The 1968 Renault line sold in America represented the practical, economy-minded side of European motoring, with compact dimensions, light steering effort, and the kind of simple engineering that made small French cars distinct on U.S. roads. By 1968, Renault was already tied closely to radial-tire thinking, so understanding tire fitment is less about sorting through multiple wheel diameters and more about choosing the right interpretation of one size. Across the full 1968 Renault range covered here, one model uses a single 145R15 radial size. The key first step is confirming your model and then deciding whether you want a blackwall or wide-whitewall presentation for the way you use and present the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1968 Renault
One tire size fits the 1968 Renault range covered here, and it is shared across the model lineup rather than varying by model. The main choice is not between different diameters or constructions, but between available product styles within the same radial size on a 15-inch wheel. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car's look and use.
Year(s): 1968|Fit(s): 1968 Renault|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
145R15 is a euro-metric radial size with a 145-millimeter nominal section width and a 15-inch rim diameter; in this format, the missing aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. It is available from Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich in blackwall and wide whitewall versions, and tube status varies by product because Michelin marks this size TL while the others do not carry the same marking; Michelin also carries an S speed rating, which is rated to 112 mph. This is the correct year-make size across the range, so the practical decision comes down to whether you want a more understated blackwall look or a whitewall presentation that changes the car's period appearance without changing the basic fitment.
One model is covered for 1968 Renault, and it uses a single tire size across the range. That keeps fitment simple, while still leaving room to choose the sidewall look and brand character that best matches your restoration goals or driving plans. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1968 Renault
Renault's late-1960s small cars were known for compact packaging, light weight, and the distinctly European road manners that made them stand apart from domestic compacts. This model uses a 15-inch wheel with a narrow radial tire, which suits the car's original character and steering feel. Buyers typically focus less on alternate sizing and more on whether they want a plain blackwall presentation or a more stylized whitewall look.
Three products are available across one tire size for 1968 Renault vehicles. The 145R15 offers three radial choices from Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich, with blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles; tube markings and speed-rating details can vary between products, so confirm the exact tire before selecting.
These FAQs cover the single 145R15 radial fitment used on 1968 Renault vehicles, including what the size code means, how blackwall and whitewall options differ, what wheel width range to confirm, and how to care for a lightly driven vintage Renault.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1968 Renault vehicles?
1968 Renault vehicles covered here use one tire size: 145R15. That size applies to the Renault model in this year and make range, and it mounts on a 15-inch wheel. Rim-width coverage for available 145R15 products spans from 3.50 to 5.00 inches, with some versions starting at 4.00 inches, so wheel width should be checked against the exact tire you choose.
That makes 1968 Renault fitment more straightforward than many American cars of the same era, because the decision is not between multiple diameters or multiple model-specific sizes. Once you confirm you have the correct 1968 Renault model, the next step is matching the tire to the actual wheel and then choosing the sidewall style and brand character that best suits your car.
What does 145R15 mean on a 1968 Renault tire?
On a 1968 Renault tire, 145R15 is a euro-metric radial size. The 145 refers to a nominal section width of 145 millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. When a metric radial size is written this way without a stated aspect ratio, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile.
That coding is important because it tells you the tire belongs to the early radial era rather than the older numeric or alphanumeric bias-ply systems found on many domestic classics. If your 1968 Renault still wears an older replacement size from a past owner, reading the code correctly helps you return the car to the narrow 15-inch radial fitment that suits its original European design.
Do all 1968 Renault models use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1968 Renault model covered here uses the same 145R15 size across the year-make range on this page. There is no split between one model using a different diameter or a different construction, so the fitment question is simpler than it is on many multi-model year-make pages.
Even with one shared size, buyers still have a few meaningful decisions to make. A blackwall tire keeps the look more restrained and European, while a wide whitewall changes the visual character of the car. Brand choice can also affect details such as tube marking, rim-width range, and speed-rating information, so it is still worth comparing the exact 145R15 options carefully.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1968 Renault tires?
1968 Renault tires in 145R15 are available in both blackwall and wide whitewall styles. Firestone and Michelin offer blackwall versions, while BFGoodrich offers a 1.875-inch wide whitewall in the same basic size and radial construction. All of those choices preserve the 15-inch radial fitment while changing the appearance of the car.
