The 1985 Plymouth Colt came from an era when compact imports and badge-engineered hatchbacks, wagons, and trim variations gave buyers a lot of variety in a small footprint. That matters for tire selection today, because this exact Colt uses several different radial sizes depending on sub-model, with both 13-inch and 14-inch rim applications. Some versions stay with narrow metric radials, while others move to wider low-profile or 70-series choices. Available tires also vary in character, from blackwall sport-oriented options to narrow and wide whitewall styles. For a street-driven survivor or a restoration-minded Colt, the first step is matching the tire to the correct trim and wheel setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1985 Plymouth Colt
The 1985 Plymouth Colt uses five primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Both 13-inch and 14-inch rims appear across the lineup, so confirming the specific Colt trim and measuring the wheel before choosing a tire is essential. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to the right radial style, sidewall treatment, and overall presentation for how the car will be used.
A 155/80R13 tire is a metric radial with a 155 millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1985 Plymouth Colt, this size suits versions that use a narrow, traditional small-car radial rather than a wider performance-oriented fitment. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles in several classic-oriented series. This size makes the most sense when the car retains its original wheel diameter and calls for a compact radial with a vintage-influenced look.
A 185/60R14 tire uses a 185 millimeter nominal section width, a lower 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. That sizing gives the 1985 Plymouth Colt a distinctly different fitment path than the 13-inch applications, so wheel confirmation comes first before any product choice. The available option here is a blackwall Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, which keeps the focus on a modern-looking radial presentation rather than whitewall styling. This size is the right one to evaluate when the car already uses the 14-inch wheel setup associated with the applicable Colt sub-models.
A 145/80R13 tire is a narrow metric radial with a 145 millimeter nominal section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim. For the 1985 Plymouth Colt, this is one of the most compact fitments in the lineup and should not be confused with the wider 155, 165, or 185 section-width alternatives used on other versions. Its practical role is preserving the correct sizing direction for the sub-model that uses it, especially on a lightly equipped or original-wheel car. Before substituting another size, compare the actual wheel and overall clearance carefully rather than assuming another 13-inch tire is equivalent.
A 165/80R13 tire combines a 165 millimeter nominal section width with an 80-series profile on a 13-inch rim. On the 1985 Plymouth Colt, this size sits between the narrower small-car radials and the broader 185-section choices, making it important to match it to the correct Vista-related application. BFGoodrich and Maxxis offer this size with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall treatments through restoration-oriented radial series. This size is worth choosing when the goal is to keep the proper 13-inch fitment while selecting between a more traditional whitewall appearance and a subtler classic sidewall style.
Fit(s): Vista, Vista w/Performance Pkg., Vista w/Performance Pkg. & aluminum wheels, and Vista w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
A 185/70R13 tire uses a 185 millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1985 Plymouth Colt, this is a wider 13-inch radial fitment used on certain Vista configurations, including performance-package applications, so it should be matched to the correct sub-model and wheel setup. Product choices are broad here, including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations across several series. This size offers the most visible variety for owners balancing period-style appearance, sportier visual character, and 13-inch wheel compatibility.
Tire fitment for the 1985 Plymouth Colt varies noticeably by sub-model, and some trims carry more than one size depending on wheel configuration. Checking the exact badge and wheel diameter matters here, because the Colt range spans narrow 13-inch radials, wider 13-inch options, and a separate 14-inch setup.
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1985 Plymouth Colt DL
The 1985 Plymouth Colt DL uses two different radial sizes, so this trim requires a closer look at the actual wheel on the car before selecting tires. That means confirming whether the DL has the 13-inch or 14-inch setup, then choosing the appropriate sidewall style and product character within that exact size.
The 1985 Plymouth Colt E follows a straightforward tire path with a single narrow 13-inch radial fitment. That keeps selection simple, but it still helps to verify that the car has not been changed to a different wheel or tire package over time.
