What size tyres are on a Ford Escort?
Tyre sizes for the Ford Escort vary by model year, market, and trim, so there is no single size that applies to all versions. In general, Escort tyres have ranged from 13 to 16 inches in wheel diameter, with widths roughly from 165 mm to 205 mm and aspect ratios around 65–70.
To be sure of the exact size for your specific car, verify the information on the tyre sidewall, the door jamb placard, or the owner's manual. The tyre size is written in a format such as 195/65R15, where the first number is width in millimetres, the second is aspect ratio (profile as percentage of width), and the R indicates radial construction, followed by the wheel diameter in inches.
Understanding the variability
Across decades and different markets, Ford offered a variety of wheel sizes. 13-inch wheels were common on early Escorts and base trims, with 14-inch and later 15-inch options introduced as technology and styling evolved. Some markets also offered 16-inch wheels on sportier trims or later models, but availability depended on the exact model year and region.
How to determine the correct tyre size
Use these steps to confirm the exact size for your vehicle.
- Check the door jamb placard on the driver's side; it lists the recommended tyre size and inflation pressure. This is the quickest way to confirm the factory specification for your trim and market.
- Inspect the tyre sidewall for a size code such as 195/65R15; the numbers indicate width, profile, and wheel diameter and show the size currently fitted to that wheel.
- Consult the owner's manual or the original tyre/wheel package; the document will specify the intended size for your model year and market.
- If you need a definitive answer for a VIN-specific build, contact a Ford dealer or use official Ford service resources or reputable parts retailers to pull the original specification.
Following these steps helps ensure you select tyres that fit correctly, perform as expected, and maintain speedometer accuracy.
Typical tyre size ranges across Escort generations
Here are representative ranges you might encounter on common Escort variants, noting that exact size depends on trim and market:
- 13-inch wheels: commonly 165/70R13 or 165/65R13; some base models used 155/80R13 on very early versions.
- 14-inch wheels: commonly 185/60R14 or 185/65R14; a frequent configuration on mid-era European Escorts.
- 15-inch wheels: commonly 195/60R15 or 205/60R15; usual on later European trims and some US variations.
- 16-inch wheels: commonly 205/55R16 or 205/50R16; seen on sportier or more recent variants and some market-specific releases.
Note: wheel size and tyre width vary by market and model year; always verify with the placard or manual for your specific car, particularly if you are considering wheel upgrades or summer/winter tyre changes.
Upgrading tyres and wheels
Considerations when increasing wheel size
Upgrading to larger wheels or wider tyres can affect ride quality, clearance, speedometer accuracy, and the car's handling characteristics. If you replace wheels with a larger diameter, you may also need to adjust tyre aspect ratio to maintain the overall rolling circumference and avoid braking or suspension clearance issues. Always ensure the overall diameter remains within plus/minus a few percent of the original specification; consult a professional if in doubt.
Summary
Ford Escort tyre sizes are not universal and depend on the generation, market, and trim. The most reliable way to know the correct size for your specific car is to check the door placard, the owner's manual, and the current tyre sidewall, and to be mindful of how upgrades might affect fit and performance. Typical setups have ranged from 13 to 16-inch wheels, with widths roughly between 165 mm and 205 mm and aspect ratios around 65–70, varying by era and region.
