Volkswagen Beetle Tire Pressures

To buy tires for your Volkswagen Beetle see our Volkswagen Beetle Tires page.

Volkswagen Beetle in Black

Tire pressure for a VW Beetle ranges from 16-28 PSI depending on the year and 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 VW Beetle originally fitted 5.00/5.25 x 16 crossply tires. In this size we offer the Avon Tourist. Depending on your intended use, we recommend either the 155 TR 15 Michelin or the 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX. All these tires are currently in production.
To find out more information on VW Beetle tires follow the link to our VW Beetle Tire Section.

Volkswagen Beetle Tires

Volkswagen Beetle Tire Recommendations Video

VW Beetle Tires

The first edition VW Beetles used 16" wheels. The best crossply tire for them is the 5.00/5.25 x 16 Avon Tourist.

The OE VW Beetle tire was a 560 - 15 crossply; there is no ideal crossply tire for the Beetle. If you desire a crossply in this size we would offer the 5.60 x 15 Firestone, however we would recommend fitting a radial tire instead.

For agile and light handling, the optimum road tires for a beetle would be 155 TR 15 Michelin X, however if you will be spending time doing long-distance dual carriageway driving, we would instead recommend the 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX.

Later models such as the 1303, the Super Beetle, and similar vehicles feature bigger 5.5" wheels that fit 175/70-15 tires. This size allows you to fit the fantastic 175/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tires.

Volkswagen Beetle California Look

VW Beetle Whitewall Tires

We are happy to be able to offer a selection of white wall tires for a Beetle, but we would suggest that the best VW Beetle tires are the 165R15 Michelin XZX Whitewall. These are perfect for the Volkswagen Beetle owner who wants to embellish their car with a white wall tire, while still having a period quality classic car tire. Often with white walls people have to choose between fashion and quality rubber, with the 165 Michelin XZX whitewall you can have both, without breaking the bank!

Beetle California Look

During the original production of the Beetle some people liked the "Cal Look" where the rear tires were larger than the front. In period the Michelin X, ZX or XZX were used. This appearance can be realised by fitting the Michelin 165SR15 XZX on the rear and 145 SR 15 Michelin XZX or 135 SR 15 Michelin ZX to the front.

Volkswagen 1303 Super Beetle on 175/70 R 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 Tyres

Volkswagen Beetle Innertubes

Innertubes are required in crossply tires, but are not necessary for most radial tires, however they can still be a good option compared to going tubeless. When it comes to innertubes, Michelin make the best in the business, they are almost always the tubes we recommend. For the 15" tires above, the ideal tube is the Michelin 15E innertube, and for the suggested 16" tire the Michelin 16E innertube will fit best.

Volkswagen Beetle Borrani Wire Wheels

Some Volkswagen Beetle vehicles were outfitted with wire wheels, and Longstone is lucky to deal with the best in the business. Ruote Borrani Milano has supplied wire wheels to a number of well-known automakers throughout the years, including Jaguar, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. Borrani surpasses all other wire wheel makers in a variety of ways. Borrani wheels weigh one-quarter the weight of steel wire wheels because of their aluminium rims, and they are made in Italy to the highest standards. Borrani wheels are the ideal method to dress up your Volkswagen Beetle and contribute to its classic appearance. Click the Borrani link at the top of the page to go to their website.

Volkswagen Beetle Tire Pressure

At Longstone we have sourced a variety of tire fitment guides ranging from the pre-war era to modern-classic cars, including fitment and tire pressure suggestions from top tire manufacturers such as Michelin and Pirelli. These guides can inform your crossply tire pressure and radial tire pressure choices. See below for the relevant fitment guide/s.