Little by little, 13-inch tires are disappearing from the shelves of auto parts stores, and drivers have come across this surprising reality when looking for this size, which was once indispensable for popular cars. Is this the end of an era or just a natural change in the market? The fact is that finding 13-inch tires is becoming an increasingly complicated task, especially for owners of classic models such as the Fiat Mille, Chevrolet Celta and Ford Ka, which for years left the factory equipped with the famous 145/80 R13 tires.
In recent years, the trend towards vehicles with larger wheels has become more established, with manufacturers preferring 14 or even 15-inch rims, in search of greater stability and performance. Since 2022, even compact cars like the Volkswagen Gol have been coming with 15-inch wheels, signaling a definitive transition. The result? Demand for 13-inch tires has plummeted, and so has stock. As a result, drivers of older cars like the Fiat Mille, Chevrolet Celta or Ford Ka are facing the challenge of finding these sizes in stores, and those who do find them are already noticing the increase in prices.
Why are 13-inch tires disappearing?
The popularity of 13-inch tires began to decline when automakers realized that by increasing the size of wheels and tires, could improve vehicle stability and performance. This movement mainly favors newer models, with dimensions starting at 165 millimeters wide, which guarantee greater safety on the road. In cars without power steering, however, switching to larger tires can be uncomfortable, as it makes steering heavier, requiring greater effort on the part of the driver.
Still, for drivers with older vehicles, opting for wider tires can be a good alternative, although there is a price: fuel consumption tends to increase. This reality leads many to rethink their choices, weighing up stability and economy. It is a decision that not only affects their wallet, but also their day-to-day driving.
- Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0 FLEX 2022 stands out for its durability and economy, with a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine with 177 hp and average consumption reaching 13,5 km/l on gasoline
- Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid 2020: The sedan that does up to 19,5 km/l in the city and offers 7 airbags for R$125 thousand!
- In the R$20 range, Chevrolet delights demanding drivers with a popular, reliable and inexpensive car to maintain
- New RAM Dakota pickup truck arrives to shake up the pickup market: direct rival to Hilux and Ranger promises impressive performance and economical consumption of up to 13 km/l!
Alternatives and solutions for drivers who prefer 13-inch tires
A The good news is that all is not lost.. Some traditional brands, such as Goodyear, Pirelli and Continental, continue to produce 13-inch tires, although in smaller quantities. Goodyear, for example, launched the Assurance MaxLife model, aimed at those who still seek this type of tire. Pirelli and Continental, in turn, adapt their production lines to meet Brazilian demand, with models in 13 and 14-inch sizes.
Drivers who can’t find 13-inch tires in physical stores can explore virtual alternatives. Often, contacting manufacturers directly or exploring online stores is an efficient solution to securing the desired model. This helps ensure that the ideal model, both in size and quality, is still available, especially for those who don’t plan on changing their car any time soon.
As time goes by, the gradual disappearance of 13-inch tires raises questions about the useful life of many popular cars in Brazil. Although the transition to larger tires is a reality that is here to stay, there is hope for drivers who still rely on the classics rim 13.
Measurement 145?? In the Celta???? I've seen 165/70 13 175/70 13, 145 and in the Beetle