1986 Plymouth Colt Tires

The 1986 Plymouth Colt uses several primary radial tire sizes depending on the exact sub-model: 145/80R13, 155/80R13, 165/80R13, 185/70R13, 185/60R14, and 185/70R14. That means there is not one universal size for the entire Colt lineup, even within the same model year.

The most important next step is identifying the specific Colt trim or Vista Wagon configuration, then confirming whether the car has a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel. Once that is settled, the decision becomes much simpler because the remaining choices are usually about sidewall style, tire series, and intended appearance rather than basic fitment.

A 1986 Plymouth Colt uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. Sizes such as 145/80R13, 155/80R13, 165/80R13, and 185/70R13 use 13-inch rims, while 185/60R14 and 185/70R14 use 14-inch rims.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because two tires can look similar in width while fitting completely different wheels. It also helps to check actual wheel width when comparing products, especially on sizes with multiple available brands, since some tires carry more specific rim-width ranges than others.

The 1986 Plymouth Colt has more than one tire size because the lineup includes different trims and body configurations, including DL, E, Premier, and several Vista Wagon versions. Those applications span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels and use different widths and profiles to match their specific setups.

That makes sub-model identification more important than shopping by year and make alone. A Premier on 185/60R14 should not be approached the same way as a Colt E on 145/80R13 or a Vista Wagon on 185/70R13, because even small differences in wheel diameter or profile can change proper tire selection.

Start with the exact primary size for the specific 1986 Plymouth Colt sub-model, then confirm wheel diameter before comparing products. From there, useful decision points include sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, load capacity where stated, and whether the car is being kept closer to original-looking road use or given a more distinctive period-style presentation.

The right choice often depends on how the car will be used. A Vista Wagon owner may want the broader appearance range available in 185/70R13 or 185/70R14, while a DL owner in 155/80R13 may be deciding mainly between narrow whitewall and wider whitewall options in a compact-size radial.

Sidewall choices for the 1986 Plymouth Colt include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. The widest style variety appears in certain 13-inch applications, especially 185/70R13, while some other sizes lean more heavily toward blackwall or whitewall offerings.

That means sidewall appearance should be chosen after the correct size is confirmed, not before. A whitewall can give a small Colt or Vista Wagon a more restoration-minded look, while blackwall or redline choices may suit a sportier or more understated presentation without changing the vehicle's primary size.

Brands available across 1986 Plymouth Colt sizes include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein. Brand availability depends on the exact tire size, so the strongest variety appears in certain applications rather than evenly across every Colt fitment.

That brand spread is most useful once the correct size has already been narrowed down. For example, 185/70R13 and 185/70R14 offer several blackwall and specialty-style choices from multiple manufacturers, while some narrower sizes are more limited and place greater emphasis on sidewall treatment than on broad brand comparison.

A period-style 1986 Plymouth Colt usually starts with the correct original-type size for the exact sub-model, then narrows the choice by sidewall treatment and overall visual character. In this lineup, certain sizes offer narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline options, while others are centered on blackwall radials with a more modern road-use look.

The most convincing result usually comes from matching the tire's profile and sidewall presence to the vehicle's trim level and intended presentation. When exact originality matters beyond general period style, marque-specific references and original vehicle literature are the best way to verify whether a particular whitewall width or sidewall treatment is appropriate.

On a 1986 Plymouth Colt, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires throughout the range. The bigger visual difference comes from the tire's profile, width, and sidewall style, since a blackwall 185/70R13 presents very differently from a wide whitewall or redline in the same basic size.

For a restoration-oriented car, that means appearance choices are less about switching construction types and more about choosing the right presentation within the proper radial size. A narrow whitewall can suit compact 13-inch applications well, while wider whitewalls or redlines can create a stronger period impression on certain wagon fitments.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Plymouth Colt even when the tire size itself is correct for a stock sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, altered offset, suspension lowering, or body modifications can all change how much room the tire has at the fender, strut, and steering components.

That is especially important on a Colt because the range already spans multiple widths, profiles, and wheel diameters. A car with non-original wheels should be checked for actual rim diameter and width first, then inspected for turning clearance and suspension travel before settling on any tire that matches the nominal factory size.

Before driving a 1986 Plymouth Colt on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are the proper size for the sub-model, and check that they clear the suspension and bodywork through full steering travel. Tire pressure should also be set appropriately before regular road use.

It also helps to look over the rest of the car with the same care. Worn shocks, sagging springs, loose steering parts, or old alignment issues can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves, and any collector vehicle that has sat for long periods deserves an extra look for air loss, rubbing, or uneven contact.

Tires on a collector 1986 Plymouth Colt should be checked regularly for pressure, tread wear, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, and any sign of slow air loss. Even a lightly driven car can age its tires while sitting, so appearance alone should not be the only standard for deciding whether they are ready for road use.

Storage conditions matter as much as mileage on an older compact car. Keeping the Colt away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and a car that has been parked for extended periods should be inspected carefully before longer drives, especially if it wears older wheels or uncommon trim-specific sizes.