The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum came from the era when compact front-wheel-drive cars were defined by efficiency, tidy dimensions, and everyday practicality rather than excess. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice matters because the Spectrum’s light, responsive character depends heavily on the right 13-inch radial fitment. This model uses two primary tire sizes, 155/80R13 and 175/70R13, both in modern metric radial form. Available choices range from blackwall to narrow and wide whitewall designs, giving the car either a more understated commuter look or a restoration-minded presentation. The key is matching the correct size to the wheel setup and deciding whether originality of appearance or general road use matters more.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum
The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial tires built for a 13-inch rim. Because both the Base model and the version with aluminum wheels can use either size, the first step is confirming which size is actually on the car now and verifying the wheel width before choosing between the available tire styles and series.
The 155/80R13 size uses a 155-millimeter section width, an 80-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum, it represents a standard modern radial fitment with a relatively tall, narrow profile typical of compact cars from the period. This size is available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with black-and-whitewall appearance differences expressed through narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices across several tire series. It is the size to examine closely if maintaining a stock-looking stance or selecting a period-style whitewall presentation matters.
The 175/70R13 size carries a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum, it is an alternate primary radial fitment that stays within the same 13-inch wheel diameter while using a wider, lower-profile sizing format than 155/80R13. Available product choice in this size is centered on the Avon CR6ZZ in a blackwall design, giving it a more performance-oriented visual character than the whitewall offerings found in the narrower size. It is worth considering when the car already wears wheels suited to this fitment and appearance is less restoration-focused.
Tire fitment for the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum is straightforward because the covered sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes. Even so, checking the exact wheel setup on the car still matters, since either size may be present and wheel width should match the tire being considered.
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1986 Chevrolet Spectrum Base
The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum Base can use either of the model’s two 13-inch radial tire sizes. That means tire selection comes down to confirming which wheel and size combination is already on the car, then choosing among available blackwall or whitewall options based on use and appearance goals.
The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum w/aluminum wheels also uses the same two primary 13-inch radial tire sizes. The practical decision is to verify the wheel width and current fitment first, then select the tire that best suits the car’s presentation, whether that means a traditional whitewall look or a plain blackwall style.
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 Chevrolet Spectrum Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum tires center on 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 radial fitments, with choices from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. The main differences are tire series, blackwall versus narrow or wide whitewall styling, and rim-width compatibility within the same 13-inch wheel diameter.
Owners researching 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum tires usually need to sort out the correct 13-inch size, compare whitewall and blackwall choices, and confirm wheel compatibility before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum?
The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum uses two primary tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Both are radial tires designed for 13-inch wheels, so the fitment question is not about bias-ply versus radial construction, but about which of those two metric radial sizes matches the car’s current wheel and tire setup.
The best way to narrow it down is to read the existing tire size on the sidewall and confirm the wheel dimensions before ordering replacements. Since both sizes apply to this model, selecting by year and model alone is not enough. Tire width, wheel width, and clearance should all stay in step with the size already being used.
What size rim does a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum use?
The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum uses a 13-inch rim diameter with both of its primary tire sizes, 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. That means either tire size belongs on a 13-inch wheel, even though the two sizes differ in section width and sidewall profile.
Rim diameter is only the first check. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing the narrower 155/80R13 to the wider 175/70R13. A car that has been changed from its original wheel setup may still have 13-inch wheels but need a different tire choice within that diameter. Verifying both the wheel and the current tire size prevents an avoidable mismatch.
Do all 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum sub-models use the same tire size?
The covered 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum sub-models share the same two primary tire sizes, 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Both the Base model and the version with aluminum wheels can use either of those 13-inch radial sizes rather than having completely separate sub-model-specific tire fitments.
That shared fitment makes the search easier, but it does not eliminate the need to inspect the car itself. One Spectrum may already be set up with 155/80R13 tires while another wears 175/70R13, and the wheel width may differ as well. Matching the replacement tire to the actual wheel and size currently on the vehicle is still the smart approach.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 tire for a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum?
Start with the correct size already fitted to the car, because the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum uses both 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 as primary options. From there, compare construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and the intended use of the car, whether it is being preserved as a clean survivor or driven more regularly.
The 155/80R13 size offers the broadest mix of choices, including narrow and wide whitewalls, while 175/70R13 is represented here by a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ. Appearance, wheel width, and the kind of road use planned can matter just as much as size itself. A careful match keeps the car visually consistent and avoids unnecessary fitment surprises.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on the tire size and product selected. The 155/80R13 fitment carries the appearance variety, while the 175/70R13 option shown here is offered as a blackwall tire.
That difference matters if the car’s presentation is part of the decision. A narrow or wide whitewall can give a compact 1980s car a more distinctive, restoration-minded look, while a blackwall keeps things simpler and more restrained. Once the correct size is confirmed, sidewall style becomes one of the easiest ways to tailor the Spectrum’s finished appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum?
Tires for the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Most of the brand variety appears in the 155/80R13 size, while the 175/70R13 option is represented here by Avon’s CR6ZZ series.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, sidewall style, and wheel compatibility rather than on name alone. For example, a Spectrum owner looking for a whitewall presentation will naturally focus on the 155/80R13 offerings, while someone staying with 175/70R13 will be choosing within a more limited blackwall selection. The useful comparison is how each tire fits the car’s setup and intended character.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum?
A period-style 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum usually starts with choosing the correct primary size already fitted to the car, then selecting a tire whose sidewall treatment matches the look you want. In this application, 155/80R13 offers the strongest restoration-oriented appearance options because it is available with narrow and wide whitewall styling.
A blackwall 175/70R13 can still be the right choice if that size matches the wheel setup or if the goal is a plainer late-1980s presentation. The safest restoration approach is to confirm the car’s existing wheel and tire combination, then compare photos, period literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a final appearance direction.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum?
On the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum, construction is less of an appearance dividing line than it would be on an older collector vehicle because both primary tire sizes are radial fitments. The visual impact here comes more from the tire’s profile and sidewall treatment than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
That makes size and sidewall style the bigger restoration decisions. A 155/80R13 with a narrow or wide whitewall creates a noticeably different look from a blackwall 175/70R13, even though both belong to the same model. Keeping the tire size appropriate to the wheel and preserving an even stance helps the finished car look intentional rather than mismatched.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum even when the replacement tire is one of the model’s primary sizes. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension lowering, or body and fender work can change the amount of clearance available around a 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 tire.
A Spectrum that still uses stock-type 13-inch wheels is simpler to match, but any change in the wheel setup should be checked before ordering. Look at wheel diameter, wheel width, and how much room exists at the strut, fender edge, and steering range. That extra inspection matters more than the catalog size alone on a modified car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size and inflation, and make sure each tire seats properly on the rim. It is also smart to check for adequate clearance at the fenders and suspension components with the car at rest and with the steering turned.
Older compact cars can hide problems that have little to do with the tire itself, including worn shocks, loose steering parts, or alignment issues that quickly affect tread wear and road feel. A short initial drive followed by a second pressure and visual check helps catch rubbing, air loss, or mounting issues before the car returns to regular use.
How should 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum should be maintained with regular pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Even if the car is driven lightly, 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 tires can deteriorate from storage conditions, sunlight, ozone exposure, or long periods of sitting.
The most useful routine is to inspect sidewalls for cracking, look for bulges or cuts, and watch for any persistent air loss before every meaningful outing. Moving the car occasionally, storing it in a clean dry space, and keeping the suspension in good order all help protect the tires. Low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for regular inspection.
