In 1975, Audi was still building its American reputation around clean European engineering, efficient packaging, and a more modern alternative to many domestic compacts and sedans. The 1975 Audi lineup paired the larger 100 with the smaller Fox, and that split matters when you start sorting out tires. Across two models, four sizes appear, and they are not shared across the full range: the Audi 100 uses a 14-inch fitment with either a radial or a bias-ply option, while the Fox stays on 13-inch radial sizes. The first thing to confirm on a 1975 Audi is the model, then whether you want a period-style bias-ply look or a radial driving experience where both constructions exist.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1975 Audi
Four tire sizes are used across 1975 Audi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole range. The key decision starts with confirming whether you have an Audi 100 or an Audi Fox, because the 100 uses 14-inch tires while the Fox uses 13-inch tires; within the 100 range, the choice also includes radial versus bias-ply construction. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct car and intended use.
Year(s): 1975|Fit(s): 100|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
165R14 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and in common period convention the unstated profile is an 80-series type. This size is specific to the 1975 Audi 100 and is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, with H-rated examples reaching 130 mph; tube status varies by product because some carry a TL marking while others do not. It suits an Audi 100 owner who wants a European radial fitment with period character and more modern road manners than a bias-ply alternative.
Year(s): 1975|Fit(s): 100|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 14 in
560-14 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the 5.60 designation refers to nominal section width and the 14 identifies the wheel diameter. This size is specific to the 1975 Audi 100 and comes from BFGoodrich with blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. It is the better match for an owner chasing a more traditional period presentation on an early-1970s European sedan, especially when sidewall appearance matters as much as the basic fitment.
Year(s): 1975|Fit(s): Fox|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters on a 13-inch wheel, following the common unstated 80-series convention used on many period European tires. This size is specific to the 1975 Audi Fox and is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, with H-rated examples reaching 130 mph; tube status varies by product because one example is marked TL while another is not. It fits buyers who want to keep the Fox in a narrow, era-appropriate radial size that reflects the car's original compact European character.
Year(s): 1975|Fit(s): Fox|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a stated 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch wheel diameter. This size is specific to the 1975 Audi Fox and is available as a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ with an H speed rating, good for 130 mph. It appeals to Fox owners who want a lower-profile radial than the taller 155R13, especially for a sportier look within the model's 13-inch fitment.
Two 1975 Audi models are covered here: the Audi 100 and the Audi Fox. They do not share the same tire sizes, so identifying the model is the first step before narrowing down construction, profile, or sidewall style. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1975 Audi 100
The 1975 Audi 100 was Audi's larger, more upscale sedan, known for tidy German styling and a balanced, front-wheel-drive layout that stood apart from many mainstream U.S. offerings of the time. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, and the choice spans a metric radial size or a traditional numeric bias-ply size depending on whether the goal is European road manners or a more period-style presentation.
The 1975 Audi Fox was the smaller and lighter Audi in the American market, giving buyers a simple, efficient European compact with crisp proportions and straightforward engineering. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and both choices are radials, with one taller Euro-metric fitment and one lower-profile metric alternative.
Nine products are available across four tire sizes for 1975 Audi vehicles. The 165R14 radial comes from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form; 560-14 bias-ply choices from BFGoodrich include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall; 155R13 radial options from Michelin and Dunlop are blackwall; and 175/70R13 is an Avon blackwall radial. Confirm your model first, then check construction preference, since tube markings and speed details can vary within a size.
These FAQs sort out the split between Audi 100 and Audi Fox fitments, explain the 14-inch bias-ply versus radial choice on the 100, and cover sidewall style, setup, storage, and road-use considerations for a low-mileage 1975 Audi.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1975 Audi vehicles?
1975 Audi vehicles use four sizes across two model lines. The Audi 100 uses 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply tires, both on 14-inch wheels. The Audi Fox uses 155R13 or 175/70R13, both radial sizes mounted on 13-inch wheels. Rim width guidance appears on some products within those sizes: 165R14 appears on 4.0 to 5.5 inch and 4.50 to 6.00 inch rims, 560-14 on 3.50 to 4.00 inch rims, 155R13 on 4.00 to 5.50 inch rims, and 175/70R13 on 4.5 to 6.0 inch rims.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a 1975 Audi tire choice. You need to identify whether the car is a 100 or a Fox first, then confirm whether the wheel diameter on the car matches the correct model fitment. On the Audi 100, the remaining decision is whether you want the radial 165R14 or the bias-ply 560-14. On the Fox, the decision stays within 13-inch radials and comes down more to profile and stance than to construction type.
