In 1997 Chrysler covered a wide slice of the passenger-car market, from midsize front-wheel-drive sedans and coupes to full-size cab-forward luxury sedans. That breadth matters on a 1997 Chrysler tire search, because the year includes four model lines and seven distinct radial sizes rather than one shared fitment across the range. Cirrus uses its own size, Concorde and LHS share one size, and Sebring spans five different sizes depending on body style and wheel package. The smart first step is to confirm your exact model, then verify the wheel diameter on the car now, since the correct choice for a 14-, 15-, 16-, or 17-inch wheel changes across the lineup.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1997 Chrysler
Seven tire sizes are used across 1997 Chrysler vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. Every size here is a radial, so the real decision starts with identifying the correct model and wheel diameter, then narrowing down sidewall style and tire character within that size. Understanding that difference before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Cirrus|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15-in rim
A 195/65R15 is a radial tire with a 195-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus, though no product and sidewall-style range is summarized here for it. It suits owners who need to stay with the Cirrus-specific fitment rather than choosing from the larger Chrysler sedan or Sebring wheel packages.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Concorde, LHS|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
A 225/60R16 is a radial tire with a 225-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. This size is used by the 1997 Chrysler Concorde and 1997 Chrysler LHS, and it is available from Goodyear and BFGoodrich in raised yellow letter, redline, pin white stripe, and wide whitewall styles. Buyers choosing this size are usually balancing a more custom or period-themed sidewall appearance against a cleaner touring look while staying within the correct 16-inch fitment.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Sebring|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 205/65R15 is a radial tire with a 205-millimeter section width, a 65-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 15-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1997 Chrysler Sebring and is available from BFGoodrich with wide whitewall and redline sidewall styles. It is a sensible choice for a Sebring owner who wants the correct 15-inch fitment with a more distinctive traditional sidewall treatment.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Sebring|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
A 215/55R16 is a radial tire with a 215-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. This Sebring-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and American Classic in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product: W-rated versions carry a 168 mph ceiling while a standard R-marked radial without a speed letter in the size marking does not present the same explicit high-speed designation. It fits owners who have a 16-inch Sebring wheel package and want either a sporty blackwall look or a more heritage-inspired sidewall appearance.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Sebring|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
A 195/70R14 is a radial tire with a 195-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1997 Chrysler Sebring and appears here as a blackwall Dunlop Sport Classic with a V speed rating, carrying a 149 mph ceiling. It best serves Sebring owners who need the smaller 14-inch fitment and prefer a straightforward blackwall radial presentation.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Sebring|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
A 205/55R16 is a radial tire with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. This Sebring-specific size is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, and speed ratings vary by product: W-rated versions carry a 168 mph ceiling while the Michelin Y-rated version carries a 186-plus mph ceiling and is marked TL for tubeless use. It is the right direction for owners with the 16-inch Sebring fitment who want a modern blackwall radial and need to compare tire character within that size.
Year(s): 1997|Fit(s): Sebring|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
A 215/50R17 is a radial tire with a 215-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. This size is specific to the 1997 Chrysler Sebring and is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, with W-rated products carrying a 168 mph ceiling. It is aimed at Sebring applications using the 17-inch wheel package, where the correct fitment starts with confirming that larger wheel diameter first.
Four Chrysler models are covered for 1997, and they do not all use the same tire size. Cirrus, Concorde, and LHS each stay within a narrower fitment path, while Sebring spans multiple wheel diameters and tire sizes depending on configuration. Select a model below to narrow your fitment history and see the tire options that apply to that specific Chrysler.
1997 Chrysler Cirrus
The Cirrus was Chrysler's midsize sedan, positioned as a more upscale companion to its JA-platform relatives and known for its smooth, rounded 1990s styling. Its tire fitment mounts on a 15-inch wheel, making model identification straightforward before you move on to sidewall and product preferences.
The Concorde was one of Chrysler's signature cab-forward full-size sedans, with a long wheelbase feel and a roomy interior that helped define the brand's late-1990s design direction. Its tires mount on a 16-inch wheel, shared with the larger LHS, so the decision often comes down to preferred sidewall appearance within that size.
The LHS sat at the luxury end of Chrysler's sedan range in 1997, combining the cab-forward platform with a more premium presentation than the Concorde. It also uses a 16-inch wheel fitment, so owners usually focus less on size changes and more on choosing the sidewall style that suits the car's intended look.
