By 1986, Isuzu had carved out a distinctive place in the import market with compact, efficient cars that also carried a sporty edge. The 1986 Isuzu lineup covered two very different personalities in the I-Mark and Impulse, and that difference shows up clearly in their tire sizing. Across 1986 Isuzu passenger-car models, two radial sizes appear, and each size is tied to a specific model rather than shared across the full range. That means the first step is to confirm whether you have an I-Mark or an Impulse, then verify the wheel diameter before choosing the correct tire size and product style for your car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1986 Isuzu
Two tire sizes are used across 1986 Isuzu passenger-car models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full lineup. The key decision is confirming the correct model and wheel diameter first, since the I-Mark and Impulse do not share the same rim size. Sorting that out before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): I-Mark|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1986 Isuzu I-Mark, and it is available from Avon in a blackwall radial with an H speed rating, carrying an 82H marking. It suits an I-Mark owner who wants the correct model-specific size in a modern radial format rather than trying to adapt a size from another 1986 Isuzu model.
Year(s): 1986|Fit(s): Impulse|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1986 Isuzu Impulse, and it is available from Michelin in a blackwall radial; the product carries a V speed rating with a 195/60VR14 86V TL marking, indicating tubeless construction. It is the right direction for an Impulse owner who needs the model-specific 14-inch fitment and wants a radial tire aligned with the car's more sporting character.
Two 1986 Isuzu models are covered here. Tire size varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly; identifying whether you have an I-Mark or an Impulse is the essential first step. Select your model below to see model-specific fitment history and the tires that match it.
1986 Isuzu I-Mark
The 1986 Isuzu I-Mark was the practical, compact side of the brand's passenger-car range, aimed at buyers who wanted economy and small-car maneuverability with contemporary import styling. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, which separates it clearly from the larger-wheel fitment used on the Impulse.
The 1986 Isuzu Impulse carried a more distinctive sporty identity, with Giugiaro-influenced styling that helped it stand apart from more conventional compact imports of the period. Its tires mount on 14-inch wheels, making wheel diameter confirmation especially important before choosing a replacement tire.
Two products are available across two tire sizes for 1986 Isuzu vehicles. The 175/70R13 size has one Avon radial in blackwall form, while 195/60R14 has one Michelin radial in blackwall form; tube construction and speed rating details should be checked by size before selecting.
These FAQs cover the model-specific size split for 1986 Isuzu cars, how the two metric radial sizes differ, what blackwall product choices exist, and what to check for fitment, storage, and road use on an older import.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1986 Isuzu vehicles?
1986 Isuzu passenger-car models use two sizes: 175/70R13 for the 1986 Isuzu I-Mark and 195/60R14 for the 1986 Isuzu Impulse. These are both radial sizes, but they do not interchange across the full model range because they mount on different wheel diameters. The 175/70R13 products fit 13-inch rims and the 195/60R14 products fit 14-inch rims.
That makes model identification the first step before anything else. If you have an I-Mark, start with the 13-inch size; if you have an Impulse, start with the 14-inch size. On the I-Mark, the available 175/70R13 tire also carries a rim width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches, so wheel measurement is worthwhile when originality or wheel swaps are part of the car's history.
What does 175/70R13 mean on a 1986 Isuzu tire?
On a 1986 Isuzu I-Mark, 175/70R13 means the tire is 175 millimeters wide, uses a 70-series aspect ratio, has radial construction, and fits a 13-inch wheel. The available example in this size carries an 82H service description, with H indicating a speed rating up to 130 mph. It is offered as a blackwall radial.
For an I-Mark owner, that code matters because it confirms both the wheel diameter and the general tire profile the car was designed around. The easiest mistake is focusing only on width and overlooking the 13-inch wheel requirement. Before replacing tires, compare the sidewall markings on the car now and verify the wheel itself if the car has had aftermarket wheels at some point.
What does 195/60R14 mean on a 1986 Isuzu tire?
On a 1986 Isuzu Impulse, 195/60R14 means the tire has a 195-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. The available Michelin example is marked 195/60VR14 86V TL, so it is a tubeless radial with a V speed rating up to 149 mph. It is offered in blackwall form.
That lower-profile 14-inch size fits the Impulse's more sporting role within the 1986 Isuzu lineup. It is not simply a wider version of the I-Mark tire, because the wheel diameter changes as well. If you are replacing a full set on an Impulse, confirm that all four wheels are the same diameter and that the spare matches the tire family you plan to use for regular road service.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Isuzu tires?