The 1985 Plymouth Colt Premier uses the 14-inch radial application rather than one of the 13-inch sizes found elsewhere in the lineup. For tire selection, that puts the focus on preserving the correct rim diameter and choosing a product that matches the Premier's wheel setup and intended road use.
The 1985 Plymouth Colt Vista appears with two different 13-inch radial sizes, so the exact wheel and existing fitment need to be checked before replacement. That distinction matters because the available tire character changes from classic whitewall-oriented choices to broader 185-section options with more appearance variety.
The 1985 Plymouth Colt Vista w/Performance Pkg. uses the wider 185/70R13 radial fitment. That gives the owner access to blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall choices, but the tire should still be matched to the actual wheel width and overall setup before making a change.
1985 Plymouth Colt Vista w/Performance Pkg. & aluminum wheels
The 1985 Plymouth Colt Vista w/Performance Pkg. & aluminum wheels also uses the 185/70R13 radial size. For this version, the key buying question becomes less about size variation and more about choosing the right tire presentation and confirming compatibility with the aluminum wheel dimensions already on the car.
The 1985 Plymouth Colt Vista w/aluminum wheels can use either of two 13-inch radial sizes, so wheel and existing tire verification are especially important on this sub-model. Once the exact fitment is confirmed, the owner can decide between classic whitewall styling and the broader product mix available in the larger 185-section option.
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 Plymouth Colt Tires for Sale
Available 1985 Plymouth Colt tires span several distinct styles, from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Michelin options in smaller sizes to Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein choices in 185/70R13. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline radials across classic and sport-oriented tire series.
Common 1985 Plymouth Colt tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels, and how to choose among the available radial sidewall and series options. The answers below focus on exact size use, appearance choices, and practical checks before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1985 Plymouth Colt?
A 1985 Plymouth Colt can use 145/80R13, 155/80R13, 165/80R13, 185/70R13, or 185/60R14, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel package. Every primary fitment for this model is a radial, but the sizes span both 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters and cover noticeably different section widths and profiles.
The key step is matching the tire to the exact Colt trim and the wheel currently on the car. A 13-inch Colt application should not be treated as interchangeable with a 14-inch one, and even among the 13-inch sizes, width and profile differences can affect clearance and appearance. Checking the sub-model badge and measuring wheel diameter before ordering prevents the most common fitment mistakes.
What size rim does a 1985 Plymouth Colt use?
The 1985 Plymouth Colt uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. Most applications in this lineup are built around 13-inch tires, including 145/80R13, 155/80R13, 165/80R13, and 185/70R13, while the 185/60R14 fitment belongs to a separate 14-inch wheel application.
That distinction matters because rim diameter is the first non-negotiable measurement in tire selection. Even when overall tire height appears similar, a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is just as true. Measuring the wheel itself is worthwhile on any Colt that may have been changed over the years, especially if trim, wheels, and existing tires no longer appear to match.
Why does the 1985 Plymouth Colt have more than one tire size?
The 1985 Plymouth Colt has more than one tire size because the model range includes several sub-models and wheel configurations. DL, E, Premier, and Vista variants do not all follow the same fitment path, and some versions can appear with more than one primary size tied to wheel or package differences.
That means the correct tire decision starts with identifying the exact Colt version rather than choosing by year and model name alone. It also explains why some products lean toward classic whitewall styling while others are blackwall or redline radials. Once the sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the remaining choice becomes much more manageable and focused on appearance, road use, and rim compatibility.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1985 Plymouth Colt tire?
Start with the exact tire size used by the specific 1985 Plymouth Colt sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter before comparing products. After that, the important differences are radial series, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the car is being kept as a stock-style driver, a restoration-minded survivor, or a more visually personalized example.
A smaller 13-inch Colt application may point the buyer toward narrow or wide whitewall radials, while a 185/70R13 or 185/60R14 setup opens up a more blackwall or sport-oriented look. Product details such as maximum load at stated pressure and wheel-width range can also help narrow the choice. The best approach is to match the tire to the car's actual setup instead of selecting by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1985 Plymouth Colt tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1985 Plymouth Colt include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on tire size. The smaller 13-inch sizes lean heavily toward whitewall styles, while the 185/70R13 fitment has the broadest mix, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline options across several radial series.
