The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis came at the end of the compact economy-car era when simple packaging, light weight, and practical ownership mattered more than excess. For buyers keeping one on the road today, tire fitment is straightforward in concept but still worth checking carefully because this model uses two different 13-inch radial sizes depending on sub-model. Base and several RS-related versions use 155/80R13, while LS models use 175/70R13. Available choices range from traditional whitewall radials in 155/80R13 to a blackwall performance-oriented 175/70R13 option. The right selection depends on confirming the exact trim, preserving the look you want, and matching the tire to the car’s actual wheels.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both are radial tires for 13-inch rims, so the key step is confirming whether your Precis is a Base, LS, RS, or aluminum-wheel variant before choosing a tire. Once size is confirmed, the decision shifts to sidewall appearance, brand, tire series, and wheel compatibility within that fitment.
Fit(s): Base, RS, RS w/aluminum wheels, and w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis, this size suits the sub-models that use the narrower 13-inch fitment and keeps the sizing in the original metric format. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across several tire series. This size is the one to evaluate when preserving a more traditional small-car appearance matters as much as basic fitment.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size where 175 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 13 indicates the wheel diameter. On the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis, this size applies to LS configurations and uses the same 13-inch rim diameter as the other primary fitment. The available product selection here is centered on an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving this size a more performance-focused presentation than the whitewall-heavy 155/80R13 choices. This is the size to confirm when the car is an LS model or carries the wider factory-style tire setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis because tire size is not the same across the range. Most versions stay on a 13-inch radial, but the exact size changes by trim, so confirming the specific sub-model is the first step before comparing tire options.
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1990 Mitsubishi Precis Base
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis Base uses the 155/80R13 radial size. That makes tire selection more about choosing among available whitewall styles and series while confirming the wheels still match the original 13-inch fitment.
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis LS uses 175/70R13 radial tires. This trim needs the wider metric size, so the focus should be on matching that exact fitment and verifying the wheel setup before choosing among the available products.
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis LS w/aluminum wheels also uses 175/70R13 radial tires. Even with the aluminum-wheel designation, the important step is still confirming the 13-inch wheel and selecting within the correct LS-size fitment.
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis RS uses the 155/80R13 radial size. For this sub-model, the main decision is usually appearance and tire-series choice rather than deciding between multiple primary sizes.
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis RS w/aluminum wheels uses 155/80R13 radial tires. Owners should still verify the actual wheel and tire setup on the car, especially if the wheels have been changed over time, before selecting a replacement.
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis w/aluminum wheels uses 155/80R13 radial tires. That keeps fitment aligned with the narrower primary size, leaving sidewall style and brand preference as the more meaningful buying decisions.
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 1990 Mitsubishi Precis Tires for Sale
Available 1990 Mitsubishi Precis tires include 155/80R13 radials from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, plus a 175/70R13 Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial. The product grid is useful for comparing size, series, sidewall treatment, and rim-width specifications within the correct sub-model fitment.
These FAQs cover the key tire questions for the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis, including which size fits each sub-model, 13-inch rim fitment, how the available radial choices differ, and what to inspect before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1990 Mitsubishi Precis?
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis uses two tire sizes depending on sub-model: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. Base, RS, RS w/aluminum wheels, and the w/aluminum wheels version use 155/80R13, while LS and LS w/aluminum wheels use 175/70R13. Both are radial tires built for 13-inch rims.
That means the first step is identifying the exact sub-model rather than choosing by appearance alone. If the car has been modified over the years, confirm the actual wheel diameter and the size already on the car before ordering replacements, since a Precis wearing non-original wheels may not still match its original trim-based fitment.
What size rim does a 1990 Mitsubishi Precis use?
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis uses a 13-inch rim with both primary tire sizes. Whether the car takes 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, the final number in the size is 13, which corresponds to a 13-inch wheel diameter.
Wheel diameter is only one part of the fitment picture, so it is still worth checking wheel width and the exact tire size tied to your sub-model. A 13-inch wheel does not automatically mean either tire size is appropriate, especially if the car has aftermarket wheels or a previous owner changed the original setup.
Why does the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis have more than one tire size?
The 1990 Mitsubishi Precis has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model. Some versions use 155/80R13, while LS configurations use 175/70R13. Both sizes fit a 13-inch rim, but they are distinct primary fitments tied to different versions of the car.
