1987 Plymouth Colt Tires

A 1987 Plymouth Colt can use 155/80R13, 185/60R14, 145/80R13, 175/70R13, 185/70R14, 165/80R13, or 185/70R13, depending on the exact sub-model. Every primary fitment in this model year is radial, but the lineup spans both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel diameters.

The correct size is tied to the Colt's specific version, such as DL, E, Premier, Turbo, or Vista. Start by confirming the sub-model and the wheel diameter actually on the car, especially if it has changed hands or seen wheel swaps, then choose a tire in the matching size and sidewall style.

A 1987 Plymouth Colt uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 13-inch applications include several metric radial sizes, while the 14-inch applications include both 185/60R14 and 185/70R14.

Rim diameter is the first thing to verify because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and a 14-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 13-inch wheel. Check the wheel itself and the tire sidewall before replacing anything, since some Colt versions used more than one size within the same broader model family.

The 1987 Plymouth Colt covers several sub-models, and they do not all use the same wheel-and-tire package. Hatchback, turbo, Premier, and Vista configurations brought different radial sizes, profiles, and rim diameters into the lineup.

That means tire selection is not just a matter of choosing any size associated with a 1987 Colt. A lower-profile 185/60R14, for example, serves a different application than a 165/80R13 or 185/70R13, so matching the exact sub-model and current wheel setup is more important than working from the model name alone.

Start with the correct primary tire size for the exact 1987 Plymouth Colt sub-model and confirm whether the car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch rim. From there, compare radial tire choices by sidewall style, brand, tire series, and rim-width compatibility where those specifications are given.

The best choice depends on how the Colt is being used and how the owner wants it to look. A whitewall may suit a more restoration-oriented presentation, while a blackwall or redline can change the car's visual character, and some sizes simply offer a much broader range of product choices than others.

Sidewall choices for 1987 Plymouth Colt tires include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, and redline, depending on the tire size. Not every style appears in every size, so the available presentation changes with the specific Colt application.

That makes the size decision come first and the appearance decision second. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, sidewall treatment becomes an easy way to steer the car toward a cleaner modern look, a traditional whitewall presentation, or a more sporting period-style look without changing the basic tire size.

1987 Plymouth Colt tire options include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, and Vredestein, depending on the size. Some fitments have only one product choice, while others open up a much broader spread of brands and tire series.

Brand comparison only makes sense after the correct size has been nailed down, because product variety differs a lot across the Colt range. A size like 185/70R13 offers several brands and sidewall treatments, while narrower or more specialized fitments may leave the buyer focused more on proper size and wheel compatibility than on broad brand shopping.

A period-style 1987 Plymouth Colt tire starts with the correct original fitment size for the exact sub-model, then narrows down by sidewall presentation and tire series. Depending on the application, that can mean choosing among blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, or redline radials.

The right visual effect depends on the car's trim, stance, and intended finish rather than on one universal answer for every Colt. Owners pursuing a highly exact restoration should confirm historical details through model-specific references, while most buyers can get very close by matching the correct size and selecting a sidewall style that suits the era.

Tire construction is straightforward on a restored 1987 Plymouth Colt because every primary fitment here is radial. The appearance difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from profile, sidewall treatment, and the tire series chosen within the proper size.

A blackwall 185/70R13 gives the car a different visual impression than a wide whitewall or redline in the same size, even though the underlying construction remains radial. Keeping the correct diameter and proportion for the sub-model matters most, since an incorrect size can change the car's stance more noticeably than the brand name on the sidewall.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Plymouth Colt even when the replacement tire itself is a correct catalog size. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can all change how much room the tire has at the fender and during steering travel.

A Colt that no longer has its original wheel setup should be checked carefully before replacement. Confirm the actual rim diameter, compare wheel width against the tire's stated range when available, and inspect clearance at full steering lock and normal ride height so the new tire matches the car as it sits today.

Before driving a 1987 Plymouth Colt on new tires, inspect wheel condition, lug hardware, valve stems, and the basic condition of the suspension and steering components. Tire pressure should be set correctly, and the tires should be checked for proper seating, visible damage, and adequate clearance around the body and suspension.

A short, careful road test is a smart follow-up after installation. Watch for rubbing, vibration, pull, or uneven behavior that could point to wheel issues, alignment problems, or a mismatch between the tire size chosen and the car's current setup, especially on Colts that may have worn different wheels over the years.

Tires on a 1987 Plymouth Colt should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to tread wear and sidewall condition. On a lightly used collector or hobby car, age and storage exposure matter just as much as mileage because cracking, flat spotting, and slow air loss can develop over time.

Storage habits make a real difference for cars that are not driven often. Keeping the Colt away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspection for cuts, bulges, or unusual wear can catch problems early before a longer drive or seasonal return to the road.