What size tires are on a Ford Falcon?
There isn’t a single tire size that fits every Ford Falcon. Tire size varies by model year, market, and trim. To know the exact size for a specific Falcon, check the door placard, the owner’s manual, or the original build or window sticker.
Why tire sizes vary across the Falcon family
The Ford Falcon name spans multiple generations and regions—from early US-market sedans of the 1960s to long-running Australian models that stretched into the 2010s. Each generation often used different wheel diameters and tire widths to suit design goals, safety standards, and available wheels. Because of this variety, a Falcon’s tire size is not universal and can change from one year or market to the next.
To determine the correct size for a specific car, start with official documentation and the vehicle itself. The following sources help ensure you’re using the right size for your exact Falcon:
- Door jamb placard on the driver’s side, which lists the recommended tire size and inflation pressures for the vehicle as built.
- Sidewall markings on one of the installed tires, which show the size in formats like P205/65R15 or 205/65R15.
- Owner’s manual or factory service manual that specifies original equipment tires by model and year.
- VIN/build sheet or original window sticker, which can be obtained from a dealership or archived records for references to the factory specification.
- Notes on aftermarket wheels or tires, since changes may require adjustments to fitment and clearance.
- Guidance on upgrades that keep the overall rolling diameter within a safe range to preserve speedometer accuracy and handling.
Keeping these sources in mind helps ensure you match the intended factory setup or choose a safe, compatible replacement when upgrading wheels or tires.
Formats and what you’ll see on a Falcon tire
Tire sizes are written in a few common formats. Knowing these formats helps you verify compatibility between tires and wheels on a Falcon. Below are typical formats you may encounter, with examples that illustrate the standard patterns:
- P-metric sizes, which begin with a “P” and are common on passenger cars (e.g., P205/65R15).
- Metric sizes without the “P” (e.g., 205/65R15), often found on non-U.S. markets or certain older tires.
- Wide or low-profile variants (e.g., 225/50R17 or 235/45R17) used with larger wheels on newer or sport-oriented trims.
- LT (light-truck) sizes, which may appear on specialized or heavier-duty variants (e.g., LT225/75R16), though less common on standard passenger Falcons.
When shopping for replacements, always compare the exact size markings on the sidewall of your current tires and cross-check with the vehicle placard or manual to ensure compatibility.
How to choose or change tire sizes safely
If you’re upgrading or changing wheel sizes on a Ford Falcon, consider how the new tires will affect the car’s performance, clearance, and instrumentation. Use the following guidelines to make a safe choice:
- Keep the overall rolling diameter within a small percentage of the original to maintain speedometer accuracy and gearing feel.
- Match the load index and speed rating to or above the OEM specifications to ensure proper performance and safety.
- Confirm wheel width and offset won’t cause rubbing on fenders, suspension components, or brake calipers.
- Check steering clearance and full-lock clearance at the front and ensure there is no contact under compression or during suspension travel.
- Consider brake and ABS compatibility, especially if switching to larger or wider tires.
- Choose a tire type appropriate for your climate and driving style, and consult a tire professional if you’re unsure about fitment.
Following these steps helps you avoid common fitment problems and keeps your Falcon driving as intended by the manufacturer.
Typical wheel sizes by era (guidance)
Across the Falcon family, wheel sizes have evolved with each generation and market. The following guidance offers a general sense of how sizes shifted over time, though exact specifications vary by model and year:
- Early US-market Falcons (1960s) typically used smaller wheels with narrower tires, reflecting the era’s road and handling design.
- Australian Falcons from the late 20th century moved toward mid-sized wheels, with a progression from smaller 14-inch wheels to larger 15- to 17-inch options on newer trims.
- Modern Australian Falcons (toward the end of the production run) commonly featured larger wheels, frequently 16- or 17-inch designs, depending on the model and option package.
Because exact sizes depend on the specific model and production year, always confirm with the car’s official documentation or its tire placard before purchasing replacements or upgrading wheels.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to “what size tires are on a Ford Falcon.” Tire sizes vary by model year and market, so the only reliable method is to check the vehicle’s door placard, owner’s manual, or the original window sticker or build sheet. When replacing or upgrading, ensure the new tires maintain a similar overall diameter, have appropriate load and speed ratings, and fit without rubbing. If in doubt, consult a tire or wheel professional who can verify compatibility for your specific Falcon configuration.
What size wheels were on the first Ford Falcon?
-The earlier Ford Falcons built from 1960 (Falcon types XK, XL, XM and XP) were fitted with 13" wheels and the radial tyre to fit is the our 185/70VR13 size, on their 4.5J wheel rims.
What wheels fit on a Falcon?
Ford: Falcon, AU to FG, 1999 Onwards
| Wheel | Sizes (Inches) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Outlaw - Small Cap | 16x8, 17x8 | Satin Black |
| Raptor - Small Cap | 16x8, 17x8, 18x8 | Satin Black All Over |
| Shaker | 18x8 | Black Mach-Face |
| Stealth - Small Cap | 17x8 | Satin Black |
What size Tyres are on a Ford Falcon XT?
Tyre Size: 215/60R16 95V Front & Rear.
What is my factory tire size?
You can find your car's original tire size on the driver-side doorjamb sticker or in the owner's manual. Other common locations include the fuel filler door, glovebox, or inside the rear passenger door. The most reliable method is to check the driver's side doorjamb, as it lists the specific OE (Original Equipment) tire size, pressure, and other important details.
Where to look for your tire size
- Driver's side doorjamb: This is the most common and reliable place to find the information on a sticker.
- Owner's manual: Your car's owner's manual will have a section dedicated to its specifications, including the original tire size.
- Other locations: Check the fuel filler door, inside the glovebox, or the inside frame of the rear passenger door.
How to read the tire size
Once you've found the sticker, you'll see a string of numbers and letters, such as 205/55R16205 / 55 cap R 16205/55𝑅16.
- 205205205: This is the width of the tire in millimeters.
- 555555: This is the aspect ratio, which is the tire's sidewall height as a percentage of its width.
- Rcap R𝑅: This indicates the tire's construction, which is radial in this case.
- 161616: This is the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire fits on.