1986 Isuzu passenger-car tires in these two sizes are available as blackwalls. The 175/70R13 option for the I-Mark is a blackwall Avon radial, and the 195/60R14 option for the Impulse is a blackwall Michelin radial. That appearance fits the mainstream import-car look of the mid-1980s, when blackwall performance and touring tires were common on compact and sporty models.
If your goal is a period-appropriate presentation, blackwall styling is the natural visual direction for either model. The real difference between the two is not sidewall decoration but correct model fitment and wheel diameter. Once you have confirmed whether you own an I-Mark or an Impulse, the remaining choice is mainly brand and exact service description within the size that belongs on that car.
What brands make tires for 1986 Isuzu vehicles?
Two brands cover the 1986 Isuzu sizes here. Avon offers the 175/70R13 radial used on the I-Mark, while Michelin offers the 195/60R14 radial used on the Impulse. Each brand applies to a specific size rather than overlapping across both 1986 Isuzu passenger-car fitments.
That means brand choice follows model choice in this case. I-Mark owners are working within the 175/70R13 Avon option, and Impulse owners are working within the 195/60R14 Michelin option. If your car's current tires show a different brand, treat that as a clue to a prior replacement rather than proof that another size or construction is correct for your 1986 Isuzu.
What is the difference between the Avon CR6ZZ and Michelin MXV3-A for the 1986 Isuzu?
The Avon CR6ZZ and Michelin MXV3-A serve different 1986 Isuzu models and different wheel diameters. The Avon CR6ZZ is a 175/70R13 82H blackwall radial for the I-Mark and fits 13-inch rims, with a 4.5-to-6.0-inch rim width range. The Michelin MXV3-A is a 195/60VR14 86V TL blackwall radial for the Impulse and fits a 14-inch rim, with tubeless construction and a higher V speed rating.
Because they are tied to different sizes, this is not really a like-for-like choice between two interchangeable tires. The useful comparison is what each product says about the car it belongs on: the Avon fits the smaller-wheel I-Mark package, while the Michelin matches the Impulse's 14-inch, sportier fitment. Choose by the model and wheel diameter first, then by the service description that fits your driving plans.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1986 Isuzu tires require?
Rim width guidance is available for the 175/70R13 tire used on the 1986 Isuzu I-Mark. That size fits a rim width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches. The 195/60R14 tire used on the 1986 Isuzu Impulse is confirmed for a 14-inch rim diameter, but the width range should be verified against the exact wheel and tire combination you plan to run.
Rim diameter and rim width both affect how a tire sits and performs on the wheel. If your 1986 Isuzu still wears original wheels, the stock setup is the logical starting point. If the car has aftermarket wheels, measure the wheel before ordering so the tire's intended shape and fit are not compromised by a wheel that is too narrow or too wide.
Do 1986 Isuzu tires require inner tubes?
Tube construction can vary by size on 1986 Isuzu cars. The available 195/60R14 Michelin tire for the 1986 Isuzu Impulse is marked TL, which means tubeless. The 175/70R13 Avon tire for the 1986 Isuzu I-Mark does not carry a tube-type or tubeless marker in the sidewall marking shown here, so the wheel design and the exact tire's sidewall marking should be checked together before installation.
That matters most if the car has older wheels, corrosion around the bead seat, or a service history that includes mixed replacement parts. A tubeless tire needs a wheel in suitable condition to seal properly, while a tube-type setup introduces additional valve stem and tube checks. Matching the tire to the actual wheel on the car is more important than assuming all 1986 Isuzu passenger tires are set up the same way.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1986 Isuzu when the tires are fitted?
A 1986 Isuzu should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires clean, maintain inflation, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread is not carrying the load for months at a time. Radial tires tolerate storage better than old bias-ply designs, but they still age when left stationary and underinflated.
If the car will sit for an extended season, a careful owner may also reduce stress by using tire cradles or properly placed stands while keeping suspension considerations in mind. Collector cars often see low mileage, so storage conditions become a bigger factor than wear. Good storage habits help preserve sidewall appearance, reduce flat spotting, and keep the tires ready for occasional driving without avoidable age-related damage.
How long do tires on a 1986 Isuzu typically last?
On a 1986 Isuzu, tire life should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage alone. A common collector-car rule is to begin close inspection once a tire reaches roughly five to seven years of age and to give serious replacement consideration as it approaches ten years, even if the tread still looks usable. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best guide to actual tire age.
That advice is especially important on older cars that spend long periods parked and then get driven on weekends or to events. A tire can look presentable while the rubber has hardened internally or begun to crack. If your 1986 Isuzu has older tires with an unknown history, treat age as a primary maintenance issue and not just a cosmetic concern.
How often should tires on a 1986 Isuzu be inspected?
