The 1986 Plymouth Reliant came from Chrysler’s practical K-car era, a time when straightforward packaging, front-wheel-drive efficiency, and everyday usability mattered more than flash. For many owners today, that makes the Reliant a preservation-minded survivor rather than a showpiece, and tire choice plays a big role in keeping that character intact. This model uses radial tires in two primary sizes, 175/80R13 and 185/70R14, depending on the wheel setup. Available choices range from blackwall to narrow and wide whitewall designs across several classic tire series. The key is confirming which rim diameter is on the car, then balancing appearance, fitment, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Plymouth Reliant
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant uses two primary tire sizes, and the first thing to confirm is wheel diameter. Both 175/80R13 and 185/70R14 are radial fitments, but they mount on different rims, so the right choice depends on whether the car is equipped with 13-inch or 14-inch wheels. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to sidewall appearance, tire series, and the type of road use the car will see.
In 175/80R13, the 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This is a modern metric radial size that suits the Reliant’s original-era everyday driving character while keeping fitment straightforward on a 13-inch wheel. Available choices include Maxxis and BFGoodrich options, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations in series such as Classic Whitewall MA-1 and Silvertown Radial. It is a useful size for owners who want a traditional small-sedan profile and a restoration-oriented sidewall look.
In 185/70R14, the 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. This radial size applies to Reliants running a 14-inch wheel and opens the door to a broader mix of touring and classic-style choices. BFGoodrich offers a wide whitewall version, while Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein provide blackwall selections across series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is the size to evaluate when wheel diameter, intended appearance, and brand preference all matter.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1986 Plymouth Reliant sub-models because Base, LE, and SE models all use the same two primary tire sizes. The important step is confirming whether the car has 13-inch or 14-inch wheels before narrowing the selection to sidewall style and tire series.
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1986 Plymouth Reliant Base
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant Base uses the same radial tire-size choices as the rest of the range, with either 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 depending on wheel diameter. That makes the real selection process less about trim level and more about confirming the wheels currently on the car and choosing the right appearance and tire series.
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant LE shares the same two radial fitment paths, so tire choice starts with the car’s actual wheel size rather than the LE badge. Once the rim diameter is confirmed, the decision becomes whether a blackwall, narrow whitewall, or wide whitewall tire better suits the car’s intended presentation.
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant SE follows the same fitment pattern as the other sub-models, using either 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 radial tires. Tire selection therefore comes down to wheel confirmation first, then comparing available brand, sidewall, and series options for the way the car will be driven and displayed.
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 Plymouth Reliant Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Plymouth Reliant tires span 175/80R13 and 185/70R14 radial sizes from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Choices include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles across several classic tire series, with rim-width compatibility varying by size and product.
These FAQs focus on the 1986 Plymouth Reliant’s two tire sizes, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, sidewall and brand choices, and the checks that matter before putting a preserved or regularly driven Reliant back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Plymouth Reliant?
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant uses two primary tire sizes: 175/80R13 and 185/70R14. Both are radial fitments, and both appear across the Base, LE, and SE sub-models, so the correct size is tied to the wheel diameter on the car rather than to a separate sub-model-specific size pattern.
Choosing between them starts with confirming whether the car has 13-inch or 14-inch wheels. A 175/80R13 tire belongs on a 13-inch rim, while a 185/70R14 tire belongs on a 14-inch rim. If the car has been changed over to different wheels at some point, verify the actual wheel size before selecting a tire.
What size rim does a 1986 Plymouth Reliant use?
A 1986 Plymouth Reliant uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on which of its two primary tire sizes is on the car. The 175/80R13 size mounts on a 13-inch wheel, while the 185/70R14 size mounts on a 14-inch wheel.
That rim difference matters more than trim-name differences, because Base, LE, and SE models all share both size possibilities. Checking the actual wheel diameter is the safest first step before comparing tire options. After that, it becomes much easier to sort through whitewall versus blackwall choices and compare the tire series available in the correct size.
Do all 1986 Plymouth Reliant sub-models use the same tire size?
The 1986 Plymouth Reliant Base, LE, and SE all share the same two tire-size options: 175/80R13 and 185/70R14. In other words, sub-model fitment does not split into separate size groups here. The deciding factor is the wheel diameter fitted to the individual car.
