The 1986 Chrysler Laser came from an era when sporty front-drive coupes blended sharp wedge-era styling with increasingly sophisticated road manners. As a close relative within Chrysler’s mid-1980s performance coupe lineup, the Laser attracts owners who want the right balance of authentic appearance, responsive handling, and usable street manners. Tire fitment on the 1986 Chrysler Laser is entirely radial, but the exact size depends on the sub-model, ranging from 14-inch applications on the Base to 15-inch fitments on XE versions. Available choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles across several tire series. That makes it important to confirm the exact trim and wheel setup before choosing a restoration-oriented look or a road-use focused replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Chrysler Laser
The 1986 Chrysler Laser uses four primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Base models use 14-inch radial sizes, while XE and XE w/XT Performance Pkg. models move to 15-inch radial fitments. Before selecting a tire, confirm the specific trim and make sure the car still has the wheel diameter it was set up to use.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 refers to section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Chrysler Laser, this size belongs to 14-inch Base applications and reflects a conventional mid-1980s passenger-car radial format. Available choices include blackwall and wide whitewall designs from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein across series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is a useful fitment to evaluate when preserving the proper 14-inch wheel setup while tailoring the car’s look toward either traditional or sport-oriented presentation.
195/70R14 uses the same metric radial sizing format, with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1986 Chrysler Laser, this is another 14-inch Base fitment and gives the buyer a distinct size choice within that sub-model’s original-style radial range. The available product selection in this size centers on a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic, which keeps the presentation straightforward and performance-minded. This size deserves a careful check against the actual wheel and existing setup, especially on cars that may have changed between Base tire options over time.
205/60R15 is a lower-profile metric radial size, with a 205-millimeter section width, 60-series aspect ratio, and 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Chrysler Laser, it belongs to the XE and represents the move to a 15-inch fitment with a sportier profile than the 14-inch Base sizes. Product choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in series such as Primacy 3, American Classic Radial, Star Series, and Radial T/A. This size is the right place to compare appearance and driving-purpose priorities once the XE wheel diameter has been confirmed.
225/50R15 is a metric radial size that combines a 225-millimeter section width with a 50-series profile on a 15-inch rim. For the 1986 Chrysler Laser, this fitment is tied to the XE w/XT Performance Pkg. and stands apart from the other Laser sizes by using the widest and lowest-profile primary setup in the range. Its practical role is to match the specific wheel-and-package combination used on that performance-oriented configuration rather than to serve as a universal Laser fitment. Buyers considering this size should confirm that the car still retains the correct 15-inch wheels and package-specific tire clearance before moving ahead.
Sub-model fitment on the 1986 Chrysler Laser is not uniform, so tire choice starts with identifying the exact trim. Base models use 14-inch radial sizes, while XE versions move to 15-inch fitments, including a distinct performance-package application.
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1986 Chrysler Laser Base
The 1986 Chrysler Laser Base uses 14-inch radial tire fitments and may be found with either of two primary sizes. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation simple, but the exact size still matters when comparing available blackwall or whitewall choices and matching the car’s existing setup.
The 1986 Chrysler Laser XE uses a 15-inch radial fitment centered on 205/60R15. Tire selection here is less about choosing among multiple primary sizes and more about deciding between blackwall, wide whitewall, or raised white letter presentations within the correct 15-inch format.
The 1986 Chrysler Laser XE w/XT Performance Pkg. uses its own 15-inch radial size, separate from the standard XE and Base applications. That makes package confirmation especially important, since the correct tire choice depends on matching the wheel size and overall setup of this specific configuration.
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 Chrysler Laser Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Chrysler Laser tires span 14-inch and 15-inch radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles across several distinct tire series.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Owners researching 1986 Chrysler Laser tires usually need to sort out exact size by sub-model, confirm 14-inch or 15-inch wheel fitment, and compare sidewall and series choices. These FAQs also cover construction, restoration-minded appearance, and practical checks before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Chrysler Laser?
The 1986 Chrysler Laser uses four primary radial tire sizes: 185/70R14, 195/70R14, 205/60R15, and 225/50R15. The correct size depends on the sub-model. Base models use the 14-inch sizes, the XE uses 205/60R15, and the XE w/XT Performance Pkg. uses 225/50R15.
Choosing the right tire starts with confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter on the car today. Many older sport coupes have seen wheel changes over the years, so the safest approach is to check the current wheel size and compare it with the proper sub-model fitment before selecting a tire.
What size rim does a 1986 Chrysler Laser use?
