The 1986 Dodge Aries represents the practical front-wheel-drive family sedan era that helped define Chrysler’s K-car years, with buyers valuing these cars for straightforward packaging, everyday drivability, and increasingly preservation-worthy 1980s character. Tire fitment on the 1986 Dodge Aries centers on two radial sizes, 175/80R13 and 185/70R14, so the first step is confirming which wheel diameter the car actually carries. Available choices include traditional whitewall radials in both sizes, along with blackwall 185/70R14 options in several touring and classic performance-oriented series. For a well-kept survivor or a road-use refresh, appearance, wheel size, and intended use should guide the final decision.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Dodge Aries
The 1986 Dodge Aries uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial fitments, but they do not share the same rim diameter. One size fits a 13-inch wheel and the other fits a 14-inch wheel, so confirming the wheel diameter on the car is the first step before comparing tires. Because all listed sub-models can use either size, the real decision becomes matching the tire to the wheel already on the vehicle and then choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit the car.
The 175/80R13 size uses a 175-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim. On a 1986 Dodge Aries, this size suits owners keeping the car on its 13-inch wheel setup and looking for a traditional passenger-car radial presentation. Available choices include Maxxis and BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options, with both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. This size makes the most sense when the car still carries 13-inch wheels and the goal is a clean, era-appropriate look with modern radial construction.
The 185/70R14 size uses a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. For the 1986 Dodge Aries, it applies to cars equipped with 14-inch wheels and opens up a wider range of product styles than the 13-inch size. Available options include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with both wide whitewall and blackwall choices across several tire series. This size is worth evaluating when the car already has 14-inch wheels and the owner wants broader choice in appearance and tire character.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1986 Dodge Aries sub-models because Base, LE, and SE models all use the same two radial size options. The important step is not trim identification alone, but confirming whether the car is currently on 13-inch or 14-inch wheels before selecting tires.
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1986 Dodge Aries Base
The 1986 Dodge Aries Base can use either of the two primary radial tire sizes offered for this model year. That means tire selection starts with wheel-diameter confirmation, followed by deciding whether a whitewall or blackwall presentation better suits the car’s current appearance and use.
The 1986 Dodge Aries LE shares the same overall tire-fitment pattern as the rest of the model line, with both primary radial sizes applying depending on wheel setup. Tire choice therefore comes down to verifying the installed rim diameter and then choosing among the available sidewall styles and tire series.
The 1986 Dodge Aries SE also uses the same two radial fitment paths found on other sub-models. Owners should confirm whether the car carries 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, then compare the available tire styles based on appearance goals, road use, and wheel compatibility.
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 Dodge Aries Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Dodge Aries tires include 175/80R13 and 185/70R14 radial options from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Choices vary by tire series and sidewall style, with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall presentations depending on size.
Common 1986 Dodge Aries tire questions usually come down to size selection, 13-inch versus 14-inch rim fitment, whitewall versus blackwall appearance, and how to inspect an older survivor before putting it back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Dodge Aries?
The 1986 Dodge Aries uses two primary radial tire sizes: 175/80R13 and 185/70R14. Both sizes apply across the Base, LE, and SE sub-models, so the car’s actual wheel setup matters more than trim level when choosing between them.
The practical difference is wheel diameter. A 175/80R13 fits a 13-inch rim, while a 185/70R14 fits a 14-inch rim. Before ordering tires, check the wheel diameter on the car and make sure the current wheels have not been changed over the years. That step prevents choosing the right-looking tire in the wrong rim size.
What size rim does a 1986 Dodge Aries use?
A 1986 Dodge Aries can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on which of its two primary tire sizes is on the car. The 175/80R13 mounts on a 13-inch rim, and the 185/70R14 mounts on a 14-inch rim.
Because both rim diameters appear across the same model line, it is important to inspect the wheels rather than assume fitment by trim name alone. An older Aries may have had wheels changed during its life, so confirm the rim diameter stamped on the wheel or read the existing tire size before narrowing down brands, sidewall style, or tire series.
Do all 1986 Dodge Aries sub-models use the same tire size?
Base, LE, and SE versions of the 1986 Dodge Aries share the same two tire-size options: 175/80R13 and 185/70R14. That means sub-model fitment is consistent across the line, but the car itself may still carry one wheel diameter or the other.
