1989 Subaru RX Tires

The 1989 Subaru RX uses a 185/70R13 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model, and the covered RX Turbo sub-model uses the same size, which keeps tire selection fairly simple at the size level.

The next step is confirming that the car still has the correct 13-inch wheels and that wheel width matches the tire you are considering. Many older performance cars have seen wheel changes over time, so checking the actual wheel setup on the car matters just as much as knowing the nominal tire size.

The 1989 Subaru RX uses a 13-inch rim with its 185/70R13 tire size. The tire's final number, 13, identifies the wheel diameter in inches, so any tire chosen for this fitment must match that 13-inch wheel diameter.

Wheel diameter is only part of the fitment picture, because wheel width also affects which specific 185/70R13 products are suitable. Before choosing a tire, measure or verify the current wheel size on the car, especially if the RX has aftermarket wheels or has been modified since its original period use.

Yes. The 1989 Subaru RX Turbo uses the same 185/70R13 radial tire size as the core 1989 Subaru RX fitment. That means the tire-size decision does not change between those covered configurations.

Even with the same nominal size, product choice can still vary depending on the wheels currently on the car and the look you want. A blackwall performance-oriented radial creates a different presentation than a redline or wide whitewall, so size consistency does not eliminate the need to compare tire details.

Start with the correct 185/70R13 size and confirm that the tire is intended for a 13-inch wheel with a compatible rim-width range for the wheels on the car. Since the RX is already a radial-fitment vehicle, construction choice is straightforward and the main differences come from series, sidewall style, and product specifications.

From there, think about how the car is used and how you want it to look. A blackwall tire keeps a more understated period road-car appearance, while redline and wide whitewall options change the visual character noticeably. Weight, load specification, and wheel compatibility are also worth comparing before making a final selection.

The 1989 Subaru RX's 185/70R13 fitment is available in several sidewall styles, including blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. Those choices all stay within the correct primary tire size, but they create very different visual results once mounted on the car.

Blackwall options generally suit owners who want a cleaner late-1980s performance look, while redline and wide whitewall choices lean more toward a custom or restoration-inspired presentation. The right pick depends on whether the goal is visual restraint, period-style flair, or a more personalized appearance while keeping the proper tire size.

185/70R13 tires for the 1989 Subaru RX are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The available series include Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, SP Sport Aquajet, Sport Classic, XDX-B, and Sprint Classic, giving this size a broader choice set than many older 13-inch fitments.

Brand choice should be treated as one part of the decision rather than the whole answer. Compare the exact tire series, sidewall presentation, rim-width requirements, and any stated load information so the selected tire matches the car's wheel setup, the look you want, and the kind of driving the RX will actually see.

A period-style choice for a 1989 Subaru RX starts with the correct 185/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch wheel. From there, the most appropriate tire depends on whether the goal is a late-1980s sport-compact presentation, a more understated road-car look, or a customized appearance built around sidewall styling.

Blackwall tires usually align most naturally with the RX's original era and character, while redline or wide whitewall versions create a more stylized result. When exact originality matters, compare the car against period photos, marque references, or restoration documentation rather than assuming any current tire brand or sidewall treatment is historically exact.

On a restored 1989 Subaru RX, construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial debate because the primary fitment is already radial. The appearance question is really about how different radial tire series and sidewall treatments shape the car's overall presentation while staying in the correct 185/70R13 size.

A blackwall radial tends to preserve the RX's late-1980s performance-oriented look, while redline and wide whitewall versions push the car toward a more custom visual statement. Keeping the correct size and wheel diameter matters because an otherwise attractive tire can still look out of place if proportions or wheel compatibility are not right.

Yes. Even though the primary tire size for a 1989 Subaru RX is 185/70R13, changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension modifications, or body changes can affect whether a particular tire is appropriate for the car's current setup.

The safest approach is to verify actual wheel diameter and width, then check tire clearance at the fenders and during steering movement. Older enthusiast cars are often changed over time, so a tire that matches the original size still needs to be evaluated against the RX's present ride height, wheel package, and overall condition.

Before driving a 1989 Subaru RX on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage or corrosion, confirm the tire size and wheel diameter match, and make sure the tires are mounted and inflated properly. It also helps to check that the valve stems, balance, and general wheel condition are in good order.

A broader road-readiness inspection is smart on any collector-era Subaru. Look at suspension wear, steering response, brake condition, and whether there is adequate clearance around the tires once the car is on the ground. A short, careful test drive can reveal rubbing, vibration, or pull before the car goes into regular use.

185/70R13 tires on a collector 1989 Subaru RX should be checked regularly for pressure, tread condition, cracking, cuts, bulges, and signs of air loss. Cars that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention, because age and storage conditions can affect tire condition even when mileage stays low.

Good maintenance also includes keeping the car out of prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone-heavy storage areas when possible. During the driving season, inspect the tires before longer trips and after any change in handling feel. That routine helps catch age-related issues early and preserves both road manners and overall safety.