Understanding the 195/45R13 Tire Size

The tire size 195/45R13 is a common specification for certain compact cars and classic vehicles. Here's a breakdown of what each part of this designation means:
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195 - This is the tire's width in millimeters. It indicates that the tire is 195 mm wide.
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45 - This is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tire's width. In this case, the sidewall height is 45% of 195 mm.
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R - This denotes radial construction, which is the standard for most modern tires.
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13 - This is the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
How to Convert 195/45R13 Into Inches
Converting the 195/45R13 tire size from metric to imperial measurements involves a few calculations:
Width Conversion
The width of the tire is 195 mm. To convert this to inches:
Width in inches = 195 mm ÷ 25.4 = 7.68 inches
Sidewall Height Calculation
The sidewall height is 45% of the tire's width:
Sidewall height = 195 mm × 0.45 = 87.75 mm
Convert to inches:
Sidewall height in inches = 87.75 mm ÷ 25.4 = 3.45 inches
Overall Diameter Calculation
The overall diameter of the tire can be calculated as follows:
Overall diameter = (2 × Sidewall height) + Wheel diameter
Overall diameter in inches = (2 × 3.45) + 13 = 19.9 inches
Detailed Conversion Table

Measurement |
Metric (mm) |
Imperial (inches) |
Width |
195 mm |
7.68 inches |
Sidewall Height |
87.75 mm |
3.45 inches |
Overall Diameter |
505.9 mm |
19.9 inches |
Quick Conversion Tips
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1 inch = 25.4 mm
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For quick estimates, remember that 195 mm is approximately 7.7 inches wide.
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Sidewall height can be quickly estimated by multiplying the width by the aspect ratio and converting to inches.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
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Load Index: Typically ranges from 75 to 82, indicating a load capacity of 853 to 1,047 lbs per tire.
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Speed Rating: Usually T (118 mph) or H (130 mph).
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Recommended Tire Pressure: 32-35 PSI (220-240 kPa).
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Tread Depth: Generally around 8-10/32 inches.
Compatible Vehicles for 195/45R13
The 195/45R13 tire size is commonly found on compact cars and certain classic vehicles. Here are some examples:
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Volkswagen Golf Mk1 (1974-1983)
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Ford Fiesta (1976-1983)
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Honda Civic (1972-1979)
These tires are suitable for vehicles designed to accommodate a smaller wheel diameter and lower profile tire, enhancing handling and performance.
Size Comparison and Alternatives
When considering alternative tire sizes, it's important to stay within a 3% variance in overall diameter to maintain speedometer accuracy and vehicle handling. Here are some alternatives:
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175/50R13 - Offers a slightly narrower width and similar diameter.
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205/40R13 - Provides a wider stance with a similar overall diameter.
FAQ Section
What is the recommended tire pressure for 195/45R13 tires?
The recommended tire pressure for 195/45R13 tires typically ranges from 32 to 35 PSI (220 to 240 kPa). Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and optimal performance.
Can I use a different tire size than 195/45R13?
Yes, you can use a different tire size, but it's important to ensure that the overall diameter remains within a 3% variance to avoid affecting the vehicle's handling and speedometer accuracy. Common alternatives include 175/50R13 and 205/40R13.
What is the width and height of a 195/45R13 tire?
The width of a 195/45R13 tire is 195 mm (7.68 inches), and the sidewall height is 87.75 mm (3.45 inches). These dimensions contribute to the tire's overall diameter of 505.9 mm (19.9 inches).