The 1988 Saab 900 came from a period when Saab was still doing things its own way, blending front-wheel-drive practicality, distinctive Scandinavian design, and a loyal enthusiast following. Whether preserved as a clean driver or maintained as a sharper turbo-era hatchback or sedan, tire choice has a real effect on both stance and road manners. This model uses 15-inch radial fitments, with 185/65R15 covering most versions and 195/60R15 used on the SPG. Available choices range from traditional-looking wide whitewall and redline treatments to raised white letter and blackwall radials, so the decision often comes down to matching the right size to the exact sub-model and intended appearance.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Saab 900
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1988 Saab 900, and the correct choice depends on the exact sub-model rather than wheel diameter, since both sizes use a 15-inch rim. Most versions use 185/65R15, while the SPG uses 195/60R15. The key first step is confirming the sub-model, then choosing among the available radial tire styles, brands, and sidewall presentations within the proper size.
185/65R15 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1988 Saab 900, this size serves the Base, S, and Turbo models, making it the main fitment across the range. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options with wide whitewall or redline sidewalls. It is the right place to focus if your car is one of the non-SPG versions and you want to balance correct fitment with a specific visual style.
195/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1988 Saab 900, this size is tied to the SPG, so it should not be treated as a universal replacement for every 900 sub-model. Product choices are broader here, including BFGoodrich options in wide whitewall, redline, and raised white letter form, along with a blackwall Michelin Primacy 3. This size makes sense when the car is an SPG and the owner wants to compare both appearance-oriented and more understated radial presentations.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1988 Saab 900 because most versions share one size while the SPG uses another. Checking the exact badge and wheel setup before choosing tires helps prevent mixing the standard 900 fitment with the SPG-specific one.
1
1988 Saab 900 Base
The 1988 Saab 900 Base uses the 185/65R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim. Tire selection for the Base is mostly about choosing the sidewall look you want within that size and confirming the car still carries its correct wheel setup.
The 1988 Saab 900 S also uses the 185/65R15 radial fitment. That keeps the decision centered on product style and rim compatibility rather than size changes, though any car with aftermarket wheels should still be measured before ordering.
The 1988 Saab 900 SPG uses 195/60R15 rather than the 185/65R15 size found on other 900 sub-models. That makes the SPG the version that needs the closest fitment check, especially when comparing blackwall, redline, whitewall, or raised white letter radial options.
The 1988 Saab 900 Turbo shares the 185/65R15 radial size used by the Base and S. For a Turbo, the main choice is not between multiple primary sizes but between the available tire presentations and whether the car still has its original-type wheel dimensions.
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 1988 Saab 900 Tires for Sale
Available 1988 Saab 900 tire choices center on radial 15-inch fitments from BFGoodrich and Michelin. Depending on size, the product grid includes Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, and Michelin Primacy 3 options with wide whitewall, redline, raised white letter, and blackwall sidewall styles.
Showing 6 of 6
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 1.75 Inch Whitewall | 185/65R15
Common 1988 Saab 900 tire questions usually come down to identifying the correct sub-model, confirming the right 15-inch radial size, and comparing sidewall style, brand, and road-use considerations before the car goes back into regular service.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Saab 900?
A 1988 Saab 900 uses one of two radial tire sizes: 185/65R15 or 195/60R15. The Base, S, and Turbo models use 185/65R15, while the SPG uses 195/60R15. Both fitments are built around a 15-inch wheel, so the difference is tied to sub-model application rather than a change in rim diameter.
The practical next step is confirming which 900 sub-model is in front of you and checking whether it still has the expected wheel setup. Cars that have been modified over the years can carry different wheels or tires, so matching the size to the exact sub-model and then verifying wheel width and clearance is the safest approach.
What size rim does a 1988 Saab 900 use?
The 1988 Saab 900 uses a 15-inch rim with both of its primary tire sizes. The 185/65R15 and 195/60R15 fitments each mount on a 15-inch wheel, which simplifies the first part of the selection process compared with vehicles that changed rim diameter across trims.
That shared diameter does not mean every 15-inch wheel is automatically suitable. Width still matters, and the available products in these sizes call for rim-width ranges that should be checked against the wheels actually on the car. Verifying the wheel size stamped on the rim is especially worthwhile on a long-owned or enthusiast-modified Saab.
Do all 1988 Saab 900 sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1988 Saab 900 Base, S, and Turbo use 185/65R15, while the 1988 Saab 900 SPG uses 195/60R15. Both are radial 15-inch fitments, but the size difference means the SPG should be treated as its own tire-selection case rather than grouped with the rest of the 900 range.
