By 1979, Audi had firmly established itself in the U.S. as a maker of crisp, European sedans with a more technical feel than many domestic rivals. The 1979 Audi range was compact but distinct, with the Fox serving buyers who wanted a smaller, lighter car and the 5000 carrying Audi’s upscale, modern touring character. Tire choice across 1979 Audi models varies by model rather than staying uniform, with three radial sizes spread across two rim diameters. That means the first thing to confirm is whether you have a Fox or a 5000, then whether you want the exact size used on your car before narrowing down the right tire design.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1979 Audi
Three tire sizes are used across 1979 Audi vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Since these sizes do not all use the same rim diameter, the real first step is confirming whether your car takes a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel before comparing tread and sidewall style. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the correct Audi model.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): 5000|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/70R14 is a radial metric size with a 185-millimeter section width, a stated 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall form, with tubeless construction present and speed ratings that vary by product, including H at 130 mph and V at 149 mph. On a 1979 Audi 5000, this is the model-specific size to choose when you want the proper 14-inch fitment with options ranging from more traditional styling to sportier European radial character.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Fox|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155R13 is a euro-metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width and a 13-inch rim diameter, and without a stated aspect ratio it conventionally represents an 80-series profile. Michelin and Dunlop offer this size in blackwall form, and the products in this size carry H speed ratings with tubeless construction present. On a 1979 Audi Fox, this is a model-specific size that suits owners who want the narrower, more original-feeling small-sedan fitment associated with the Fox.
Year(s): 1979|Fit(s): Fox|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a radial metric size with a 175-millimeter section width, a stated 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Avon offers this size as a blackwall tire, and the available product carries an H speed rating with no tube marking called out in the size code. On a 1979 Audi Fox, this is a model-specific alternative within the Fox range for buyers who have confirmed the 13-inch application and want the lower-profile metric radial size used on that model.
Two Audi models are covered for 1979. Tire size varies by model, so identifying whether you have a Fox or a 5000 matters before you narrow the search to a specific tire. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1979 Audi 5000
The 1979 Audi 5000 was Audi’s larger U.S.-market sedan, known for its clean European packaging and more upscale touring role within the brand’s lineup. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, setting it apart from the smaller Fox and giving it its own distinct fitment path within the 1979 Audi range.
The 1979 Audi Fox was the lighter, more compact Audi of the period, sharing the tidy proportions and practical engineering that made smaller European sedans appealing in the late 1970s. Fox tire fitments mount on 13-inch wheels, with two radial sizes associated with the model depending on the application you are confirming.
Eight products are available across three tire sizes for 1979 Audi vehicles. The 185/70R14 includes five radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, while 155R13 has two radial blackwall options from Michelin and Dunlop and 175/70R13 has one radial blackwall option from Avon.
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
These FAQs sort out the three radial sizes used across the 1979 Audi range, explain how Fox and 5000 fitments differ, and cover sidewall style, speed rating, setup, and storage concerns that matter on collector-driven European cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1979 Audi vehicles?
1979 Audi vehicles use three tire sizes across two models: 185/70R14 for the Audi 5000, plus 155R13 and 175/70R13 for the Audi Fox. The 5000 uses a 14-inch rim, while both Fox sizes use a 13-inch rim. Rim width guidance also varies by size where published: 185/70R14 appears on wheels from 4.5 to 6.5 inches wide depending on the tire, 155R13 on 4.0 to 5.5 inches, and 175/70R13 on 4.5 to 6.0 inches.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident choice on a 1979 Audi. Start by identifying whether your car is a Fox or a 5000, then confirm the wheel diameter actually on the car before matching the tire size. If your car has changed hands or been restored, checking the existing sidewall and wheel diameter is the quickest way to avoid crossing a 13-inch Fox fitment with a 14-inch 5000 fitment.
What does 155R13 mean on a 1979 Audi tire?
On a 1979 Audi, 155R13 is a euro-metric radial size. The 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, the R identifies radial construction, and the 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. Because no aspect ratio is written into the size, this format conventionally represents an 80-series profile rather than the shorter 70-series profile seen in a size like 175/70R13.
That distinction matters on the Audi Fox because 155R13 and 175/70R13 are not the same shape even though both mount on 13-inch wheels. The 155R13 is the narrower, taller-profile format and tends to align with a more original late-1970s European small-car look. If authenticity and appearance matter, compare the sidewall profile on the car now before moving to a different 13-inch size.
Do all 1979 Audi models use the same tire size?
No. The 1979 Audi 5000 uses 185/70R14, while the 1979 Audi Fox uses either 155R13 or 175/70R13. Those are different rim diameters as well as different section widths and profiles, so the fitment splits cleanly by model. There is no single tire size that spans the full 1979 Audi range.
For a buyer, that means model identification comes before brand or tread selection. The 5000 and Fox served different roles in Audi’s lineup and they do not share the same wheel-and-tire package. If the badge, title, or seller description leaves any room for doubt, verify the model and wheel diameter physically before choosing a tire.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1979 Audi tires?