What does 560-14 mean on a 1975 Audi tire?
On a 1975 Audi, 560-14 is a numeric bias-ply tire size. The 5.60 figure is the nominal section width in inches, written without a decimal point, and the 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. Unlike a modern metric radial code, it does not spell out an aspect ratio, and the format itself points to a period bias-ply design rather than a radial.
For a 1975 Audi 100 owner, that matters because 560-14 represents a different driving and visual character than 165R14. It uses the same 14-inch wheel diameter as the radial alternative, but its sidewall shape and construction are more in line with traditional replacement practice. If your goal is an era-appropriate look, especially with blackwall or whitewall styling, 560-14 is the size code that signals that older bias-ply format.
Do all 1975 Audi models use the same tire size?
No, 1975 Audi models do not use the same tire size. The Audi 100 uses 14-inch fitments, either 165R14 radial or 560-14 bias-ply, while the Audi Fox uses 13-inch radial sizes, either 155R13 or 175/70R13. None of those sizes cross over between the two model lines.
That model split is the most important fitment checkpoint on this year and make page. A buyer with a 1975 Audi 100 should stay focused on the 14-inch choices, while a 1975 Audi Fox owner should stay within the 13-inch radial options. If the car has been altered over the years, verify the actual wheel diameter before ordering, because a changed wheel can send you toward the wrong branch of the Audi range even when the model identification is correct.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R14 or the 560-14 for my 1975 Audi?
For a 1975 Audi 100, the choice between 165R14 and 560-14 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction. The 165R14 is a Euro-metric radial available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein in blackwall form, while the 560-14 is a BFGoodrich bias-ply offered in blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall versions. Both fit the Audi 100's 14-inch wheel diameter, but they reflect different tire traditions.
Choose 165R14 if you want to keep the car in a period European radial size with a driving feel closer to what most enthusiasts expect from a radial. Choose 560-14 if your priority is a more traditional vintage presentation and the visual character of a bias-ply tire. Before making the final call, confirm the wheel width against the actual product you prefer, because the radial and bias-ply options do not share the same rim-width range.
What sidewall styles are available for 1975 Audi tires?
1975 Audi tire sidewall styles vary by size. The radial sizes 165R14, 155R13, and 175/70R13 are available in blackwall form, which suits the clean, understated look most buyers expect on a mid-1970s Audi. The 560-14 bias-ply size for the Audi 100 adds blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall choices, all within the same BFGoodrich Silvertown Classic Bias Ply family.
On a 1975 Audi, blackwalls are usually the most natural visual fit, especially for a European-market style restoration or a car meant to look factory-minded. Whitewalls on the 560-14 open the door to a more personalized vintage look, but they change the character of the car more noticeably than a blackwall radial would. If authenticity for judging matters, confirm the exact sidewall treatment expected for your market and restoration goal before settling on appearance alone.
What brands make tires for 1975 Audi vehicles?
Several brands cover 1975 Audi fitments, but they differ by size. The 165R14 Audi 100 radial is available from Pirelli, Michelin, and Vredestein. The 560-14 Audi 100 bias-ply comes from BFGoodrich. The 155R13 Audi Fox radial is available from Michelin and Dunlop, while the 175/70R13 Fox radial comes from Avon.
That brand split means your choice may be shaped by model and size before it is shaped by brand loyalty. Owners seeking a distinctly European flavor for an Audi 100 often gravitate toward the 165R14 group, while owners drawn to a traditional bias-ply presentation will be in the BFGoodrich 560-14 range. Fox owners have one narrow 155R13 branch with two brands and one 175/70R13 branch with a single Avon option, so confirming the desired profile helps narrow the field quickly.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1975 Audi tires require?
Rim width recommendations on 1975 Audi tires depend on the size. For 165R14, fitments appear on 4.0 to 5.5 inch rims and 4.50 to 6.00 inch rims, depending on the product. The 560-14 bias-ply is matched to 3.50 to 4.00 inch rims. On the Fox sizes, 155R13 appears on 4.00 to 5.50 inch rims and 175/70R13 on 4.5 to 6.0 inch rims.
