In 1972, Audi was still establishing its modern identity in the U.S. market, offering compact, European-flavored sedans that emphasized efficiency, clean engineering, and a different road feel from contemporary domestic cars. The 1972 Audi range was small, but it split into distinct families, with the Audi 100 and Audi Super using different wheel diameters and different tire pairings. Across these two models, four sizes appear, and the real choice depends first on identifying your model, then deciding whether you want a bias-ply look and feel or a radial tire that better matches regular road use. Confirming both model and construction preference is the right first step before choosing a tire.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1972 Audi
Four tire sizes are used across 1972 Audi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The first decision is identifying whether you have an Audi 100 or an Audi Super, because those cars use different rim diameters; after that, the choice becomes bias-ply versus radial within the correct model-specific size pair. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the car and the way you plan to use it.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): 100|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 14-inch rim diameter, and in this format the missing aspect ratio is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. This Audi 100-specific size is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, with H speed ratings up to 130 mph; tube status varies by product, with some tires marked TL and others not marked the same way. It suits an owner who wants the correct Audi 100 rim diameter with a more modern radial driving character for regular road use.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): 100|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number is the nominal section width with the decimal omitted, paired with a 14-inch rim diameter. This Audi 100-specific size comes from BFGoodrich with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load figures reach 906 pounds at 30 psi. It is the choice for an owner who wants the original-style bias-ply construction and a more period-correct appearance on an Audi 100 rather than a radial conversion.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): Super|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, with the profile conventionally understood as an 80-series when no aspect ratio is printed. This Audi Super-specific size is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, and the products carry H speed ratings up to 130 mph; tube status varies by product markings, with some tires identified as TL while others are not marked the same way. It is the right fit for an Audi Super owner who wants radial construction on the correct 13-inch wheel.
Year(s): 1972|Fit(s): Super|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents nominal section width with the decimal omitted, mounted on a 13-inch rim. This Audi Super-specific size is offered by BFGoodrich with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles, and load figures reach 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. It is best suited to an Audi Super restoration where bias-ply construction and traditional whitewall styling matter more than switching to a radial.
Two Audi models are covered for 1972. Tire size does vary by model, so identifying whether you have an Audi 100 or an Audi Super matters before you narrow down to a radial or bias-ply option. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that apply to it.
1972 Audi 100
The 1972 Audi 100 was Audi's larger, more contemporary family sedan, known for its crisp European proportions and a road-going character that helped define the brand's move upmarket. Its tires mount on 14-inch rims, and the choice is between a period-style bias-ply look or a radial format that aligns with the car's more modern engineering feel.
The 1972 Audi Super occupied the compact end of the range and reflects Audi's efficient, practical small-car thinking of the era. Its tires mount on 13-inch rims, and owners generally choose between a radial for an everyday-friendly setup or a bias-ply size for a more traditional appearance and driving character.
Eleven products are available across four tire sizes for 1972 Audi vehicles. The 165R14 radial comes from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form; 560-14 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 165R13 radial options from Michelin and Dunlop are blackwall; and 600-13 bias-ply options from BFGoodrich are offered in narrow or wide whitewall. Confirm your model, size, and construction preference first, since tube markings and speed-rating markings can vary within a size.
These FAQs sort out the model-specific size split between the 1972 Audi 100 and Audi Super, the bias-ply versus radial decision within each model, and practical details such as rim width, sidewall style, highway use, and collector-car storage.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1972 Audi vehicles?
1972 Audi vehicles use four sizes across two model lines. The Audi 100 uses 165R14 in radial form and 560-14 in bias-ply form, both on 14-inch rims. The Audi Super uses 165R13 in radial form and 600-13 in bias-ply form, both on 13-inch rims. Rim width guidance also varies by size: 165R14 products span 4.0 to 6.0 inches depending on the tire, 560-14 fits 3.50 to 4.00 inches, 165R13 reaches 4.50 to 6.00 inches where specified, and 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a 1972 Audi tire decision. Start by confirming whether the car is an Audi 100 or Audi Super, then match the tire to the wheel diameter already on the car. Once that is settled, you can choose between the bias-ply size for a more traditional presentation or the radial size for a later-era driving feel. Checking the actual wheel before ordering is especially smart on long-owned cars that may have been changed over the years.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1972 Audi tire?
