1978 Audi Tire Fitment Guide

1978 Audi vehicles use three sizes across two models: the Audi 5000 uses 185/70R14, while the Audi Fox uses either 155R13 or 175/70R13. The 5000 size mounts on a 14-inch rim, and both Fox sizes mount on 13-inch rims. Rim width ranges where available are 4.5 to 6.0 inches or 5.0 to 6.5 inches for 185/70R14 depending on the tire, 4.00 to 5.50 inches for 155R13, and 4.5 to 6.0 inches for 175/70R13.

That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly for a 1978 Audi. A 5000 owner can move directly into 185/70R14 options, but a Fox owner should confirm which 13-inch size matches the car before selecting a product. If the car has been restored, modified, or fitted with replacement wheels in the past, checking the tire sidewall and measuring the wheel diameter is the fastest way to avoid choosing the wrong fitment.

On a 1978 Audi, 155R13 is a Euro-metric radial size. The 155 refers to a nominal section width of 155 millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is stated, this format is conventionally treated as an 80-series radial, which gives it a taller sidewall than a 70-series metric size.

That taller profile is a big part of why 155R13 has a distinctly period European look on a 1978 Audi Fox. It is the narrower of the two Fox sizes and often appeals to owners who want the car to retain its original small-sedan stance and feel. Before moving to a different 13-inch size, confirm the wheel width and the exact fitment used on your car so the proportions stay appropriate.

No. The 1978 Audi 5000 uses 185/70R14, while the 1978 Audi Fox uses 155R13 or 175/70R13. The sizes are model-specific, and the two models do not share a common rim diameter across the range, since the 5000 uses 14-inch wheels and the Fox uses 13-inch wheels.

That difference matters because a buyer cannot safely choose by year and make alone. If you have a 5000, the path is straightforward because only one size applies. If you have a Fox, confirm whether the car is set up for the taller, narrower 155R13 or the lower-profile 175/70R13 before choosing among brands, since the two sizes create noticeably different proportions even though both fit 13-inch wheels.

1978 Audi tire choices are mostly blackwall radials, which suit the late-1970s European look of both the 5000 and the Fox. The 185/70R14 size for the 5000 also includes a wide whitewall option, while 155R13 and 175/70R13 for the Fox are blackwall only. That gives the 5000 the broadest appearance range within the year and make.

For most 1978 Audi restorations, blackwall is the more natural visual choice because Audi's U.S.-market image in that period leaned modern and understated rather than whitewall-oriented. The wide whitewall 185/70R14 can still make sense for an owner pursuing a specific period custom look or a softer touring presentation. If authenticity matters for a judged car, match the sidewall style to the car's intended market appearance rather than choosing by size alone.

1978 Audi vehicles are covered by BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin. The 185/70R14 used on the Audi 5000 is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin. The 155R13 used on the Audi Fox is available from Michelin and Dunlop, while 175/70R13 for the Fox is available from Avon.

That spread gives 5000 owners the widest range of character, from a whitewall-oriented BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial to European-style performance and touring options from Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin. Fox owners have a narrower field, so the right choice often comes down to preserving the car's intended look and confirming whether the car takes the tall 155R13 or the lower-profile 175/70R13. Brand choice should follow fitment first, then appearance and driving style.

For a 1978 Audi 5000 in 185/70R14, Michelin XAS and Dunlop Sport Classic differ in both rating and fitment details. The Michelin XAS carries a V speed rating, good for speeds up to 149 mph, uses a tubeless TL marking, weighs 18 pounds, and fits rim widths from 4.50 to 6.00 inches. The Dunlop Sport Classic carries an H speed rating, good for speeds up to 130 mph, has a 1,235-pound maximum load figure, and weighs 20 pounds.

Those differences make the choice less about whether either tire fits the 1978 Audi 5000 and more about what kind of product character you want. The Michelin leans toward a more specialized European radial profile, while the Dunlop presents a strong period-sporting alternative with a published load figure. Confirm the wheel width on the car before choosing, since published rim-width compatibility is not identical across every 185/70R14 option.

Rim width depends on the size. In 185/70R14 for the 1978 Audi 5000, published rim-width ranges include 4.5 to 6.0 inches, 4.50 to 6.00 inches, and 5.00 to 6.50 inches depending on the tire. In 155R13 for the 1978 Audi Fox, the published range is 4.00 to 5.50 inches. In 175/70R13 for the Fox, the published range is 4.5 to 6.0 inches.

That is why wheel measurement matters before choosing among brands, even within the same tire size. A car with an original-width wheel may accept several options, while a wheel that has been changed during restoration may narrow the field quickly. Matching the tire to the actual wheel width helps maintain the intended tread profile, sidewall shape, and steering feel instead of forcing a tire onto a rim outside its recommended range.

1978 Audi tires are predominantly modern radial fitments, and tubeless markings appear on some products rather than all of them. Michelin XAS in 185/70R14 carries a TL tubeless marking, and Michelin XAS in 155R13 also carries a TL tubeless marking. Other products in those same sizes do not always show the same marking in the size description, so tube status can vary by product rather than being identical across the whole size.

That makes it important to check the exact tire you plan to use and the wheel condition it will be mounted on. A tubeless-design tire still depends on a sound wheel, proper valve hardware, and a sealing surface in good condition. If your 1978 Audi has older wheels with corrosion, prior repairs, or uncertain history, it is wise to discuss the setup with the installer before finalizing the tire choice.

A 1978 Audi should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires properly inflated during storage and move the car periodically so one section of the tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Clean concrete is fine, but avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, solvents, or petroleum contamination.

