1958 Vauxhall Tire Fitment Guide

1958 Vauxhall vehicles use four sizes across two model groups. FS & FD models use either 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply tires, while PAS & PAD models use either 175R13 radial or 640-13 bias-ply tires. Every size mounts on a 13-inch rim, but the supported rim-width ranges differ by size and product. For the listed products, 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 fits either 3.50 to 4.00 or 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims depending on the tire, and 640-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.

The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough on a 1958 Vauxhall. You need to identify the correct model group first, then compare the actual wheel width on the car to the tire you are considering. That matters most when moving between radial and bias-ply options, because the wheel diameter stays the same at 13 inches while the acceptable rim-width range changes. Treat the tire size as model-specific, and use the wheel itself as the final fitment checkpoint before committing to a product.

On a 1958 Vauxhall, 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 figure refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, written without the decimal in modern shorthand, and the 13 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. The absence of an R indicates bias-ply rather than radial construction. Within the current options for this size, 560-13 is used on FS & FD models and is offered in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall forms.

That matters because 560-13 is not just a measurement; it also signals the older construction style that many restorers want on a late-1950s British car. A bias-ply tire will give the car a more era-appropriate visual stance and steering character than a modern-style radial alternative. If your priority is authenticity and period appearance on an FS & FD, 560-13 is the size to investigate first. If your priority is a radial driving feel, the relevant comparison is 155R13, not a wider bias-ply from another Vauxhall model.

On a 1958 Vauxhall, 155R13 is an older Euro-metric radial size. The 155 is the section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the rim diameter in inches. In period-style Euro-metric sizing, a separately printed aspect ratio is often omitted and commonly treated as an 80-series profile. For 1958 Vauxhall applications, 155R13 belongs to FS & FD models rather than the larger PAS & PAD group.

Reading that code correctly helps separate modern-looking metric sizing from older inch-based bias-ply sizing. A buyer comparing 155R13 to 560-13 is really comparing two construction philosophies for the same model family, not two unrelated tire sizes. That makes wheel-width confirmation important, since the listed radial products in 155R13 support wider rims than some of the 560-13 bias-ply choices. Once the model and wheel are confirmed, the remaining decision usually comes down to how original you want the car to feel and appear.

For a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD, the choice between 155R13 and 560-13 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 155R13 options are blackwall radials from Michelin and Dunlop, while the 560-13 options are bias-ply tires from BFGoodrich and Firestone with whitewall styling choices. Both fit 13-inch wheels, but they are built differently and support different restoration goals. One points toward a later radial driving character, and the other preserves an earlier period-style presentation.

Owners restoring an FS & FD for a more era-authentic look usually start with 560-13, especially if whitewall appearance is part of the plan. Owners who expect more regular road use often look at 155R13 because radial construction changes steering response and day-to-day behavior in a way many drivers prefer. The right answer depends less on abstract tire preference and more on what role the car will serve. Decide whether your Vauxhall is being judged for authenticity, driven frequently, or balanced somewhere in between before narrowing the options.

1958 Vauxhall tire choices include both blackwall and whitewall styles, but the selection depends on size. The 155R13 radial products are blackwall tires, while the 560-13 bias-ply products are offered in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form. The 640-13 bias-ply offering is a wide whitewall. That means sidewall appearance is tied closely to both the model family and the construction style you choose.

A buyer interested in a conservative European look will usually focus on the blackwall radial route, especially on an FS & FD. A buyer building a more overtly period-styled 1950s presentation may prefer one of the whitewall bias-ply options, with the width of the white stripe changing the car's visual character quite a bit. Whitewall selection is not just cosmetic on a restoration; it affects how convincingly the finished car reads for its era. Compare sidewall style with your reference photos and intended show standard before making the final call.

Three brands appear in the current 1958 Vauxhall fitments: Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, and Firestone products cover the listed sizes. In 155R13, the radial choices come from Michelin and Dunlop. In 560-13, the bias-ply choices come from BFGoodrich and Firestone. In 640-13, the listed bias-ply option is from BFGoodrich.

Brand selection on a 1958 Vauxhall is really brand-by-size rather than one brand covering the whole range. That means the right starting point is always the model and tire size, then the available brand choices inside that size. Some owners will care most about sidewall styling, while others will care about whether the tire is radial or bias-ply first and brand second. Once you narrow the correct size, compare the available brands for their visual presentation and the specific technical details listed for that product.

Rim-width requirements for 1958 Vauxhall tires depend on the size selected. The listed 155R13 radial products fit 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims. In 560-13 bias-ply, BFGoodrich specifies 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims, while the Firestone 560-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. The 640-13 bias-ply product fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims.