A blackwall usually looks most natural on a late-1960s French economy car, especially if the goal is a restrained, market-correct European presentation. A wide whitewall creates a more customized or U.S.-market visual effect and can suit owners who want a dressier appearance. The best choice depends less on mechanical fitment than on how authentic or personalized you want your 1968 Renault to look.
What brands make tires for 1968 Renault vehicles?
Three brands cover 1968 Renault in 145R15: Firestone, Michelin, and BFGoodrich. Firestone offers the F560 Radial, Michelin offers the XZX, and BFGoodrich offers a Silvertown Radial with a wide whitewall treatment. All three keep the car in the proper narrow 15-inch radial category for this fitment.
That gives 1968 Renault owners a useful spread of choices rather than a single reproduction option. Michelin often appeals to buyers who want a strongly European flavor, while Firestone and BFGoodrich can be attractive for owners focused on period styling cues in the American collector market. Comparing sidewall appearance, rim-width range, and speed-marking details is usually more helpful than focusing on the brand name alone.
What is the difference between the Firestone F560 Radial and Michelin XZX for the 1968 Renault?
Both the Firestone F560 Radial and Michelin XZX fit 1968 Renault vehicles in 145R15 radial form, but they differ in a few practical details. The Firestone carries a 4.00 to 5.00 inch rim-width range and a published load figure of 935 pounds at 44 psi, while the Michelin covers a 3.50 to 5.00 inch rim-width range and marks the size as 145SR15 78S TL. The Michelin's S rating corresponds to a 112 mph ceiling.
Those differences matter most when you are trying to match an unusually narrow original wheel or when you want a tire with explicit sidewall markings that reflect period European radial practice. The Firestone may be appealing if your wheel falls comfortably in its published range, while the Michelin brings a broader lower-end rim-width range and clearer speed and tubeless marking. Matching the exact wheel and intended use is the smart way to decide.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1968 Renault tires require?
1968 Renault tires in 145R15 fit 15-inch wheels, and the published rim-width range depends on the exact tire. Firestone's 145R15 covers 4.00 to 5.00 inches, while Michelin's 145R15 coverage extends from 3.50 to 5.00 inches. That means wheel diameter is fixed at 15 inches, but acceptable wheel width can shift slightly from one brand to another.
Before choosing a tire, measure the actual wheel or verify the wheel specification if the car has been restored or modified. A narrow original wheel may point you toward a product with the broader low-end rim-width range, while a later replacement wheel may sit comfortably within either specification. Confirming the wheel first prevents a style preference from turning into a fitment problem.
Do 1968 Renault tires require inner tubes?
Tube status for 1968 Renault tires varies by product. Michelin marks its 145SR15 78S version as TL, which indicates tubeless construction, while the other 145R15 options do not carry the same marking in the size description. Because of that difference, tube use should be confirmed against the exact tire and the condition and design of the wheel itself.
That distinction matters most on vintage European wheels that may have seen decades of repainting, pitting, or prior repairs. Even when a tire is tubeless by design, the wheel must still be suitable for tubeless service and seal properly. If your 1968 Renault still carries original wheels, a careful inspection by a specialist familiar with older import wheels is a sensible step before final installation.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1968 Renault when the tires are fitted?
A 1968 Renault should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically if it will sit for long stretches. Radial tires generally resist storage flat-spotting better than old-style bias-ply tires, but they still benefit from regular attention.
If the car is parked for an extended season, many owners either roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces continuous load on one contact patch. That is especially helpful on a lightweight, narrow-tired car like a 1968 Renault, where small pressure losses can show up quickly in the tire's shape. Clean storage conditions and steady pressure checks do more for tire life than most cosmetic treatments.
How long do tires on a 1968 Renault typically last?
Tires on a 1968 Renault should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage. Collector-car tires are commonly evaluated closely once they reach about five to seven years of age, and replacement becomes a serious consideration as they approach ten years, even if the tread still looks good. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the starting point for understanding age.
That rule matters because many vintage Renaults cover very few annual miles, so tread wear can be misleading. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, or a tire that no longer holds pressure consistently can all matter more than remaining tread depth. A car that is driven only to events can still need fresh tires if the rubber has simply aged out of safe, reliable service.
How often should tires on a 1968 Renault be inspected?
Tires on a 1968 Renault should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread damage, embedded objects, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and make sure the valve stems are in good condition. If you are using a setup that involves tubes, stem condition and any signs of slow leakage deserve extra attention.
