1985 Mitsubishi Galant Tires

The 1985 Mitsubishi Galant uses two tire sizes: 185/70R14 and 195/60R15. The 185/70R14 size applies to the Base model and the Galant w/aluminum wheels, while 195/60R15 applies to the Special Suspension and Special Suspension w/aluminum wheels versions. Both are radial tire fitments.

The practical difference is not just the tire itself, but the wheel diameter underneath it. A Galant set up for 14-inch tires needs 185/70R14, while a 15-inch Special Suspension car uses 195/60R15. Before selecting a replacement, confirm the exact sub-model and inspect the actual wheels on the car, since older vehicles are often fitted with later wheels or aftermarket replacements.

A 1985 Mitsubishi Galant uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The 185/70R14 tire belongs with a 14-inch rim, while the 195/60R15 tire belongs with a 15-inch rim. Both fitments use radial construction rather than bias-ply sizing.

Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel, and vice versa. It also helps to check wheel width against the tire being considered, since product specifications vary by size and brand. If the car has alloy wheels, replacement wheels, or a suspension package change, measure the wheel before ordering tires.

No, 1985 Mitsubishi Galant sub-models do not all use the same tire size. Base and w/aluminum wheels models use 185/70R14, while Special Suspension and Special Suspension w/aluminum wheels models use 195/60R15. The tire size difference follows the wheel and suspension package rather than a single shared fitment across the range.

That means the first step is identifying exactly which Galant configuration is in front of you. Checking the trim name, wheel diameter, and the size already mounted on the car can prevent ordering the wrong tire. On a vehicle of this age, that extra step matters because suspension and wheel changes over time can make assumptions based on model name alone unreliable.

Start with the correct size for the car’s exact configuration: 185/70R14 for the 14-inch setup or 195/60R15 for the 15-inch Special Suspension setup. From there, compare construction, brand, tire series, sidewall style, and any rim-width guidance attached to the specific product. Both sizes are radial, so the decision stays within radial choices rather than a bias-ply versus radial conversion.

The best way to narrow the choice is by deciding how the Galant will be used and how it should look. A blackwall tire keeps a more understated appearance, while whitewall, redline, or RWL options change the car’s visual character. It is also worth checking wheel width, load figures where shown, and the actual wheel package on the car before making a final selection.

Sidewall options for the 1985 Mitsubishi Galant include blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL depending on tire size. The 185/70R14 group is mainly blackwall, with a wide whitewall option also available. The 195/60R15 group offers the widest appearance range, including blackwall, wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter styling.

That variety makes sidewall choice one of the biggest visual decisions on this page. A blackwall tends to suit a cleaner, more restrained presentation, while whitewall or redline can give the car a more distinctive period-style look. The key is to choose the correct size first, then select the sidewall treatment that matches the car’s intended appearance and wheel package.

Tires for the 1985 Mitsubishi Galant are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, depending on size. The 185/70R14 fitment has the broadest brand spread, while 195/60R15 options include BFGoodrich and Michelin. Those products also span several series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, Sprint Classic, Radial T/A, and Michelin Primacy 3.

Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It makes more sense to compare each product within the correct size by sidewall style, series character, wheel-width suitability, and overall presentation. That approach is especially helpful on an older Galant, where one owner may want a more understated radial look and another may be matching a more restoration-oriented appearance.

A period-style 1985 Mitsubishi Galant tire choice starts with the correct fitted size for the sub-model, then moves to appearance and series selection. A 14-inch car should stay within 185/70R14, while a 15-inch Special Suspension car should stay within 195/60R15. Within those sizes, traditional blackwall options keep a restrained look, while whitewall or redline choices can create a more styled presentation.

The right answer depends on whether the goal is a clean original-era impression or a more personalized period look. Tire series and sidewall treatment have a major effect on how the car reads visually, even when the size is correct. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, dealer literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a final appearance.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1985 Mitsubishi Galant used different sizes for different configurations. A restored Base or w/aluminum wheels car should remain in the 185/70R14 range, while a restored Special Suspension version belongs with 195/60R15. Using the wrong diameter changes both the look of the wheel opening and the relationship between the tire and the wheel package.

Fitment also affects how convincing the finished car appears. Even when a substitute tire mounts to the vehicle, the wrong size or sidewall style can shift the stance and visual balance away from what suits the model. Matching the correct size first, then choosing an appropriate blackwall, whitewall, redline, or RWL treatment, gives the restoration a far more coherent result.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1985 Mitsubishi Galant, especially because the car already spans both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel packages. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, spring replacement, or bodywork alterations can all change the space available for the tire. Even when the nominal tire size looks correct, the wheel width and overall setup still matter.

A modified Galant should be checked at full steering lock and through normal suspension travel before a final tire choice is treated as settled. It also helps to confirm the actual wheel diameter and width rather than relying on the trim name alone. That is particularly important on older cars, where previous owners may have changed wheels, brakes, or suspension parts over time.

Before driving a 1985 Mitsubishi Galant on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and check that the tires seat properly and hold pressure. It is also smart to look over valve stems, lug hardware, alignment condition, and visible suspension wear. A new tire works best when the rest of the wheel-and-suspension package is in sound condition.

A short initial road test can reveal rubbing, vibration, pull, or other setup issues before the car is used more seriously. Recheck inflation after the first drive and look again for clearance around fenders and suspension components. On a collector or low-use Galant, this inspection matters even more because long storage periods can hide wheel, brake, or suspension problems until the car returns to the road.

Tires on a collector 1985 Mitsubishi Galant should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, or slow air loss, even if the car is driven infrequently. Because both factory-style fitments are radial tires, age and storage condition can become just as important as tread depth on a lightly used example.

Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives. Rolling the car periodically or avoiding long-term loading in one position can also be helpful during storage. Before any longer trip, inspect the tire surfaces closely and confirm that the Galant still has the same wheel and tire setup it was matched to previously.