That spread is why measuring the actual wheel matters even when the rim diameter is clearly 13 inches. Two tires with the same nominal size can still differ in the wheel widths they are intended to support. This is especially important on older cars that may have had wheel changes during their lives, or that are being converted between bias-ply and radial setups. Confirm the wheel width at the bead seat, not just the overall outer width, before matching your 1958 Vauxhall to a specific tire.

Inner-tube requirements on 1958 Vauxhall tires are product-specific rather than universal across the range. The Michelin 155HR13 is marked TL, which identifies it as tubeless. The Dunlop 155R13 listing does not carry the same tubeless marking in the size description, and the bias-ply 560-13 and 640-13 listings also do not present a uniform tube status marker. That means tube use can vary by product and by wheel condition rather than by year and make alone.

The safest approach is to match the tire's sidewall marking and the wheel's design before installation. Many collector-car wheels were built in an era when tube use was common, and an older rim's surface condition can also influence the final setup choice. If your 1958 Vauxhall is staying on original wheels, inspect the wheels carefully and verify the exact tire marking on the product you plan to use. Tube decisions should be made at the tire-and-wheel level, not assumed from the size code by itself.

All listed 1958 Vauxhall tire sizes use 13-inch wheels, so there is diameter compatibility across the model range. That does not mean every original wheel is suitable for every size, because the approved rim-width ranges vary among 155R13, 560-13, and 640-13 products. FS & FD sizes and PAS & PAD sizes also serve different model families, so cross-using them is not simply a matter of wheel diameter. The wheel's actual width remains the deciding measurement.

For a buyer, that means an original 13-inch wheel is only the starting point. If the car still carries its factory-style wheels, compare their width to the specific tire you want, especially when moving from a narrow bias-ply fitment to a radial or to a larger model's bias-ply size. Diameter agreement alone is not enough to justify a change. Original wheels can often remain in service, but they should be matched to the correct model-specific tire size and the wheel width the tire manufacturer supports.

A stored 1958 Vauxhall should be kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, ozone sources, and persistent moisture, all of which accelerate rubber aging. Clean, dry floors and stable temperatures are preferable, and the car should either be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term tire loading. Bias-ply tires such as 560-13 and 640-13 are generally more prone to flat-spotting during long static storage than radial tires like 155R13. Sidewall cracking also tends to show up sooner when an older-style tire sits neglected.

For a collector car, storage habits often matter more than annual mileage. If your 1958 Vauxhall sits for months at a time, keep the tires properly inflated and avoid parking with one side exposed to sun through a window or open garage door. Cars stored on cold concrete for long periods also deserve extra attention when they return to service. A brief inspection and a few slow miles to let the tires normalize before a longer outing can prevent unpleasant surprises after seasonal storage.

Tires on a 1958 Vauxhall should be judged primarily by age and condition rather than by tread wear alone. Collector cars often see limited mileage, so a tire can look serviceable while still being old enough to deserve close evaluation. A common collector-car rule is to inspect carefully once a tire reaches about five to seven years of age and to consider replacement around ten years regardless of tread depth. The DOT or production date marking is the starting point for that timeline.

That age-based approach is especially important on low-use cars that spend much of their time parked, trailered, or displayed. Sidewall weathering, loss of pliability, repeated pressure loss, and visible cracking around the bead or tread blocks can matter more than how much rubber remains. If your 1958 Vauxhall is being prepared for regular touring, err on the side of newer tires even if the old set still looks attractive at a glance. Appearance alone is not a reliable guide to service life on a vintage car.

Tires on a 1958 Vauxhall deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough check before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs that the tire is no longer holding pressure consistently. Since some products may involve tube-type setups or older wheel designs, valve stems and any tube-related hardware should also be checked carefully. A spare tire should be included in the inspection because it is often the oldest tire on the car.

Frequent inspection matters because collector cars usually spend more time sitting than running, and age-related issues can appear suddenly after a long dormant period. A short local trip may not reveal the same problems that show up once heat builds during a longer drive. If the steering starts to feel different, the car pulls unexpectedly, or one tire shows a different stance at rest, inspect immediately rather than assuming it will clear up on its own. Vintage motoring rewards a habit of checking first and driving second.

A 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD would have belonged to an era when bias-ply construction was still the mainstream original-equipment standard, even though radial sizing now appears as an available option in 155R13. The two relevant sizes for that model family are 560-13 in bias-ply form and 155R13 in radial form. That makes 560-13 the closer match to period construction practice if your aim is to reflect how many cars of the time were originally equipped. Exact market and trim nuances should still be checked against factory literature or Vauxhall marque sources.

