The 1986 Renault Encore belongs to the era when small front-wheel-drive hatchbacks and compact sedans were expected to balance economy, packaging efficiency, and everyday drivability. For buyers restoring or maintaining one today, tire choice is closely tied to trim level and wheel size rather than simple brand preference alone. The 1986 Renault Encore uses radial tires in three sizes: 155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/60R14. Available choices range from blackwall performance-oriented offerings to narrow and wide whitewall radials with a more vintage presentation. The key is confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first, then choosing the tire style that matches the car's appearance goals and road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Renault Encore
Three tire sizes apply to the 1986 Renault Encore, and they do not all use the same wheel diameter. Fitment varies by sub-model, with 13-inch and 14-inch rim applications both present, so the first step is confirming the exact trim and the wheels currently on the car. Once that is settled, the choice becomes more about matching the correct size to the right sidewall style, tire character, and intended use.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Renault Encore, it represents a narrow 13-inch fitment with a traditional profile. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. This size suits an owner who wants to preserve the smaller-wheel look while selecting among distinctly different appearance styles.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size where 175 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 13 denotes the wheel diameter. For the 1986 Renault Encore, it is another 13-inch fitment but with a wider, lower-profile format than 155/80R13. The available tire in this size is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving the size a distinctly performance-oriented presentation. This size is worth evaluating carefully when the car already has the correct 13-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the proper wheel diameter and fitment character for that setup.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Renault Encore, this size stands apart because it uses a larger wheel diameter than the 13-inch fitments. The available option is a Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 blackwall radial, giving this application a modern-looking, low-profile presentation within the correct size. This is the size to focus on when the car is a 14-inch-wheel configuration and the priority is matching that wheel diameter before comparing tire style or series.
Tire fitment for the 1986 Renault Encore varies by sub-model, and some trims can appear with more than one applicable size. Checking the exact sub-model matters because the difference is not just width and profile, but also whether the car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel.
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1986 Renault Encore Electronic
The 1986 Renault Encore Electronic uses 13-inch radial tire fitments and can appear with either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. That makes wheel verification especially important before choosing between a more traditional whitewall-style option and a blackwall radial in the proper size.
The 1986 Renault Encore GS uses the 185/60R14 radial size, making it the 14-inch-wheel application within the covered Encore range. Tire selection here starts with confirming the 14-inch setup, then choosing the product that matches the car's intended road use and overall presentation.
The 1986 Renault Encore LS uses the 175/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. That keeps the fitment decision fairly straightforward, with the main focus shifting to proper wheel compatibility and whether the available blackwall tire matches the car's appearance goals.
The 1986 Renault Encore S uses 13-inch radial fitments and may take either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. Because both sizes share the same rim diameter but differ in width and profile, the actual wheel and existing setup should be checked before selecting a replacement tire.
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 Renault Encore Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Renault Encore tires vary by size, brand, series, and sidewall treatment. Choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, and Michelin, with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options depending on the exact fitment.
Common 1986 Renault Encore tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct size by sub-model, confirming 13-inch versus 14-inch wheels, and deciding between available blackwall or whitewall radial options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Renault Encore?
The 1986 Renault Encore uses three tire sizes: 155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 185/60R14. These are all radial tire fitments, and the correct size depends on the specific Encore sub-model and wheel setup rather than the model name alone.
The most important step is confirming whether the car has 13-inch or 14-inch wheels, then matching the exact sub-model and existing setup. Electronic and S trims can use either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, the LS uses 175/70R13, and the GS uses 185/60R14.
What size rim does a 1986 Renault Encore use?
A 1986 Renault Encore uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the tire size and sub-model. The 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 fitments use 13-inch rims, while the 185/60R14 fitment uses a 14-inch rim.
That difference matters because tire selection starts with wheel diameter before anything else. A 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire cannot be used on a 13-inch wheel, so checking the wheel itself is essential on any Encore with changed or replacement rims.
