By 1998, Bentley balanced traditional British luxury with serious performance, offering everything from the elegant Azure convertible to the stately Brooklands sedan and the turbocharged Continental and Turbo R. That breadth matters when choosing tires, because 1998 Bentley vehicles used four different radial sizes across four models rather than one universal fitment. Some models share sizes, while others use model-specific combinations tied to wheel diameter and stance. For most owners, the first step is confirming the exact model, then checking which wheel diameter your car carries before narrowing the choice to the correct size and sidewall style for the way you want the car to present and drive.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1998 Bentley
Four tire sizes were used across 1998 Bentley vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the entire range. Because those sizes span 16-, 17-, and 18-inch wheels, the real first decision is confirming the correct rim diameter for your specific model before comparing tire choices within that size. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and ensures the right match.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Azure, Continental|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
255/50R18 is a metric radial size with a 255 millimeter section width, a stated 50-series profile, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Azure and Continental rather than the full 1998 Bentley range. It suits owners who have confirmed the factory 18-inch fitment on those models and want to stay with the size associated with that wheel package.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Azure, Continental, Turbo R|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17-in rim
255/55R17 is a metric radial size that uses a 255 millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and a 17-inch wheel diameter. This size is shared by the Azure, Continental, and Turbo R, making it the broadest cross-model fitment in the 1998 Bentley range. It is the right path for owners who have confirmed 17-inch wheels and want the size associated with those applications.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Brooklands|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
235/65R16 is a metric radial size with a 235 millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. Avon offers this size in both Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall form, with a V speed rating to 149 mph and a 1,929 pound maximum load capacity. Because it is specific to the Brooklands, owners should match it to that model's wheel diameter and choose between the cleaner blackwall look or a whitewall treatment that changes the car's visual character.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Continental, Turbo R|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
285/45R18 is a metric radial size with a 285 millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and an 18-inch wheel diameter. This size is specific to the Continental and Turbo R rather than universal across 1998 Bentley models. It is the size to focus on when those cars carry the 18-inch application, especially if you are confirming a wider, lower-profile setup tied to that fitment.
Four Bentley models are covered for 1998, and tire size changes by model rather than staying the same across the whole make. That means year and make alone are not enough; identifying whether you have an Azure, Brooklands, Continental, or Turbo R is the key step before choosing a size. Select your model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
1998 Bentley Azure
The 1998 Bentley Azure was the marque's grand touring convertible, combining coachbuilt presence with modern-era luxury and power. Its tires mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on the application, so Azure owners should confirm wheel diameter before moving to the final size choice.
The 1998 Bentley Brooklands carried the traditional Bentley luxury-sedan character, with a quieter, more formal personality than the harder-edged turbo models. Its tire fitment centers on a 16-inch wheel, which makes model identification especially straightforward before narrowing sidewall appearance.
The 1998 Bentley Continental represented the high-speed coupe side of the range, blending imposing scale with long-distance touring character. It spans both 17-inch and 18-inch wheel applications, so Continental owners should verify which wheel package is on the car before selecting a tire size.
The 1998 Bentley Turbo R was the performance-minded saloon of the lineup, known for bringing a more assertive driving character to the traditional Bentley formula. Its tires mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on the setup, making wheel diameter the first thing to confirm on any Turbo R.
Two products are available across one tire size for 1998 Bentley vehicles. The 235/65R16 has two Avon radial choices in Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall form. Confirm your model and wheel diameter first, since the four Bentley models do not all use the same size.
These answers sort out which 1998 Bentley models use which sizes, how the metric size codes read, what sidewall choices exist for Brooklands applications, and what to check before driving or storing a late-1990s Bentley on collector tires.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1998 Bentley vehicles?
1998 Bentley vehicles used four tire sizes across four models: 255/50R18 for the Azure and Continental, 255/55R17 for the Azure, Continental, and Turbo R, 235/65R16 for the Brooklands, and 285/45R18 for the Continental and Turbo R. Rim diameters therefore span 16, 17, and 18 inches rather than staying consistent across the full Bentley range.
That makes model identification essential before choosing a tire. A Brooklands owner can focus immediately on 235/65R16, while Azure, Continental, and Turbo R owners should first confirm whether the car has 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and then match the tire size to that wheel package.