That distinction matters when comparing products, because the available sidewall styles and brand choices differ by size. Owners of an SPG should start with 195/60R15 products only, while Base, S, and Turbo owners should stay within 185/65R15 unless the car has been intentionally reconfigured and measured for an alternative setup.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1988 Saab 900 tire?
Start with the exact sub-model, because that determines whether the car uses 185/65R15 or 195/60R15. After size is confirmed, compare radial construction details such as rim-width compatibility, sidewall style, maximum load figures where stated, and whether the tire's look suits a restoration-minded car or a more understated driver.
A Base, S, or Turbo owner may be choosing mostly between whitewall and redline presentation in 185/65R15, while an SPG owner has a broader mix that includes blackwall and raised white letter choices in 195/60R15. It also helps to think about how the car is used, since a weekend collector car and a regularly driven Saab may call for different priorities.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Saab 900 tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1988 Saab 900 include wide whitewall, redline, raised white letter, and blackwall, depending on tire size. The 185/65R15 fitment is available with wide whitewall and redline styling, while 195/60R15 adds wider variety by also offering raised white letter and blackwall options.
That gives the owner room to shape the car's presentation without changing the basic size. A whitewall or redline can create a more distinctive period-style look, while blackwall keeps the appearance more restrained. Raised white letter sidewalls bring a more performance-oriented visual cue, but they should still be chosen only within the proper size for the sub-model.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Saab 900?
BFGoodrich and Michelin both offer tire choices for the 1988 Saab 900 within its primary 15-inch radial fitments. BFGoodrich appears in both 185/65R15 and 195/60R15, while Michelin is available in 195/60R15 through the Primacy 3 line.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It is more useful to compare which size each brand covers, what sidewall presentation comes with that product, and whether the tire series matches the character you want for the car. An SPG owner, for example, has more brand and style variety than someone selecting from the 185/65R15 options.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Saab 900?
A period-style 1988 Saab 900 should begin with the correct size for the exact sub-model: 185/65R15 for Base, S, and Turbo models, or 195/60R15 for the SPG. From there, the visual character comes from the available radial choices, which include redline and wide whitewall options, along with blackwall and raised white letter selections in the SPG size.
The right choice depends on how strictly the car is being presented and what kind of road use it sees. Owners seeking exact originality should compare their choice against marque references and vehicle-specific history, while those building a restoration-oriented driver can focus on keeping the proper size and selecting a sidewall style that suits the finished look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Saab 900?
On a 1988 Saab 900, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial rather than bias-ply. That means the appearance difference is driven less by a construction change and more by the sidewall treatment, tire series, and overall presentation of the radial chosen for the correct size.
A restored Saab can look notably different with a blackwall compared with a redline or wide whitewall, even when the tire size stays the same. Since this is a later collector-era car, keeping the proper sub-model fitment matters more than chasing a generic vintage look that may not suit the lines or character of the specific 900 version.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Saab 900?
Yes. A 1988 Saab 900 may have the correct original-type size for its sub-model, but wheel changes, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can still affect how that tire fits in actual use. This matters most when a car has changed hands several times or has been set up for a more individualized stance.
The best approach is to verify wheel diameter and width, then inspect inner and outer clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel. A modified SPG should not automatically be treated the same as a standard 900, and any Saab with non-stock wheels deserves a careful measurement before settling on a replacement tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Saab 900 on new tires?
Before putting a 1988 Saab 900 back on the road, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and check that the valve stems, balance, and bead seating are correct. It is also smart to look over steering and suspension wear points that could affect how the new tires track.
A fresh set of tires cannot compensate for loose front-end parts, poor alignment, or rubbing caused by wheel changes. Road-test the car at moderate speed first, listen for interference, and recheck inflation after the first drives. That routine is especially helpful on collector cars that may have sat for long periods between outings.
How should 1988 Saab 900 tires be maintained?
Tires on a 1988 Saab 900 should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection of tread and sidewalls, and prompt attention to cracking, bulges, cuts, or unexplained air loss. Even on low-mileage collector cars, age and storage conditions can matter as much as miles when judging whether a tire remains roadworthy.
Keeping the car parked away from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the rubber. It also pays to inspect the tires before any longer drive rather than assuming a seldom-used Saab is ready to go. Consistent maintenance protects ride quality, helps spot fitment issues early, and supports safer road use.
