1958 Citroen was unlike most of the automotive world, pairing minimalist utility in the 2CV with advanced engineering and aerodynamic design in the DS and ID. That contrast matters when choosing tires, because the model range does not share one universal size: the 2CV uses two radial options, while the DS and ID share a different radial size altogether. The real choice is partly about identifying the correct model and partly about understanding whether your car uses a metric millimeter-based rim or a more familiar 15-inch fitment. Confirm the exact model and wheel type first, then narrow your search to the tire size that matches the car's intended setup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1958 Citroen
Three tire sizes are used across 1958 Citroen vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. The main decision is identifying whether you have a 2CV or a DS/ID first, then confirming whether your car uses a 15-inch rim or a metric millimeter-based rim before choosing a tire. Understanding that distinction up front saves time and helps ensure you match the tire to the correct wheel and vehicle.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): CV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 380 mm rim
155-380 is a radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and a 380-millimeter rim diameter, making it a metric-rim fitment rather than a 15-inch fitment. This size is specific to the 1958 Citroen CV and is separate from the 155R15 options used on some 2CV applications. Buyers pursuing the correct wheel-and-tire combination for a metric-rim 2CV should stay with this size rather than assuming any 155-series radial will interchange.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): CV|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
155R15 is a radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter; when no aspect ratio is stated in this format, it conventionally represents an 80-series radial. Firestone and Michelin offer this size in blackwall form, and tube status and speed rating vary by product, with examples including 82T TL at 118 mph and 82H in both TT and TL versions at 130 mph. This size is specific to the 1958 Citroen CV and suits owners who need the 15-inch wheel fitment rather than the metric 380-millimeter version.
Year(s): 1958|Fit(s): DS, ID|Construction: Radial|Rim: 400 mm rim
165-400 is a radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters and a 400-millimeter rim diameter, following the metric-rim sizing convention used on these cars. This size is shared by the 1958 Citroen DS and 1958 Citroen ID, so it applies across those two models rather than the full Citroen lineup for the year. Owners of DS and ID cars should treat 165-400 as the model-correct starting point and confirm the actual wheel before selecting a specific product.
Three 1958 Citroen models are covered here: the CV, DS, and ID. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; you need to identify the specific Citroen before choosing a size, especially because the lineup spans both 15-inch and metric-rim applications. Select a model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tire options that match it.
1958 Citroen CV
The 1958 Citroen CV, better known as the 2CV family, was Citroen's famously lightweight and practical small car, designed for economy, simplicity, and remarkable ride compliance on rough roads. Its tires mount on either a 380-millimeter rim or a 15-inch rim depending on the setup, so wheel identification matters before choosing between the two radial sizes.
The 1958 Citroen DS stood apart as one of the most technically ambitious cars of its era, known for its futuristic bodywork and advanced suspension design. Its tires mount on 400-millimeter rims, and the model uses the 165-400 radial size shared with the ID.
The 1958 Citroen ID was closely related to the DS, offering much of the same distinctive design and road manners in a somewhat simpler package. Like the DS, it uses tires for a 400-millimeter rim, so the correct size for the model is 165-400 radial.
Four products are available across three tire sizes for 1958 Citroen vehicles. In 155R15, four blackwall radial choices are offered from Firestone and Michelin; confirm your preferred size first, and note that tube type and speed rating can vary between products within this same size.
These FAQs cover how 1958 Citroen tire sizing splits between the CV and the DS/ID, what the metric size codes mean, and what to check when choosing among available radial products for collector use.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1958 Citroen vehicles?
1958 Citroen vehicles use three tire sizes across the model range: 155-380 and 155R15 for the 1958 Citroen CV, and 165-400 for the 1958 Citroen DS and 1958 Citroen ID. Those sizes do not all share the same rim diameter. The 155R15 products mount on 15-inch rims, while the 155-380 and 165-400 sizes are metric-rim applications at 380 millimeters and 400 millimeters respectively.
That means the first fitment question is not simply year and make, but which 1958 Citroen model you own and which wheels are on it. A CV owner especially should verify whether the car is set up for the metric 380-millimeter tire or the 15-inch alternative before choosing a product. DS and ID owners have a simpler path because both models share 165-400, but the wheel should still be checked before mounting any new tire.
What does 155R15 mean on a 1958 Citroen tire?
On a 1958 Citroen, 155R15 identifies a radial tire with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and a 15-inch rim diameter. Because no aspect ratio is written into the size, this format conventionally refers to an 80-series metric radial. Available 155R15 products include blackwall radials from Firestone and Michelin, with examples carrying T and H speed ratings and tube-type or tubeless construction depending on the specific product.
That coding matters because 155R15 is not interchangeable with the 155-380 size even though both begin with 155. One fits a 15-inch wheel and the other fits a 380-millimeter metric wheel. If your 1958 Citroen CV has already been converted to or retains 15-inch rims, 155R15 is the size family to research further; if it uses metric rims, this is not the correct fitment.
Do all 1958 Citroen models use the same tire size?