What does 235/65R16 mean on a 1998 Bentley tire?
On a 1998 Bentley, 235/65R16 is a metric radial size. The 235 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On 1998 Bentley applications, that size belongs to the Brooklands.
Reading the code this way helps prevent the most common ordering mistake, which is matching width or profile while missing wheel diameter. For a Brooklands, the practical next step is choosing the appearance you want within that size, since both blackwall and narrow whitewall versions exist.
Do all 1998 Bentley models use the same tire size?
No. 1998 Bentley models do not share one universal tire size. The Brooklands uses 235/65R16, the Azure uses 255/55R17 or 255/50R18, the Continental uses 255/55R17, 255/50R18, or 285/45R18, and the Turbo R uses 255/55R17 or 285/45R18.
That spread reflects the different roles of the cars within the Bentley lineup, from formal luxury sedan to convertible and high-performance coupe or saloon. If you know only the year and make, stop and confirm the model and wheel diameter before moving on to a tire choice.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Bentley tires?
Sidewall style choice is available in 1998 Bentley fitments where 235/65R16 is used. That Brooklands size comes in both Blackwall and Narrow Whitewall versions from Avon. Both are radial tires, so the visual difference comes from sidewall presentation rather than a change in construction.
For a late-1990s Bentley, blackwall usually preserves the most restrained factory-era appearance, while a narrow whitewall adds a more formal, traditional look. The right choice depends on how the car is being presented, especially if you are aiming for a particular showroom-era or personalized luxury aesthetic.
What brands make tires for 1998 Bentley vehicles?
Avon covers the 235/65R16 size used on the 1998 Bentley Brooklands, with two Turbospeed CR227 variations that differ by sidewall style. Both carry the same 235/65VR16 103V sizing and radial construction, so the brand and series remain consistent within that fitment.
Avon has long been associated with premium European applications, which makes it a familiar name for owners of luxury British cars. If you are shopping for a Brooklands, the key decision is less about brand comparison and more about selecting the sidewall treatment that best suits your car's presentation.
What is the difference between the Avon Turbospeed blackwall and whitewall tires for the 1998 Bentley Brooklands?
For the 1998 Bentley Brooklands, both Avon Turbospeed CR227 versions share the same core specifications: 235/65VR16 103V size, radial construction, 16-inch rim diameter, 1,929-pound maximum load capacity, and 30-pound weight. The real difference is sidewall appearance, with one offered as a Blackwall and the other as a Narrow Whitewall.
That means the choice is primarily visual rather than structural. Owners restoring a Brooklands to a restrained late-1990s luxury look may lean toward blackwall, while those wanting a more classic formal presentation may prefer the narrow whitewall without changing size, load rating, or speed rating.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1998 Bentley tires require?
The 1998 Bentley fitments covered here confirm wheel diameters of 16, 17, and 18 inches depending on size, but a rim width range is not established across the full set of applications on this page. The 235/65R16 Brooklands fitment is tied to a 16-inch rim diameter, while the other Bentley sizes mount on 17-inch or 18-inch wheels.
Because wheel diameter alone does not answer the full setup question, confirm the actual wheel on the car before choosing a tire. On cars that may have changed wheels over time, that check matters more than relying on model name alone, especially for Azure, Continental, and Turbo R applications.
Do 1998 Bentley tires require inner tubes?
The 235/65R16 tires available for the 1998 Bentley Brooklands are modern radial products, and no tube-type marking appears in that sizing. That points Brooklands owners toward a tubeless-style fitment in this application rather than a traditional tube-type collector tire setup.
Even so, the wheel itself still needs to be suitable for tubeless service and in sound condition around the bead seat and valve area. If the car has older wheels, refinished wheels, or any history of corrosion, inspect the wheel carefully before mounting new tires.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1998 Bentley when the tires are fitted?
A 1998 Bentley should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age sidewalls. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car occasionally so the same footprint is not carrying the vehicle's weight for months at a time.
Because every size used on 1998 Bentley models here is radial, long static storage is generally less troublesome than with older bias-ply tires, but it is still not ideal. If the car will sit for an extended season, periodic movement or properly positioned stands can help preserve shape and appearance.
