The 1986 Dodge Omni sits in an interesting part of the front-wheel-drive hot hatch and economy-car story, with practical everyday models sharing a family tree with the sharper GLH performance variant. Tire choice on this car starts with knowing which version you have, because Base and SE models use 165/80R13 radials while the GLH uses a much different 195/50R15 radial on a 15-inch wheel. That split also changes the character of the available tires, from whitewall-oriented 13-inch choices to blackwall performance-focused 15-inch options. For an original-looking driver or a road-ready GLH, wheel diameter and exact sub-model matter before anything else.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Dodge Omni
Two tire sizes apply to the 1986 Dodge Omni, and the correct one depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. Base and SE models use a 13-inch radial fitment, while the GLH uses a 15-inch radial size with a distinctly lower-profile look. Before choosing a tire, confirm whether the car is a Base, SE, or GLH and verify that the wheels on the car still match that original rim diameter.
165/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1986 Dodge Omni, this size suits the Base and SE models and keeps the car in its smaller-wheel, upright-sidewall configuration. Available choices include BFGoodrich and Maxxis products, with wide whitewall and narrow whitewall sidewall treatments for buyers who want a more traditional presentation. It is the size to focus on when preserving the standard Omni look and confirming compatibility with 13-inch wheels.
195/50R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and a 15-inch rim. On the 1986 Dodge Omni, this size belongs with the GLH and reflects that model's more aggressive wheel-and-tire package rather than the standard Omni setup. Available options from BFGoodrich and Michelin use blackwall styling and performance-oriented tire series rather than whitewall presentation. This is the size to evaluate when the car is a GLH or when a 15-inch wheel package is already on the vehicle and needs to be confirmed.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Dodge Omni because not every version uses the same tire size or the same wheel diameter. Base and SE models stay with the 13-inch radial fitment, while the GLH moves to a separate 15-inch radial setup that should be confirmed before selection.
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1986 Dodge Omni Base
The 1986 Dodge Omni Base uses the 165/80R13 radial size, placing it in the standard 13-inch fitment shared with the SE. Tire selection here is less about choosing between multiple primary sizes and more about deciding on appearance, including whitewall style, while keeping the wheel diameter correct.
The 1986 Dodge Omni GLH uses the 195/50R15 radial size, which sets it apart from the other Omni sub-models with a 15-inch wheel package. That makes wheel confirmation especially important, and the available choices lean toward blackwall performance-oriented tire series rather than restoration-style whitewall looks.
The 1986 Dodge Omni SE uses the same 165/80R13 radial size as the Base model. That keeps selection straightforward as long as the car still has its 13-inch wheels, with the main choices centered on sidewall appearance and the character of the available radial products.
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 Omni Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Dodge Omni tires split cleanly by fitment: 165/80R13 options from BFGoodrich and Maxxis focus on wide whitewall or narrow whitewall styling, while 195/50R15 choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin are blackwall performance radials with different tire-series character and rim-width compatibility.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 165/80R13
Common 1986 Dodge Omni tire questions usually come down to sub-model fitment, 13-inch versus 15-inch wheel setups, radial tire selection, sidewall style, and what to inspect before putting a collector-era hatchback back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Dodge Omni?
The 1986 Dodge Omni uses two different radial tire sizes depending on the sub-model. Base and SE models use 165/80R13, while the GLH uses 195/50R15. Those are not just different widths and profiles; they also use different wheel diameters, so the right size starts with identifying the exact version of the car.
Many older Omnis have seen wheel changes over the years, so it is smart to check the wheel actually on the car before choosing tires. A Base or SE on 13-inch wheels should stay with the 165/80R13 fitment, while a GLH should be matched to its 15-inch setup unless the vehicle has been intentionally modified.
What size rim does a 1986 Dodge Omni use?
A 1986 Dodge Omni uses either a 13-inch or 15-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Base and SE use the 165/80R13 tire size on a 13-inch rim, while the GLH uses 195/50R15 on a 15-inch rim. Rim diameter is one of the first details to confirm because the two sizes are not interchangeable.
Wheel diameter should be checked before looking at brands, sidewall styles, or tread design. It also helps to confirm wheel width, especially on the 15-inch GLH setup where the available tires have a defined rim-width range. If the car has aftermarket wheels, use the actual wheel dimensions on the vehicle rather than assuming the original configuration remains.
Do all 1986 Dodge Omni sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1986 Dodge Omni Base and SE share the 165/80R13 radial size, but the GLH uses a different 195/50R15 radial size. That means tire fitment is not uniform across the full Omni lineup for this year, even though the models share the same basic nameplate.