On a 1972 Audi, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size. The 14 is the rim diameter in inches, while the 560 is the nominal section width expressed in an older numeric style with the decimal omitted. In practical terms, that size belongs to the Audi 100 and mounts on a 14-inch wheel. Available versions include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall BFGoodrich bias-ply tires, with a load figure of 906 pounds at 30 psi.
Numeric sizes like 560-14 can look unfamiliar if you are used to modern metric markings, but they are normal for vintage replacement tires. The important point is that this is not interchangeable with the Audi Super's 13-inch sizes, and it is not the same construction style as the 165R14 radial alternative. If your goal is an Audi 100 with a more original early-1970s appearance and behavior, 560-14 is the vintage-format option to compare first.
What does 165R13 or 165R14 mean on a 1972 Audi tire?
On a 1972 Audi, 165R13 and 165R14 are European-style metric radial sizes. The 165 is the section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the final number is the rim diameter in inches. When no aspect ratio is printed in this older format, it is conventionally treated as an 80-series profile. The 165R14 size belongs to the Audi 100 on 14-inch rims, while 165R13 belongs to the Audi Super on 13-inch rims.
These metric radial sizes are the more modern-looking alternative to the older numeric bias-ply options used on the same model families. They are also blackwall tires in this application, with H speed ratings appearing on the available products. If you are choosing between one of these radial sizes and a numeric bias-ply size, identify the model first, then decide whether you want to stay closer to original construction or move toward radial road manners.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the radial or bias-ply size for my 1972 Audi?
That choice depends on both model and intended use. A 1972 Audi 100 uses either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply, while a 1972 Audi Super uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply. The radial options are blackwall metric tires from European-oriented brands, while the bias-ply options are BFGoodrich vintage-style tires with blackwall or whitewall choices depending on size. Each pair stays within the correct wheel diameter for its model.
Owners aiming for a more original early-1970s presentation often gravitate toward the bias-ply size that matches the car's vintage tire vocabulary. Owners who plan to drive the car more regularly often prefer the radial option in the correct model-specific diameter. Neither decision should be made until you confirm whether the car is an Audi 100 or Audi Super, because the two models do not share rim diameter. Once that is settled, the construction choice becomes much clearer.
What sidewall styles are available for 1972 Audi tires?
Sidewall styling on 1972 Audi tires depends heavily on size and construction. The radial sizes, 165R14 for the Audi 100 and 165R13 for the Audi Super, are available in blackwall form. The Audi 100's 560-14 bias-ply size comes in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions, while the Audi Super's 600-13 bias-ply size is offered in narrow and wide whitewall versions. That gives the bias-ply choices a broader range of visual styles than the radials.
For many 1972 Audi owners, sidewall appearance is part of the restoration decision as much as construction type. Blackwalls are the straightforward choice on the radial side, while the bias-ply options allow a more tailored vintage look. Before choosing a whitewall width, it is worth considering the car's market presentation, restoration goal, and overall visual balance. A marque specialist or period photos can help if you are trying to match a particular showroom-era look.
What brands make tires for 1972 Audi vehicles?
Several brands cover 1972 Audi fitments, but they are split by size. The 165R14 radial size for the Audi 100 is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The 560-14 bias-ply size for the Audi 100 is covered by BFGoodrich. The 165R13 radial size for the Audi Super comes from Michelin and Dunlop, and the 600-13 bias-ply size for the Audi Super is again handled by BFGoodrich.
That spread gives a 1972 Audi owner both vintage American bias-ply styling and European-style radial choices, depending on the car and the direction of the build. Brand choice should come after the basic fitment decision, not before it. Confirm the model, confirm the wheel diameter, and then compare the available brands within that exact size. Sidewall appearance, tube marking, and rim-width compatibility can matter just as much as the brand name on the sidewall.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1972 Audi tires require?
