In 1965 Mercury offered a wider spread of personalities than many mid-priced American makes, from the compact Comet to larger full-size Mercury and wagon models aimed at comfort and family duty. That range matters when choosing tires, because 1965 Mercury did not use one universal size across the lineup. The Comet uses 14-inch bias-ply sizes, while full-size Mercury and Wagon models step up to 15-inch bias-ply sizes, so the decision is tied first to model identification and wheel diameter rather than to a bias-versus-radial preference. Before narrowing down sidewall style or brand, confirm whether your car is a Comet or a full-size Mercury-based model and check the wheel diameter already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1965 Mercury
Four tire sizes cover 1965 Mercury vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The real choice starts with identifying whether you have a 14-inch-wheel Comet or a 15-inch-wheel full-size Mercury or Wagon, since all four sizes are bias-ply and the rim diameter is not the same across the lineup. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right car.
Year(s): 1965|Fit(s): Comet|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 695-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.95 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating a 14-inch wheel diameter, and it is specific to the 1965 Mercury Comet rather than universal across the year and make. It is available from BFGoodrich and US Royal in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and dual-redline styles, with load capacity at 1230 pounds at 32 psi. This size suits a Comet owner who wants an era-correct bias-ply fitment with some freedom to tailor the car's appearance through sidewall style.
Year(s): 1965|Fit(s): Comet|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
The 735-14 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 7.35 indicating nominal section width and 14 indicating a 14-inch wheel diameter, and it is also specific to the 1965 Mercury Comet. BFGoodrich offers it in blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, with load capacity at 1360 pounds at 32 psi. This is the larger of the two Comet sizes and is the one to choose when your particular Comet application calls for the wider 14-inch bias-ply fitment.
Year(s): 1965|Fit(s): 1965 Mercury, Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15-in rim
The 8.45-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 8.45 indicating nominal section width and 15 indicating a 15-inch wheel diameter, and it applies to 1965 Mercury full-size Mercury and Wagon models rather than the Comet. It is a year-correct full-size format mounted on a 15-inch wheel. Buyers with full-size Mercury cars should use this size only if it matches the model-specific fitment they are restoring or maintaining.
Year(s): 1965|Fit(s): 1965 Mercury, Wagon|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
The 815-15 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 8.15 indicating nominal section width and 15 indicating a 15-inch wheel diameter, and it is reserved for 1965 Mercury full-size Mercury and Wagon models. BFGoodrich offers it in narrow whitewall and whitewall-redline styles, with load capacity at 1610 pounds at 32 psi. This size is a strong match for owners of larger Mercury models who want a traditional bias-ply tire with full-size proportions and period-appropriate sidewall styling choices.
Three Mercury model cores are covered for 1965. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough; the compact Comet uses 14-inch bias-ply sizes, while full-size Mercury and Wagon models use 15-inch bias-ply sizes. Select your model below for more detailed fitment history and product coverage.
1965 Mercury Comet
The 1965 Mercury Comet was Mercury's compact entry, sharing the straightforward proportions and lighter footprint that made mid-sixties small American cars popular as practical drivers and entry-level collectibles. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the two available sizes reflect the Comet's place apart from Mercury's larger full-size cars.
The full-size 1965 Mercury line emphasized space, road presence, and traditional American comfort in the middle of a decade when Mercury still sat distinctly above Ford in the showroom. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, separating it clearly from the smaller Comet in both stance and tire fitment.
A 1965 Mercury Wagon carried the same full-size family character buyers expected from a mid-sixties station wagon, with extra cargo utility wrapped in Mercury styling and trim. Like the other full-size Mercury models, it uses 15-inch wheel fitments rather than the Comet's 14-inch setup.
Eight products are available across four tire sizes for 1965 Mercury vehicles. The 695-14 has four choices from BFGoodrich and US Royal in bias-ply blackwall, narrow whitewall, and dual-redline styles; 735-14 has two BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in blackwall or narrow whitewall; 815-15 has two BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in narrow whitewall or whitewall-redline styles.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model size split across 1965 Mercury vehicles, explain what the period numeric sizes mean, and cover setup, storage, authenticity, and road-use questions that matter to collector-car owners.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1965 Mercury vehicles?
