The 1994 Ford Tempo came at the close of Ford’s long-running front-wheel-drive compact sedan era, a time when practical packaging, everyday ride quality, and straightforward maintenance mattered more than ornament. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice is less about decoding multiple factory fitments and more about selecting the right interpretation of its original roadgoing character. The 1994 Ford Tempo uses a 185/70R14 radial tire on a 14-inch rim. Within that size, choices include blackwall touring and sport-oriented radials as well as a wide whitewall Silvertown Radial for a more distinctive period-style look. The real decision is matching appearance, wheel compatibility, and intended driving use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1994 Ford Tempo
The 1994 Ford Tempo uses one primary tire size: 185/70R14. It is a radial fitment on a 14-inch rim, and the same size is used across the GL and LX sub-models. That means the key decision is not which primary size fits, but which 185/70R14 tire best matches the car’s appearance, wheel dimensions, and intended road use.
A 185/70R14 tire uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1994 Ford Tempo, this is the standard modern-style radial format, so the focus is on choosing the right version of the size rather than translating an older bias-ply code. Available options include blackwall tires from Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, along with a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial with a 2.25-inch wide whitewall. That gives Tempo owners room to prioritize a clean stock-style appearance, a sportier visual character, or a more restoration-oriented presentation.
Tire fitment is straightforward across the covered 1994 Ford Tempo sub-models. Both the GL and LX use the same 185/70R14 radial size, so sub-model identification matters less than confirming the actual wheels currently on the car.
1
1994 Ford Tempo GL
The 1994 Ford Tempo GL uses the same 185/70R14 radial fitment as the rest of the covered range. Tire selection comes down to choosing the look and product character you want within that size, then confirming the wheel width matches the tire you are considering.
The 1994 Ford Tempo LX also uses 185/70R14 radial tires, keeping fitment consistent with the GL. That makes the buying decision more about blackwall versus wide whitewall styling, brand preference, and wheel compatibility than about sub-model-specific sizing.
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 1994 Ford Tempo Tires for Sale
Available 185/70R14 choices span BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, with differences in tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility. Most options keep a modern radial presentation, while the Silvertown Radial adds a stronger period-style look.
Showing 5 of 5
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs for the 1994 Ford Tempo focus on 185/70R14 fitment, 14-inch rim compatibility, sidewall and brand choices, and the checks that matter before putting a collector or survivor-era sedan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1994 Ford Tempo?
The 1994 Ford Tempo uses a 185/70R14 radial tire. That size applies across the GL and LX sub-models covered here, so there is one primary fitment to work from rather than several factory size branches.
Because the size is consistent, the main task is choosing the right 185/70R14 tire for the car’s current setup. Confirm that the Tempo still has 14-inch wheels, then compare the tire’s rim-width requirements, sidewall style, and intended use before making a final selection.
What size rim does a 1994 Ford Tempo use?
The 1994 Ford Tempo uses a 14-inch rim with its 185/70R14 tire size. The tire code itself confirms that rim diameter, and the available tires in this fitment are all built for 14-inch wheels.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, especially on older cars that may have seen wheel changes over time. Checking actual wheel width is also important, since the available 185/70R14 tires do not all share the same approved rim-width range.
Do all 1994 Ford Tempo sub-models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1994 Ford Tempo GL and 1994 Ford Tempo LX both use the same 185/70R14 radial tire size. There is no split here between sub-models that would force a different primary size choice.
That shared fitment simplifies replacement, but it still helps to inspect the car before ordering tires. A previous owner may have changed the wheels, altered suspension height, or fitted a different tire size, so the safest approach is to confirm the current wheel and tire setup first.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185/70R14 tire for a 1994 Ford Tempo?
Start with the correct size and construction: 185/70R14 radial on a 14-inch wheel. From there, compare sidewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, brand, tire series, and any useful load or specification differences that match how the car will actually be driven.
A Tempo kept as a clean survivor may call for a different visual presentation than one used regularly for weekend road use. The right choice often comes down to whether you want a traditional wide whitewall look or a more understated blackwall tire, while still matching the wheel dimensions.
What sidewall styles are available for 1994 Ford Tempo tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1994 Ford Tempo in 185/70R14 include blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Most of the available options use a blackwall presentation, while the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial offers a 2.25-inch wide whitewall for a more distinctive visual treatment.
That difference matters mostly for appearance rather than basic fitment. A blackwall tire tends to preserve a cleaner late-model compact look, while a wide whitewall can give the car a more customized or restoration-oriented personality, provided the size and wheel specifications remain appropriate.
What brands offer tires for the 1994 Ford Tempo?
185/70R14 tires for the 1994 Ford Tempo are available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. The available tire series include Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic.
Brand choice should be treated as part of the overall fitment decision, not the whole decision by itself. Compare the visual style, approved wheel-width range, and the character of each tire series so the final choice suits both the car’s appearance and the way it will be used.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1994 Ford Tempo?
A period-style 1994 Ford Tempo still starts with the correct 185/70R14 radial size. Within that size, the visual direction changes depending on whether you want a clean blackwall look or a more noticeable wide whitewall presentation such as the Silvertown Radial.
Exact originality can vary by market, trim presentation, and owner preference, so appearance goals should be clarified before choosing a tire. A stock-looking survivor may lean toward a simple blackwall, while a more personalized restoration may favor a stronger sidewall statement in the same fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1994 Ford Tempo?
On a 1994 Ford Tempo, construction is straightforward because the primary fitment is already radial. That means the visual effect comes less from bias-ply versus radial differences and more from the tire series and sidewall treatment chosen within the 185/70R14 size.
A blackwall radial generally keeps the car looking true to its everyday compact-sedan character, while a wide whitewall creates a more stylized and less understated presentation. For restoration-minded owners, the tire’s profile, sidewall design, and overall stance tend to shape the finished look most noticeably.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1994 Ford Tempo?
Yes. Even though the standard fitment is 185/70R14, modifications can change what works on a 1994 Ford Tempo. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, suspension changes, or body clearance differences can all affect whether a given tire is still appropriate.
A car that remains stock is simpler to evaluate, but many older compacts have seen wheel swaps over the years. Checking actual wheel diameter and width, along with clearance at full steering lock and through suspension movement, helps avoid choosing a tire that only appears correct on paper.
What should I inspect before driving a 1994 Ford Tempo on new tires?
Before road use, inspect wheel condition, valve stems, lug hardware, alignment basics, and overall clearance around the 185/70R14 tires. It also makes sense to look over brakes, steering components, and suspension wear, since those systems influence how a newly mounted tire will behave.
Tire condition should still be monitored after installation. Check inflation regularly, look for uneven tread wear, and watch for rubbing, vibration, or air loss during early miles, especially if the car has sat for long periods or has an unknown service history.
How should 185/70R14 tires on a collector 1994 Ford Tempo be maintained?
Collector-use 185/70R14 tires should be kept properly inflated, inspected often, and protected from long exposure to sun, heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment. A low-mileage 1994 Ford Tempo can still have tire issues from age, storage conditions, or long periods of sitting.
Regular checks for cracking, flat spotting, cuts, bulges, and gradual air loss are especially important on seldom-driven cars. Moving the car periodically, keeping the storage area clean and dry, and inspecting the tires before each road outing helps preserve both appearance and roadworthiness.