1970 Renault reflected the French brand’s practical, small-car philosophy at a time when economy, packaging efficiency, and everyday usability set it apart from many larger cars on American roads. Buyers looking at 1970 Renault often encounter a mix of compact sedans and utility-minded designs where wheel and tire choices can vary more than expected for a single make. Across the model range for 1970 Renault, one model family uses four different sizes spanning both bias-ply and radial construction, split between 13-inch and 14-inch fitments. Before choosing a tire, the first step is to confirm whether your car takes a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel and whether you want period-style bias-ply character or radial road manners.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1970 Renault
Four tire sizes are available for 1970 Renault, and the choice is not universal across one shared wheel diameter. The real decision starts with confirming whether your car uses a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, then narrowing that further between bias-ply and radial construction depending on the size fitted to your model. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car correctly.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1970 Renault|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 13-inch rim diameter; when the aspect ratio is not stated in this format, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This 13-inch size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, and the speed rating appears in H-rated versions with a 130 mph ceiling; tube status varies by product because one version is marked TL while another does not state TL in the same way. For a 1970 Renault that uses a 13-inch radial, this is the choice for owners who want an era-appropriate radial with more modern road behavior than a bias-ply alternative.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1970 Renault|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.60 denotes the nominal section width and 13 is the rim diameter. This 13-inch size is available from BFGoodrich and Firestone with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options, and load ratings reach 850 pounds at 30 psi where marked. For a 1970 Renault that uses a 13-inch bias-ply tire, 560-13 suits owners focused on period appearance and the traditional feel associated with bias-ply construction.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1970 Renault|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
155R14 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter nominal section width and a 14-inch rim diameter; without a stated aspect ratio, this format is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. This 14-inch size is available from Michelin and Firestone as a blackwall, and speed rating varies by product because one version is marked T, with a 118 mph ceiling, while another does not show a speed letter in the same way; tube status also varies by product because one version is marked TL. For a 1970 Renault that uses a 14-inch radial, this size is aimed at owners who want radial construction while staying within the original general sizing convention of the car.
Year(s): 1970|Fit(s): 1970 Renault|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
520-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which 5.20 denotes the nominal section width and 14 is the rim diameter. This 14-inch size comes from Premium Sport with narrow whitewall styling, and versions with published load data reach 1,230 pounds at 60 psi. For a 1970 Renault that uses a 14-inch bias-ply tire, 520-14 fits owners seeking a vintage look and the visual character associated with period whitewall bias-ply tires.
One model line is covered for 1970 Renault. Tire choice still matters because the Renault range uses four sizes rather than one universal fitment, spanning both 13-inch and 14-inch applications as well as bias-ply and radial construction. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and product choices more precisely.
1970 Renault
The 1970 Renault range reflects the brand’s reputation for compact packaging, efficient engineering, and distinctly European road manners. Depending on the exact application, this model family uses either 13-inch or 14-inch tires, so confirming the wheel diameter on the car is the key first step before moving on to construction and appearance preferences.
Eleven products are available across four tire sizes for 1970 Renault vehicles. 155R13 has 2 radial blackwall choices from Michelin and Dunlop; 560-13 has 3 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich and Firestone in narrow and wide whitewall styles; 155R14 has 2 radial blackwalls from Michelin and Firestone; 520-14 has 4 bias-ply narrow whitewalls from Premium Sport. Confirm the exact size first, since construction type, tube marking, and speed-rating details can vary by product.
These FAQs cover how 13-inch and 14-inch fitments differ across 1970 Renault, how bias-ply and radial choices change the driving experience, and what to check for sidewall style, tube marking, storage, and longer-road-use readiness.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1970 Renault vehicles?
1970 Renault vehicles use four sizes: 155R13, 560-13, 155R14, and 520-14. The 155R13 and 560-13 sizes mount on 13-inch rims, while 155R14 and 520-14 mount on 14-inch rims. Where rim-width guidance is published, 155R13 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 fits 3.50 to 4.50-inch rims depending on brand, 155R14 fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, and 520-14 fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims.