For restoration planning, that means construction type matters as much as the nominal size. A radial can be a reasonable road-use choice on an FS & FD, but it changes the visual and dynamic character compared with a bias-ply tire. If the car is being built for authenticity, start by deciding whether the judging standard expects original-style construction as well as the correct overall size family. Marque clubs and surviving sales material are the best places to confirm whether a specific car should wear blackwalls or a particular whitewall style.

Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1958 Vauxhall, especially in events that place value on authenticity. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car is wearing the right size family, the right construction type for the era, and a sidewall treatment that suits the market and presentation. On a late-1950s Vauxhall, a modern-style radial where a bias-ply look is expected can change the car's stance and visual correctness. Whitewall width can also affect how convincingly the finished car represents its period.

That does not mean every show demands the same standard, but it does mean tire choice should be intentional. A touring-oriented car can make sensible use of one path, while a concours-minded restoration may be judged more closely on originality cues. Before finalizing a set for your 1958 Vauxhall, compare the car's intended event type with period photos and the standards used by the hosting club or judging body. Tire size, construction, and sidewall style are all visible details, and they influence the first impression the car makes.

Within the 560-13 size for a 1958 Vauxhall FS & FD, BFGoodrich and Firestone differ mainly in sidewall presentation and listed rim-width range. BFGoodrich offers both a 1.00-inch narrow whitewall and a 2.25-inch wide whitewall, each with a 3.50 to 4.00-inch rim-width range and a listed load figure of 850 pounds at 30 psi. The Firestone 560-13 is offered as a 2.25-inch wide whitewall with a 4.00 to 4.50-inch rim-width range and the same listed 850 pounds at 30 psi. Weight is listed at 17 pounds for all three products.

That means the choice is not just about brand heritage; it also affects both appearance and wheel compatibility. If your FS & FD has narrower wheels and you want flexibility in whitewall width, the BFGoodrich options bring two visual treatments within the same size. If your wheel width lands higher in the 560-13 range, the Firestone's approved fit window may be the more natural match. On a restoration, these are the kinds of detail differences that deserve attention before the tires ever go on the car.

1958 Vauxhall tires can be suitable for highway use when they are the correct size, properly fitted, and in sound condition. The listed 155R13 radial choices carry H speed ratings, which correspond to 130 mph, while the bias-ply products shown in 560-13 and 640-13 do not list a comparable modern speed-letter range in the same way. In real-world collector use, the car's brakes, steering, suspension, and general mechanical condition usually matter at least as much as the tire's theoretical upper limit. A well-sorted vintage Vauxhall should still be driven within the limits of its era and condition.

For most owners, the real safety question is not whether the tire can survive a highway speed number in isolation. It is whether the whole car is prepared for sustained running after years of age, intermittent use, or recent restoration work. Radials may appeal to drivers who expect more regular road miles, while bias-ply tires suit owners who prioritize period character and visual authenticity. Whichever direction you choose, tire age, inflation, wheel condition, and a careful shake-down drive are more important than chasing the highest headline figure.

Inflation pressure on a 1958 Vauxhall should be matched to the exact tire size and product rather than borrowed from another fitment. The listed 560-13 bias-ply tires show a load figure of 850 pounds at 30 psi, and the 640-13 bias-ply tire shows 1,045 pounds at 32 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not automatic front-and-rear service recommendations for every Vauxhall. Factory operating pressures should still come from the car's original literature, while the tire itself provides the product's rated limit information.

That distinction matters because tire capacity and vehicle operating pressure are related but not interchangeable. A vintage car often uses inflation settings chosen for ride quality, handling balance, and axle load distribution, not simply the highest pressure printed in a tire specification. If your 1958 Vauxhall still has its handbook, use that as the first reference point and compare it with the tire maker's guidance for the exact product installed. Keep the pressures checked regularly, especially on a collector car that may sit long enough for small losses to become meaningful.

Before taking a 1958 Vauxhall on a longer drive, inspect every tire for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear, then confirm that all four are holding the intended pressure. Pay close attention to valve stems, and if the car uses a tube-involved setup, inspect that whole system carefully during service intervals rather than treating the outer tire alone as the only concern. The spare should be checked as well, since it may be the least-used and oldest tire on the car. Tire readiness is only one part of the broader mechanical check a late-1950s car deserves.

A sensible touring routine also includes checking wheel fasteners, brakes, steering play, fluid levels, and the basic health of the cooling and charging systems. Vintage cars often tolerate short local runs while hiding problems that become obvious only after heat and time build on the road. If the Vauxhall has been stored recently, give it a shorter local drive first and recheck the tires afterward for pressure stability and any change in appearance. A little preparation before departure usually matters more than carrying extra speed once the trip begins.