Frequent inspection is especially important on a lightly used vintage car because problems often develop while the car is parked, not while it is accumulating miles. A narrow 145R15 tire can change feel quickly if it loses even a modest amount of air. Catching that early helps preserve steering feel, braking stability, and the overall confidence that makes an older Renault enjoyable to drive.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1968 Renault Renault?
A 1968 Renault Renault would have been associated with radial construction as part of the broader European shift that made radials commonplace earlier than on many American cars. The correct year-make fitment here is 145R15, which matches that narrow 15-inch radial character. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery history, so size and construction are the most important starting points for authenticity.
For a restoration, getting the car back onto a 145R15 radial is usually more important than chasing an exact sidewall name without supporting evidence from your car's history. Buyers who want market-correct details should compare surviving photos, manuals, and marque-club guidance, especially if the car was delivered outside the United States. Those sources can help settle details such as sidewall appearance and region-specific presentation.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1968 Renault?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when a 1968 Renault is judged seriously. Size, construction, and sidewall style all shape whether the car presents as authentically restored. A radial 145R15 is consistent with the car's period and character, while an obviously modern alternate size or a sidewall treatment that clashes with the intended market presentation can draw unwanted attention.
How much that matters depends on the type of event. A local casual show may place more emphasis on overall condition, while marque-focused or authenticity-oriented judging can be stricter about details. If you are preparing a 1968 Renault for serious competition, compare your tire choice with period photos and seek event-specific guidance from Renault clubs or judges before committing to a final look.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and the Firestone F560 Radial for the 1968 Renault?
The BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Firestone F560 Radial both cover the 1968 Renault in 145R15 radial form, but they take different visual approaches. The BFGoodrich version uses a 1.875-inch wide whitewall, while the Firestone is a blackwall. The Firestone also carries a published rim-width range of 4.00 to 5.00 inches and a published maximum load figure of 935 pounds at 44 psi.
That makes the choice largely about presentation unless your wheel falls near the narrow end of the acceptable width range and you need to compare exact specifications carefully. The BFGoodrich can create a distinctly dressier, more stylized appearance, while the Firestone keeps the look simpler and closer to what many enthusiasts expect on a European economy car. Both preserve the same basic 145R15 radial fitment.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1968 Renault tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1968 Renault tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly matched to the wheel, and used within their design limits. The 145R15 fitment is radial, and the Michelin version carries an S speed rating, which corresponds to 112 mph. On a vintage Renault, normal highway use is usually governed more by the car's age, braking performance, suspension condition, and maintenance state than by extreme tire speed capability.
That does not mean any old tire is acceptable simply because the size is correct. Age, pressure condition, sidewall health, and proper wheel compatibility all matter. If your 1968 Renault will see regular higher-speed use, the smartest approach is a full pre-drive inspection and a realistic understanding that a small, older French car should be driven within the limits of its overall mechanical design, not merely the speed letter on one tire option.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1968 Renault tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1968 Renault should begin with the factory recommendation for the car, then be checked against the tire manufacturer's maximum rating for the exact tire you choose. Firestone's 145R15 carries a published maximum load of 935 pounds at 44 psi. That figure is not a universal operating pressure recommendation, and it should not be transferred automatically to every 145R15 tire or every driving condition.
Vintage Renaults are light cars, and the pressure that gives the best balance of ride, steering feel, and tread wear can differ from the maximum number molded or published for a tire. Use the vehicle handbook or period service literature as your baseline, then confirm that your target pressure stays within the tire maker's limits. If the car has non-original wheels or unusual loading, fine-tuning with a knowledgeable specialist can be worthwhile.
What should I check before taking a 1968 Renault on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1968 Renault on a longer drive, inspect each tire for visible cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check valve stems, verify that the spare is serviceable, and make sure the wheel fasteners are secure. On a vintage car, tires are only one part of the pre-trip picture, so brakes, fluid levels, lights, and suspension condition also deserve attention.
A longer drive puts sustained heat and speed into the tire in a way a short local run may not, so small issues become more important. A car that feels acceptable around town can reveal vibration, wandering, or pressure loss on the highway. Giving your 1968 Renault a careful once-over before departure is one of the best ways to protect both the tires and the rest of the vehicle during a trip.
