The 1987 Renault Medallion arrived during a period when European-influenced sedans were bringing a more compact, efficiency-minded driving character to the U.S. market. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire selection is less about sorting through multiple factory fitments and more about getting the one correct size right. The 1987 Renault Medallion uses a 185/65R14 radial tire, a modern metric radial size mounted on a 14-inch rim. That keeps the decision focused on choosing a tire that matches the car's dimensions and intended road use. For a surviving Medallion, wheel condition, true rim size, and overall tire condition are all worth checking before regular driving.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1987 Renault Medallion
The 1987 Renault Medallion uses one primary tire size: 185/65R14, and it is a radial fitment on a 14-inch rim. The Base sub-model uses this same size, so the main decision is not which factory size applies, but which 185/65R14 tire best suits the car's wheel setup, condition, and intended use.
185/65R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1987 Renault Medallion, this format reflects a modern passenger-car tire layout rather than an older bias-ply or alphanumeric system. Because the fitment is already radial, the focus is on selecting a tire with the right dimensions and wheel compatibility. That makes this size especially important to confirm if the car has had replacement wheels installed over the years.
Tire fitment is straightforward for the covered 1987 Renault Medallion sub-model. The Base uses the same primary tire size, so selection centers on proper 185/65R14 fitment, wheel condition, and the condition of the car's existing running gear.
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1987 Renault Medallion Base
The 1987 Renault Medallion Base uses the same 185/65R14 radial tire size as the model core. That keeps tire selection simple, with the main job being to confirm the 14-inch wheel setup and choose a properly sized radial suited to a roadgoing compact sedan.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs for the 1987 Renault Medallion focus on the single correct tire size, 14-inch rim fitment, practical radial selection, and the checks that matter before putting a low-production older sedan back into regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1987 Renault Medallion?
The 1987 Renault Medallion uses a 185/65R14 radial tire. That is the primary tire size for this model, and it is a metric radial fitment designed for a 14-inch wheel.
Using the correct size matters because the Medallion does not have multiple primary tire sizes to sort through here. The key step is confirming that the car still has the proper 14-inch wheels and has not been altered with aftermarket wheels or changed suspension components that could affect clearance or tire selection.
What size rim does a 1987 Renault Medallion use?
The 1987 Renault Medallion uses a 14-inch rim with its 185/65R14 tire size. In that tire code, the final number, 14, identifies the wheel diameter in inches.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before replacing tires, especially on an older imported sedan that may have changed hands several times. A Medallion with replacement wheels still needs a tire matched to the actual wheel diameter and appropriate wheel width, along with enough clearance at the fenders, suspension, and steering components.
Does the 1987 Renault Medallion Base use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1987 Renault Medallion Base uses the same 185/65R14 radial tire size. That means the covered sub-model follows the same basic fitment pattern as the model core.
Even with shared fitment, it is still smart to inspect what is currently on the car before ordering replacement tires. Older vehicles are often fitted with non-original wheels or mismatched tires over time, so checking the wheel diameter, the existing tire markings, and visible clearance helps keep the replacement choice aligned with the car's actual setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/65R14 tire for a 1987 Renault Medallion?
Start with the correct fitment: the 1987 Renault Medallion uses a 185/65R14 radial on a 14-inch rim. Once that is confirmed, the main selection factors are overall tire condition goals, compatibility with the actual wheels on the car, and whether the Medallion will be used for occasional cruising or more regular road miles.
A careful choice should also take the car's age into account. Wheel condition, suspension wear, alignment, and long periods of storage can all affect how a new set of tires feels in service. Matching the correct size is the first step, but making sure the rest of the chassis is in sound condition is just as important.
How do I choose between available 185/65R14 tires for a 1987 Renault Medallion?
Choosing among 185/65R14 tires for a 1987 Renault Medallion begins with maintaining the correct size and radial construction. From there, compare the tire's intended use, the wheel it will be mounted on, and whether the goal is simply safe road use on a preserved older sedan or a more comprehensive refurbishment.
The Medallion's single-size fitment simplifies the process, but condition still matters. A car that has sat for long periods may need more than tires, including attention to alignment, steering components, and wheel trueness. Selecting the right 185/65R14 tire works best when the rest of the car is ready to support stable, predictable road manners.
What does 185/65R14 mean on a 1987 Renault Medallion?
On a 1987 Renault Medallion, 185/65R14 means the tire has a nominal section width of 185 millimeters, a 65 aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch wheel diameter. It is a modern metric radial size rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply format.
Understanding the code helps prevent mismatched replacements. The width, profile, and wheel diameter all work together, so changing one element can affect clearance and how the car sits on the road. For an older Medallion, that makes it especially important to read the sidewall carefully and verify the actual wheel size before mounting new tires.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1987 Renault Medallion?
A period-style approach for a 1987 Renault Medallion starts with keeping the correct 185/65R14 radial size on a 14-inch rim. Since the car's primary fitment is already a modern metric radial, the restoration-minded decision is less about changing construction and more about preserving the proper proportions and overall stance.
That makes accurate sizing more important than trying to force an unrelated vintage look onto the car. A Medallion intended for careful preservation should wear a tire that suits its late-1980s passenger-car character and wheel dimensions. If exact originality matters beyond size, marque-specific references and period documentation are worth consulting before making a final choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1987 Renault Medallion restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1987 Renault Medallion restoration because the tire size influences the car's stance, wheel-to-fender relationship, and overall presentation. Keeping the proper 185/65R14 radial format helps the car retain the proportions intended for its 14-inch wheel setup.
Fitment also affects function, not just appearance. A restoration that overlooks tire size can end up with clearance issues or an uneven visual balance that feels out of place on the car. Even on a driver-quality project, confirming the right size and wheel diameter helps the finished Medallion look and behave like a properly sorted late-1980s sedan.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1987 Renault Medallion?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1987 Renault Medallion. The original fitment is 185/65R14, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications can change the space available for the tire and how the tire sits on the car.
That is why an older Medallion should be checked as it exists today, not assumed to be unchanged. Wheel diameter, wheel width, steering travel, and fender clearance all deserve a look before replacement tires are selected. Even a mild change in ride height or wheel choice can turn a normally simple one-size fitment into a detail-sensitive decision.
What should I inspect before driving a 1987 Renault Medallion on new tires?
Before driving a 1987 Renault Medallion on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the 185/65R14 fitment, and check the suspension and steering for looseness or wear. It is also wise to look for alignment issues, uneven old tire wear, and any signs that the car has been sitting for extended periods.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for worn chassis parts or neglected maintenance. Tire pressure, valve stems, and visible clearance at full steering lock should all be checked once the tires are mounted. Taking time to inspect the car first helps the new tires deliver stable road manners instead of exposing other unresolved problems.
How should 185/65R14 tires on a collector 1987 Renault Medallion be maintained?
185/65R14 tires on a collector 1987 Renault Medallion should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age-related deterioration. Even if the car is driven sparingly, the tires should be examined for cracking, bulges, cuts, flat spotting, and gradual air loss.
Storage conditions matter on an older collector car. Keeping the Medallion away from prolonged sun, heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help protect the tires between drives. It also helps to move the car periodically and inspect tread wear patterns, since unusual wear can point to alignment, suspension, or inflation issues that deserve correction.