The Sebring covered the broadest spread in the 1997 Chrysler range, spanning coupe and convertible-oriented applications with several wheel and tire combinations. Its tires mount on 14-, 15-, 16-, or 17-inch wheels depending on the version, so confirming the exact model and wheel package matters before choosing a tire.
Nineteen products are available across six tire sizes for 1997 Chrysler vehicles. 225/60R16 has 5 radial choices from Goodyear and BFGoodrich with raised yellow letter, redline, pin white stripe, and wide whitewall styles; 205/65R15 has 2 BFGoodrich radial choices in wide whitewall or redline; 215/55R16 has 3 radial options from BFGoodrich and American Classic in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall; 195/70R14 has 1 Dunlop blackwall radial; 205/55R16 has 4 radial choices from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall; 215/50R17 has 3 BFGoodrich blackwall radials. Confirm the exact size first, since speed ratings can vary within some sizes.
Goodyear Tires
Goodyear Eagle NASCAR Raised Yellow Letter | 225/60R16
These answers sort out the main tire questions for 1997 Chrysler cars, including how sizes change from Cirrus to Concorde, LHS, and Sebring, what the metric sidewall codes mean, and how sidewall style, speed rating, and collector-car care affect the final choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1997 Chrysler vehicles?
1997 Chrysler vehicles use seven sizes across four model lines: 195/65R15 for Cirrus, 225/60R16 for Concorde and LHS, and 205/65R15, 215/55R16, 195/70R14, 205/55R16, or 215/50R17 for Sebring depending on configuration. Rim diameters span 14, 15, 16, and 17 inches, so there is no single year-wide Chrysler fitment.
That means year and make alone are not enough on a 1997 Chrysler. Start by identifying the exact model, then confirm the wheel diameter on the car now before narrowing down sidewall style or tire character. Sebring owners in particular should verify whether the car carries a 14-, 15-, 16-, or 17-inch wheel package, because several different sizes fall under the same model name.
What does 195/65R15 mean on a 1997 Chrysler tire?
On a 1997 Chrysler tire, 195/65R15 is a metric radial size. The 195 is the section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this year and make, that size is used by the Chrysler Cirrus.
Reading the code correctly helps prevent a common mistake: confusing section width with wheel diameter. A 195/65R15 tire belongs on a 15-inch wheel only, and it should be matched to the actual Cirrus wheel on the car rather than to another Chrysler model from the same year. Once the size is confirmed, the next comparison is between available tire styles within that exact fitment.
Do all 1997 Chrysler models use the same tire size?
No. 1997 Chrysler models do not share one universal tire size. Concorde and LHS both use 225/60R16, Cirrus uses 195/65R15, and Sebring ranges across five different sizes: 205/65R15, 215/55R16, 195/70R14, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17.
That split matters because a tire that is correct for one 1997 Chrysler may be entirely wrong for another, even within the same showroom year. Large-sedan fitment, midsize-sedan fitment, and Sebring wheel-package fitment are all different here. If you are replacing only two tires, it is also wise to compare the existing sidewall code on the car against the model-specific fitment before moving ahead.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1997 Chrysler tires?
1997 Chrysler tire choices include several sidewall treatments depending on size. The 225/60R16 used on Concorde and LHS comes in raised yellow letter, redline, pin white stripe, and wide whitewall versions. Sebring sizes add more variety: 205/65R15 comes in redline or wide whitewall, 215/55R16 comes in blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall, while 195/70R14, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17 appear in blackwall form.
For a late-1990s Chrysler, blackwall is usually the most natural factory-era appearance, especially on sporty applications. Whitewalls, redlines, and raised-letter tires move the look in a more custom or specialty direction, which may suit a personalized Sebring or a distinctively styled full-size sedan. The best choice depends less on fitment than on how original, subtle, or period-custom you want the finished car to appear.
What brands make tires for 1997 Chrysler vehicles?
Several brands cover 1997 Chrysler applications. Goodyear and BFGoodrich appear in 225/60R16 for Concorde and LHS; BFGoodrich covers 205/65R15 for Sebring; BFGoodrich and American Classic cover 215/55R16; Dunlop appears in 195/70R14; BFGoodrich and Michelin cover 205/55R16; and BFGoodrich covers 215/50R17.