Because every tire size used on a 1978 Audi here is radial, long-term storage generally produces fewer severe flat-spotting issues than an older bias-ply design, but age and environment still matter far more than mileage on collector cars. If the car will sit for an extended season, rolling it occasionally or supporting it carefully can help preserve shape. Storage habits often determine how well even premium classic radials age cosmetically.

On a low-use collector car such as a 1978 Audi, tire age is usually more important than tread wear. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall tells you when each tire was manufactured.

That approach matters because a 1978 Audi may spend much of its life parked, attending shows, or covering only modest seasonal mileage. A tire can still look decent from a distance while the rubber has hardened and the carcass has aged. If the car has tires of mixed ages, replace by the oldest tire rather than the best-looking one, and use age as a central part of the maintenance plan.

Tires on a 1978 Audi should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, signs of impact damage, and pressure loss. On products with tubeless markings, also pay attention to valve stems and wheel sealing surfaces, since leaks often begin there rather than through the tire body itself.

A short pre-drive check is especially important on collector cars because they may sit for weeks between outings. Small problems become larger ones quickly once the car is back at road speed, and a 1978 Audi with aging suspension components can magnify wear patterns that a modern daily driver might tolerate longer. Regular inspection also helps catch alignment or wheel issues before they ruin a hard-to-find vintage radial.

A 1978 Audi 5000 would have been a radial-tire car from new, and its size in this year and make is 185/70R14. That matches the late-1970s European move toward lower-profile metric radials on larger family and executive sedans. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and delivery details, so the safest authenticity anchor is the correct size, radial construction, and an era-appropriate sidewall presentation rather than assuming a single factory brand.

For restoration work, getting those fundamentals right usually matters more than chasing a brand name without hard evidence from your specific car. If you are preparing a 1978 Audi 5000 for marque judging, confirm whether the event prioritizes exact sidewall appearance, country-of-delivery details, or simply correct size and construction. A factory brochure, original owner paperwork, or an Audi club specialist can help narrow the visual details for your exact car.

Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1978 Audi because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice size, sidewall profile, construction type, and overall visual proportion immediately. On this year and make, a 5000 should present as a 14-inch radial car in 185/70R14, while a Fox should present as a 13-inch radial car in either 155R13 or 175/70R13 depending on the car's proper fitment. An obviously incorrect diameter or sidewall style can distract from an otherwise careful restoration.

The standard is not always the same from one event to another, which is why event rules and marque-club guidance matter. Some shows focus on broad period correctness, while others reward finer details such as the visual character of the sidewall. If your 1978 Audi is being restored for national-level judging, confirm the expected tire appearance early so wheels, ride height, and tire choice all work together.

For a 1978 Audi Fox in 155R13, Michelin XAS and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet share a blackwall radial format and both carry an H speed rating, good for speeds up to 130 mph. The Michelin uses a TL tubeless marking and fits rim widths from 4.00 to 5.50 inches, while the Dunlop carries a 937-pound maximum load figure and weighs 20 pounds. Both preserve the narrow 13-inch radial character associated with the Fox.

The choice comes down to the kind of period presentation and technical details that matter most to your restoration. Some owners prefer the Michelin's strong historic identity among European radials, while others may prioritize the Dunlop's published load figure or simply prefer its tread and sidewall character. If your 1978 Audi Fox is being restored for authenticity, compare the actual sidewall appearance on the tire to period photos of similarly equipped cars before making the final call.

Yes, the radial tires used on 1978 Audi vehicles can be suitable for highway driving when they are correctly sized, in good condition, and properly inflated. Speed ratings in these sizes include H, good for speeds up to 130 mph, and V, good for speeds up to 149 mph, depending on the exact tire. Those ratings are well beyond ordinary U.S. highway speeds, provided the tire is not aged, damaged, overloaded, or improperly mounted.

In real-world use, the larger limitation on a 1978 Audi is often the age and condition of the car itself rather than the speed symbol on the tire. Brakes, suspension bushings, alignment, and wheel condition all influence stability and stopping confidence. Highway use is entirely reasonable for a well-sorted car, but any vintage Audi should be treated as a whole system instead of assuming the tire alone determines roadworthiness.

Inflation pressure for a 1978 Audi should follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the car and the tire maker's limits for the exact product you choose. Where load-and-pressure figures are published, 185/70R14 examples include 1,201 pounds at 35 psi and 1,235 pounds, while 155R13 includes 937 pounds. Those figures describe the tire's rated capability and should not be treated as a blanket setting for every 1978 Audi size.

The right approach is to start with the original vehicle recommendation for your specific model, then make sure the chosen tire is appropriate for that use. Do not transfer a pressure figure from a 5000 tire to a Fox tire, or from one brand's 185/70R14 to another, because carcass design and intended load can differ. Consistent pressure checks are especially important on collector cars that are driven infrequently.

Before a longer drive in a 1978 Audi, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation pressure. Check the valve stems, confirm the spare is usable, and make sure the tread is free from age-related separation or visible damage. If the car uses a tire with a tubeless marking, inspect the wheel bead area and sealing condition as closely as the tire itself.

Tire checks should be part of a broader pre-trip inspection on any late-1970s car. Wheel-bearing play, brake condition, fluid leaks, charging system health, and suspension looseness can all affect how the car feels at speed and may even create abnormal tire wear during the trip. A 1978 Audi that feels fine on local drives can reveal weaknesses on sustained highway miles, so a careful once-over before departure is worthwhile.