No. The 1958 Citroen model range splits into two different fitment groups. The 1958 Citroen CV uses either 155-380 or 155R15 depending on its wheel setup, while the 1958 Citroen DS and 1958 Citroen ID use 165-400. That makes model identification essential before narrowing down the proper tire.
For a buyer, the practical takeaway is that a 2CV-family car should never be assumed to share tire fitment with a DS or ID just because the year and make are the same. The DS and ID are larger, more advanced cars with their own metric-rim tire size, while the CV sits in a separate fitment category. Checking the model badge, existing wheel type, and the size marked on the current tire will prevent an expensive mismatch.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1958 Citroen tires?
Current 155R15 options for 1958 Citroen vehicles are offered in blackwall form. That appearance suits many European cars of the period, especially practical and engineering-focused models where a restrained sidewall look is often the more authentic visual choice than a wide whitewall. No alternate sidewall treatment appears within the available 155R15 offerings here.
For restoration-minded owners, sidewall style affects the finished look almost as much as the size itself. A 1958 Citroen generally looks most at home on a clean blackwall radial, particularly if the goal is to preserve its original European character. If appearance is central to the project, compare the sidewall and tread presentation of the available lines within the correct size before deciding which product best fits the car's intended presentation.
What brands make tires for 1958 Citroen vehicles?
Firestone and Michelin both offer tires within the 155R15 fitment used on 1958 Citroen CV applications. Firestone appears with the F560 Radial, while Michelin appears with the Michelin X, XAS, and XAS-FF. All of those listed options are blackwall radials sized for a 15-inch rim.
Brand choice within a 1958 Citroen fitment often comes down to how you prioritize period feel, product character, and the details of the specific tire's construction. Michelin has especially strong historical associations with French and European motoring, which may matter to some owners, while others may simply focus on the exact size marking, tube status, and speed rating they need. Once the wheel size is confirmed, those product-level differences become the meaningful comparison points.
What is the difference between Michelin X and Michelin XAS for the 1958 Citroen?
For a 1958 Citroen in 155R15, the Michelin X is listed as 155R15 82T TL, while the Michelin XAS is listed as 155HR15 82H TT. That means the Michelin X is a tubeless T-rated radial with a 118 mph speed ceiling, and the Michelin XAS is a tube-type H-rated radial with a 130 mph ceiling. The XAS also carries a stated rim width range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches, while the X entry shown here does not list a rim width range.
Those differences matter less as bragging rights and more as setup details. A 1958 Citroen owner should choose according to the wheel configuration, whether a tube-type tire is appropriate for the car, and the character of the restoration or driver build. The speed rating should be treated as a product specification rather than an invitation to drive at those speeds in an older vehicle with vintage chassis, suspension, and braking behavior.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1958 Citroen tires require?
Among the listed 1958 Citroen products, 155R15 tires show a rim width range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches on several entries. That published range appears on the Firestone F560 Radial and on Michelin XAS and XAS-FF products in 155R15. The same listed products use a 15-inch rim diameter, matching the 155R15 size code.
Rim width is one of the key checks before mounting a replacement tire, especially on a collector car that may have changed wheels over the years. A tire can share the right nominal size and still be a poor match for the actual wheel if the rim is outside the approved width range. Before choosing a 155R15 for a 1958 Citroen CV, inspect the wheel itself and confirm the width against the specific product you intend to use.
Do 1958 Citroen tires require inner tubes?
Tube fitment on 1958 Citroen tires can vary by product, even within the same 155R15 size. The Michelin X is listed as TL, meaning tubeless, while the Michelin XAS appears as TT, meaning tube type, and the Michelin XAS-FF is listed as TL. That makes it important to read the exact sidewall marking or product specification rather than assuming every 155R15 radial for a 1958 Citroen uses the same setup.
The wheel design matters just as much as the tire marking. Older wheels, special applications, or wheels not intended for tubeless service may still call for a tube even when a tubeless tire is available in the correct size. If your 1958 Citroen retains original-style wheels, confirm the intended tube arrangement before installation so the tire, tube decision, and wheel condition all work together properly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1958 Citroen when the tires are fitted?
A 1958 Citroen should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment such as electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and compressors. Keep the tires clean, properly inflated, and unloaded from severe contact with oil or solvents. Even though the listed fitments here are radial, long static storage can still encourage flat spotting and age-related sidewall deterioration if the car sits in one position for extended periods.
For collector use, the best routine is to move the car periodically or place it on stands if it will be parked for a long season. That reduces stress on one section of the casing and helps preserve ride quality when the car returns to the road. If the car stays on the ground, keep inflation checked during storage and roll it occasionally so one tire shoulder is not carrying the same load month after month.
How long do tires on a 1958 Citroen typically last?
On a 1958 Citroen, tire age is usually more important than tread wear because these cars are often driven lightly. A sound rule is to inspect closely once tires are around five to seven years old and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the standard way to determine age.
Collector-car owners sometimes overlook aging because the car still feels fine on short local drives. Rubber hardens, internal materials age, and sidewalls can deteriorate long before the tread looks used up. If your 1958 Citroen has older tires of uncertain age, checking the date code and condition should come before any longer touring plans, even if the car has only covered modest mileage since the tires were installed.