Brand choice on a 1997 Chrysler usually follows the size first and the intended look second. Some sizes lean toward custom-style sidewalls, while others are centered on blackwall performance-oriented radials. Once the correct size is established, comparing brands by sidewall treatment, speed rating, and wheel-width compatibility is more useful than trying to pick one brand across the entire Chrysler lineup.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Goodyear Eagle NASCAR tires for 1997 Chrysler vehicles?
Within 225/60R16 for 1997 Chrysler Concorde and LHS, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Goodyear Eagle NASCAR serve different visual purposes. The Goodyear Eagle NASCAR version uses a raised yellow letter sidewall, carries a 1609-pound load rating at 44 psi, weighs 24 pounds, and fits 6.0- to 7.0-inch rims. BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions come in redline, pin white stripe, and wide whitewall styles, weigh 28 pounds, and fit a wider 6.00- to 9.00-inch rim range, with 1609-pound load ratings shown on some versions.
That makes the choice largely about appearance and wheel compatibility rather than basic size. A raised-letter Goodyear gives the big Chrysler a more aggressive custom look, while the BFGoodrich versions open the door to traditional stripe and whitewall treatments. If your wheels sit near the wider end of the fitment range, the broader BFGoodrich rim-width window may be especially relevant.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1997 Chrysler tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by tire size on 1997 Chrysler vehicles. 225/60R16 products span 6.0 to 7.0 inches on one Goodyear application and 6.00 to 9.00 inches on BFGoodrich versions. 205/65R15 and 215/55R16 fit 5.50 to 7.50 inches, 205/55R16 fits 5.5 to 7.5 inches, and 215/50R17 fits 6.0 to 7.5 inches.
Those ranges show why the sidewall code alone is only part of the story. Before mounting a replacement tire, compare the wheel width on the car with the acceptable range for the exact product you want, especially when one size includes multiple brands or series. Staying within the stated rim-width window helps preserve the intended tire shape and road manners.
Do 1997 Chrysler tires require inner tubes?
1997 Chrysler tire applications here are radial passenger-car sizes, and one 205/55R16 Michelin product is explicitly marked TL for tubeless use. Other products do not carry a tube-type marking in the size description, so tube requirement can vary by product marking and wheel design rather than by year and make alone.
The practical step is to inspect the actual wheel and check the exact sidewall marking on the tire you choose. A sound modern tubeless wheel and a tire marked for tubeless use are handled differently than an older specialty wheel or a tire with a different construction note. If your 1997 Chrysler has non-original wheels, verify the wheel type before final setup.
Can the original 1997 Chrysler wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No single original wheel fits every 1997 Chrysler tire size because the range includes 14-, 15-, 16-, and 17-inch diameters. Cirrus uses a 15-inch fitment, Concorde and LHS use a 16-inch fitment, and Sebring can use 14-, 15-, 16-, or 17-inch wheels depending on version.
Original wheels can only be reused when the diameter matches the tire size exactly, and the wheel width also needs to fall inside the acceptable range for the specific tire. This is especially important on Sebring, where the same model name covers several wheel-package combinations. Checking the wheel stamping or measuring the wheel before ordering is the safest approach.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1997 Chrysler when the tires are fitted?
A stored 1997 Chrysler should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from ozone-producing sources such as electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and some shop equipment. Clean, dry storage with stable temperatures is better than a damp garage, and tire pressures should be maintained while the car is parked. Radials generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but they still age from heat, UV exposure, and inactivity.
If the car sits for long periods, roll it periodically so the tires do not rest on one contact patch for months at a time. Some owners also use tire cradles or place the vehicle on stands for extended storage, especially if the car is part of a low-use collection. Good storage habits preserve both the tire structure and the appearance of specialty sidewalls.
How long do tires on a 1997 Chrysler typically last?
On a 1997 Chrysler, tire age matters more than mileage for many collector, hobby, or low-use cars. A good rule is to start evaluating tires closely once they are about five to seven years old and to treat ten years as a serious replacement consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall is the best way to confirm actual age.
Many 1997 Chrysler cars are driven occasionally, which can make an old tire look better than it really is. Sidewall cracking, hardening, vibration, and loss of wet-weather confidence can appear before the tread is worn out. If the car still carries older tires with presentable tread, age should still be part of the replacement decision.
How often should tires on a 1997 Chrysler be inspected?
Tires on a 1997 Chrysler should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer road trip. Look for cracking, bulges, cuts, irregular tread wear, and signs of pressure loss, and check that the tire has not developed a vibration-causing flat spot after storage. Valve stems should also be inspected closely, especially on cars that sit for long periods.