How long do tires on a 1998 Bentley typically last?
Tires on a low-use 1998 Bentley usually age out before they wear out. A sound rule is to inspect them closely once they reach five to seven years of age and to treat about ten years as a strong replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best guide to true age.
That matters on collector Bentleys because a car can look well preserved while the tires have quietly hardened or cracked with time. If you have recently acquired the car and do not know the age of the tires, checking the date code should happen before any meaningful road use.
How often should tires on a 1998 Bentley be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Bentley should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer outing. Check for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and pressure loss, and take a close look at the valve stems as well. A heavy luxury car can mask early tire problems until they become more serious.
A quick walkaround catches most issues before they strand the car or damage a wheel. For cars that spend much of the year parked, monthly pressure checks are also worthwhile, since slow pressure loss can create flat spotting and extra sidewall stress even when the car is not being driven.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1998 Bentley Azure?
A 1998 Bentley Azure was originally built for modern radial tire fitments, not the bias-ply constructions associated with earlier collector cars. Within the 1998 Bentley range, the Azure uses either 255/55R17 or 255/50R18 depending on the wheel application, both of them radial metric sizes appropriate to the era.
For authenticity work, the important point is matching the correct size and sidewall look to the specific car rather than chasing an earlier-period construction type. If the car is being judged, consult a Bentley marque specialist or club resource to confirm which wheel and tire combination is right for your individual chassis and market specification.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1998 Bentley?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a 1998 Bentley because judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice whether the size, wheel diameter, and sidewall presentation suit the model and era. A Brooklands wearing a narrow whitewall creates a different visual impression than one on blackwalls, and an incorrect diameter or profile can alter the car's stance.
Show standards vary, but authenticity usually starts with the right size for the exact model and wheel package. Owners preparing for concours or marque events should verify what is expected for their specific car, especially if it has changed wheels during its life or if a previous owner personalized the look.
What is the difference between the two Avon Turbospeed options for the 1998 Bentley Brooklands?
The two Avon Turbospeed CR227 options for the 1998 Bentley Brooklands share the same structural specifications, including 235/65VR16 103V sizing, radial construction, 16-inch fitment, 1,929-pound load capacity, and 30-pound weight. Their distinction is purely visual: one uses a Blackwall sidewall and the other uses a Narrow Whitewall sidewall.
That makes them a useful authenticity choice rather than a fitment debate. A buyer focused on preserving a formal luxury presentation may prefer the narrow whitewall, while an owner aiming for a more understated late-1990s factory-style appearance may choose the blackwall without changing the tire's core dimensions.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1998 Bentley tires safe for highway driving?
1998 Bentley tires in the confirmed 235/65R16 Brooklands fitment carry a V speed rating, which corresponds to a ceiling of 149 mph. That is well above normal U.S. highway use, and it aligns with the grand touring character expected of a late-1990s Bentley. The other 1998 Bentley sizes on this page are all radial as well, which is appropriate for modern road use in this era.
Highway safety still depends on more than the tire's speed symbol. Tire age, inflation, wheel condition, suspension health, and the Bentley's own braking and steering condition matter just as much, so an older luxury car should be inspected as a complete system before any sustained high-speed trip.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1998 Bentley tires?
For the 1998 Bentley Brooklands 235/65VR16 103V fitment, the tire carries a maximum load capacity of 1,929 pounds, but that figure is not the same thing as the car's recommended running pressure. Inflation pressure should be taken from the Bentley factory guidance for the specific model and wheel application, then checked against the tire manufacturer's limits for that tire.
Using pressure from a different Bentley size can change ride quality, wear pattern, and handling balance in ways that are not helpful. If the car has changed wheels or you are unsure which original setup it carries, confirm the exact size first and then set pressures accordingly.
What should I check before taking a 1998 Bentley on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 1998 Bentley, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the valve stems, verify the spare is usable, and make sure the tires are not aged out even if the tread still looks deep. On a heavy touring car, those basics matter more than cosmetic appearance.
A proper pre-drive check should also include the rest of the car, especially brakes, hoses, fluids, and suspension components that may have aged in storage. Tires are only one part of roadworthiness, but they are the one part in constant contact with the pavement, so they deserve a careful first look.
