The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia came from an era when compact sedans were blending everyday practicality with sharper trim distinctions and a more modern front-drive feel. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire selection is less about broad vintage sizing and more about matching the exact wheel and sub-model setup the car uses. The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia uses radial tires, with 185/70R13 on L and LS models and 195/60R14 on Turbo versions. Available choices range from blackwall performance-oriented radials to period-style redline and wide whitewall treatments in the 13-inch size. The right pick starts with confirming the sub-model and wheel diameter, then balancing appearance, road use, and rim compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia, and they are tied directly to sub-model and wheel diameter. L and LS versions use a 13-inch radial tire, while Turbo models use a 14-inch radial tire. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact sub-model and the wheel diameter currently on the car, especially if it has been changed over the years.
Fit(s): L, L w/aluminum wheels, LS, and LS w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
In 185/70R13, the 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. This is the radial fitment used on 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia L and LS models, making it the key size for non-Turbo cars in this range. Available choices include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations depending on the tire series. It is the size to evaluate if your Tredia wears 13-inch wheels and you want to balance original-era appearance with current driving needs.
In 195/60R14, the 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. This radial size belongs to the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia Turbo and separates the Turbo fitment from the 13-inch setup used on other sub-models. The available product selection here centers on a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A, giving this size a more focused choice than the 13-inch fitment. It is the right size to assess when the car retains its Turbo wheel configuration and you want to keep the proper 14-inch tire profile.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia because tire size changes with the model line. L and LS versions stay with the 13-inch radial setup, while Turbo models move to a 14-inch radial size, so confirming the exact trim and wheel diameter is the first step.
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1987 Mitsubishi Tredia L
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia L uses the 185/70R13 radial fitment. Tire selection here centers on choosing the right 13-inch radial by sidewall style, brand, and intended appearance rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia L w/aluminum wheels also uses the 185/70R13 radial size. That keeps the focus on selecting among available 13-inch radial options and confirming the wheel width before narrowing the choice.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia LS uses the same 185/70R13 radial fitment found on other non-Turbo versions. The practical decision is which 13-inch radial best matches the car's look and road use, since multiple brands and sidewall treatments are available.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia LS w/aluminum wheels remains on the 185/70R13 radial size. That means the fitment question is straightforward, but wheel width and the desired visual style still matter when comparing tire options.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia Turbo uses the 195/60R14 radial fitment rather than the 13-inch size used on L and LS models. Tire selection starts with confirming that the car still has its 14-inch wheel setup before choosing within the available product options.
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia Turbo w/aluminum wheels also uses the 195/60R14 radial size. For this sub-model, the main consideration is preserving the correct 14-inch fitment and checking current wheel specifications if the car has been modified.
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 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia Tires for Sale
Available 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia tires span several distinct radial choices. The 185/70R13 fitment offers BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein options across blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles, while 195/60R14 centers on a blackwall Michelin radial.
Owners usually need to sort out the correct size by sub-model first, then compare radial choices by wheel diameter, sidewall style, brand, and intended use. These FAQs focus on fitment, product selection, appearance, and road-ready checks for the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia uses two primary radial tire sizes. L and LS sub-models use 185/70R13, while Turbo sub-models use 195/60R14. That means the correct tire size depends on the exact version of the car rather than the model name alone.
The most important step is confirming both the sub-model and the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Tredia that has had wheels changed over time may no longer match its original setup, so checking the mounted wheel before choosing a tire helps avoid ordering the wrong rim diameter.
What size rim does a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia use?
A 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. L and LS versions use the 13-inch fitment paired with 185/70R13 tires, while Turbo versions use the 14-inch fitment paired with 195/60R14 tires.
Rim diameter should be verified directly at the wheel before selecting tires, especially on an older car that may have seen wheel swaps. Rim width matters too, since some 13-inch radial products carry specific wheel-width ranges that can influence which tire is the most appropriate match.
Why does the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia have more than one tire size?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. Non-Turbo L and LS versions use 185/70R13, while Turbo models use 195/60R14. The difference is tied to the wheel setup rather than being interchangeable across the full model line.
That makes sub-model identification the first decision point when replacing tires. Once the trim level and wheel diameter are confirmed, the next step is comparing the available tires within that exact size, since the 13-inch fitment offers broader brand and sidewall variety than the 14-inch Turbo fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R13 tire for a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia?
A 185/70R13 tire for a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia should first match the L or LS sub-model and the car's actual 13-inch wheel setup. After that, the main considerations are brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility, since this size is offered in several different radial designs.
Some owners will want a straightforward blackwall radial, while others may prefer a redline or wide whitewall for a more period-style presentation. It also helps to compare details such as rim-width range, load specification where shown, and overall intended use before settling on one 185/70R13 option.
What sidewall styles are available for 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia. In 185/70R13, available sidewall treatments include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. The 195/60R14 fitment for Turbo models is represented by a blackwall radial choice.
That means appearance flexibility is much broader on 13-inch L and LS applications than on the 14-inch Turbo setup. Sidewall style should be chosen after the size is confirmed, since a look that is available in one Tredia fitment may not exist in the other.
What brands offer tires for the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia?
Tires for the 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Most of that brand variety appears in the 185/70R13 size used on L and LS models, while the 195/60R14 Turbo fitment is represented by Michelin.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It helps to compare each tire's series, sidewall presentation, rim-width suitability where stated, and the kind of driving the car will actually see, since the best choice on paper is not always the best match for a specific Tredia setup.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia?
A period-style 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia tire starts with using the correct size for the sub-model: 185/70R13 for L and LS, or 195/60R14 for Turbo. From there, the appearance question is strongest in the 13-inch size, where blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall radial options are available.
The right choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained original-era look or a more personalized vintage presentation. When exact originality matters, it is wise to compare the car against period photos, sales literature, or marque-specific restoration references before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia?
Tire construction is straightforward on a restored 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia because the primary fitments are radial. That helps preserve the modern-for-its-era stance and sidewall shape associated with an Eighties compact sedan, rather than introducing an earlier bias-ply look that would not suit the car.
Appearance differences come more from sidewall treatment and tire series than from construction changes on this application. On 185/70R13, a blackwall tire gives a clean standard presentation, while redline or wide whitewall options create a more stylized period-style impression without changing the basic radial fitment.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia?
Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia, especially when wheels, suspension height, or alignment settings have been changed. The car was set up around either a 13-inch or 14-inch radial package depending on sub-model, so aftermarket changes can alter the clearance picture quickly.
A Tredia with replacement wheels should have wheel diameter and width confirmed before any tire is chosen. It also helps to inspect inner clearance, fender clearance, and steering travel so the selected tire works with the car as it sits now, not only with the way it left the showroom.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that lug hardware seats properly, and make sure tire pressures are set appropriately. It is also smart to check for obvious suspension wear, uneven old tire wear patterns, and any signs of rubbing.
Older cars often reveal problems only after fresh tires are installed, so a short, careful road test is worthwhile. Pay attention to pull, vibration, steering response, and clearance at full lock, then recheck inflation and wheel fasteners after the first miles to catch installation or fitment issues early.
How often should tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia be inspected?
Tires on a 1987 Mitsubishi Tredia should be inspected regularly, even if the car is driven infrequently. Collector-era and occasional-use cars can develop age-related issues such as cracking, flat spotting, or slow air loss long before the tread appears worn enough to raise concern.
A good routine is to look over the tires before each drive and give them a closer inspection during seasonal maintenance. Check tread condition, sidewalls, air pressure, and any signs of bulges, cuts, or uneven wear, especially if the car has been sitting or stored for an extended period.