Tires on a 1986 Isuzu should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any longer trip. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and pressure loss. The spare deserves the same attention, because a compact car from this era often relies on a small trunk-mounted spare that may have aged unnoticed for years.
A more detailed monthly inspection is a smart routine even if the car is only used occasionally. Check valve stems, confirm pressures when the tires are cold, and look for signs that the car has been sitting on underinflated tires. Catching those issues early is one of the easiest ways to avoid roadside problems and to protect the wheels and suspension from unnecessary stress.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1986 Isuzu I-Mark?
A 1986 Isuzu I-Mark belongs to a period when radial tires were already the standard choice for mainstream import passenger cars, and the correct size here is 175/70R13. That aligns with the car's compact, economy-oriented role in the lineup and its 13-inch wheel fitment. Original-equipment brand varied by market and supply arrangements, so the safest restoration focus is the correct size, radial construction, and era-appropriate blackwall appearance.
For a careful restoration, start by matching the size and overall visual character before worrying about brand name. Dealer paperwork, period road tests, and Isuzu enthusiast groups can help narrow down market-specific details if you are restoring a car for judging. For most owners, getting the I-Mark back onto the proper 175/70R13 radial is the key step toward an authentic stance and fit.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1986 Isuzu?
Correct tire fitment does matter when a 1986 Isuzu is judged closely, especially because the two passenger-car models use different sizes and wheel diameters. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will often notice whether an I-Mark is on 13-inch tires or an Impulse is on 14-inch tires, and whether the overall sidewall appearance suits a mid-1980s import. A mismatched size can alter stance, wheelwell fill, and the car's visual balance.
For local shows, getting the correct model-specific size and an era-appropriate blackwall presentation will usually do more for authenticity than chasing minor brand details. For stricter concours settings, verify expectations with the relevant club or event before the car is judged. That is particularly useful if your 1986 Isuzu has optional wheels, dealer accessories, or a restoration history that may have changed its original look.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1986 Isuzu Impulse?
A 1986 Isuzu Impulse would have been built around radial tire technology, and the model-specific size here is 195/60R14. That size fits the Impulse's 14-inch wheel package and suits the car's more sporting place within the 1986 Isuzu range. As with many 1980s imports, the most reliable authenticity markers are the correct size, radial construction, and a blackwall sidewall style that matches the era.
If you are restoring an Impulse, preserving the proper lower-profile look is important because it is part of the model's visual identity. Wider or taller substitutions can change the car's proportions and make it look less true to period. When exact original-delivery details matter for judging, period brochures and marque specialists are the best next step for confirming market-specific tire branding or optional-equipment nuances.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1986 Isuzu tires safe for highway driving?
1986 Isuzu tires can be suitable for highway driving when they are the correct size, in sound condition, and used within their service ratings. The 175/70R13 Avon option for the I-Mark carries an H rating, which is rated to 130 mph, and the 195/60VR14 Michelin option for the Impulse carries a V rating, which is rated to 149 mph. Those speed ceilings are well above typical U.S. highway speeds, assuming the tires are properly maintained and the rest of the car is roadworthy.
On an older Isuzu, tire condition is only one part of the equation. Brake condition, suspension wear, wheel bearings, alignment, and general mechanical health may limit safe sustained-speed driving more than the tire's speed symbol does. Before using a 1986 Isuzu regularly on modern roads, make sure the car itself is prepared for that use and not just fitted with a fresh set of tires.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1986 Isuzu tires?
Inflation pressure for a 1986 Isuzu should start with the factory vehicle recommendation for the specific model, then be checked against the tire's own maximum-pressure and load information where applicable. Pressure should not be transferred from the I-Mark's 175/70R13 size to the Impulse's 195/60R14 size, because they are different dimensions on different cars. The safest approach is always to match the car, the tire, and the wheel as a complete system.
In practice, that means checking the owner's manual, door-jamb label if still present, and the sidewall details on the exact tire you are running. Avoid using maximum sidewall pressure as a blanket everyday setting unless the manufacturer specifically calls for it. Correct pressure affects ride, steering feel, tread wear, and casing stress, so it is one of the simplest but most important setup checks on any 1986 Isuzu.
What should I check before taking a 1986 Isuzu on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1986 Isuzu, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Confirm that the size matches the model, verify that the spare is usable, and check the valve stems for aging or leakage. If the car has sat for a long period, also pay attention to vibration or flat spotting during the first few miles.
Tires are only one part of preparing an older import for distance driving, so add a broader mechanical walk-around as well. Check fluid levels, belts, hoses, lights, and braking response before trusting the car on a longer route. A 1986 Isuzu can still be an enjoyable road car, but small maintenance issues that seem minor around town can become much more serious once the trip extends beyond a short local drive.