Why does the 1986 Renault Encore have more than one tire size?
The 1986 Renault Encore has more than one tire size because fitment varies across its sub-model range. Some versions use 13-inch wheels with either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, while the GS uses a 14-inch-wheel setup with 185/60R14.
Multiple sizes do not mean all three are interchangeable on every Encore. The practical reason to sort this out first is to avoid choosing a tire by model year alone. Trim level, wheel diameter, and the car's current wheel configuration all need to line up before a replacement tire is selected.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1986 Renault Encore tire?
Start with the correct tire size for the exact 1986 Renault Encore sub-model and wheel diameter. After that, compare the tire's construction, rim-width compatibility where stated, sidewall style, tire series, and whether the car is being kept stock in appearance or used as a more driver-focused compact.
The available choices differ noticeably by size. Some Encore fitments offer whitewall options from brands such as BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Travelstar, while others are blackwall-only offerings from Avon or Michelin. Matching the tire to the wheel, the car's look, and the intended use usually matters more than choosing by brand name alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Renault Encore tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 1986 Renault Encore. The 155/80R13 fitment is available in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms, while the 175/70R13 and 185/60R14 fitments are represented here by blackwall tires.
That makes sidewall choice part of the sizing decision, not just an appearance detail. A buyer using 155/80R13 can lean toward a more vintage-looking presentation, while the 175/70R13 and 185/60R14 options keep a simpler blackwall appearance. The right choice depends on the trim, wheels, and the overall style the car is meant to carry.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Renault Encore?
Tires for the 1986 Renault Encore are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, and Michelin. Brand availability depends on the specific size, with the broadest selection appearing in 155/80R13 and more specialized single-option offerings in 175/70R13 and 185/60R14.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, wheel compatibility, sidewall style, and the overall character of the tire series. A whitewall radial for a smaller-wheel Encore serves a different purpose than a blackwall Avon or Michelin fitment, so the best comparison is usually within the correct size rather than across the whole model range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Renault Encore?
A period-style 1986 Renault Encore tire choice starts with using the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Within that boundary, 155/80R13 offers the widest appearance range here, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radial options that create a more traditional small-car presentation.
The other Encore sizes shown here lean more toward blackwall styling, especially 175/70R13 and 185/60R14. For a restoration-oriented car, appearance should be balanced with proper fitment and wheel compatibility first. If absolute originality matters, vehicle-specific references and marque documentation are worth checking before settling on a sidewall treatment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Renault Encore?
On the 1986 Renault Encore, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires. That means the bigger appearance difference usually comes from size, profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment rather than from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction.
A 155/80R13 whitewall radial gives a different visual impression than a blackwall 175/70R13 or a lower-profile 185/60R14 on a 14-inch wheel. For a restored Encore, the tire can subtly change the car's stance and period feel, so it helps to think about the finished look before choosing among the available fitment-correct options.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Renault Encore?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1986 Renault Encore even when the chosen tire is one of the correct period sizes. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and fender work can all influence how a tire sits and clears.
That is especially important on an Encore because both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel setups are used across the model range. A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter, rim width, and clearance at steering and suspension movement before a replacement tire is selected.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Renault Encore on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Renault Encore on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires were mounted in the proper size, and check inflation pressure. It also helps to look over valve stems, lug hardware, and general wheel security before the first road use.
A short follow-up inspection is useful after the first miles. Watch for any rubbing during turns, uneven seating, vibration, or signs of air loss. On an older Encore, suspension wear, alignment issues, or wheel damage can show up quickly once fresh tires are installed, so early checks can prevent avoidable problems.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Renault Encore be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Renault Encore should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and sensible storage habits. Even when tread wear is low, older low-mileage tires should be watched for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat-spotting, or gradual air loss that can develop while the car sits.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as road use on a lightly driven car. Keeping the Encore away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition. Routine checks before each outing are worthwhile, especially when the car spends long periods parked between drives.