Sidewall style depends on the size. The 185/70R14 used on the 1979 Audi 5000 comes in both blackwall and wide whitewall form, while the 155R13 and 175/70R13 sizes used on the 1979 Audi Fox are available in blackwall only. All three sizes are radial, so the sidewall decision here is mainly about appearance rather than choosing between radial and bias-ply construction.
A blackwall is the natural visual fit for most late-1970s European Audis, especially cars restored with a factory-style look in mind. The wide whitewall option in 185/70R14 gives a distinctly different appearance and is more of a style choice than a period-default Audi presentation. If your goal is to keep the car visually close to its original market character, the sidewall treatment deserves as much attention as the size itself.
What brands make tires for 1979 Audi vehicles?
Several brands cover 1979 Audi fitments. The 185/70R14 size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin; 155R13 is available from Michelin and Dunlop; and 175/70R13 is available from Avon. That gives the 5000 the broadest brand spread, while the Fox fitments remain more specialized by size.
Brand choice often comes down to the character you want from the tire as much as the fitment itself. Michelin, Dunlop, and Avon all carry strong period associations with European road cars, while BFGoodrich offers a visually distinctive whitewall option in the 5000’s size. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare each brand’s sidewall style, speed rating, and wheel-width compatibility rather than choosing by name alone.
What is the difference between Michelin XAS and Avon CR6ZZ for a 1979 Audi?
For a 1979 Audi, Michelin XAS and Avon CR6ZZ differ by size coverage, sidewall presentation, and speed designation. Michelin XAS appears in 185/70VR14 88V TL and 155HR13 78H TL form, both blackwall, while Avon CR6ZZ appears in 185/70R14 88H and 175/70R13 82H blackwall form. In 185/70R14, Michelin carries a V speed rating to 149 mph, while the Avon version carries an H speed rating to 130 mph.
Those differences mean the right comparison starts with the car and the exact size, not just the series name. A 5000 owner choosing between 185/70R14 options may weigh the Michelin’s higher speed rating against other period-correct considerations, while a Fox owner looking at 175/70R13 would be comparing within a much narrower field. Check the wheel-width range and sidewall look along with the size code so the tire matches both the car and your intended use.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1979 Audi tires require?
Rim width depends on the size and, in some cases, the specific tire within that size. For 185/70R14 on the 1979 Audi 5000, published fitments span from 4.5 to 6.5 inches wide depending on the tire. For 155R13 on the 1979 Audi Fox, fitment reaches from 4.0 to 5.5 inches, and for 175/70R13 it spans 4.5 to 6.0 inches.
That range is why wheel measurement matters before ordering replacement tires for a 1979 Audi. Two tires with the same size code can overlap differently on acceptable wheel widths, especially in specialty European fitments. If the car is on original wheels, measure the wheel width or confirm its stamping so the tire you choose falls inside that tire’s approved range.
Do 1979 Audi tires require inner tubes?
Tube status on 1979 Audi tires is primarily tubeless where it is called out. Michelin’s 185/70VR14 and 155HR13 products explicitly carry TL markings, identifying tubeless construction, while some other products in those same sizes do not include a tube marking in the size code. The 175/70R13 product also does not call out a tube marking in the size description.
That makes tube use a product-by-product confirmation step rather than a blanket rule for every 1979 Audi tire. If your wheels are original and you are working with older European rims, inspect the wheel condition, valve-hole setup, and bead seat carefully before installation. Matching the tire’s construction to the wheel’s actual condition is more important than assuming every radial in these sizes is handled the same way.
Can the original 1979 Audi wheels be used with all 1979 Audi tire sizes?
Original 1979 Audi wheels cannot be treated as universal across all sizes because the model range uses both 13-inch and 14-inch rim diameters. The Audi 5000’s 185/70R14 requires a 14-inch wheel, while the Audi Fox sizes, 155R13 and 175/70R13, require 13-inch wheels. The two Fox sizes do share the same wheel diameter.
That means a Fox owner may be comparing two sizes on the same basic wheel diameter, but a 5000 owner is on a different wheel entirely. Even within the Fox range, wheel width still needs to be checked against the tire you want to use. Diameter gets you into the right family of tires; wheel width confirmation finishes the fitment decision.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1979 Audi when the tires are fitted?
A 1979 Audi should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone sources that accelerate rubber aging. Maintain proper inflation while the car is parked, and move it periodically so one spot on the tread does not carry the load for months at a time. These Audi fitments are all radial, which generally helps reduce the severe flat-spot tendency associated with long-stored bias-ply tires.
Good storage habits matter just as much on a lightly used collector Audi as they do on a car driven often. If the car will sit for an extended season, many owners prefer to raise the vehicle slightly on stands or at least roll it occasionally to change the contact patch. A tire cover and a clean garage floor also help protect the sidewalls and preserve appearance.
How long do tires on a 1979 Audi typically last?
On a 1979 Audi, tire age usually matters more than mileage. Collector-car tires should be evaluated closely once they reach about five to seven years of age, and many owners begin considering replacement as they approach the ten-year mark regardless of remaining tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best starting point for establishing a tire’s age.
