The 1986 Buick Somerset reflects Buick’s mid-1980s move toward compact front-wheel-drive cars that balanced everyday comfort with a more modern, aero-influenced look. By this point, the Somerset line could range from traditional trim levels to the sportier T-Type, and tire fitment followed those differences closely. The 1986 Buick Somerset uses radial tires, but the exact size depends on the sub-model, with both 13-inch and 14-inch rim fitments in the lineup. Available choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles across several tire series. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel size before narrowing the choice by appearance and intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Buick Somerset
Three tire sizes apply to the 1986 Buick Somerset, and the right one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Custom and Limited models use 13-inch radial fitments, while the T-Type moves to a 14-inch radial size. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is a Custom, Limited, or T-Type and verify the actual wheel diameter on the vehicle, especially if wheels have ever been changed.
185/80R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 185-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim. On the 1986 Buick Somerset, it is one of the radial fitments used on certain 13-inch-wheel configurations, giving buyers a more traditional tall-sidewall look than the lower-profile alternatives. Available options include Maxxis, BFGoodrich, and Coker Classic offerings in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with tire series such as Maxxis Radial, Silvertown Radial, and Star Series. It is a strong choice when the goal is to stay with the proper 13-inch fitment while also choosing a sidewall style that suits the car’s appearance.
205/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1986 Buick Somerset, this size is part of the 13-inch radial fitment used on certain sub-models and gives a wider, lower-profile presentation than 185/80R13. In this size, the available product is a Michelin XDX-B blackwall tire, which brings a distinct period European-style radial character to the selection. This size is worth evaluating when the car uses the correct 13-inch wheel and the goal is a radial fitment with a sportier profile and blackwall appearance.
215/60R14 is a metric radial size that combines a 215-millimeter section width with a 60-series profile on a 14-inch rim. On the 1986 Buick Somerset, this size is tied to the T-Type and reflects that sub-model’s distinct wheel and tire setup rather than a universal Somerset fitment. The available choice in this size is the BFGoodrich Radial T/A with raised white letters, a sidewall treatment closely associated with 1980s performance-oriented street cars. It is the size to evaluate when the car is a genuine T-Type or already confirmed to have the correct 14-inch wheel diameter.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Buick Somerset because not every version uses the same wheel and tire combination. Custom and Limited models share the 13-inch fitment range, while the T-Type uses a separate 14-inch setup, so identifying the exact trim is the first step before choosing a tire.
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1986 Buick Somerset Custom
The 1986 Buick Somerset Custom uses the same 13-inch radial tire fitment range as the Limited, centered around 185/80R13 and 205/70R13. That gives the buyer a choice between a more traditional whitewall-oriented presentation and a lower-profile blackwall radial, provided the wheel diameter on the car is still correct.
The 1986 Buick Somerset Limited shares the 13-inch radial fitment range used by the Custom, rather than the 14-inch T-Type setup. Tire selection here comes down to confirming which 13-inch size is on the car now and then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best match the vehicle’s look and use.
The 1986 Buick Somerset T-Type uses a distinct radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel, separating it from the other Somerset sub-models. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important, and it also means the tire choice is more focused around a performance-flavored appearance such as the raised white letter option available in this size.
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 1986 Buick Somerset Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Buick Somerset tires span 13-inch and 14-inch radial fitments from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Michelin. Buyers can compare whitewall, blackwall, and raised white letter styles across series such as Maxxis Radial, Silvertown Radial, Star Series, Michelin XDX-B, and Radial T/A.
These 1986 Buick Somerset tire FAQs focus on the exact size by sub-model, 13-inch versus 14-inch rim fitment, available radial choices, appearance options, and the checks worth making before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Buick Somerset?
The 1986 Buick Somerset uses three radial tire sizes, depending on sub-model: 185/80R13, 205/70R13, and 215/60R14. Somerset Custom and Somerset Limited models use the 13-inch sizes, while the Somerset T-Type uses 215/60R14 on a 14-inch rim.
The practical step is identifying the exact trim level and then confirming the wheel diameter actually on the car. Many older cars have had wheel changes over time, so matching the tire to both the sub-model and the current wheel is more important than choosing by appearance alone.
What size rim does a 1986 Buick Somerset use?
