185/70R13 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 185/70R13, a compact cars size fitted to BMW 2002, Fiat 124 Spider, Datsun 510 and more.
What 185/70R13 tires cost
Nankang CX-668
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Kumho Solus TA11
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Vredestein Sprint Classic
Best wet and snow braking, quietest ride, longest tread life. Worth it if you keep the car.
Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing, based on what the big US online retailers charge for this size. A set of four in the mid range comes to roughly $360 to $480, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 185/70R13 size
The standard modern fit for small 1960s-1980s imports that left the factory on 165SR13 or 165/80R13 crossply-replacement radials; 185/70R13 stands 23.2 in tall against 23.4 in for a 165R13, so the speedometer error is under 1 percent. Period-look radials (Vredestein Sprint Classic, Pirelli Cinturato CN36) are sold in H and V ratings; the cheap modern options are T-rated, which is 118 mph and plenty for a 2002 or a 124 Spider. Whitewalls are almost nonexistent in 13 in, redlines only as a Diamond Back or Coker conversion. Bias-ply 165-13 reproductions exist but nobody drives them by choice.
The numbers mean: 185 mm section width, sidewall height 70 % of that width, and a 13-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 23.2 inches. Any replacement has to match all three, and the load index and speed rating on your door sticker must be met or exceeded. Our guide on reading a tire size walks through it.
Vehicles that use 185/70R13
- BMW 2002 (1968-1976)
- Fiat 124 Spider (1979-1985, 2000)
- Datsun 510 (1968-1973)
- Mazda RX-7 (1979-1985, FB base/GSL)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 185/70R13 tire?
All-Season Tires
Drivers in the South, West Coast and mild parts of the Midwest who want one set of tires that lasts a long time and is quiet.
All-Weather Tires
Drivers in snow-belt states who want one set of tires with proven snow traction and no seasonal swap.
Winter Tires
Anyone in the northern US, Canada-border states or mountain regions where snow and ice are on the roads for weeks at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 185/70R13 tires cost?
Expect $65–$85 per tire for a budget brand, $90–$120 for a mid-range tire like the Kumho Solus TA11, and $125–$195 for a premium tire like the Vredestein Sprint Classic. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 185/70R13 tires?
185/70R13 is original equipment on BMW 2002 (1968-1976), Fiat 124 Spider (1979-1985, 2000), Datsun 510 (1968-1973) and Mazda RX-7 (1979-1985, FB base/GSL), among others. Always confirm with the sticker inside your driver's door, because trim levels and wheel packages can change the size.
What is the best 185/70R13 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Kumho Solus TA11, is the sweet spot of price and tread life. If you keep the vehicle a long time or drive in heavy rain and snow, the Vredestein Sprint Classic is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang CX-668 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 185/70R13 tires?
On a front- or rear-wheel-drive car, yes: replace in pairs on the same axle and put the newer pair on the rear. On all-wheel-drive vehicles most makers want all four replaced together, or a new tire shaved to match, because a difference in circumference strains the drivetrain.