Vauxhall Cavalier Tyres
MK1 Ford Cavalier GLS
Vauxhall Cavalier 1975–1995
MK1 Vauxhall Cavalier Tyres (1975–1981)
- Most Mk1 Cavalier models, including the 1.3 Base, 1.3L, 1.6L, GL, GLS, 1.9L, GL, & GLS Saloons, were fitted with either 165 R13 tyres on 5" wheels, or 185/70 R13 tyres on 5.5" wheels.
- OE tyre brands included Michelin, Dunlop, and Semperit.
- Certain models, including the Cavalier Coupe 1900 and 2.0 Coupe models, exclusively fitted 185/70 R13 tyres.
- Our recommended MK1 Cavalier 165 R13 tyre is the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36. Our recommended 185/70 R13 Cavalier tyre is the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- The 165 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF is also an excellent Cavalier tyre option in the 165 R13 size.
- Some models offered 205/50 R15 tyres as a special order upgrade. If you have one of these models, the best tyre today is the 205/50 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7.
- 195/70 R13 tyres were available as a special order upgrade. Currently there is not a proper classic tyre made in this size. If you have a cavalier with 195/70 R13 tyres we suggest moving down to 185/70 R13 tyres and fitting the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
MK2 Ford Cavalier GLS
MK2 Vauxhall Cavalier Tyres (1981–1988)
- Second-generation 1.3 Base Cavalier models (and some 1.6 Base cars) fitted 155 R13 tyres. In this size, we can recommend the 155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or the 155 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF.
- The 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 could be fitted as a low-profile alternative to 155R13 tyres.
- MK2 cavalier Saloon models, including the 1.3L and 1.3GL, 1.6L, GL, GLS, and 1.9 L, GL, and GLS, remained with either 165 R13 or 185/70 R13 tyres. We recommend the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 and 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, respectively.
- Coupe models like the 2.0 Coupe fitted 185/70 R13 tyres, for which we recommend the 185/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- Top-spec models like the Cavalier 1.8i SRi, 2.0i SRi, LX, and LXi 130 fitted 195/60 R14 tyres.
- Our recommended 195/60 R14 Cavalier tyre is the 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A.
1990 MK3 Vauxhll Cavalier GSi 2000
MK3 Vauxhall Cavalier Tyres (1988–1995)
- Basic Cavalier models, including the Cavalier 1.4 Base, 1.6 Base, 1.4L, and 1.6L, fitted 165 R13 tyres, of which we recommend the 165R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
- Some mid-range models, including the Cavalier 1.6GL, 1.7D L, & 1.7D GL, fitted 175/70 R14 tyres. 175/70 R14 tyres are a budget modern size, not yet in the classic range.
- Higher-spec Cavalier models such as the Cavalier SRi, 1.8L, GL, 2.0L, GL, and CD fitted 195/60 R14 tyres. The best MK3 Cavalier tyre in this size is the 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A.
- Some basic Cavalier models were fitted with 14" wheels and 175/70 R14 or 195/70 R14 tyres. If you have 14" wheels, we recommend the 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A.
- Cavalier 4x4 models fitted either 175/70 R14 tyres or 195/60 R14 tyres. We suggest a set of 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A tyres.
- The 2.5-litre V6 Diplomat model fitted 195/60 R15 tyres; in this size the 195/60 VR 15 Michelin Pilot Primacy 3 is the ideal Cavalier V6 Diplomat tyre.
- Top-spec models like the Cavalier 2.0i 16V GSi and GSi 4x4 fitted 205/55 R15 tyres. This size is still common at modern tyre shops.
- From April 1994, the 2.0 Turbo 4x4 fitted 205/50 R16 tyres. This size is sadly not yet in the classic range.
For all Cavalier models with 175/70 R14 tyres, we suggest switching to 195/60 R14 and fitting the 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A.
Vauxhall Cavalier Innertubes
- The Vauxhall Cavalier came with tubeless wheels and tyres. However, you can fit an innertube if needed.
- For 155 R13 and 165 R13 classic tyres, the Michelin 13D is the correct size of innertube. 175/70 VR 13 and 185/70 VR 13 tyres can fit a Michelin 13E innertube.
- Tyres with a profile below 70% (e.g 195/60 VR 14 Michelin MXV3-A) should not fit innertubes.
The Vauxhall Cavalier had three generations: the first (1975–1981) was based on the Opel Ascona B/ Opel Manta with minor visual differences. The second (1981–1988) was essentially identical to the Opel Ascona C; and the third generation (1988–1995) was based on the Opel Vectra A.
History of the Vauxhall Cavalier
Built between 1975-1995 the Vauxhall Cavalier was a restyled version of the second generation Opel Ascona with the "Drop-snout" nose of the Opel Manta. Over 250,000 would be sold, though by 2009 there were just 373 registered remaining. When Airey Neave; the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, was assassinated it was by a car bomb placed underneath a MK 1 Vauxhall Cavalier whilst leaving the Palace of Westminster. This is however the only notable example of a Vauxhall Cavalier exploding unexpectedly.
A: The majority of Vauxhall Cavalier fitted 185/70R13 tyres. The Pirelli Cinturato CN36 was a tyre that some Vauxhalls of the period fitted and they are still produced by Pirelli today. However, in 1983 the 1.8-litre fuel injection model the Cavalier SRi fitted 14” wheels with 195/60R14 tyres. Fortunately, Michelin currently make an MXV3-A.