The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron came from an era when compact luxury sedans were expected to blend tidy exterior dimensions with a more upscale driving experience. By the mid-1980s, that also meant modern radial tire sizing rather than earlier bias-ply fitments, so tire selection centers on confirming the exact wheel and trim setup. The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron uses either 195/70R13 or 205/60R14 radial tires, depending on sub-model. That makes the key decision less about vintage construction and more about matching the correct size, rim diameter, and sidewall presentation. For a well-kept original car or a careful driver, the right choice starts with identifying whether the car is a Base or d'Oro.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron
The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model. Just as important, those sizes use different rim diameters, so the first step is confirming whether the car has the 13-inch or 14-inch wheel setup before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the decision becomes a matter of selecting the right radial tire for the car's appearance and wheel compatibility.
195/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 195 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron, this size belongs with the 13-inch wheel setup and keeps the fitment in the modern radial format used on the car. Available choices in this size include the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a narrow whitewall treatment. This size is the one to evaluate when maintaining the Base model's original wheel diameter and a more traditional luxury-sedan presentation.
205/60R14 is a metric radial size where 205 represents nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R confirms radial construction, and 14 indicates the wheel diameter in inches. For the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron, this size corresponds to the 14-inch setup rather than the 13-inch arrangement used elsewhere in the line. Its lower-profile metric format gives the buyer a different wheel-and-tire combination to verify before making a selection. This is the size to focus on when the car is equipped as a d'Oro and wheel diameter needs to match the tire exactly.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron because the two covered versions do not share the same tire size or rim diameter. Confirming whether the car is a Base or d'Oro is the first step before comparing tire options or checking wheel compatibility.
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1986 Cadillac Cimarron Base
The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron Base uses the 195/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. Tire selection here centers on keeping the correct metric radial fitment and choosing the sidewall style that best suits the car's original character and intended road use.
The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron d'Oro uses the 205/60R14 radial size on a 14-inch wheel. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation essential, especially on cars that may have seen wheel changes over the years, before moving on to tire selection.
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 Cadillac Cimarron Tires for Sale
Current product choices for the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron are centered on 195/70R13, including a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a narrow whitewall. That gives Base-model owners a restoration-minded radial option to compare by sidewall appearance and wheel-width compatibility.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 7/16 Inch Whitewall | 195/70R13
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron, how Base and d'Oro fitments differ, and what to check for wheel size, appearance, maintenance, and road use before putting the car back into regular service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron?
A 1986 Cadillac Cimarron uses one of two radial tire sizes: 195/70R13 or 205/60R14. The Base model uses 195/70R13, while the d'Oro uses 205/60R14, so there is not one universal tire size across every 1986 Cimarron.
The practical first step is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter on the car. Because these sizes mount on different rims, a buyer should verify whether the car has a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel setup before comparing tire options, especially if the vehicle has had replacement wheels installed at some point.
What size rim does a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron use?
The 1986 Cadillac Cimarron uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The Base uses a 13-inch rim with 195/70R13 tires, while the d'Oro uses a 14-inch rim with 205/60R14 tires.
Rim diameter is the most important fitment check on this car because the two primary tire sizes are tied to different wheel sizes. Tire sizing on the sidewall should match the wheel exactly, and wheel width should also be appropriate for the tire being considered. That matters even more on a Cimarron that may have seen wheel swaps over time.
Do all 1986 Cadillac Cimarron sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron sub-models do not use the same tire size. The Base model uses 195/70R13 radial tires, and the d'Oro uses 205/60R14 radial tires, so fitment changes with the trim level.
That difference affects both the tire and the wheel, not just the sidewall numbers. A buyer should identify the exact sub-model and then confirm the actual wheels on the car before making a selection. That helps avoid ordering a 13-inch tire for a 14-inch wheel setup or choosing a tire that does not suit the car's current configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 195/70R13 tire for a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron?
Start with the correct application: 195/70R13 is the radial size used on the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron Base. Once size and wheel diameter are confirmed, the main points to compare are sidewall appearance, radial construction, and whether the tire's rim-width specification suits the wheel on the car.
A BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial in this size is available with a narrow whitewall, which can matter for buyers trying to keep a traditional Cadillac look. It is also worth checking load capacity, overall condition of the wheel, and whether the car is being kept close to original presentation or simply prepared for dependable road use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Cadillac Cimarron tires?
Available sidewall style choices for the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron include a narrow whitewall in 195/70R13. That style appears on the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial option offered for the Base-model tire size.
Sidewall styling can change the look of the car more than many buyers expect, especially on an upscale compact such as the Cimarron. A narrow whitewall leans toward a more traditional luxury presentation, while any change in tire size or wheel setup should still be checked carefully so appearance goals do not override correct fitment for the specific sub-model.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron?
BFGoodrich is available for the 1986 Cadillac Cimarron in 195/70R13 through the Silvertown Radial line. That gives owners of the Base-model fitment a recognizable brand choice in the correct radial format and a sidewall style that suits a restoration-minded presentation.
Brand is only one part of the decision, so it should be considered alongside the actual tire size, wheel diameter, sidewall treatment, and the intended use of the car. On a Cimarron, especially one that has been stored or modified, confirming the wheel setup remains more important than choosing by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Cadillac Cimarron?
A period-style 1986 Cadillac Cimarron tire choice starts with using the correct size for the sub-model: 195/70R13 for the Base or 205/60R14 for the d'Oro. Since this car belongs to the mid-1980s radial era, keeping the proper metric radial format is the right foundation for a restoration-oriented appearance.
For a Base model, a narrow whitewall radial can help maintain the upscale visual character many buyers want from a Cadillac of this period. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against marque references, period photos, or vehicle-specific documentation so the final sidewall and wheel presentation matches the restoration goal.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron restoration because the car uses different tire and wheel combinations by sub-model. Using the wrong size can alter the stance, visual balance, and overall presentation, even before road manners or clearance are considered.
A restoration-minded buyer should match the tire size to the actual wheel diameter and confirm whether the car is a Base or d'Oro. Sidewall appearance matters too, especially on a luxury-branded compact where whitewall treatment can influence the finished look. Getting those details right helps the car look intentional rather than merely serviceable.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can change the clearances needed for either the 195/70R13 or 205/60R14 setup.
A careful check should include actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering components. That matters because this car already uses two different factory-type wheel-and-tire combinations depending on sub-model. Even a correct tire size can become a problem if the wheel setup no longer matches the original fitment pattern.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Cadillac Cimarron on new tires, inspect the wheels for condition and correct diameter, then check alignment, valve stems, and basic brake and suspension condition. It is also smart to confirm that the new tires match the car's actual sub-model fitment and wheel setup.
Collector-era and low-use cars deserve extra attention because age can hide problems beyond simple tread wear. Look for cracking, bulges, irregular wear, and signs of long-term air loss, then verify inflation pressure before road use. A short local test drive is a sensible way to confirm ride, clearance, and steering behavior before taking the car farther.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Cadillac Cimarron be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Cadillac Cimarron should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly, and protected from long idle periods that encourage aging and flat spotting. Even on a car that is driven sparingly, the tires should be checked for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven wear.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage on a low-use car. Keeping the Cimarron away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the car periodically and inspect the wheels and suspension so the next drive starts with a sound setup.