That difference matters because it affects more than tread width. The wheel diameter changes from 13 inches to 15 inches, and the available tire styles change as well. Buyers looking for whitewall presentation will find that on the 13-inch standard Omni sizes, while the GLH fitment is centered on blackwall performance-oriented radial choices.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 165/80R13 tire for a 1986 Dodge Omni?
For a 1986 Dodge Omni Base or SE, the first step is staying with the correct 165/80R13 radial size and a 13-inch wheel. From there, the main choice is visual character, since available options include a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a 2.25-inch whitewall and a Maxxis classic-style radial with a 0.625-inch narrow whitewall.
It also helps to compare rim-width compatibility and the look you want the car to carry. Both available 165/80R13 options suit a 4.50- to 6.00-inch rim width range, so the final decision often comes down to whether the car should have a more formal wide-whitewall appearance or a subtler narrow-whitewall presentation.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Dodge Omni tires?
Sidewall style depends on which 1986 Dodge Omni tire size you need. In 165/80R13, the available styles include wide whitewall and narrow whitewall, giving Base and SE owners a choice between two traditional presentations. In 195/50R15 for the GLH, the available products use blackwall styling that suits a more performance-focused look.
That means sidewall choice is tied closely to sub-model and wheel size, not just personal taste. A buyer restoring a standard Omni may prefer one of the whitewall options for period flavor, while a GLH owner will usually be comparing blackwall performance radials. Verifying the car's actual wheel setup keeps the appearance choice aligned with the correct fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Dodge Omni?
The 1986 Dodge Omni has tire choices from BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Michelin, depending on size. BFGoodrich appears in both fitments, offering a Silvertown Radial whitewall in 165/80R13 and a g-Force Sport Comp 2 in 195/50R15. Maxxis is available in 165/80R13, while Michelin is available in the GLH's 195/50R15 size.
Brand comparison only matters after the correct tire size and wheel diameter are confirmed. Once that is settled, buyers can compare sidewall style, tire series, and intended use more effectively. The standard Omni fitment leans toward traditional-looking whitewall radials, while the GLH fitment centers on blackwall performance-oriented choices.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Dodge Omni?
A period-style 1986 Dodge Omni starts with the correct sub-model fitment. Base and SE models use 165/80R13, and that size offers the most restoration-oriented visual choices, including wide whitewall and narrow whitewall radials. The GLH uses 195/50R15, where the available choices are blackwall performance tires rather than traditional whitewall designs.
For a standard Omni, the decision usually comes down to how much vintage character you want in the sidewall treatment. For a GLH, period-style selection is more about keeping the proper size and wheel diameter than chasing whitewall appearance. When exact originality matters, compare your car against marque references, period photos, and surviving examples.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Dodge Omni?
On the 1986 Dodge Omni, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires across both size applications. That means the visual difference in a restored car is driven more by tire size, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment than by choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
A Base or SE with 165/80R13 and a whitewall radial can look notably different from a GLH on 195/50R15 blackwall tires, even though both are radials. For restoration-minded buyers, the key is matching the tire's profile and sidewall presentation to the specific Omni sub-model instead of treating every 1986 Omni as if it used the same visual package.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Omni?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1986 Dodge Omni, especially because this model already has two different wheel-and-tire combinations across its sub-models. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or brake upgrades can all affect which tire size works properly and how much clearance remains around the tire.
A car that began life as a Base or SE may now wear 15-inch wheels, and a GLH may no longer have its original setup. That is why the actual wheel diameter and width on the car matter more than assumptions. Check clearance at the fenders and steering range before finalizing a tire choice on any modified Omni.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Dodge Omni on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Dodge Omni on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter matches the tire size, and make sure the tires are inflated properly. It is also wise to look over the suspension, steering components, and alignment condition, since worn parts can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves on the road.
Collector-era hatchbacks often spend long stretches parked, so basic condition checks matter as much as the new tires themselves. Look for rubbing marks, verify even seating on the rim, and make sure lug hardware is in good condition. A short test drive followed by a second inspection can help catch clearance or vibration issues early.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Omni be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Dodge Omni should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even when tread looks good, low-use tires can still develop cracking, flat spotting, or sidewall fatigue. That applies whether the car uses the standard 165/80R13 fitment or the GLH's 195/50R15 setup.
Storage conditions play a large role in how well tires hold up over time. Keep the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors when possible. It also helps to inspect for air loss, cuts, or bulges before every meaningful drive rather than relying only on annual mileage as a guide.