That means a 1970 Renault owner should confirm wheel diameter before thinking about sidewall style or construction. A 13-inch car cannot simply move to a 14-inch tire, and a radial choice should not be treated as interchangeable with a bias-ply size just because the section width appears similar. Checking the actual wheel and existing tire marking gives you the cleanest path to the right fitment.
What does 155R13 mean on a 1970 Renault tire?
On a 1970 Renault, 155R13 is a metric radial size. The 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, the R indicates radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this older Euro-metric style, the aspect ratio is not written out, and it is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial. Products in this size appear in blackwall form from Michelin and Dunlop, with H-rated versions carrying a 130 mph speed ceiling.
For a 1970 Renault owner, that code matters because it identifies both the construction and the wheel diameter in one short marking. If your car was set up for a 13-inch radial, 155R13 keeps you within the same general sizing family while giving the characteristics expected of a radial tire. It is still smart to compare the tire on the car, the wheel itself, and the exact sidewall marking before making a final choice.
What does 560-13 or 520-14 mean on a 1970 Renault tire?
On a 1970 Renault, sizes such as 560-13 and 520-14 use the older numeric bias-ply format. The first number is the nominal section width, read as 5.60 or 5.20 inches, and the second number is the rim diameter in inches. These sizes do not use the modern metric radial format, and both are bias-ply constructions. 560-13 appears with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options, while 520-14 appears in narrow whitewall form.
That makes the code useful beyond simple fitment. A 1970 Renault wearing one of these numeric sizes is generally aimed at an owner who wants period-style visual character and traditional bias-ply behavior rather than a later radial look and feel. Since the two numeric sizes mount on different wheel diameters, the correct choice starts with confirming whether the car has 13-inch or 14-inch rims already in place.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 560-13 or 155R13 for my 1970 Renault?
For a 1970 Renault with 13-inch wheels, the difference between 560-13 and 155R13 is primarily construction and tire style. The 560-13 is a numeric bias-ply size available with whitewall options, while the 155R13 is a Euro-metric radial available in blackwall form. The radial choices in 155R13 include H-rated versions with a 130 mph ceiling, while the bias-ply 560-13 products publish load figures of 850 pounds at 30 psi where marked.
The practical choice comes down to the character you want from the car. A bias-ply 560-13 suits owners pursuing a more period-style restoration look, especially when whitewall appearance matters. A radial 155R13 makes more sense for a driver who prefers the road manners associated with radial construction. The two sizes are not a style swap alone, so confirm the existing tire size and wheel before changing direction.
What sidewall styles are available for 1970 Renault tires?
1970 Renault tires are available in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall styles depending on size. The radial sizes, 155R13 and 155R14, are blackwall offerings. The 560-13 bias-ply size comes in both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, while the 520-14 bias-ply size appears in narrow whitewall form. That gives the 1970 Renault owner a visible style choice as well as a construction choice.
For a European economy car of this era, blackwall radial fitment generally looks the most restrained and market-correct, while whitewall bias-ply tires can lean more toward a stylized restoration preference. The important thing is to choose a sidewall style that matches how you want the car to present, then keep that style consistent across all four corners and the spare if originality and visual balance matter to you.
What brands make tires for 1970 Renault vehicles?
1970 Renault tires are available from Michelin, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Premium Sport. Michelin and Dunlop cover 155R13 radial applications, Michelin and Firestone cover 155R14 radial applications, BFGoodrich and Firestone cover 560-13 bias-ply applications, and Premium Sport covers 520-14 bias-ply applications. That spread gives the 1970 Renault owner both European-style radial options and American-made collector-tire style bias-ply choices depending on the exact fitment.
