1986 Subaru RX Tires

The 1986 Subaru RX uses a 185/70R13 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model, and the covered RX Turbo sub-model uses the same size, so the fitment question is more straightforward than it is on vehicles with multiple tire options.

A 185/70R13 size means the tire is built for a 13-inch wheel, with a 185-millimeter nominal width and a 70-series profile. Before choosing among available tires in that size, confirm that the car still has the correct wheel diameter and that any aftermarket wheel or suspension changes have not altered the clearance requirements.

The 1986 Subaru RX uses a 13-inch rim diameter with its 185/70R13 tire size. That 13-inch measurement is the wheel diameter the tire is designed to mount on, so matching the tire to the wheel diameter is the first basic fitment step.

Wheel width also matters once the 13-inch diameter is confirmed. Several 185/70R13 products suit different rim-width ranges, so it is worth measuring the actual wheels on the car, especially if they are not original, before narrowing the choice by tire series, sidewall style, load capacity, or intended driving use.

Yes. The 1986 Subaru RX Turbo uses the same 185/70R13 radial tire size as the model core shown here. That keeps the fitment picture simple and means the sub-model does not require a separate primary size within this page’s covered applications.

Shared size does not mean every RX Turbo is still wearing its original wheel setup today. A car that has been modified with different wheels, altered ride height, or other chassis changes should be checked for actual wheel width and available clearance before selecting among the 185/70R13 tire options.

Start with the correct 185/70R13 size and a tire that matches the car’s 13-inch wheel diameter. From there, the most meaningful differences are radial tire series, brand, sidewall appearance, stated rim-width compatibility, and whether the tire’s overall character suits a sportier or more appearance-focused RX build.

A blackwall tire usually suits a cleaner performance presentation, while redline or wide whitewall options change the car’s visual emphasis. It also helps to compare load figures where stated and verify that the wheel width on the car falls within the tire’s approved range before making a final selection.

The available 185/70R13 tires for a 1986 Subaru RX include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Blackwall appears across several radial tire series, while BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options add redline and 2-inch wide whitewall choices for a more distinctive visual treatment.

Sidewall style does not change the basic fitment size, but it does affect how the car presents itself. A blackwall tire tends to look most at home on a performance-oriented RX, while redline or wide whitewall options can push the car toward a more custom or period-flavored appearance without changing from the 185/70R13 size.

Tires in 185/70R13 for the 1986 Subaru RX are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Those brands cover several radial tire series, including Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic.

That variety gives RX owners room to choose by appearance and specification rather than by size alone. Comparing sidewall style, rim-width range where stated, load capacity where stated, and the overall character of each series will usually narrow the field more effectively than choosing by brand name alone.

A period-style 1986 Subaru RX should begin with the correct 185/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. From there, the best match depends on whether the goal is a restrained performance look with a blackwall tire or a more stylized presentation using a redline or wide whitewall sidewall treatment.

The tire’s visual character can change how authentic or era-appropriate the car feels, even when the size remains correct. Owners pursuing strict originality should compare their intended choice with marque references, period photos, or vehicle-specific restoration documentation rather than assuming every available sidewall treatment was used when the car was new.

On a restored 1986 Subaru RX, construction is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about choosing the right radial presentation within the correct 185/70R13 size. Because this RX uses a radial fitment, appearance differences come mainly from sidewall style and the visual design of the tire series itself.

A blackwall radial usually preserves the cleanest factory-era performance impression, while redline or wide whitewall versions create a more customized look. Keeping the correct size and wheel diameter matters just as much as sidewall styling, because an otherwise attractive tire can look out of place if the proportions no longer suit the car.

Yes. A 1986 Subaru RX may have started with a 185/70R13 radial on a 13-inch wheel, but aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, ride-height changes, or body alterations can all affect what actually clears the car. That is true even when the chosen tire remains in the original nominal size.

Checking the wheel diameter is only the first step. Measure actual wheel width, inspect steering and fender clearance at full lock and suspension travel, and look closely at inner clearance around struts or suspension hardware before settling on a tire, especially on a car that has been modified over the years.

Before driving a 1986 Subaru RX on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the tires are seated properly and inflated correctly. It is also smart to check valve stems, lug hardware, and visible clearance around suspension, fenders, and steering components.

A short test drive should include listening for rubbing and watching for vibration or pull. Afterward, recheck air pressure and inspect the sidewalls and tread shoulders for any signs of contact. On a collector or low-use RX, this first inspection is especially important because storage-aged components elsewhere on the car can affect tire behavior.

Collector-car maintenance for 185/70R13 tires on a 1986 Subaru RX starts with regular air-pressure checks, visual inspection, and keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources during storage. Tread depth matters, but sidewall condition and age-related deterioration matter just as much on low-mileage vehicles.

Inspect the tires periodically for cracking, cuts, bulges, flat spotting, or slow air loss, even if the car is only driven occasionally. Moving the vehicle, maintaining proper inflation, and checking the tires before longer drives helps preserve both ride quality and safety, particularly on an older RX that may spend long periods parked.