In 1966, DKW stood apart from larger German manufacturers with compact front-wheel-drive cars that carried a distinct engineering identity and a loyal following among enthusiasts of unusual postwar European vehicles. The year’s DKW lineup mixed the more modern F102 with the smaller Junior, so tire selection is not a one-size-fits-all decision across the make. Two models use six different tire sizes overall, with both bias-ply and radial construction appearing in the range and with 12-inch and 13-inch fitments depending on model. Before choosing a tire for a 1966 DKW, the first step is confirming whether you have an F102 or a Junior, then narrowing your choice by size and construction type.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1966 DKW
Six tire sizes are used across the 1966 DKW range, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. The real decision starts with identifying whether your car uses a 12-inch or 13-inch wheel, then choosing the correct size and construction for that specific model. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right DKW.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): F102|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
590-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number represents nominal section width and the 13 identifies a 13-inch rim, and on a 1966 DKW it is specific to the F102 rather than the full model range. This size is available from BFGoodrich with a wide whitewall sidewall style, and its load rating reaches 970 pounds at 32 psi. It suits an owner who wants a period-style bias-ply fitment for an F102 and wants to stay with a classic presentation appropriate to the car’s era.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): F102|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal section width code of 600 and a 13-inch rim diameter, and it is another F102-specific fitment rather than a universal 1966 DKW size. BFGoodrich offers it with both wide whitewall and narrow whitewall styling, with a load rating of 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. This is the size to consider if your F102 calls for a 13-inch bias-ply tire and you want some flexibility in sidewall appearance while keeping an era-correct construction.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Junior|Construction: Radial|Rim: 12 in
145R12 is a Euro-metric radial size that uses a 145-millimeter section width, radial construction, and a 12-inch rim, with the unstated profile conventionally treated as an 80-series metric radial. On a 1966 DKW, this size is specific to the Junior and is available from Michelin in a blackwall tubeless configuration with an S speed rating, which carries a 112 mph ceiling. It is the clearest choice for a Junior owner who wants a radial tire with a more modern driving feel while keeping the correct 12-inch fitment.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Junior|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 12 in
520-12 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number indicates nominal section width and the 12 identifies a 12-inch rim, and it is used on the Junior rather than across all 1966 DKW models. BFGoodrich offers this size in both wide whitewall and blackwall styles, and load capacity reaches 694 pounds at 30 psi on the whitewall version. It is a strong fit for a Junior owner aiming for a traditional small-car bias-ply look and feel that suits a period-minded restoration.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Junior|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13-in rim
5.50-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.50 measurement denotes nominal section width and the 13 identifies a 13-inch rim, and for 1966 DKW applications it is specific to the Junior. Brand, sidewall, tube-status, speed-rating, and load details are not represented here in finished product form for this size. It remains the size to verify against the actual wheel on a Junior when you are sorting out whether the car uses a 13-inch bias-ply setup instead of a 12-inch fitment.
Year(s): 1966|Fit(s): Junior|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size with a nominal section width code of 560 and a 13-inch rim diameter, and it is another Junior-specific size rather than an all-model DKW fitment. BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer it, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles available, and load capacity reaches 850 pounds at 30 psi. This size fits a Junior owner who wants a 13-inch bias-ply tire and some choice in brand heritage or sidewall presentation while staying within a classic construction type.
Two DKW models are covered for 1966, and they do not share the same tire sizes across the board. That means year and make alone are not enough here; identifying whether you have an F102 or a Junior is the practical first step before narrowing down the correct size. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and products.
1966 DKW F102
The F102 was DKW’s larger and more modern passenger car, representing the make’s final passenger-car chapter before the Auto Union transition into the Audi era. Its tires mount on 13-inch rims, and its fitment choices stay within traditional bias-ply sizing that suits the car’s mid-1960s European character.
The Junior was the smaller, lighter DKW, known for compact dimensions and the make’s distinctive small-car engineering approach. Depending on the wheel setup, Junior applications span both 12-inch and 13-inch rims, and they include both traditional bias-ply choices and a radial option for owners weighing originality against later driving manners.