Rim width requirements vary by size on 1972 Audi vehicles. For the Audi 100, 165R14 radial products span 4.0 to 6.0 inches depending on the specific tire, while 560-14 bias-ply tires fit 3.50 to 4.00-inch rims. For the Audi Super, 165R13 radial tires use 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims where that range is stated, and 600-13 bias-ply tires fit 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. The wheel diameter still has to match first: 14 inches for the Audi 100 and 13 inches for the Audi Super.
Those ranges show why wheel verification matters before ordering a tire for a 1972 Audi. A correct rim diameter does not automatically mean every tire construction works on every wheel width. This is especially important on older cars that may have had wheels swapped during restoration or routine service decades ago. Check the actual wheel, then compare it to the rim-width range for the exact tire you want rather than assuming all tires in the same diameter behave the same way.
Do 1972 Audi tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube status on 1972 Audi tires depends on the exact size and product. Some of the metric radial options are explicitly marked TL, meaning tubeless, while others in the same general fitment family are not marked the same way. The bias-ply products in 560-14 and 600-13 are not uniformly marked with a tube designation in the size description. Because of that variation, tube use should be confirmed against the individual tire's sidewall marking and the wheel you plan to use.
That matters most on original steel wheels and on cars with long service histories, where a wheel may or may not be suited to a tubeless setup as currently configured. A 1972 Audi owner should treat tube choice as part of the wheel-and-tire assembly decision, not just a tire-size question. Verify the marking on the exact tire, inspect the wheel condition, and make sure the valve-stem arrangement matches the final setup you intend to run.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1972 Audi when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1972 Audi should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Maintain proper inflation, keep the tires clean, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread and sidewall is not carrying the same load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires on a 1972 Audi can flat-spot more readily during long static storage, while any vintage-style tire can suffer from surface cracking if exposed to ozone and heat.
If the car will sit for an extended period, many owners use tire cradles or properly placed stands to reduce stress on the casing, while still keeping suspension loading in mind. The point is not to overcomplicate storage but to prevent avoidable aging. A 1972 Audi that is parked thoughtfully usually comes back into service with fewer ride issues and less cosmetic sidewall damage than one left outside or stationary on cold concrete for long stretches.
How long do tires on a 1972 Audi typically last?
On a 1972 Audi, tire life is usually governed more by age than by mileage. A collector car that sees occasional use can still need tire replacement because rubber hardens and internal materials age even when tread remains deep. As a general rule, tires should be evaluated closely once they are around five to seven years old, and replacement often deserves serious consideration by about ten years regardless of miles. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
That approach is especially important on a 1972 Audi because low annual mileage can create a false sense of security. A tire that looks acceptable at a glance may still be well past its ideal service window. Use age, storage history, and condition together when deciding whether to continue driving on an older set. If the car is driven at sustained road speeds or on longer tours, conservative replacement timing makes even more sense.
How often should tires on a 1972 Audi be inspected?
Tires on a 1972 Audi should be inspected before every drive, and more thoroughly before any longer outing. Check for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, unusual wear, embedded debris, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. If the car runs a setup that uses tubes, the valve stems and overall air retention deserve extra attention because a slow leak can develop while the car sits. A close visual check takes only a few minutes and can prevent a much larger problem on the road.
Routine inspection is one of the most useful habits for any vintage Audi owner because collector cars often spend more time parked than driven. Problems tend to appear slowly, then show up all at once on the first substantial trip. Include the spare in the same inspection cycle, since an aged or underinflated spare is of limited help when you actually need it. Pressure, condition, and age should all be part of the pre-drive routine.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1972 Audi 100?
For a 1972 Audi 100, the historically correct construction type for original-era fitment is bias-ply, represented here by the 560-14 size. A 165R14 radial is also available for the same model on the same 14-inch wheel diameter, reflecting the period when radials were increasingly associated with European cars. If you are trying to pin down a market-specific factory fitment, the safest path is to confirm against Audi literature, surviving original cars, or a marque club rather than assuming every 1972 Audi 100 was delivered the same way everywhere.