That gives the Colt owner some real flexibility in how the car presents without changing the basic fitment. A whitewall can create a more traditional small-car look, while blackwall or redline choices can shift the car toward a more performance-oriented visual tone. The most useful first step is to verify the correct size, then choose a sidewall treatment that suits the car's era, trim, and intended personality.
What brands offer tires for the 1985 Plymouth Colt?
Brands available for 1985 Plymouth Colt tire applications include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein. Brand availability depends on the exact size, so not every name appears in every fitment. Smaller 13-inch applications center on classic-style radial choices, while 185/70R13 shows the widest brand spread.
Brand choice is most useful when it helps separate one product type from another rather than treating every option as the same tire with a different label. Some selections emphasize traditional whitewall presentation, while others stay with blackwall or redline styling and different tire series character. Once the exact Colt size is confirmed, compare the brand offerings within that size by sidewall style, rim-width range, and intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1985 Plymouth Colt?
A period-style 1985 Plymouth Colt tire starts with using the correct primary size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, then choosing a sidewall style that matches the car's intended look. Whitewall radials are available in several of the smaller 13-inch sizes, while 185/70R13 opens the door to whitewall, redline, and blackwall presentations.
That makes appearance a meaningful part of the decision, but only after the fitment is settled. A survivor-style Colt may look most convincing on a modest whitewall, while a sportier Vista configuration can support a blackwall or redline presentation without leaving the proper size family. When exact historical originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific guidance for that trim.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1985 Plymouth Colt?
On a restored 1985 Plymouth Colt, construction is less of a visual dividing line than on earlier collector cars because every primary fitment here is already radial. The appearance difference comes more from the tire's profile, section width, and sidewall treatment than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That means a 145 or 155 section-width radial can give a narrower, more modest presentation, while a 185-section tire looks fuller and more assertive within the wheel opening. Sidewall style changes the mood even more, especially when comparing blackwall, redline, and whitewall choices. For a restoration-oriented result, keep the focus on the correct size and wheel diameter first, then fine-tune the visual character through sidewall and series selection.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1985 Plymouth Colt?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1985 Plymouth Colt, especially because the model already spans both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications. Aftermarket wheels, wheel-width changes, suspension alterations, or body modifications can all change how a given tire size sits in the wheel opening and whether it maintains proper clearance.
That is particularly important on Colt versions that already have more than one size associated with the sub-model. Even when a tire shares the same rim diameter, section width and profile can still alter how close it runs to suspension or fender edges. Before changing from the original size path, check actual wheel dimensions, steering travel, and available space rather than assuming another Colt size will behave the same way.
What should I inspect before driving a 1985 Plymouth Colt on new tires?
Before driving a 1985 Plymouth Colt on new tires, inspect wheel condition, verify the wheel diameter matches the tire, and confirm that all four tires are the correct size for the sub-model. It also helps to check valve stems, lug hardware, inflation pressure, tread seating, and visible clearance at the fenders and suspension once the car is back on the ground.
A short, careful initial drive can reveal rubbing, vibration, or steering issues before the car is taken farther from home. Older compact cars are often changed over time, so it is smart to recheck wheel torque and tire pressure after the first miles. Any pull, scrape, or unusual feel deserves attention right away rather than being dismissed as normal break-in behavior.
How should tires on a collector 1985 Plymouth Colt be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1985 Plymouth Colt should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and protected from long periods of heat, sunlight, moisture, and ozone exposure. Low-mileage collector use can hide age-related deterioration, so visual condition and air retention matter just as much as tread depth.
Regular movement helps reduce flat spotting, and a stored Colt benefits from a clean, dry parking area and periodic pressure checks. It is also wise to look over the spare if the car still carries one. Before any longer trip, confirm that the tires still match the car's actual wheel setup and that no old suspension or alignment issue is shortening the life of an otherwise correct fitment.