A brief walkaround catches many tire issues before they become roadside problems. It is also smart to inspect the spare, since an older Chrysler may still carry a decades-old emergency tire that no longer matches the condition of the road tires. Frequent inspection matters even more when the car is used seasonally rather than as a daily driver.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus?
A 1997 Chrysler Cirrus would have been fitted from new with modern radial passenger-car tires, not bias-ply construction. Within this year and make range, Cirrus uses 195/65R15, which aligns with the era's mainstream front-wheel-drive midsize sedan practice. Original-equipment sidewall appearance on a car like this was typically conservative rather than heavily stylized.
For a factory-minded restoration or preservation car, start with the correct 195/65R15 size and a period-appropriate radial presentation. If your Cirrus has optional wheels, regional-market differences, or dealer-installed changes, a Chrysler marque resource or original sales literature can help confirm how the car was equipped when new. Keeping size and overall appearance in character matters more here than chasing a dramatic specialty sidewall.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1997 Chrysler?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 1997 Chrysler, especially if the event values originality or period presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car carries the correct size, the expected radial construction for the era, and a sidewall style that fits the vehicle's age and intended appearance. A flashy whitewall or raised-letter tire can change the visual message quickly on a late-1990s car.
That does not mean every show car must be completely factory-stock, but the tire should match the story of the vehicle. A preserved original, a clean driver, and a custom build can each justify different sidewall treatments. If you are preparing for a marque-specific event, check the club's judging standards so the tire choice supports the class you intend to enter.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and Michelin SX MXX3 N2 for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring?
In 205/55R16 for the 1997 Chrysler Sebring, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and Michelin SX MXX3 N2 differ in both speed marking and physical details. The BFGoodrich version is marked 91W, carries a 168 mph ceiling, weighs about 23 pounds, and fits 5.5- to 7.5-inch rims. The Michelin is marked 91Y TL, carries a 186-plus mph ceiling, is tubeless-marked, weighs 30 pounds, and fits 5.50- to 7.50-inch rims.
That comparison makes the decision more specific than simply choosing a 205/55R16. The BFGoodrich leans toward a lighter blackwall performance-style option, while the Michelin brings a higher speed designation and its own construction character within the same basic fitment. For a Sebring owner aiming at period flavor or a particular driving feel, those distinctions are worth weighing before settling on a tire.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1997 Chrysler tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1997 Chrysler tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is used and the tire is in proper condition. Several sizes here carry explicit modern speed ratings, including V at 149 mph on 195/70R14, W at 168 mph on 215/55R16, 205/55R16, and 215/50R17 products, and Y at 186-plus mph on one 205/55R16 Michelin. Those ratings are well above normal U.S. highway speeds.
The bigger safety issue on a 1997 Chrysler is often age, inflation, and overall vehicle condition rather than raw speed rating. Suspension wear, alignment, brake condition, and long-stored tires can affect confidence more than the maximum speed symbol on the sidewall. A fresh, correctly sized tire on a sound car is the foundation for comfortable highway use.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1997 Chrysler tires?
Inflation pressure on 1997 Chrysler tires depends on the exact size and product. Examples here include 225/60R16 products rated at 1609 pounds at 44 psi on some versions and 1609 pounds at 34 psi on another, 205/65R15 at 1400 pounds at 35 psi, 215/55R16 at 1190 pounds at 35 psi, 205/55R16 products up to 1356 pounds at 51 psi or 1477 pounds at 50 psi, and 215/50R17 at 1521 pounds at 50 psi.
Those figures are tire maximum load-and-pressure ratings, not a blanket recommendation to inflate every 1997 Chrysler to the highest number on the sidewall. Start with the vehicle's original pressure guidance, then confirm that it remains appropriate for the exact reproduction or replacement tire you are using. Never transfer a pressure figure from one Chrysler size to another just because the cars are from the same year.
What should I check before taking a 1997 Chrysler on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1997 Chrysler, inspect each tire for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Check valve stems, confirm lug torque, and make sure the spare is present and serviceable. If the car has been sitting, watch for vibration during the first miles, since stored tires can develop temporary or permanent flat spotting.
A thorough pre-drive check should also include the broader age-related systems that affect a 1997 Chrysler on the road: brakes, cooling system, belts, hoses, lights, and fluid levels. Tires are only one part of trip readiness, but they are the one part that carries every mechanical system to the pavement. Catching a weak tire before departure is far easier than solving the problem on the shoulder.
