Volkswagen Golf Tyres

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Classic VW Golf Tyres


1975 Golf GTi on CN36 Tyres

1975 Golf GTi on CN36 Tyres

Classic Golf MK1 Tyres 1974–1983


  • The base models of the MK1 VW Golf 1.1 L, N, C, CL, GL, Formel ’E’ and the 1.5 LD Diesel models fitted 145R13, 155R13 or 175/70R13 tyres.
  • The early Golf was fitted with 145 R13 tyres; we would suggest 145HR13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 145 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF.
  • If you desire wider tyres for a MK1 VW Golf 1.1 L, N, C, CL, GL, Formel ’E’ or 1.5 LD, we recommend fitting a set of 155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
  • The Golf 1.3 LS, GLS, C CL, and GL Golf 1.5 LS, GLS, S, C, CL, and GL, and the 1.6 LS and Diesel C fitted 155 R13 and 175/70 R13.
  • For these MK1 Golf models with 155 R13 tyres we would suggest a set of 155R13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 155 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF tyres.
  • The MK1 Golf GTi (Grand Tourisme Injection) and GLi (Grand Luxe Injection), both the 1.6 and 1.8 models and the MK1 Golf Turbo Diesel (1976) fitted 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tyres.
  • The image across shows a Golf GTi on PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tyres at the Frankfurt Motor Show, suggesting they were the most desirable tyres at the time.
  • Volkswagen Golf Wheels

    We also have a close-up view of the Golf's tyre and wheel construction.

  • For all MK1 Golfs fitting 5.5”X13” wheels we would suggest that the best choice is still the 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, as the CN36 was the tyre fitted by VW themselves.
  • The ideal innertube for 145 R13 tyres is the Michelin 13CG, 155 R13 tyres would best fit a Michelin 13D tube, and 175/70 R13 tyres would best fit a Michelin 13E innertube.
  • Our period fitment guides suggest that the Golf had tubeless wheels from 1976 (most likely from the start of manufacture, but we do not have a record of 1974-75 Golf wheels). Innertubes are not required for these wheels to function, so long as your wheel rims are still airtight.
  • There were also Michelin TRX options for MK1 Golf 180/65R340 or 190/55R365, neither of which are produced any more.
  • MK1 Golf tyre pressures: we suggest 26 psi in the front and 32 psi in the rear.
  • The VW Golf GTi MK1 tyre pressures on the front need a little more than 27 psi in the 1.8 Golf GTi model.

MK2 VW Golf Tyres 1984–1992


MK2 Golf Gti Tyres
  • The early 1.3 C Golf MK2 still fitted 155 R13 tyres, we would suggest the 155 HR 13 Michelin XAS FF.
  • The 1.6 and base 1.8 MK2 Golfs initially carried on with the 175/70 R13 tyre, but we would still suggest the 175/70 VR 13 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 as an ideal tyre.
  • In January 1984, a second-generation Jetta based on the Mk2 was introduced. There was no Mk2-based cabriolet variant; instead, the Mk1 Cabriolet was carried over for the duration of the Mk2's manufacturing life.
  • The Mk2 Golf GTi was introduced in 1985. From 1985 many of the more sporty models such as the Golf GTi Convertible, Golf GTi 16v fitted 14” wheels with 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyres.
  • Tyres with a profile below 70% (e.g 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2) should not fit innertubes.
  • Because there are so many classic VWs, such as the Jetta and the Scirocco, not to mention the majority of MK2 and MK3 Golf fit this size we are really pleased to offer the 185/60 VR 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyre for these cars.
  • The Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 is an excellent tyre that greatly benefits sporty youngtimer cars like a GTi Golf, alongside many other notable hot hatches such as the Ford Fiesta XR2 or Renault 5 Turbo. The technology used in its design allows for great road holding when cornering, utilising its competition-based compound and Variable Contact Patch, which increases the tread's contact with the ground as cornering efforts increase.


Modern Classic VW Golf MK3 tyres 1992 to 1998


Mk3 Golf VR6 Tyres

26 Items

    Volkswagen Golf Recommended Tyres



  1. Other Options for Volkswagen Golf Tyres


26 Items


Golf GTi Tyres


  • From 1976 both versions of the VW Golf GTi; the 1.6 GTi and the 1.8 litre GTi fitted 5.5” X13 wheels for which the 175/70VR13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 is perfect.
  • The MK2 Golf GTi 16 valve was introduced in 1985. The MK2 Golf GTi 16v and GTi Cabriolet fitted 185/60R14 Michelin tyres.
  • Currently Michelin make the 185/60R14 Pilot Exalto PE2 which is perfect for a MK2 Golf GTi.
  • From 1993 the MK3 Golf GTi and the 1994 Golf VR6 version of the GTi wants the 205/50R15 Pirelli Cinturato P7.

Wheel And Tyre Diagram Close-Up


VW Golf Classic Pirelli Tyres

PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 Tread Pattern


Independent Tyre Test - The Results

In the world of modern tyres it is commonplace to come across a tyre test. Sadly in the world of classic tyres, the investment never seems to be there to do a proper modern tyre test. However, a German magazine in July 2016 conducted this modern tyre test using classic tyres. This classic tyre test has been translated from German to English. What is remarkable in this tyre test is quite how well the PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 classic tyre performed in the table at the end. The scores in this table are not scored in relation to the other tyres in the test, so when a score of 1 is recorded, then that is a perfect score for a classic tyre or a modern tyre. It is wonderful to see that these classic PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 tyres can give such exemplary results.


History of the Volkswagen Golf


Built between 1974 and 1983, the Volkswagen Golf MK1 was intended as a modern front-wheel-drive hatchback replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle, being designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro (who had also designed the Lotus Esprit). Known as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the US, the Golf would go on to be the second biggest-selling model in the world and replace the high-volume sales of the Beetle for Volkswagen after sales of the Beetle started to tail off in 1970. In 1975, a sportier version of the Golf, the Golf GTI, was launched, which would retroactively be known as the first popular hot-hatch that would lead to competitors outfitting their own hatchbacks with high-performance packages too.


Golf MK2 Tyre Pressure 1993 Pirelli
1986 MK2 Golf GTI 8V Tyre Pressure and Fitment
1300 VW Golf MK2 Tyre Pressure and Fitment
Golf MK2 Tyre Pressures and Specification
MK1 Golf Tyre Pressure Pre 1984 Pirelli
Mk3 Golf Tyre Pressure Michelin 1994

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