1965 Mercury vehicles use four sizes across three model groups. The Mercury Comet uses 695-14 and 735-14, both mounted on 14-inch wheels. Full-size 1965 Mercury and 1965 Mercury Wagon models use 8.45-15 and 815-15, both mounted on 15-inch wheels. Rim width guidance is available for 695-14 at 5.00 to 6.00 inches, for 735-14 at 5.00 to 5.50 inches, and for 815-15 at 5.00 to 6.50 inches.
That means the first fitment decision is not sidewall style or brand but which model you own and which wheel diameter is on the car. A Comet owner should stay within the 14-inch sizes tied to that model, while full-size Mercury and Wagon owners should stay within the 15-inch sizes used on those cars. If your wheels were changed decades ago, verify the actual rim diameter before choosing a tire.
What does 695-14 mean on a 1965 Mercury tire?
On a 1965 Mercury, 695-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 6.95 refers to the tire's nominal section width in inches, and the 14 refers to the wheel diameter in inches. It is not a modern metric size, and it does not include the kind of aspect-ratio expression seen on newer radial tires. For 1965 Mercury applications, this size belongs to the Comet and fits a 14-inch rim.
Understanding that older numeric code helps keep the search focused on the right era and construction. A buyer comparing 695-14 with 735-14 is comparing two different 14-inch Comet fitments, not choosing between bias-ply and radial. Once the size is confirmed, the next practical decision is the sidewall look, such as blackwall, narrow whitewall, or redline, depending on how the car is being restored or presented.
Do all 1965 Mercury models use the same tire size?
No. 1965 Mercury models split into two different wheel-diameter groups and four total tire sizes. The Comet uses 695-14 or 735-14 on 14-inch wheels, while full-size Mercury and Wagon models use 8.45-15 or 815-15 on 15-inch wheels. That separation reflects the difference between Mercury's compact car and its larger full-size offerings.
This matters because a buyer who knows only the year and make can still end up one full wheel diameter off. If the car is a Comet, focus only on the 14-inch options. If it is a full-size Mercury or Wagon, focus only on the 15-inch options. The safest starting point is the model name on the car, followed by a check of the wheels already installed.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1965 Mercury tires?
1965 Mercury tire choices include several authentic-looking sidewall treatments, but the selection changes by size. The 695-14 is available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and dual-redline form. The 735-14 comes in blackwall and narrow whitewall, while the 815-15 comes in narrow whitewall and whitewall-redline. Those choices fit naturally with the mid-sixties American market, where sidewall appearance played a big role in how a car presented itself.
For a restrained factory-style look, blackwall or a modest whitewall usually makes the most sense. Redline variations can suit a sportier presentation, especially on cars built in an era when redline tires were part of the performance image. If show authenticity is important, match the sidewall style to the way your Mercury was originally equipped or to the judging standard for the event where the car will appear.
What brands make tires for 1965 Mercury vehicles?
Brand choice depends on the size. The 695-14 is available from BFGoodrich and US Royal, while the 735-14 and 815-15 are available from BFGoodrich. All of those offerings are bias-ply tires, which fits the period and the way 1965 Mercury vehicles were originally engineered to ride and handle.
That brand split means Comet owners shopping the 695-14 have the broadest mix of look and branding, while buyers needing 735-14 or 815-15 are working within a narrower range. If your priority is a certain sidewall treatment, start there and then confirm the brand options within the correct size. If your priority is a particular brand identity for a restoration, make sure it is offered in the exact size your model uses.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and US Royal 695-14 tires for a 1965 Mercury?
For a 1965 Mercury Comet in 695-14, BFGoodrich and US Royal share the same basic load capacity of 1230 pounds at 32 psi and the same 14-inch rim diameter with a 5.00 to 6.00 inch rim-width range. The practical differences are in branding, weight, and sidewall offerings. BFGoodrich covers blackwall, narrow whitewall, and dual-redline versions, while US Royal appears in narrow whitewall form. Weight varies slightly, with BFGoodrich versions around 19 to 20 pounds and the US Royal narrow whitewall at 21 pounds.