The practical takeaway is to verify the wheel on the car against the specific tire you want, not just against the model name. Two tires with the same wheel diameter can still prefer different rim widths, and that is especially important on the Audi 100 where radial and bias-ply options share a 14-inch diameter but not the same wheel-width range. A wheel that is too narrow or too wide can affect tire shape, steering response, and overall appearance.
Do 1975 Audi tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube status varies across 1975 Audi sizes and sometimes within the same size. Michelin's 165R14 and 155R13 carry TL markings, which identify tubeless construction, but other products in those sizes do not all repeat that marking. The 560-14 bias-ply products do not carry TL markings in the size description, so a careful check of the exact tire and wheel combination is important before final setup.
That matters most when original wheels, older rim surfaces, or restoration-era hardware are involved. A tubeless tire still depends on a wheel that seals correctly, and a tire without a clear tubeless marking should not be assumed to function the same way on every wheel. Confirm the sidewall marking on the exact product you choose and evaluate the wheel condition before final mounting, especially on a collector Audi that may still wear older or refinished rims.
Can the original 1975 Audi wheels be used with both tire sizes?
Original 1975 Audi wheels can be used with both tire sizes only within the same model's wheel diameter. On the Audi 100, both 165R14 and 560-14 are 14-inch fitments, so they share wheel diameter compatibility. On the Audi Fox, both 155R13 and 175/70R13 are 13-inch fitments. The two models do not share wheel diameter with each other, so the 100's tires and Fox's tires are not interchangeable across original wheels.
Diameter compatibility is only the first step. The Audi 100's 14-inch radial and bias-ply options have different rim-width guidance, so the wheel should still be checked against the exact product rather than treated as universally correct because the bead seat diameter matches. The same principle applies to the Fox's two radial sizes. If the car has aftermarket wheels or a past wheel swap, verify actual wheel dimensions before deciding between the available sizes.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1975 Audi when the tires are fitted?
A 1975 Audi should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, battery chargers, and other ozone sources that can age rubber prematurely. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread does not carry the load for months at a time. If the Audi 100 is fitted with 560-14 bias-ply tires, expect flat-spotting during long static storage to be more noticeable than with the radial sizes used elsewhere in the range.
For longer layups, many collectors either roll the car occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged stress on one footprint without unloading the suspension unrealistically. A breathable indoor cover helps the body, but tire protection comes more from controlling heat, light, and ozone than from covering the car alone. Before returning a stored 1975 Audi to regular use, check pressure, sidewalls, and any storage-related deformation before taking the car out at speed.
How long do tires on a 1975 Audi typically last?
On a 1975 Audi, tire life is usually governed more by age than by mileage. Collector cars often travel relatively few miles, so rubber hardening, sidewall cracking, internal aging, and long-term storage conditions become more important than tread depth alone. A good rule is to evaluate tires closely once they reach the five- to seven-year window and to treat ten years as a point where replacement deserves serious consideration, even if the tread still looks healthy.
The smartest habit is to check the DOT date code on the tire and compare its age with how the car has been stored and used. A garage-kept Audi that sees occasional fair-weather outings may still need replacement on time rather than on wear. If the car feels increasingly harsh, shows age cracks, or has tires of mixed age and construction, use that as a prompt to reassess the full set rather than waiting for a mileage threshold that a classic Audi may never reach.
How often should tires on a 1975 Audi be inspected?
Tires on a 1975 Audi should be inspected before every drive and more thoroughly before any extended outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, embedded debris, and pressure loss. Because some 1975 Audi fitments may involve tube-type practice or mixed tubeless markings depending on the exact tire, valve stems and air retention deserve extra attention alongside tread and sidewall condition.
A short local drive can hide problems that become more serious once the car is at sustained road speed or loaded for a trip. Make pressure checks part of the same routine as checking fluids, belts, and lights, especially on a car that sits for stretches between outings. If the Audi has developed vibration, pull, or a sudden change in steering feel, inspect the tires immediately rather than assuming the issue is only alignment or suspension-related.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1975 Audi 100?
A 1975 Audi 100 would have belonged to an era when radial tires were firmly established on many European passenger cars, so the 165R14 radial aligns naturally with the car's period and market character. The 560-14 bias-ply size is also used on the 1975 Audi 100 in replacement form, but a buyer aiming for factory-style European presentation will usually start by looking at the radial branch first. Original-equipment brand should be confirmed through model-specific literature or marque sources rather than assumed.
