185/70R15 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 185/70R15, a performance cars size fitted to Porsche 911 SC, Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, Triumph TR6 and more.
What 185/70R15 tires cost
Nankang CX-668
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Vredestein Sprint Classic
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Michelin XWX
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 $540 to $720, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 185/70R15 size
The front half of the classic 911 staggered set: 185/70VR15 front with 215/60VR15 rear on 6J and 7J Fuchs wheels, which is the SC and early Carrera 3.2 specification, and never rotate them front to rear. It is also the size most TR6 owners fit in place of the original 165R15 because it fills the arch better on a 15x5.5 rim and the sidewall is more modern. The Porsche N-specification tires that were sold in this size are long gone, so you are choosing between period-look classic radials in H and V and a handful of cheap T-rated options; on a 911 do not buy the T-rated one. No whitewall, no bias version worth having.
The numbers mean: 185 mm section width, sidewall height 70 % of that width, and a 15-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 25.2 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 185/70R15
- Porsche 911 SC (1978-1983, front)
- Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 (1984-1989, 15 in front)
- Triumph TR6 (1969-1976, 15x5.5 modern fit)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 185/70R15 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.
Summer Tires
Sports-car and performance-sedan owners, and anyone in a warm climate who wants the best possible grip and steering.
Performance Tires
Owners of sports sedans, hot hatches and performance crossovers who want year-round tires with real handling.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 185/70R15 tires cost?
Expect $105–$130 per tire for a budget brand, $135–$180 for a mid-range tire like the Vredestein Sprint Classic, and $185–$290 for a premium tire like the Michelin XWX. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 185/70R15 tires?
185/70R15 is original equipment on Porsche 911 SC (1978-1983, front), Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 (1984-1989, 15 in front) and Triumph TR6 (1969-1976, 15x5.5 modern fit), 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 185/70R15 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Vredestein Sprint Classic, 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 Michelin XWX is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang CX-668 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 185/70R15 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.