That distinction matters because restoration standards can differ from practical road-use choices. For a factory-style presentation, size, construction, and sidewall appearance all influence whether the car looks era-appropriate. If the goal is simply to keep the car on the road, the radial option may still be attractive. Decide first whether your Audi 100 is being judged for originality, restored for period character, or maintained as a driver, then choose the tire accordingly.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1972 Audi?
Yes, correct tire fitment can matter noticeably when a 1972 Audi is shown, especially in preservation or authenticity-focused classes. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often pay attention to the overall tire impression, including size, construction type, and sidewall style. On a 1972 Audi 100 or Audi Super, fitting the correct wheel diameter is foundational, and moving from a bias-ply style to a modern-looking radial can change the visual and historical character of the car even if the tire physically fits the wheel.
The exact standard depends on the event. Some shows allow practical substitutions more freely, while others favor a presentation that stays very close to original period practice. If authenticity is the goal, use period photos, owner literature, and marque-club guidance to narrow down what is most appropriate for your specific model and market. That extra effort often matters more in judged settings than broad brand preference or cosmetic detailing elsewhere on the car.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1972 Audi 100?
For the 1972 Audi 100's 165R14 radial size, Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic share the same basic fitment category, blackwall appearance, and H speed rating level, but they differ in some specification details. Michelin XAS carries a stated rim-width range of 4.50 to 6.00 inches and is marked TL, while Vredestein Sprint Classic spans 4.0 to 5.5 inches where specified and carries a stated maximum load of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. Their recorded weights also differ, with Michelin at 20 pounds and Vredestein at 16 pounds.
For an Audi 100 owner, that means the comparison should be made around the actual wheel on the car and the kind of build you are aiming for, not just the fact that both are 165R14 radials. One tire may align better with a given rim width, while another may appeal for its overall specification balance. Check the wheel first, then compare the sidewall marking, fitment range, and other details that matter to your particular car.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1972 Audi tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1972 Audi tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, properly inflated, and used within their construction and speed-rating limits. The radial options for 165R14 and 165R13 carry H ratings, which correspond to 130 mph, far beyond normal U.S. highway speeds. The bias-ply options are vintage-style tires and should be approached with the expectations that come with bias-ply construction rather than modern high-speed tire behavior. On a 1972 Audi, overall mechanical condition often matters as much as tire capability.
A healthy tire does not override the realities of a fifty-plus-year-old car. Brakes, suspension wear, steering components, alignment, and wheel condition all affect how confidently a 1972 Audi will travel at sustained speed. For regular highway use, many owners lean toward the radial size that fits their model, while owners focused on originality may accept the different road manners of a bias-ply tire. In either case, condition and correct setup matter more than theory.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1972 Audi tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1972 Audi should not be guessed from another size or another model. The bias-ply 560-14 carries a maximum load figure of 906 pounds at 30 psi, while the bias-ply 600-13 carries 1,010 pounds at 32 psi. The 165R14 radial Vredestein shows 1,102 pounds at 51 psi as a maximum load-and-pressure figure, and the 165R13 Dunlop radial shows a 1,047-pound load figure. Those are tire capability figures, not a blanket instruction to run every tire at its maximum pressure.
For day-to-day inflation on a 1972 Audi, begin with the vehicle maker's recommended pressure if you have the factory literature, then compare that against the tire maker's guidance for the specific reproduction or modern tire you are using. Keep the size-specific figures separate, because a pressure appropriate for one tire family may be wrong for another. Recheck pressure regularly, especially on collector cars that sit between drives and see seasonal temperature swings.
What should I check before taking a 1972 Audi on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1972 Audi, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, odd wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that the tires are the correct size for the model, that wheel diameter matches the tire, and that valve stems are in good condition; if the setup uses tubes, make sure air retention is stable before departure. The spare should also be checked for age, pressure, and basic serviceability. Tires are only one part of the equation, but they are the first line between the car and the road.
A longer trip is also the right time to look beyond the tires themselves. Vintage Audis reward a quick check of brakes, steering feel, wheel-bearing play, lights, and fluid levels before departure. If the car has been sitting, take a short local drive first and listen for pull, vibration, or thumping that may point to pressure loss, flat-spotting, or wheel issues. That kind of shakedown run is often more valuable than finding out on the highway.