That approach is especially important on an older Audi that may spend much of its life parked, driven occasionally, and exposed to time rather than steady wear. A tire can look respectable and still have age-related hardening, internal deterioration, or sidewall cracking that changes how it behaves on the road. If the date code and the tire’s condition point in different directions, treat age as the stronger warning.
How often should tires on a 1979 Audi be inspected?
Tires on a 1979 Audi should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, tread separation, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and any pressure loss since the last time the car was used. If your chosen tire or wheel setup involves tubeless hardware on older rims, valve stems and bead sealing deserve the same attention as the tread itself.
A short pre-drive walk-around is often enough to catch problems before they become roadside issues. Older cars tend to see long rest periods, and that means issues can develop while the vehicle is parked rather than while it is accumulating miles. On a 1979 Audi, tire condition should be part of the same routine as checking fluids, belts, brakes, and lights.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1979 Audi Fox?
The 1979 Audi Fox used radial tires, with 155R13 and 175/70R13 both associated with the model. That aligns with late-1970s European practice, when radial construction was already the standard choice on compact German sedans. A specific original brand should be confirmed against surviving factory literature, sales brochures, or a marque specialist if absolute restoration accuracy is the goal.
For most restorations, getting the size format, section width, profile, and sidewall look right matters more than chasing a brand name that may have varied by market or supplier. The difference between 155R13 and 175/70R13 changes the car’s stance and visual character, so it is worth confirming what your particular Fox carried when new. Marque clubs and unrestored reference cars remain the best guides for market-correct details.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1979 Audi?
Correct tire fitment does matter when showing a 1979 Audi, especially if the event emphasizes originality or period presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts tend to notice whether the size, profile, construction type, and sidewall treatment suit the era and the specific model. On a late-1970s Audi, a blackwall radial usually aligns more naturally with the brand’s original character than a more decorative sidewall treatment.
That does not mean every show uses the same standard, but it does mean tire appearance is part of the car’s overall authenticity. A Fox wearing the wrong 13-inch size or a 5000 with a non-period sidewall treatment can look visually off even before anyone studies the details. If you plan to compete seriously, compare your tire choice with period photos and your event’s judging rules before finalizing the setup.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Michelin XAS for the 1979 Audi 5000?
For the 1979 Audi 5000, both BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Michelin XAS are available in 185/70R14, but they present the car very differently. The BFGoodrich version uses a wide whitewall sidewall style, has a published rim-width range of 5.00 to 6.50 inches, and carries a load figure of 1201 pounds at 35 psi. The Michelin XAS is a blackwall tubeless radial with a 4.50 to 6.00 inch rim-width range and a V speed rating in its 185/70VR14 form.
That makes the choice as much visual and historical as technical. A Michelin XAS fits the European sporting and touring personality many enthusiasts associate with a period Audi sedan, while the BFGoodrich whitewall creates a much different appearance. If the car is being restored for authenticity, compare the sidewall look to period Audi imagery before deciding.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1979 Audi tires safe for highway driving?
1979 Audi tires can be appropriate for highway driving when they are in good condition, correctly fitted, and operated within their stated ratings. The available 13-inch and 14-inch Audi fitments here are radial tires, and the products that carry speed symbols include H-rated versions to 130 mph and a V-rated 185/70VR14 to 149 mph. Those figures exceed normal U.S. highway speeds by a wide margin.
Real-world safety on a 1979 Audi still depends on far more than the tire’s speed symbol. Brake condition, suspension wear, alignment, and the general mechanical state of a late-1970s car usually become the more immediate limiters in normal road use. Treat the speed rating as a capability marker, then make sure the age and condition of the car support the way you plan to drive it.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1979 Audi tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1979 Audi should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation first, with the tire’s own maximum-pressure marking understood as a limit rather than a universal operating pressure. In the available 185/70R14 range, one tire carries a load figure of 1201 pounds at 35 psi and another carries 1,235 pounds; the 155R13 size includes a 937-pound figure on one product. Those numbers should not be transferred from one size to another or treated as the default setting for every 1979 Audi.
The right approach is to verify the exact size on the car, then check the owner’s manual, door-jamb information if present, and the sidewall of the tire you are actually using. A Fox and a 5000 are not interchangeable here, and even within one size, individual tire designs can differ. Proper pressure affects ride, steering feel, wear, and heat control, so it is worth checking with a quality gauge before every meaningful drive.
What should I check before taking a 1979 Audi on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1979 Audi, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and any sign of pressure loss. Confirm that the tire size on the car matches the wheel diameter it requires, since the 1979 Audi range uses both 13-inch and 14-inch applications. The spare, jack, and valve stems deserve attention too, particularly on a car that may have seen long periods of storage.
A longer trip is also the time to think beyond the tread itself. Check wheel fasteners, balance concerns, and the general condition of brakes, cooling system, belts, and hoses before expecting sustained road use from a late-1970s Audi. Tires are only one part of the equation, but they are the part that tells you quickly whether the car is ready to carry speed, weight, and distance with confidence.
