearance. This size is the one to evaluate when the car retains its 13-inch wheels and the goal is to balance proper fitment with the preferred whitewall look.
A 185/70R14 tire has a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. For the 1985 Ford Tempo, this size belongs to trims using the 14-inch wheel package and opens up a wider range of product character than the 13-inch fitment. Choices in this size include blackwall touring and sport-classic styles from Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, along with a BFGoodrich wide whitewall option. It is the correct place to start when the car carries 14-inch wheels and appearance preference matters alongside size and rim compatibility.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1985 Ford Tempo because tire size changes with trim. Some versions use 13-inch wheels with 175/80R13 tires, while others use 14-inch wheels with 185/70R14, so identifying the exact sub-model helps narrow the correct tire and wheel combination before comparing products.
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1985 Ford Tempo Base
The 1985 Ford Tempo Base uses the 175/80R13 radial tire size on its 13-inch wheel setup. That makes the main decision less about alternate sizing and more about choosing between available whitewall presentations while staying with the proper rim diameter.
The 1985 Ford Tempo GL uses the 185/70R14 radial size with a 14-inch wheel. This opens the door to several blackwall tire series as well as a wide whitewall option, so selection comes down to preferred appearance and wheel compatibility within that size.
The 1985 Ford Tempo GLX also uses the 185/70R14 radial fitment on a 14-inch rim. Tire choice here centers on comparing the available series and sidewall styles while confirming that the car still carries the correct wheel diameter and width for this size.
The 1985 Ford Tempo LX uses the 175/80R13 radial size, matching the 13-inch wheel package. For this trim, the buying decision is primarily about selecting the preferred whitewall style and verifying that the wheel remains within the intended width range for the tire.
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 Ford Tempo Tires for Sale
Available 1985 Ford Tempo tires cover both primary sizes with radial options from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Buyers can compare wide whitewall, narrow whitewall, and blackwall styles across series such as Classic Whitewall MA-1, Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 1985 Ford Tempo, how trim level affects wheel and rim fitment, and how to compare sidewall style, brand, maintenance, and road-use considerations before putting the car back into service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Ford Tempo?
The 1985 Ford Tempo uses two tire sizes: 175/80R13 and 185/70R14. The correct size depends on the sub-model. Base and LX models use 175/80R13 radial tires, while GL and GLX models use 185/70R14 radial tires.
That means the first thing to verify is the exact trim level and the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Tempo that has had wheels changed over the years may no longer match its original trim-based setup, so checking the tire size already mounted, the wheel itself, and the vehicle configuration helps prevent ordering the wrong size.
What size rim does a 1985 Ford Tempo use?
A 1985 Ford Tempo uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 175/80R13 fitment is built around a 13-inch rim, and the 185/70R14 fitment is built around a 14-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the non-negotiable starting point because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel. It is also smart to confirm wheel width before making a final selection, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a replacement wheel from another Tempo trim.
Do all 1985 Ford Tempo sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 1985 Ford Tempo sub-models do not all use the same tire size. The Base and LX use 175/80R13, while the GL and GLX use 185/70R14. Both are radial sizes, but they are paired with different wheel diameters.
That split matters because tire choice is tied directly to both trim and wheel package. A buyer looking at whitewall appearance, blackwall options, or a specific tire series still needs to start with the correct size group first. Once the trim and rim diameter are confirmed, the product choices become much easier to sort through.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1985 Ford Tempo tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 175/80R13 or 185/70R14. From there, compare the tire's construction, which is radial in both cases, along with rim compatibility, sidewall style, and the overall character of the tire series offered in that size.
A Tempo kept close to its original family-sedan look may call for a whitewall presentation, while another owner may prefer a blackwall tire with a more understated appearance. Wheel diameter and width should be checked before anything else, then the decision can shift toward brand, series, load specification, and how the car is actually used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Ford Tempo tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size. In 175/80R13, the available styles are narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. In 185/70R14, the choices include blackwall and wide whitewall, giving the 14-inch fitment a broader visual range.
That makes sidewall treatment an important part of the selection process, especially on a mid-1980s sedan where tire appearance can noticeably change the car's overall presentation. Whitewalls lean toward a more traditional look, while blackwalls feel simpler and more contemporary. The right choice comes after the correct size and rim diameter have already been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Ford Tempo?
1985 Ford Tempo tire options include Maxxis and BFGoodrich in 175/80R13, with BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein available in 185/70R14. All of the applicable products for this vehicle are radial tires, but they vary by series and sidewall treatment.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It helps to compare which brands offer the look you want, whether that is blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall, and whether the tire's rim-width specification suits the wheel on the car. That approach keeps the choice centered on fitment and presentation rather than just name recognition.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Ford Tempo?
A period-style 1985 Ford Tempo tire starts with the correct trim-based size. Base and LX models use 175/80R13, where narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices are available, while GL and GLX models use 185/70R14, where blackwall and wide whitewall options can shape the car's finished look.
For a restoration-oriented car, the best approach is to match the size first, then choose a sidewall style that suits how the Tempo is being presented. When exact originality matters, vehicle-specific historical references and marque documentation are worth checking before settling on a whitewall width or visual style for the finished car.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1985 Ford Tempo restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1985 Ford Tempo restoration because the car used more than one tire size and more than one wheel diameter. A Tempo restored with the wrong size can look noticeably off and may also create unnecessary fitment issues at the wheel, suspension, or fender area.
Using the proper 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 starting point keeps the restoration grounded in the car's actual trim-level setup. After that, visual details such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall can be used to refine the presentation. Verifying the wheel diameter on the car is especially important if replacement wheels were installed years ago.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Ford Tempo?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1985 Ford Tempo. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body repairs can all alter the space available around a 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 tire, even when the size itself is correct for the original trim.
A Tempo that has aftermarket wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter and width before choosing tires. Clearance at the strut, inner fender, outer fender, and steering range also matters, especially on a front-wheel-drive car. Confirming the current setup on the vehicle is the safest way to avoid mismatch problems.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Ford Tempo on new tires?
Before driving a 1985 Ford Tempo on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the rim diameter and width, and make sure the tires are mounted in the correct size for the trim. It is also smart to check valve stems, lug hardware, and inflation pressure before the car goes back on the road.
The rest of the car deserves attention too, especially on an older vehicle that may have spent long periods parked. Look over suspension wear, steering components, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing once the new tires are installed. A short, careful test drive can reveal clearance or handling issues before longer road use.
How should 175/80R13 and 185/70R14 tires on a collector 1985 Ford Tempo be maintained?
Collector-car tire care for a 1985 Ford Tempo begins with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and keeping an eye on tread wear patterns. Whether the car uses 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 tires, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and persistent air loss should be taken seriously even if the car is driven infrequently.
Storage conditions matter just as much as mileage on a lightly used Tempo. Tires last better when the car is kept away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors or compressors. Periodic inspection remains important because age and storage can affect older collector tires even when tread still looks usable.