That makes this comparison less about fitment and more about presentation and period flavor. If you want the broadest styling choice in 695-14, BFGoodrich gives more visual options. If you are aiming for a certain vintage brand identity, US Royal may appeal to you. Either way, the fitment fundamentals stay the same, so the decision turns on appearance and the character you want the finished Comet to project.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1965 Mercury tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1965 Mercury tires varies by size. The 695-14 fits rims from 5.00 to 6.00 inches wide, the 735-14 fits rims from 5.00 to 5.50 inches wide, and the 815-15 fits rims from 5.00 to 6.50 inches wide. Those ranges are tied to the specific tire size rather than to the Mercury name as a whole.
That is why measuring the wheel matters, especially on a collector car that may have had replacement wheels installed over the years. A Comet owner choosing between 695-14 and 735-14 should note that the 735-14 has the narrower approved rim-width window. A full-size Mercury owner considering 815-15 has the broadest rim-width range of the sizes with published guidance, which can simplify wheel matching.
Do 1965 Mercury tires require inner tubes?
The available 1965 Mercury products shown here do not carry tube-type or tubeless markings in the size descriptions, so tube use should be confirmed by the construction of the wheel and by the exact tire you choose. With mid-sixties American bias-ply applications, the wheel itself often plays as much of a role as the tire in determining whether a tube is appropriate.
That makes wheel condition and wheel design worth checking before final assembly. If your Mercury still uses original-style steel wheels, inspect the bead seat, valve-stem area, and overall condition carefully. A restorer working with freshly refinished wheels may also want to verify the setup with a marque specialist or installer familiar with vintage bias-ply fitments rather than assuming every product should be mounted the same way.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1965 Mercury when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1965 Mercury should be kept out of direct sunlight, away from ozone sources such as electric motors and battery chargers, and in a dry, stable environment. Because every size used here is bias-ply, extended periods of sitting can encourage flat spotting more readily than many modern radial tires. Clean, properly inflated tires on a cool garage floor are a better starting point than tires left underinflated or exposed to weather.
If the car will sit for months, move it slightly from time to time or support it in a way that reduces long static loading. Avoid parking on bare earth or surfaces that hold moisture. A collector Mercury stored thoughtfully will usually keep its tires in better cosmetic and structural condition, which matters just as much as tread depth on a vehicle that sees occasional use rather than daily mileage.
How long do tires on a 1965 Mercury typically last?
Tires on a 1965 Mercury are best judged by age and condition rather than by miles alone. Collector-car tires often age out before they wear out, so inspection around the five- to seven-year mark is wise, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as a tire approaches about ten years from its manufacturing date. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the most direct way to determine age on a tire that has been in service for some time.
That is especially important on a low-use Mercury that may still look presentable at a glance. Sidewall cracking, hardening, persistent vibration, and pressure loss can all matter more than tread depth on a hobby car. If the car has older bias-ply tires that have spent long periods parked, treat age as a primary service-life factor even if the mileage since installation seems modest.
How often should tires on a 1965 Mercury be inspected?
Tires on a 1965 Mercury should be checked before every drive and given a more careful inspection before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, uneven wear, tread damage, bulges, and signs of long-term air loss. On a vintage car, a visual check is only part of the job; pressure should also be verified with a gauge rather than guessed by appearance.
A more thorough seasonal inspection is a good habit even if the car is driven sparingly. Check valve stems, inspect the spare, and watch for ride changes that suggest a tire is aging out. Since collector cars often spend long periods parked and then go straight onto longer leisure drives, a quick pre-drive walkaround can prevent the most common tire-related problems before they interrupt the trip.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1965 Mercury Comet?
A 1965 Mercury Comet would originally have been a bias-ply application, and the sizes associated with the Comet are 695-14 and 735-14. That aligns with normal American practice in 1965, when bias-ply construction was still standard equipment on domestic compact cars. The exact choice between those two sizes can vary by the specific Comet configuration, so the model-specific fitment should be confirmed before finalizing a restoration.