This is helpful for buyers because trim level does not create a separate tire-size map. The important check is whether the specific car is riding on 13-inch or 14-inch wheels today. Once that is confirmed, the next decisions are appearance and tire character, such as whitewall versus blackwall and which available radial series best matches the car.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1986 Dodge Aries tire?
Start with the correct size for the wheel on the car: 175/80R13 for a 13-inch rim or 185/70R14 for a 14-inch rim. From there, the main considerations are radial construction, sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and whether the tire’s rim-width specification matches the wheel being used.
A well-preserved Aries often looks best with a tire that matches the car’s visual character as much as its dimensions. Whitewall options can reinforce an upscale or traditional presentation, while blackwalls create a plainer, more understated look. It also helps to compare load-capacity figures and wheel-width compatibility, especially if the car no longer wears its original wheels.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Dodge Aries tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Dodge Aries include narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and blackwall, depending on tire size and series. The 175/80R13 offerings include whitewall styles, while 185/70R14 opens up both whitewall and blackwall options.
That gives the car owner a meaningful appearance decision instead of only a dimensional one. A whitewall radial can support a more traditional 1980s passenger-car look, especially on a survivor or restoration-minded car. A blackwall may make more sense for a simpler road-use setup or for an Aries wearing a plainer trim presentation. Matching the sidewall style to the car’s overall look usually matters as much as brand choice.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Dodge Aries?
1986 Dodge Aries tire options include Maxxis and BFGoodrich in 175/80R13, while 185/70R14 choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. All of the available fitments for this model are radial tires, but the brands differ in sidewall treatment and tire series.
Brand choice becomes most useful after the size and wheel diameter are confirmed. A buyer comparing 185/70R14 tires, for example, can look across whitewall and blackwall styles as well as touring- and classic-oriented series. Rather than treating one brand as universally right, compare the tire’s visual style, wheel-width compatibility, and overall presentation against how the Aries will actually be driven and displayed.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Dodge Aries?
A period-style 1986 Dodge Aries usually starts with keeping the correct wheel diameter and then choosing a radial tire whose sidewall presentation suits the car. Whitewall options in 175/80R13 and 185/70R14 can give the Aries a more traditional mid-1980s passenger-car look than a plain blackwall tire.
That does not make every whitewall automatically exact for every restoration goal. Owners aiming for close historical accuracy should compare the car’s current presentation with original sales literature, marque references, or surviving examples. For many drivers, though, staying within the correct size and selecting an appropriate whitewall width is the best balance between era character and practical road use.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1986 Dodge Aries restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters because the wheel diameter, section width, and sidewall look all influence how a restored 1986 Dodge Aries sits and presents. Using the proper 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 size keeps the car aligned with its intended fitment range instead of introducing an obviously mismatched tire.
Appearance is only part of the equation. The wrong rim diameter stops the tire choice immediately, and an unsuitable wheel width can create mounting and handling compromises even when the size seems close at a glance. A restoration-minded owner should confirm the wheel setup first, then choose a sidewall style and tire series that support the car’s finish level and intended use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Aries?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Aries, even though the original fitment pattern is straightforward. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension work, or body modifications can all change how a 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 tire sits in the car.
That matters most on older cars that may have been updated over decades of use. A tire that matches the nominal size still needs to be checked against the actual wheel and the vehicle’s available clearance. Before replacing tires, inspect the wheel diameter and width already on the car and look for any signs that ride height or steering clearance may differ from stock.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Dodge Aries on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Dodge Aries on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct rim diameter, and make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the car’s wheel setup. It also helps to check valve stems, alignment condition, and whether the suspension shows obvious wear.
A newly mounted tire cannot compensate for cracked bushings, loose steering parts, or bent wheels. On a car that has spent long periods parked, inspect for fluid leaks, uneven ride height, and any rubbing marks inside the wheel openings. Setting correct tire pressure and taking a short initial drive to confirm smooth tracking and adequate clearance are sensible final checks.
How often should tires on a 1986 Dodge Aries be inspected?
Tires on a 1986 Dodge Aries should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Look over tread wear, air pressure, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and any signs of age-related deterioration rather than judging the tire only by remaining tread depth.
Collector-era and survivor cars often accumulate less mileage than daily drivers, which can hide developing tire problems. A monthly visual check is a good habit, and another inspection before any longer drive is wise. Pay extra attention after seasonal storage, since flat spotting, air loss, and age cracks can develop even when the car has barely been used.