A 1986 Chrysler Laser uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 185/70R14 and 195/70R14 sizes are built for 14-inch rims, while 205/60R15 and 225/50R15 are built for 15-inch rims.
Rim diameter should be verified before anything else, because a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 15-inch wheel and vice versa. Once the diameter is confirmed, it becomes much easier to narrow the correct tire size and then compare details such as sidewall style, tire series, and rim-width compatibility.
Why does the 1986 Chrysler Laser have more than one tire size?
Multiple tire sizes appear on the 1986 Chrysler Laser because fitment changes by sub-model. Base models use 14-inch radial sizes, the XE steps up to a 15-inch 205/60R15 setup, and the XE w/XT Performance Pkg. uses a separate 225/50R15 performance-oriented fitment.
That means the right tire is determined by the car’s exact trim and wheel package rather than by model name alone. It also means owners should not assume one Laser size is interchangeable with another without checking the wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance on the specific car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1986 Chrysler Laser tire?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact 1986 Chrysler Laser sub-model, then compare the available radial options within that size. Useful differences include wheel diameter, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width range where stated, and whether the tire’s appearance leans more toward traditional or sport-oriented presentation.
The best choice depends on how the car is used and how you want it to look. A Base car being kept close to period style may lead one way, while an XE owner may focus on blackwall or raised white letter options that suit the Laser’s 1980s character and current wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Chrysler Laser tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Chrysler Laser include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, depending on the tire size. Blackwall options appear across several 14-inch and 15-inch sizes, wide whitewalls are available in select 185/70R14 and 205/60R15 offerings, and raised white letters appear in 205/60R15.
That variety gives the Laser owner some freedom to shape the car’s presentation without leaving the proper size family. Blackwalls usually suit a cleaner, more understated look, while wide whitewalls create a stronger vintage visual statement and raised white letters give the 15-inch XE fitment a more performance-themed appearance.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Chrysler Laser?
Available 1986 Chrysler Laser tire brands include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Brand availability depends on the tire size, with the broadest product spread appearing in 185/70R14 and a mixed group of blackwall, whitewall, and raised white letter options available in 205/60R15.
Brand choice should be considered alongside the exact size and the kind of appearance you want for the car. Instead of treating the decision as brand-only, compare the series offered in your size, the sidewall treatment, and the wheel-compatibility details so the tire matches both the Laser’s fitment and its intended character.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Chrysler Laser?
A period-style 1986 Chrysler Laser tire starts with the correct size for the exact sub-model, then narrows to the look you want within that fitment. Blackwall radials often suit the Laser’s original 1980s sporty-coupe character, while certain 185/70R14 and 205/60R15 choices also introduce wide whitewall styling for a different visual direction.
Appearance should be balanced with how the car is actually used. An owner focused on preserving the Laser’s mid-1980s feel may prefer a size and sidewall that align with the car’s trim and wheel package, while a more personalized build should still stay within the correct fitment and wheel requirements.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Chrysler Laser?
Tire construction is straightforward on the 1986 Chrysler Laser because all primary fitments are radial. That means the visible appearance difference comes less from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction and more from the selected size, sidewall treatment, and tire series within the correct radial format.
For a restoration-minded Laser, those details influence whether the car looks restrained, upscale, or more performance oriented. Blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter designs each change the personality of the car, so the most convincing result usually comes from matching the sidewall style to the trim level and wheel setup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chrysler Laser?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Chrysler Laser even when the tire size itself is correct for the original sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or bodywork repairs can change the available room around the tire and can also alter the wheel width being used.
A car that has been changed from stock should be checked carefully before replacement tires are chosen. Focus on wheel diameter, wheel width, steering clearance, and space at the fender and suspension rather than relying only on the model name, especially when moving between Base and XE-related wheel setups.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Chrysler Laser on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Chrysler Laser on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tires are properly seated and inflated. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to compensate for worn hardware.
A short shakedown drive should include listening for rubbing and checking that the car tracks normally. After the first miles, recheck air pressure and look for any signs of contact at the inner fender, strut area, or outer bodywork, particularly on cars with 15-inch fitments or modified wheels.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Chrysler Laser be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Chrysler Laser should be inspected regularly for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven tread wear, even if the car sees limited mileage. Low-use cars often age their tires through time and storage conditions rather than through distance, so appearance alone is not enough to judge condition.
Proper storage helps preserve both the tire and the look of the car. Keep the Laser away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment, and check pressure before each drive so the tires maintain their shape and load support instead of developing wear or handling issues from underinflation.
