Citroen 2CV Tire Pressures
To find tires for your Citroen 2CV see our Citroen 2CV Tires page.
- The Longstone recommended tire pressures for a Citroen 2CV is 20 PSI on the front and 26 PSI on the back.
- According to historic fitment guides; tire pressure for a Citroen 2CV ranges from 17-26 PSI depending on the specific model, the type of tires that you decide to fit, and pressure differences for front and rear tires.
- To find the ideal tire pressures for your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guide.
- The Citroen 2CV originally fitted 125 R 400 Michelin X. Later the Citroen 2CV moved onto 125 SR 15 Michelin X, both of which are available today.
- To find out more information on Citroen 2CV tires follow the link to our Citroen 2CV Tire Section.
Canvas Top 2CV on 125-15 Michelin X Tires
Recommended Tire Pressures for a Citroen 2CV
Below we have some Period Tire Fitments from Michelin, the older fitment guides aren't up to date with modern tire compounds and road speeds. Knowing this we have altered a few of the tire pressures you can see below in the tables. With the increase in carcase structure quality over the years from Michelin tires, you are able to put in higher pressures into your tires. If you put too little pressure into your tires you are likely to have a blowout hence why we've increased some of these dated tire pressures.
Recommended Tire Pressure for Citroen 2CV and 2CV6
| Tire | Front Tire Pressure (PSI/BAR) | Back Tire Pressure (PSI/BAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 125 - 15 Michelin X | 20 / 1.4 | 26 / 1.8 |
| 135 - 15 Michelin XZX | 20 / 1.4 | 26 / 1.8 |
| 125 - 400 Michelin X | 20 / 1.4 | 26 / 1.8 |
| 135 - 400 Michelin X | 20 / 1.4 | 26 / 1.8 |
Original Deux Chevaux Tires
Citroen 2CV Tires Explained
In 1946, Michelin patented the radial tire. The early Ripple Bonnet 2CV was one of the first cars to come as standard with radial tires. Radial tires were very expensive back then, but their dramatically increased longevity made them cost effective when compared to crossply tires. This 125mm section X radial tire was an essential component of what made the 2CV such a revolutionary vehicle. When Michelin first created the radial tire, it was only designed to fit 400mm wheels in a world where all other wheels were measured in inches. As a result, the first 2CV tires were known as 125-400 Michelin X.
By 1960, other tire manufacturers, including Pirelli, were producing radial tires for wheel sizes measured in inches. As a result, Michelin followed suit, and the 2 CV began to use 125SR15 Michelin X tires on 15-inch wheels. They still had the Michelin X carcass structure, which is critical to the 2CV. However, being French, Michelin couldn't bear the idea of having their sizes in inches, so the the first 125 - 15 Michelin X 2CV tires were measured in millimetres, therefore the original description printed on the side of the 1960s 2CV tires was 125 SR 380 Michelin X; because 15 inches = 380mm.
In short, the original tires on a 1962 2CV were a 125 SR 15 Michelin X, but at the time, the same tire would have been labelled 125 – 380 Michelin X on the sidewall.
1989 Citroen 2CV Dolly
Michelin X Tires
The 125 - 15 Michelin X is the only tire that should be fitted to the Deux Chevaux; the carcase structure is unique and, when combined with the square-shouldered thin tread, is a vital part of the car's suspension and steering geometry. The 2CV and 125 - R15 Michelin X tires were designed to complement one another.
Citroen 2CV Whitewall Tires
For fashion conscious drivers Michelin have released the 125 R 15 X with a whitewall, allowing for style without compromising on tire quality.
Citroen 2CV Mud & Snow Tires
Michelin also produces the 135SR15 Michelin X M+S (mud and snow) tire for off-roaders and Alpine climbers.
1974 Citroen 2CV
From 1960 to the end of 2CV production, the best, and only tire for a Citroen 2 CV has to be the 125 SR 15 Michelin X.
Alternative 2CV Tires
Citroen 2CV Pickup
Michelin produces a 135 SR 15 Michelin ZX for general road use. However, with a large footprint, a tall carcass, and an incorrectly shaped tread pattern, the 135 and ZX are not right for the car.
There are numerous cheap 2CV Citroen tires on the market. These tires, however, are nowhere near the quality of the Michelin X. For a unique car such as the 2CV, using any tire other than the one it was specifically designed for would have a big negative impact on performance, handling, and driving experience.
When the 2CV was created, it was uniquely designed to fit the Michelin X, as Citroen was owned by Michelin at the time. The Michelin X's carcass design and structure differ from that of other tires, particularly modern tires, and it is this carcass structure that is essential to the steering and suspension of Citroen's little old Deux Chevaux.
In Summary...
- The Early Ripple Bonnet 2CV require the Michelin X 125 R 400.
- The correct innertube for this tire is the Michelin 16C Offset Valve innertube.
- After 1960, Deux Chevaux require 125 SR 15 Michelin X tires.
- This tire can be fitted with Michelin 15CB Offset Valve innertubes.
- It is crucial to install Michelin X tires on all Citroen 2CV vehicles.
Citroen 2CV Tire Pressure & Fitment Guides
1968 Citroen 2CV Tire Pressures by Michelin
| Model | Recommended Tire | Tire Pressure PSI F/R |
|---|---|---|
| 2CV | 125 - 15X | 16/20 |
| 2CV | 125 - 15X | 18/20 |
| 2CV | 125 - 400X | 18/20 |
1980 Citroen 2CV Tire Pressures by Michelin
| Model | Recommended Tire | Tire Pressure PSI F/R |
|---|---|---|
| 2CV & 2CV6 | 125 - 15X | 20/26 |
1987 Citroen 2CV Tire Pressures by Michelin
| Model | Recommended Tire | Tire Pressure PSI F/R |
|---|---|---|
| 2CV6 Special & Charleston | 125 - 15X | 20/26 |