For most restorers, the important point is to keep the car within the correct 14-inch bias-ply family rather than mixing in a full-size Mercury 15-inch fitment. Sidewall appearance also matters, since blackwall, narrow whitewall, and redline choices can change how authentic the car looks. If you are aiming for factory-level accuracy, compare the car against original literature, period photos, and Comet-focused marque resources.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1965 Mercury?
Correct tire fitment matters a great deal on a shown 1965 Mercury because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction, and sidewall treatment immediately. A Comet wearing a full-size 15-inch Mercury tire size, or a full-size Mercury wearing the compact car's 14-inch size family, would stand out as incorrect. On a car judged for originality, the visual character of a blackwall, whitewall, or redline can matter nearly as much as the size itself.
That means show preparation should begin with the right model-specific size and then narrow to the right sidewall look for the way the car was originally delivered or commonly presented. Even when reproduction tires are used, keeping the correct construction type for the era supports the overall authenticity of the vehicle. Event-specific rules can vary, so it is smart to check the standards used by the hosting club or judging organization.
What is the difference between 815-15 narrow whitewall and 815-15 whitewall-redline tires for the 1965 Mercury?
For a 1965 Mercury or 1965 Mercury Wagon using 815-15, the two BFGoodrich versions share the same basic fitment figures: 15-inch rim diameter, 5.00 to 6.50 inch rim-width range, and 1610-pound load capacity at 32 psi. The meaningful difference is visual presentation. One uses a narrow whitewall, while the other combines a whitewall with a 3/8-inch redline for a more distinctive period look.
That makes the choice a restoration-style decision rather than a wheel-fit decision. A narrow whitewall usually suits a more conservative full-size Mercury appearance, while the whitewall-redline version adds a sportier visual cue without changing the underlying size. If the car is being built to resemble a specific showroom or dealer-era presentation, period photos and marque knowledge can help determine which sidewall treatment fits the story of your car best.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1965 Mercury tires safe for highway driving?
1965 Mercury tire choices here are all bias-ply designs, and no speed ratings are shown for these sizes. For normal collector-car use, the broader safety picture depends as much on the car's own braking, steering, suspension, wheel condition, and tire age as on the tire size alone. A properly mounted, properly inflated bias-ply tire in sound condition can be suitable for highway use within the realistic operating range of a mid-sixties Mercury.
The practical takeaway is to match your expectations to the era of the car. A bias-ply Mercury will not feel like a modern sedan at speed, and it should not be driven as if it were one. Before a highway trip, make sure the tires are fresh enough, evenly wearing, and holding pressure well, and make sure the rest of the chassis is equally ready for sustained road speeds.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1965 Mercury tires?
Published maximum load figures for 1965 Mercury tire options include 1230 pounds at 32 psi for 695-14, 1360 pounds at 32 psi for 735-14, and 1610 pounds at 32 psi for 815-15. Those figures are tire capacity ratings, not a blanket instruction to run every tire on every Mercury at 32 psi in service. Factory inflation recommendations were vehicle-specific and should be checked against the original owner's guidance for your exact model.
A good approach is to start with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation when available and then confirm that the tire chosen is being used within its rated limits. Do not transfer a pressure habit from a Comet to a full-size Mercury or from one tire size to another just because both are Mercury applications. Pressure should always be set cold and rechecked regularly, especially on a car that spends long stretches parked.
What should I check before taking a 1965 Mercury on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1965 Mercury, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and anything lodged in the tread, then confirm that all four tires and the spare are at the intended cold pressure. Pay attention to wheel condition and valve stems as well, since vintage cars often sit long enough for small issues to go unnoticed until the first real trip. The right size for the model should already be confirmed before the car leaves the garage.
Tires are only one part of the pre-trip routine on a car of this age, but they are the part that meets the road. A Mercury that tracks well around town can still reveal vibration, age-related flat spotting, or pressure loss once speeds and distance increase. Give the chassis, brakes, fluids, and steering the same level of attention so the car's overall road readiness matches the condition of the tires.