How often should tires on a 1958 Citroen be inspected?
Tires on a 1958 Citroen should be inspected before every drive, with a more careful inspection before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and obvious pressure loss. If the car uses any tube-type arrangement, valve stems and any signs of slow leakage deserve extra attention as part of that check.
Older cars reward routine, not guesswork. A quick walk-around before each drive catches the problems most likely to strand a collector car or damage a hard-to-replace tire. Before a tour or club event, add a pressure check, verify the spare is usable, and inspect the tread shoulders and inner sidewalls closely so the car starts the trip on tires that are visually and functionally ready.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1958 Citroen DS?
A 1958 Citroen DS belongs to an era when radial tire technology was already a defining part of French automotive engineering, and the fitment used here is 165-400 radial. That size is shared with the 1958 Citroen ID, while the 2CV-family CV uses different sizes altogether. For owners pursuing factory-correct presentation, the key points are radial construction, the correct 165-400 metric size, and a sidewall appearance consistent with period European practice.
Original-equipment details could vary by market or delivery specification, so a high-level fitment answer should be treated as the starting point rather than the last word for concours work. If your 1958 Citroen DS is being judged, confirm size, construction, and sidewall appearance with marque-club resources, period road tests, or factory literature. Those sources help settle details that matter in strict authenticity settings without confusing the broader fitment picture.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1958 Citroen?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1958 Citroen because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice size, construction, stance, and sidewall appearance quickly. A CV wearing the wrong rim-diameter tire family, or a DS/ID fitted with a non-matching size, changes the car's proportions as well as its technical accuracy. On cars from this period, a visibly modernized or incorrect tire can stand out almost as much as an incorrect wheel finish or trim detail.
The standard for what counts as correct depends on the event. Some shows reward authentic overall presentation, while stricter concours judging can scrutinize whether the tire size, sidewall treatment, and construction match period expectations for that specific market and model. If your 1958 Citroen is being built for formal judging, use the proper size family first and then confirm sidewall and product style against event rules and marque-club guidance.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Michelin XAS-FF for the 1958 Citroen?
For a 1958 Citroen using 155R15, Michelin XAS is listed as 155HR15 82H TT, while Michelin XAS-FF is listed as 155HR15 82H TL. Both are H-rated radials with a 130 mph speed ceiling, both are blackwalls, and both show a 4.00 to 5.50 inch rim width range. The key difference shown here is tube status: XAS is tube type, while XAS-FF is tubeless.
That makes the choice a setup question as much as an authenticity question. Owners preserving original wheel arrangements may prefer the product that matches the intended tube configuration, while others may be guided by the wheel's suitability for tubeless service. Because both share the same basic size and speed rating, the smarter comparison is how each tire fits the car's wheels and restoration goals rather than assuming one is automatically the more correct option.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1958 Citroen tires safe for highway driving?
1958 Citroen tires can be suitable for highway driving when the tires are in good condition, correctly sized for the car, and used within their speed rating. In the listed 155R15 products, T-rated tires carry a 118 mph ceiling and H-rated tires carry a 130 mph ceiling. Those figures exceed ordinary U.S. highway speeds, but the tire is only one part of the equation on a vintage Citroen.
A 1958 Citroen's overall roadworthiness depends just as much on suspension condition, steering, brakes, wheel integrity, and alignment as it does on the tire itself. The practical standard is not whether the printed speed ceiling is high, but whether the entire car is healthy and stable at normal cruising speeds. For touring use, confirm the tire age, inflation, and condition first, then treat the vehicle's mechanical readiness as the deciding factor.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1958 Citroen tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1958 Citroen should follow the vehicle manufacturer's guidance for the specific model and wheel setup, while also respecting the tire maker's maximum load and pressure marking. One listed 155R15 Firestone F560 Radial shows a maximum load of 1045 pounds at 44 psi. That maximum figure is not the same thing as the day-to-day operating pressure for every 1958 Citroen application.
The right approach is to start with the original owner's manual or factory tire placard for the model, then confirm that your chosen reproduction or replacement tire is being used within its published limits. Pressure should never be copied from one size to another or from a different Citroen model just because the year matches. Small changes in wheel type, vehicle weight distribution, and tire construction can change the correct inflation target.
What should I check before taking a 1958 Citroen on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1958 Citroen, inspect each tire for sidewall cracks, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, irregular tread wear, and proper inflation. If the car uses a tube-type tire or tube-type wheel arrangement, inspect the valve stems carefully and make sure the spare is also serviceable. Tire condition should be part of a broader pre-trip check that includes brakes, steering, suspension, fluids, and wheel fasteners.
Longer drives reveal weaknesses that short local trips can hide, especially on collector cars that spend a lot of time parked. A tire that holds air around town may run hotter and show problems at sustained road speed, and an aging spare is of little help if it cannot be trusted. Give your 1958 Citroen a full walk-around the day before departure so any tire or wheel issue can be caught before it turns into a roadside interruption.