Nine products are available across six tire sizes for 1966 DKW vehicles. 590-13 has one BFGoodrich bias-ply wide whitewall option; 600-13 has two BFGoodrich bias-ply whitewall options; 145R12 has one Michelin radial blackwall; 520-12 has two BFGoodrich bias-ply choices in whitewall or blackwall; and 560-13 has three bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow or wide whitewall styles.
These FAQs sort out the model-by-model size differences across the 1966 DKW range, the Junior’s mix of bias-ply and radial choices, sidewall style options, and the maintenance habits that matter on a lightly driven collector car.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1966 DKW vehicles?
1966 DKW vehicles use six sizes across two model lines. The F102 uses 590-13 and 600-13, both on 13-inch rims. The Junior uses 145R12 and 520-12 on 12-inch rims, plus 5.50-13 and 560-13 on 13-inch rims. Rim width guidance appears for several available products: 590-13 fits 3.50- to 4.00-inch rims, 600-13 fits 4.00- to 4.50-inch rims, 145R12 fits a 4.5-inch rim, 520-12 fits a 4-inch rim, and 560-13 fits either 3.50- to 4.00-inch or 4.00- to 4.50-inch rims depending on the product.
The practical takeaway is that 1966 DKW fitment starts with the model and wheel diameter, not just the badge on the hood. An F102 owner is choosing between two 13-inch bias-ply sizes, while a Junior owner may be dealing with either 12-inch or 13-inch wheels and may also be choosing between bias-ply and radial construction. Confirm the actual wheel on the car before selecting a tire, especially on a Junior that may have been changed over time.
What does 590-13 mean on a 1966 DKW tire?
On a 1966 DKW, 590-13 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 590 portion is the traditional nominal section-width code used in older sizing systems, and the 13 means the tire mounts on a 13-inch wheel. It is not a metric radial code, and it does not work like a modern P-metric size with a separate aspect ratio figure. For 1966 DKW applications, 590-13 belongs to the F102.
That decoding matters because a 590-13 should be treated as a classic bias-ply fitment, not as a modern equivalent with the same wheel diameter. If your F102 still uses its period-style wheel setup, this size keeps you in the right construction family and correct rim diameter. It is also worth checking rim width before ordering, since available 590-13 tires are intended for 3.50- to 4.00-inch rims rather than every 13-inch wheel.
What does 145R12 mean on a 1966 DKW tire?
On a 1966 DKW, 145R12 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 145 indicates section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 12 means it fits a 12-inch wheel. Because no aspect ratio is printed in the code, it follows the older European convention that is typically treated as an 80-series radial. In 1966 DKW applications, 145R12 is used on the Junior.
This size reads very differently from the older numeric bias-ply sizes that also appear in the DKW range, so it is easy to mistake the two systems for interchangeable when they are not. A Junior owner considering 145R12 is looking at a radial fitment on a 12-inch wheel, with a Michelin tubeless blackwall option carrying an S speed rating. That makes wheel diameter and construction type the two details to confirm first.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 145R12 or the 520-12 for my 1966 DKW?
For a 1966 DKW Junior, the choice between 145R12 and 520-12 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction on a 12-inch wheel. The 145R12 is a radial Michelin blackwall with an S speed rating and tubeless construction, while the 520-12 is a bias-ply BFGoodrich offered in blackwall and wide whitewall versions. Both fit the Junior, but they represent different eras of tire design and deliver a different visual presentation.
Owners leaning toward a more original small-car look usually gravitate to the bias-ply 520-12, especially when sidewall appearance matters. Owners who want a more modern road feel within the correct 12-inch format often prefer the radial 145R12. The most useful way to decide is to think about the car’s mission first: judged restoration, weekend touring, or regular local driving with authenticity still in mind.
What sidewall styles are available for 1966 DKW tires?
1966 DKW tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles, depending on size. The F102’s 590-13 comes as a wide whitewall, while 600-13 is available in both narrow and wide whitewall versions. The Junior’s 145R12 comes as a blackwall radial, 520-12 is available in blackwall or wide whitewall, and 560-13 is available in narrow or wide whitewall versions.
Sidewall style changes the look of a car at least as much as the construction type, especially on compact European cars where the tire is visually prominent. A blackwall generally gives the cleanest and most understated appearance, while whitewall treatments add a stronger period accessory feel. For show-focused restoration, sidewall style should match the presentation you want for the specific market and era of the car rather than being treated as a purely cosmetic afterthought.
What brands make tires for 1966 DKW vehicles?
1966 DKW tires are available from BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Michelin, depending on size. BFGoodrich covers 590-13, 600-13, 520-12, and part of the 560-13 range, Firestone also offers 560-13, and Michelin covers the 145R12 radial Junior application. That means brand choice is broadest in the Junior’s 560-13 size and more focused in the other fitments.
Brand choice matters less as a status decision than as a way to match the right construction, sidewall look, and wheel specification for your particular DKW. A Junior owner choosing between a metric radial and a classic bias-ply tire is also effectively choosing between different manufacturers because the available sizes are split that way. Start with the correct size and wheel diameter, then narrow the field by sidewall appearance and intended use.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1966 DKW tires require?
Rim width requirements for 1966 DKW tires vary by size. The 590-13 fits 3.50- to 4.00-inch rims, the 600-13 fits 4.00- to 4.50-inch rims, the 145R12 fits a 4.5-inch rim, the 520-12 fits a 4-inch rim, and 560-13 spans either 3.50- to 4.00-inch or 4.00- to 4.50-inch rims depending on the brand and product version. Those differences matter even when two tires share the same wheel diameter.
The key point is that a 12-inch or 13-inch wheel is only part of the fitment story. If your DKW has replacement wheels, accessory wheels, or wheels swapped from another version over the years, the width needs to be checked just as carefully as the diameter. Matching the tire to the correct rim width helps preserve the tire’s intended shape and keeps the car from feeling awkward or visually off.
Do 1966 DKW tires require inner tubes?
Tube requirements on 1966 DKW tires depend on the exact size and product. The 145R12 Michelin radial is marked TL, meaning tubeless. The bias-ply sizes shown here do not carry a TL marking in the size description, so they should be treated as requiring confirmation against the specific tire and wheel combination before installation rather than assumed one way or the other.
That distinction matters because tube use is not determined by tire size alone on a vintage car. Wheel design, bead condition, and the way a specific reproduction tire is built all influence whether a tube is appropriate. If you are fitting a Junior with 145R12 radials, the tubeless designation is straightforward. On the bias-ply sizes, verify the tire’s sidewall marking and the wheel’s suitability before final assembly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1966 DKW when the tires are fitted?
A 1966 DKW should be stored away from direct sunlight, standing moisture, and ozone sources such as electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and furnaces. Tires should be kept at proper pressure, and the car should either be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long static loading. Bias-ply tires are especially prone to temporary flat-spotting after long sits, while radial tires generally recover more quickly in that situation.
Good storage habits matter because collector cars often age their tires by time and environment more than by mileage. If your DKW runs one of the bias-ply sizes, a cool, dark, dry storage area is especially important for preserving sidewalls and avoiding avoidable stress. If the car sits for a season, include the spare in your storage routine so it is not forgotten until the day it is actually needed.
How long do tires on a 1966 DKW typically last?
Tires on a 1966 DKW should be judged primarily by age and condition rather than by miles driven. A common collector-car rule is to begin evaluating them closely once they reach about five to seven years of age and to treat ten years as a strong point for replacement consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall helps establish the tire’s age, even on a car that sees only occasional use.
This age-first approach is especially important on an older DKW because the tire may look acceptable while the rubber has already hardened or begun to deteriorate internally. A car used only for shows or short weekend drives can still be riding on over-aged tires. If the car has an older spare, count that age too, since a neglected spare often becomes the oldest and least trustworthy tire on the vehicle.
How often should tires on a 1966 DKW be inspected?
Tires on a 1966 DKW should be inspected before every drive and again before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, embedded debris, and pressure loss. If your DKW uses a tube-type setup, add the valve stems and any signs of tube-related air loss to the inspection routine. On a lightly used collector car, long gaps between drives make these checks more important, not less.
A brief inspection is one of the easiest ways to avoid turning a pleasant drive into a preventable roadside problem. Cars from the mid-1960s can mask tire problems because they are often driven gently and infrequently, so deterioration may not reveal itself until the car is loaded up for a longer trip. Make the inspection routine part of your pre-drive habit, the same way you would check fluid levels or lights.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1966 DKW F102?
For a 1966 DKW F102, the era-correct construction type is bias-ply, and the two F102 sizes used here are 590-13 and 600-13. That aligns with the period, when bias-ply tires were still standard on many compact European passenger cars. A specific original equipment brand should not be assumed from a reproduction replacement range, but the size and construction type are the key starting points for authenticity.
For restoration work, getting the size family and construction right usually matters more than chasing a brand name without factory paperwork. If your F102 is being prepared for marque judging or a historically strict event, use period literature, survivor cars, and DKW or Auto Union specialists to confirm whether 590-13 or 600-13 is correct for your exact market version. That extra verification is worthwhile when originality is part of the car’s story.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1966 DKW?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1966 DKW, especially if the event rewards originality. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire has the right size family, the right construction type for the era, and a sidewall style that matches the intended presentation of the car. A radial on a car judged as factory-authentic, or a whitewall treatment that looks out of character for the entry, can stand out quickly.
That does not mean every DKW needs a concours-perfect tire to be enjoyed, but it does mean tire choice should match the goal of the car. A driver-focused Junior on 145R12 radials tells a different story than a restoration-minded Junior on 520-12 or 560-13 bias-ply tires. If the car is headed to judged events, check the standards used by the hosting club or marque group before making the final call.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich and Firestone 560-13 tires for the 1966 DKW?
For the 1966 DKW Junior in 560-13, BFGoodrich and Firestone both offer bias-ply choices, but the details are not identical. BFGoodrich appears in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall versions with a 3.50- to 4.00-inch rim width range, while Firestone appears as a wide whitewall with a 4.00- to 4.50-inch rim width range. All carry the same 850-pound load rating at 30 psi in this group, so the practical differences are sidewall styling and rim-width compatibility.
That means the right pick depends partly on how your Junior is wheeled and partly on the visual character you want. If your wheel is on the narrower side, the BFGoodrich fitment is the more natural match. If your wheel is wider within the 13-inch format, the Firestone version may align better. This is a good example of why two tires in the same nominal size should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the wheel first.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1966 DKW tires safe for highway driving?
1966 DKW tires can be suitable for normal highway use when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their design limits. The clearest published speed rating in this range is the Junior’s 145R12 Michelin radial, which carries an S rating with a 112 mph ceiling. The bias-ply sizes here do not show separate speed-letter markings in the same way, so their road use should be approached in the context of a well-maintained vintage car and conservative driving habits.
On a 1966 DKW, the vehicle’s own age, braking capability, suspension condition, and overall mechanical health are often more relevant to real-world highway confidence than theoretical top-speed potential. Fresh, properly inflated tires on a sorted car are far safer than over-aged tires on a car that has not been exercised. Think of tire safety as part of the whole system, not as an isolated specification.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1966 DKW tires?
Inflation pressure on 1966 DKW tires should begin with the factory recommendation for the car, then be checked against the tire’s own load-and-pressure information where it is available. In this range, 590-13 carries 970 pounds at 32 psi, 600-13 carries 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 520-12 carries 694 pounds at 30 psi, and 560-13 carries 850 pounds at 30 psi. Those figures are tire ratings, not a blanket instruction to inflate every DKW tire to the same pressure.
That distinction matters because a small front-wheel-drive European car may have factory pressure targets chosen for ride, steering feel, and weight distribution, not simply the tire’s maximum rated condition. Use the owner’s manual or factory tire placard as the primary guide for normal service, then confirm that your chosen reproduction tire is being operated within its rating. Never transfer a pressure figure from one size to another just because the wheel diameter matches.
What should I check before taking a 1966 DKW on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1966 DKW, inspect all four road tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Check valve stems, and if the car uses a tube-type setup, pay extra attention to slow air loss or aging hardware around the valve area. On a compact vintage car, tire condition, age, and pressure can affect stability and ride quality very quickly once speeds rise and distances increase.
Tires are only one part of the longer-trip checklist, but they are the part that actually carries the entire car down the road. It also makes sense to verify wheel fastener tightness, brake feel, steering response, and the general condition of belts, hoses, and fluids before heading out. A brief walk-around and pressure check before departure often reveals problems early, when they are still easy to solve at home.