Brand choice should come after size and construction are settled, not before. Once you know whether your 1970 Renault uses a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel and whether you want radial or bias-ply construction, brand differences become easier to compare in terms of sidewall appearance, rim-width suitability, and any published load or speed details. Keeping the car within its correct size family matters more than chasing a brand name alone.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1970 Renault tires require?
Rim-width guidance for 1970 Renault tires varies by size. The 155R13 radial fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, 560-13 bias-ply tires fit 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims in some versions and 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims in others, 155R14 radial fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, and 520-14 bias-ply fits 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. Those ranges show that tires sharing a similar overall role on the car may still expect different wheel widths.
That matters most when a 1970 Renault has had wheels changed during its life. Before selecting a tire, measure the wheel or verify its stampings instead of assuming the original width is still present. A tire can have the correct diameter and still be a poor match if the rim width falls outside the suitable range. This is especially important when comparing radial and bias-ply choices on older imported cars.
Do 1970 Renault tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements for 1970 Renault tires depend on the exact product. The 155R13 and 155R14 radial sizes include versions marked TL, which indicates tubeless construction, but that marking does not appear the same way on every product in those sizes. The bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 520-14 do not carry a uniform tube or tubeless marking across every product here, so tube status can vary by product and wheel type.
The best approach is to match the tire’s sidewall marking to the wheel you actually have. On an older 1970 Renault, wheel condition, bead-seat design, and restoration details can all affect whether a tube is appropriate. If your wheel is an original-style rim, especially one that has seen decades of service, inspect it carefully and verify tube compatibility before mounting rather than assuming every reproduction tire should be run the same way.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1970 Renault when the tires are fitted?
A 1970 Renault should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall cracking. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid long contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically so one patch of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires tend to flat-spot more readily during extended static storage, while radials generally recover more quickly after sitting.
If the car will be parked for a season, rolling it occasionally or supporting it to reduce constant load can help preserve shape and appearance. Clean, dry floors are better than bare dirt, and a breathable cover is preferable to wrapping the tires in moisture-trapping material. Good storage habits matter just as much on a lightly driven collector Renault as tread depth, because age and environment often end a tire’s useful life before mileage does.
How long do tires on a 1970 Renault typically last?
Tires on a 1970 Renault are usually judged by age and condition more than by miles traveled. A sensible rule is to evaluate them closely once they reach the five- to seven-year range and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the tread still looks good. The DOT date code on the sidewall helps establish age, and cracking, hardening, vibration, or persistent air loss can shorten that timeline.
Collector cars often spend far more time parked than driven, so a handsome-looking tire is not automatically a healthy one. A 1970 Renault may put little annual mileage on its tires, yet still age them through heat cycles, sunlight, storage conditions, and long periods of inactivity. If the car is returning to regular road use after sitting, age should be part of the decision before relying on an older set for touring or sustained highway driving.
How often should tires on a 1970 Renault be inspected?
Tires on a 1970 Renault should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracks, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and signs of impact damage, and verify that each tire is holding its intended pressure. On products that use tubes or may be paired with tubes depending on the wheel, the condition of the valve stem deserves the same attention as the tread and sidewall.
A short pre-drive check is especially valuable on older cars because age-related issues can appear even when the car has not traveled many miles. If the Renault has been sitting for several weeks, watch for temporary flat-spotting, a pull caused by pressure loss, or a fresh crack that was not present before. That quick routine is one of the easiest ways to reduce surprises and protect original wheels, suspension parts, and bodywork.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1970 Renault Renault?
A 1970 Renault Renault would have been associated with either bias-ply or radial construction depending on the exact application, and by 1970 Renault was firmly part of an era when radial tires were already a meaningful part of European tire practice. The size families used here are 155R13 and 155R14 for radial fitments, plus 560-13 and 520-14 for bias-ply fitments. No specific original-equipment brand should be assumed without checking period literature or market-specific references.
