1987 Dodge Colt Tires

The 1987 Dodge Colt does not use just one tire size across the full lineup. Depending on the exact sub-model, the correct radial size may be 145/80R13, 155/80R13, 165/80R13, 185/80R13, 185/70R13, 185/60R14, or 185/70R14.

That spread means the first job is identifying the exact trim and wheel diameter on the car before comparing tire options. A standard Colt, a turbocharged model, and a Colt Vista can use very different sizes, so checking the current wheel, sidewall markings, and vehicle configuration helps keep the selection in the right fitment family.

A 1987 Dodge Colt can use either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. Most of the standard compact-car and 2WD Vista fitments are tied to 13-inch wheels, while certain turbocharged and 4WD Vista applications move to 14-inch sizes.

Rim diameter should be confirmed before anything else because a 13-inch tire and a 14-inch tire are not interchangeable. It is also worth checking wheel width when comparing actual products, especially if the car has replacement wheels or aluminum wheels that may differ from the original setup.

The 1987 Dodge Colt name covered several distinct configurations, including DL, E, turbocharged models, and Colt Vista versions in 2WD and 4WD form. Those differences led to multiple radial tire sizes, with some trims using narrow 13-inch tires and others using wider 13-inch or 14-inch fitments.

That variation is normal for a model family that spans different body styles and equipment levels. Tire selection gets much easier once the exact sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, because the real comparison then shifts to sidewall style, brand, and the kind of road-use or appearance goal the car is being built around.

Start with the exact tire size that belongs to the specific 1987 Dodge Colt sub-model, then confirm the wheel diameter and construction. Every primary fitment here is radial, but the lineup still ranges from narrow 13-inch sizes to wider 14-inch applications with very different proportions.

Once the size is correct, compare the tire’s character. Some sizes lean toward traditional whitewall presentation, while others open the door to blackwall or redline options and more sporting series. Wheel width, load figures where shown, and the car’s intended use all matter more than choosing by appearance alone.

Sidewall choices for the 1987 Dodge Colt include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. Not every style appears in every fitment, so the available look depends heavily on whether the car uses a compact 13-inch size, a Vista size, or one of the 14-inch applications.

That gives buyers a lot of room to shape the car’s presentation once the correct size is settled. A standard Colt or Vista can lean toward a traditional whitewall look, while some 185/70 sizes add blackwall or redline alternatives that change the visual tone without changing the primary fitment.

Depending on the size, 1987 Dodge Colt tires are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, and Coker Classic. Brand availability is size-dependent, so the names you can choose from on a 155/80R13 car will not necessarily match those offered for a 185/70R14 Colt Vista.

The practical way to compare brands is within the correct size, not across the whole model family. Once the fitment is narrowed down, look at sidewall style, tire series, rim-width compatibility where stated, and whether the car is being set up for everyday driving, a cleaner period-style look, or a more sporting presentation.

A period-style 1987 Dodge Colt tire starts with using the exact size assigned to the car’s sub-model and wheel diameter. From there, many of the 13-inch and some 14-inch fitments offer classic-looking radial choices, including BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Coker Classic options with narrow or wide whitewall styling.

The best visual match depends on how the car is being presented. A clean driver may suit a restrained narrow whitewall, while a more restoration-oriented build may call for a fuller whitewall treatment. When exact historical originality matters, compare the finished tire choice against marque-specific references for that particular trim.

Construction is straightforward on the 1987 Dodge Colt because the primary fitments covered here are radial. Even with a single construction type, appearance can still change dramatically based on profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment, especially when comparing blackwall, redline, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall options.

That means the visual outcome is shaped more by the exact size and sidewall style than by a bias-ply-versus-radial decision. A restored Colt can look understated, sporty, or more traditional depending on those details, so the tire should complement the car’s trim level and wheel package rather than just fill the wheel opening.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Dodge Colt even when the tire size itself is correct for the original sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body modifications can all change how a tire sits relative to the fenders, steering components, and suspension.

That is especially important on a model family with both 13-inch and 14-inch applications. A Colt or Colt Vista that has been changed from its original setup should have its actual wheel diameter and width checked before ordering tires, along with basic clearance at full steering lock and under normal suspension movement.

Before driving a 1987 Dodge Colt on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure the tires are seated and inflated properly. It also helps to check for rubbing around the fenders, struts, and steering components once the car is back on the ground.

A broader road-use check should include tread and sidewall condition on any remaining older tires, valve stems, and the general condition of suspension and steering parts. On a collector-era car that may sit often, it is smart to watch for air loss and recheck clearances after the first few drives as the tires settle into use.

1987 Dodge Colt tires should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and prompt attention to cracking, cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Low-use cars deserve extra attention because age and storage conditions can affect a tire long before the tread appears worn out.

Storage habits matter just as much as mileage on an older Colt. Keeping the car away from prolonged heat, direct sunlight, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, while periodic movement can reduce flat-spotting on vehicles that sit. Any persistent vibration or unusual wear pattern should lead to a wheel, alignment, and suspension check.