A 1986 Buick Somerset can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the version of the car. The Custom and Limited use 13-inch tire fitments, while the T-Type uses a 14-inch tire fitment tied to 215/60R14.
Rim diameter should be checked before anything else because a 13-inch tire and a 14-inch tire are not interchangeable. Wheel width also matters once the diameter is confirmed, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or if replacement wheels were installed at some point in its life.
Do all 1986 Buick Somerset sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1986 Buick Somerset does not use one tire size across every sub-model. The Custom and Limited share two 13-inch radial sizes, 185/80R13 and 205/70R13, while the T-Type uses a separate 14-inch radial size, 215/60R14.
That difference affects both tire selection and wheel compatibility. A buyer looking at a Somerset should verify whether the car is a Custom, Limited, or T-Type, then compare the actual wheel diameter and the existing tire size before selecting a replacement with the right profile and sidewall style.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1986 Buick Somerset tire?
Start with the exact tire size and rim diameter used by the car, since the 1986 Buick Somerset spans both 13-inch and 14-inch radial fitments. After that, compare sidewall style, tire series, and the overall look you want, whether that means whitewalls for a more formal presentation or raised white letters for a sportier one.
It also helps to compare wheel-width compatibility, load figures when they are stated, and how the car will actually be driven. A restoration-minded car, a weekend cruiser, and a sport-oriented T-Type may all point toward different choices even when the basic fitment is already confirmed.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Buick Somerset tires?
The 1986 Buick Somerset has several sidewall treatments available, depending on tire size. The 185/80R13 options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, the 205/70R13 option is available as a blackwall, and the 215/60R14 option is available with raised white letters.
That variety lets the tire choice support the character of the car rather than just the fitment. Whitewalls can suit a more traditional Buick look, blackwalls create a cleaner understated appearance, and raised white letters fit the more performance-oriented visual tone of a T-Type-style setup.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Buick Somerset?
Tires for the 1986 Buick Somerset are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Coker Classic, and Michelin, depending on the size. Brand availability changes with the fitment, so the 13-inch and 14-inch choices do not all share the same product lineup.
That makes it useful to narrow the decision by the correct size first and then compare the brands available within that size. Once the fitment is settled, the more meaningful differences usually come from sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility rather than from brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Buick Somerset?
A period-style 1986 Buick Somerset tire starts with the correct radial size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, the visual direction matters: 185/80R13 whitewall options suit a more formal Buick presentation, while 215/60R14 with raised white letters matches the stronger performance flavor associated with the T-Type fitment.
The most convincing result usually comes from matching both the size and the sidewall style to the character of the car. When exact originality matters, compare the current setup with period photos, build documentation, or marque-specific references before settling on a particular whitewall or lettered-sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Buick Somerset?
Construction is straightforward on the 1986 Buick Somerset because all of its primary fitments are radial tires. That means the appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial choice and more from the tire’s profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment within the proper radial size.
A taller 13-inch whitewall radial creates a noticeably different visual impression than a lower-profile 14-inch raised white letter tire. On a restored car, those differences can change the stance and character dramatically, so it helps to choose a tire that supports the sub-model’s intended look rather than treating every Somerset the same.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Buick Somerset?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Buick Somerset even when the car originally used one of the correct radial sizes. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can change the clearance needed around the fenders, suspension, and steering components.
A car that has been changed from its original setup should be measured carefully instead of relying only on factory-style size information. Checking wheel diameter, wheel width, and visible clearance at full steering lock helps prevent choosing a tire that matches the model on paper but conflicts with the car as it sits today.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Buick Somerset on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Buick Somerset on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the lug hardware is correct, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the car’s sub-model and rim diameter. It is also worth checking valve stems, inflation pressure, and the general condition of the suspension and steering components.
Collector and low-use cars often need extra attention because age can affect parts even when mileage is low. A short road test should include listening for rubbing, watching for vibration, and confirming that the tires clear the fenders and suspension throughout normal turning and compression.
How often should tires on a 1986 Buick Somerset be inspected?
Tires on a 1986 Buick Somerset should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and any sign of air loss, and check pressure often enough that the tires are not sitting underinflated between drives.
A stored collector car can age its tires without covering many miles, so condition matters as much as tread depth. It also helps to inspect the sidewalls and tread before any longer trip, since early signs of aging or damage are easier to catch in the garage than after the car is already on the road.