That means originality starts with confirming the exact size and construction your car carried when new, not just the make and year. A U.S.-delivered car, a restored example, and a car built for another market may not all have identical presentation standards. If your goal is marque-level authenticity, period brochures, factory manuals, and Renault club resources are the right next step once you have matched the wheel diameter and general tire type.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1970 Renault?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when a 1970 Renault is judged for authenticity. Size, construction type, and sidewall appearance all affect whether the car presents as faithful to its era and market. A blackwall radial can look more appropriate on some 1970 Renault applications, while a whitewall bias-ply can read as a styling choice rather than a factory-faithful one if the event emphasizes originality. Judges and marque specialists often notice that distinction quickly.
The practical takeaway is to decide early whether you are building the car for touring, casual local shows, or stricter authenticity standards. If the car will be judged, match the tire’s size code, construction family, and sidewall style to the standard expected for that model and market. Event rules differ, so Renault clubs and show organizers are the best source for the final call on what will be accepted or penalized.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet for the 1970 Renault?
For a 1970 Renault in 155R13, Michelin XAS-FF and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet are both blackwall radial choices and both appear in H-rated form, which carries a 130 mph speed ceiling. The Michelin is marked 155HR13 78H TL and fits 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, while the Dunlop appears as 155R13 78H and carries a published maximum load of 937 pounds. Both weigh 20 pounds, so the meaningful distinctions are the sidewall marking details and the published fitment specifications around them.
For a restoration-minded owner, the choice may come down to which tread and sidewall presentation best suits the car’s period look. For a driver-focused owner, the more useful comparison is whether the wheel width matches the published range and whether the exact sidewall markings fit your expectations for tubeless use. Since both live in the same 155R13 radial family, this is a matter of product character rather than changing the fundamental fitment.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1970 Renault tires safe for highway driving?
1970 Renault tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the tires are in good condition, correctly fitted, and used within their construction and speed limits. The radial 155R13 options include H-rated versions with a 130 mph ceiling, and the 155R14 radial family includes a T-rated version with a 118 mph ceiling. Bias-ply sizes 560-13 and 520-14 do not present the same modern-style speed-marking pattern here, so their use should be approached with the expectations appropriate to a vintage bias-ply tire.
In real-world use, the tire’s published speed ceiling is only part of the picture on a 1970 Renault. Brake condition, steering accuracy, suspension wear, alignment, and overall mechanical health matter just as much at sustained road speeds. A sound radial setup may feel more familiar to modern drivers, while a bias-ply-equipped car asks for more period-correct expectations. Highway readiness is best judged as the condition of the whole car, not the tire alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1970 Renault tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1970 Renault should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the original application, while also respecting the tire’s own published load-and-pressure limits where they appear. In these sizes, 560-13 reaches 850 pounds at 30 psi on marked versions, 155R14 reaches 990 pounds at 44 psi on one marked version, and 520-14 reaches 1,230 pounds at 60 psi on marked versions. Those figures are maximum load-and-pressure references, not automatic operating pressures for every Renault.
The correct day-to-day setting depends on the car, the axle load, and the tire size actually fitted. A 1970 Renault owner should start with the factory recommendation in the owner’s literature or tire placard, then compare that against the reproduction tire’s sidewall information so the tire is never over its stated limit. Pressure should always be checked cold, because a few pounds of error can change steering feel, wear pattern, and straight-line stability noticeably on a light vintage car.
What should I check before taking a 1970 Renault on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1970 Renault on a longer drive, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, tread separation, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the spare as carefully as the road tires, and pay close attention to valve stems, especially if the tire and wheel combination uses tubes or may require them. If the car has been parked for an extended period, watch for flat spots and make sure each tire is seated properly and holding pressure consistently.
Tires are only one part of a sensible pre-trip routine on a 1970 Renault. Wheel fastener condition, brake function, steering play, wheel bearing health, and suspension integrity deserve the same attention before a longer outing. A small, older car can feel dramatically different when one tire is underinflated or one front-end component is loose, so a thorough check before departure is more valuable than trying to diagnose a problem once the trip is underway.