That difference is important because selecting by year and model alone can be misleading when the trim is not confirmed. Owners should check the sub-model designation, existing wheel setup, and current tire markings on the car so the replacement matches the intended fitment rather than simply sharing the same rim diameter.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1990 Mitsubishi Precis?
Start with the correct primary size for the exact sub-model: 155/80R13 for Base and several RS-related versions, or 175/70R13 for LS models. From there, compare construction, rim-width suitability where stated, sidewall style, brand, tire series, and any load information included with the tire.
The right choice depends on how the car is used and how you want it to look. A restoration-oriented driver may prefer one of the whitewall 155/80R13 options, while an LS owner may be focused on keeping the correct 175/70R13 sizing. Checking the car’s actual wheels before purchase helps avoid selecting a tire that suits the trim but not the current setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1990 Mitsubishi Precis tires?
Sidewall style depends on size. In 155/80R13, the available options include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radials, while 175/70R13 is available as a blackwall radial. That gives the Precis a noticeable appearance difference depending on which size and product line the sub-model uses.
Sidewall choice affects the car’s visual character more than the basic fitment, so it is worth deciding whether you want a cleaner blackwall look or a more traditional whitewall presentation. The important limit is that appearance should be chosen only after the correct size is confirmed, since sidewall style does not override sub-model fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis?
Brand selection varies by size on the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis. The 155/80R13 fitment is available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, while 175/70R13 is available from Avon. Each brand appears within its own tire series and sidewall presentation.
That means brand choice is closely tied to the tire size your Precis actually uses. A buyer shopping for a Base or RS model will have a broader range of whitewall-oriented options, while an LS owner should focus on the Avon fitment in the correct 175/70R13 size and then confirm wheel width and overall condition before installation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1990 Mitsubishi Precis?
A period-style 1990 Mitsubishi Precis starts with using the correct original-type size for the exact sub-model. For many versions that means 155/80R13, where the available choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radial options that give the car a more traditional small-import presentation.
Appearance should follow fitment, not replace it. An LS model still needs its proper 175/70R13 size even if a whitewall look is appealing. For owners pursuing a very specific restoration target, period photos, dealer literature, and marque-specific references can help narrow the visual style once the correct size has been confirmed.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1990 Mitsubishi Precis?
On the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis, construction itself is simple because the primary fitments are radial tires. The bigger appearance difference comes from sidewall treatment and tire series, especially in 155/80R13 where narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options create a distinctly different look from a plain blackwall tire.
For a restored driver, that means the visual result is shaped more by the sidewall than by choosing between bias-ply and radial. Keeping the proper size for the specific sub-model preserves the stance and proportions more effectively than chasing a certain look in the wrong fitment, particularly on a compact car with limited wheel-well space.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1990 Mitsubishi Precis?
Yes. Even though the 1990 Mitsubishi Precis originally uses 13-inch radial tires, modifications can change what actually fits the car today. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered offset, suspension changes, or bodywork repairs can all affect clearance and the practical tire choices available.
A modified Precis should be checked at the wheel rather than assumed to match original trim fitment. Measure wheel diameter and width, look for rubbing marks near the fenders or suspension, and compare the tire currently on the car to the intended replacement. That extra step is especially important when choosing between the narrower 155/80R13 and wider 175/70R13 setups.
What should I inspect before driving a 1990 Mitsubishi Precis on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the new tires match the correct size for the sub-model, and check that inflation is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle. It is also wise to look over the valve stems, wheel hardware, tread seating, and any signs that the tire is too close to suspension or body components.
A collector or lightly used compact can hide age-related issues even when the car appears presentable. Short test drives at low speed can help reveal vibration, pulling, or contact problems before longer use. After the first miles, recheck air pressure and give the tires another visual inspection to make sure everything is settling normally.
How should tires on a collector 1990 Mitsubishi Precis be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1990 Mitsubishi Precis should be inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven wear, and slow air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Proper inflation and a quick visual check before each drive matter more on lightly used vehicles because age and storage conditions can affect tires long before tread is worn out.
Storage habits also make a difference. Keeping the car away from prolonged sun, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, while moving the vehicle periodically can reduce flat-spotting during long periods of inactivity. Any tire showing visible deterioration or unexplained vibration deserves closer inspection before the car goes back into regular road use.