That makes tire selection simpler, but it also means the badge on the car does not answer the fitment question by itself. A quick check of the existing tire sidewall or wheel measurement will confirm which size applies. Once that is known, the remaining choice is mostly about appearance, brand, and the kind of driving the Reliant will see.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1986 Plymouth Reliant?
Start with the correct primary size for the wheel on the car: 175/80R13 for a 13-inch rim or 185/70R14 for a 14-inch rim. From there, compare tire construction, sidewall style, rim-width compatibility, and overall presentation. Since all available fitments here are radial, the main differences are visual style and product character rather than bias-ply versus radial construction.
A restoration-minded Reliant may look right with a narrow or wide whitewall, while a more understated driver may suit a blackwall better. It also helps to compare the wheel width against the tire’s supported range and consider how the car is used, whether that means occasional cruising, local shows, or more frequent road miles.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Plymouth Reliant tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Plymouth Reliant include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on tire size and product selection. The 175/80R13 offerings include narrow and wide whitewall styles, while the 185/70R14 options include both blackwall and wide whitewall versions.
That variety lets the tire do a lot of visual work on a simple 1980s sedan. A whitewall can give the car a more formal, preservation-oriented look, while a blackwall keeps the appearance plainer and more contemporary to everyday use. The best choice depends on how original-looking or understated the finished car is meant to be.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Plymouth Reliant?
Tires for the 1986 Plymouth Reliant are available from Maxxis, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Brand availability depends on size, with 175/80R13 centered on Maxxis and BFGoodrich choices, while 185/70R14 opens up a broader mix of blackwall and whitewall radial options.
That brand spread matters because it gives the buyer different combinations of look and series character within the correct fitment. Rather than trying to rank brands, focus on the tire size that matches the wheel, the sidewall treatment that suits the car, and any rim-width or load details that align with how the Reliant will actually be driven.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Plymouth Reliant?
A period-style 1986 Plymouth Reliant tire choice starts with the car’s correct wheel diameter, since either 175/80R13 or 185/70R14 may apply. After size is confirmed, the most restoration-oriented options are usually the whitewall radials, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices that suit the Reliant’s practical mid-1980s character.
That does not automatically make any one sidewall or series factory-correct for every car. Some owners want a preserved showroom-style look, while others want a tidy, era-appropriate driver. If exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a final appearance.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Plymouth Reliant?
On a 1986 Plymouth Reliant, construction is less of a visual dividing line because the primary fitments here are radial tires. The appearance difference comes more from sidewall treatment and tire series than from choosing between radial and bias-ply, since the available sizes for this car are already modern metric radials.
That puts the visual focus on blackwall versus whitewall presentation and on how the tire fills the car’s modest body and wheel openings. A wide whitewall can create a more dressed-up look, while a blackwall keeps the car more restrained. Matching that appearance to the car’s trim, wheels, and restoration goals usually matters more than construction type alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Plymouth Reliant?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Plymouth Reliant, especially when wheel diameter, wheel width, or suspension height has been changed. The car’s primary tire sizes are tied to either a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel, so aftermarket wheels can easily shift the fitment question away from the original size pattern.
A Reliant with replacement wheels, altered springs, or body changes should be checked for wheel size, width, and basic clearance before a tire is chosen. Steering travel and fender space matter just as much as the size printed on the sidewall. Even when a tire is in the correct general size family, the actual setup still needs verification.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Plymouth Reliant on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Plymouth Reliant on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify the correct rim diameter, and make sure the tires are inflated properly and seated correctly. It is also wise to check for any rubbing at the fenders or suspension, especially if the car has not worn that size recently.
A broader road-use check should include wheel hardware, steering response, brake function, and overall suspension condition. Older collector cars can hide worn bushings, weak shocks, or alignment issues that show up only after fresh tires are installed. A short local test drive and a second inspection afterward can catch problems before longer use.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Plymouth Reliant be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Plymouth Reliant should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and storage habits that limit heat, sunlight, and prolonged exposure to moisture or ozone sources. Even a lightly driven car needs attention for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and slow air loss.
A low-mileage Reliant can look fine and still have aging-related tire issues, so periodic inspection matters more than tread depth alone. It also helps to move the car occasionally, keep the tires clean, and recheck them before any extended drive. That routine supports both appearance and road readiness without assuming the car is used every week.