That makes the restoration question less about whether a 14-inch tire fits and more about which construction best reflects your specific car's delivery history and judging target. A U.S.-market survivor, an early restoration, and a car prepared for touring may all lead to slightly different decisions. If originality matters closely, compare the tire size and sidewall treatment on the car to factory manuals, period road tests, and Audi club references before choosing between the 165R14 and 560-14 paths.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1975 Audi?
Correct tire fitment matters for showing a 1975 Audi because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, construction type, overall profile, and sidewall appearance very quickly. A radial blackwall on a 1975 Audi Fox generally fits the era and the car's European identity better than a whitewall look would. On an Audi 100, using a bias-ply whitewall for a highly original European-style presentation could draw attention if the event expects a more factory-like radial appearance.
The standard is not identical at every event, so match the tire to the kind of showing you plan to do. A local cruise-in may reward overall visual appeal, while marque judging can be stricter about size code, profile, and sidewall treatment. If the car is being prepared for points judging, check event rules and ask a knowledgeable Audi club or model specialist whether construction and sidewall style will affect score before you commit to a finished set.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic for the 1975 Audi?
For the 1975 Audi 100 in 165R14, Michelin XAS and Vredestein Sprint Classic are both blackwall radials with H speed ratings, but their published details are not identical. Michelin XAS shows a 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim width range and a TL marking, while Vredestein Sprint Classic shows a 4.0 to 5.5 inch rim width range and a max load figure of 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. Vredestein is also lighter by published weight, at 16 pounds versus 20 pounds for Michelin XAS.
Those differences do not automatically make one universally right for every 1975 Audi 100, but they do affect how precisely each tire matches your wheels and priorities. If your wheel width sits near one product's preferred range, that can be a practical tie-breaker. If tubeless marking, published load detail, or overall tire weight matters to your project, compare those points directly against the wheel and use pattern you expect rather than choosing only by brand name.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1975 Audi tires safe for highway driving?
Many 1975 Audi tire options are suitable for normal highway driving when they are the correct size, properly mounted, and in sound condition. The radial sizes here include H-rated products, which carry a 130 mph ceiling, and that is well beyond ordinary U.S. highway use. The 560-14 bias-ply size does not show a speed symbol in the same modern way, so its highway suitability depends more heavily on fresh condition, correct inflation, and realistic expectations for a vintage-style tire.
On a 1975 Audi, the car's overall mechanical condition often matters more than the tire's theoretical speed ceiling at legal road speeds. Brakes, suspension, alignment, steering components, and age-related wear all influence confidence on the highway. A healthy radial setup on an Audi 100 or Fox will generally feel more familiar to modern drivers, while a bias-ply-equipped Audi 100 deserves a more period-minded approach to lane changes, tracking, and warm-up after long storage.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1975 Audi tires?
Inflation pressure on 1975 Audi tires should follow the vehicle's factory guidance first, then be checked against the specific tire's published limits rather than copied from another size. Among the tires here, the 560-14 carries a max load figure of 906 pounds at 30 psi, and the Vredestein 165R14 carries 1,102 pounds at 51 psi. Those are maximum load-and-pressure references for those specific tires, not universal operating pressures for every 1975 Audi fitment.
The practical approach is to start with the Audi factory recommendation for your exact model and then make sure your chosen tire is being used within its own published capacity range. Do not transfer a pressure from the Audi 100's 560-14 bias-ply to the 165R14 radial, and do not assume the Fox's 13-inch radials should mirror the 14-inch car. Pressure choice affects wear, handling, and ride quality, so it is worth checking carefully after any tire or wheel change.
What should I check before taking a 1975 Audi on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1975 Audi, inspect every tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and do not forget the spare. If the car uses a setup that may involve tube-type practice or older wheel hardware, check valve stems and air retention closely. On the Audi 100, confirm that the tire construction on the car matches your expectations for the trip, because a bias-ply touring setup and a radial touring setup can feel different on the road even when both fit correctly.
Treat the tire check as one part of a full vintage-car pre-trip routine. A 1975 Audi should also have its brakes, steering, fluids, belts, lights, and cooling system looked over before sustained driving. Once the tire inspection is done, pay attention during the first miles for vibration, pull, or heat buildup that suggests pressure or balance needs attention. Catching those issues early is far easier than sorting them out after the car is fully loaded and underway.
