1986 Chevrolet Nova Tires

The 1986 Chevrolet Nova uses two primary tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Both are radial tire fitments for 13-inch rims, and both appear across the covered Nova sub-models rather than being limited to only one trim.

That means the right choice is not made by year and model name alone. Checking the size already mounted on the car, confirming the wheel diameter, and comparing wheel width against the tire being considered are the practical next steps before selecting a replacement.

The tire fitments used on a 1986 Chevrolet Nova are built around a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 share that same wheel diameter, so the final number in each size code points to the same basic rim size.

Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing the narrower 155/80R13 against the wider 175/70R13, so it helps to verify the actual wheel on the car before choosing between the available radial tire options.

The covered 1986 Chevrolet Nova sub-models share the same two tire sizes. Both the Base and CL can use 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 radial tires, so there is no separate trim-specific size split between those two sub-models.

Even with shared fitment across sub-models, the car still needs to be checked individually. A Nova may already be wearing one of the two sizes, and wheel changes over the years can also affect which size makes the most sense when it is time to replace the tires.

Start with the actual size on the car, since a 1986 Chevrolet Nova can use either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. From there, compare the tire's construction, wheel-diameter match, rim-width suitability where stated, and the visual character you want from a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall design.

The product mix also varies by brand and tire series, so the decision is partly about presentation and partly about fitment details. A careful match between the car's existing wheels and the chosen tire size will usually matter more than trim level when narrowing the choices.

The available sidewall styles for 1986 Chevrolet Nova tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall. The 155/80R13 size carries the broadest style range, while the 175/70R13 option appears here as a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ.

That creates a clear appearance choice depending on how the car is being presented. A whitewall can support a more traditional compact-car look, while a blackwall gives a plainer, more understated finish, so sidewall selection should follow the correct size and wheel setup rather than replace them.

Tires for the 1986 Chevrolet Nova are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Most of that brand variety appears in 155/80R13, while 175/70R13 is represented here by Avon in the CR6ZZ series.

Brand choice should be considered alongside the specific tire size, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than treated as a standalone decision. Once the correct 13-inch fitment is confirmed, comparing the available series and visual treatments becomes a much more useful way to narrow the options.

A period-style 1986 Chevrolet Nova tire choice usually starts by confirming whether the car is using 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. The 155/80R13 size offers the widest appearance range, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options, while 175/70R13 is available here as a blackwall radial.

That makes the decision as much visual as mechanical. Owners aiming for a cleaner restoration-oriented presentation often focus on sidewall style and overall stance, but exact originality questions should still be checked against vehicle-specific historical references if authenticity matters beyond the basic fitment.

On a restored 1986 Chevrolet Nova, construction is less of an appearance debate than it is on older collector cars because both primary fitments here are radials. The visible difference comes more from sidewall treatment and tire series than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.

That shifts the restoration decision toward blackwall versus whitewall presentation and the proportions of the actual size on the car. Confirming whether the Nova wears 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 first helps keep the finished look consistent with the wheel setup rather than forcing appearance ahead of fitment.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chevrolet Nova even though the original fitment family is straightforward. The car uses 13-inch radial sizes, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body work can change the space available for either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13.

That is why the current setup matters more than assumptions tied to the model name alone. Checking wheel width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before replacing the tires helps prevent choosing a size that matches the rim diameter but does not suit the car's present configuration.

Before driving a 1986 Chevrolet Nova on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and general condition, then confirm that the chosen size matches the car's actual setup. It also helps to check valve stems, look for suspension or steering wear, and make sure there is no contact at full lock.

A final walkaround should include tire pressure, visible sidewall condition, and basic clearance with the car on the ground. Even with fresh tires installed, an older compact car benefits from a cautious first drive so any vibration, rubbing, or pull can be addressed early.

Tires on a 1986 Chevrolet Nova should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or spends long periods stored. A quick visual check before use and a more careful inspection at routine service intervals helps catch cracking, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and slow air loss.

Collector-minded and lightly used cars often age their tires before they wear them out, so tread depth alone is not enough. Looking at sidewalls, monitoring pressure, and keeping the car away from prolonged heat, sunlight, and ozone sources will help preserve whichever 13-inch radial size is on the car.