145/70 R13 Tyre Size — Meaning, Fitment & Alternatives
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What 145/70 R13 means
145/70 R13 is a 145 mm wide tyre with a sidewall 70% of that width (102 mm), on a 13-inch rim. Overall diameter works out at about 533 mm (21.0 in). It typically appears on city cars and older superminis — think cars in the class of the Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10 or older Ford Ka.
UK: check prices for 145/70 R13 tyres at Tirendo US: check 145/70 R13 prices at WheelHero
145/70 R13 broken down
| Code part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 145 | Section width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Profile (aspect ratio) | 70 | Sidewall height as a percentage of width — 102 mm here |
| R | Radial | Radial construction (standard on modern car tyres) |
| Rim | 13 | Wheel diameter in inches (330 mm) |
Computed dimensions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 533 mm (21.0 in) |
| Circumference | 1675 mm (65.9 in) |
| Sidewall height | 102 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 961 |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 597 |
These are computed reference values from the size code arithmetic — actual measurements vary slightly by brand and model. Working in different units? Convert mm to inches with the unit converters at 247QuickTools.
Tyre Owner Essentials
Typical vehicles
City cars and small superminis are the natural home for this size. It favours ride comfort and low cost over outright grip, and replacement tyres are among the cheapest sold. To confirm the exact original-equipment sizes for your car, look up your car's full specs, including OE tyre sizes, at 247VehicleCheck.
Checking your current tread? Owners often keep a tread depth gauge in the glovebox — UK legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Speed and load ratings commonly sold in 145/70 R13
This size is commonly sold in T (118 mph) and H (130 mph) ratings — more than adequate headroom for the cars that use it. See the full speed rating table and load index table for what each code is rated to.
Alternative & equivalent sizes (±3% diameter)
Sizes within ±3% of this tyre's 533 mm overall diameter keep your speedometer and gearing close to accurate. Always check clearance, rim width compatibility and load rating before switching, and never mix constructions across an axle.
| Alternative size | Overall diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 155/65 R13 | 532 mm | -0.3% |
| 165/65 R13 | 545 mm | +2.2% |
| 155/70 R13 | 547 mm | +2.6% |
Tyre pressure for 145/70 R13
Correct pressure depends on your vehicle and load, not on the tyre size alone — always follow the placard inside the driver's door or the handbook. Typical car pressures fall between 30 and 36 psi. For psi-to-bar maths, the calculators at 247Calculators can help. A monthly check with an accurate gauge catches slow leaks before they wear the shoulders.
Recommended Accessories
FAQ
What does 145/70 R13 mean?
145/70 R13 means the tyre is 145 mm wide, its sidewall is 70% of that width (102 mm), and it fits a 13-inch wheel. The R stands for radial construction.
What is the overall diameter of a 145/70 R13 tyre?
About 533 mm (21.0 inches), computed from the size code: 13-inch rim plus two sidewalls of 102 mm. Actual measurements vary slightly by brand.
Can I fit a different size instead of 145/70 R13?
Only if the alternative stays within about ±3%% of the original overall diameter, fits your rim width, clears the bodywork and meets the placard's load and speed ratings. When in doubt, keep the placard size.
What pressure should 145/70 R13 tyres run at?
Pressure is set by the vehicle, not the tyre size — check the placard inside the driver's door or your handbook. Typical car values fall between 30 and 36 psi.
Related pages on this site
Last updated:
Data: computed reference values (ETRTO tyre-size arithmetic), build date 22 July 2026. Reference only — always follow your vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook.