185R14 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 185R14, a minivans size fitted to Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia, Volkswagen Vanagon and more.
What 185R14 tires cost
Hankook Radial RA08
Lowest price that still brakes and wears acceptably. Fine for a second car or low annual mileage.
Vredestein Sprint Classic
The value sweet spot: long mileage warranty, solid wet grip, sane price.
Michelin XZX
Best wet and snow braking, quietest ride, longest tread life. Worth it if you keep the car.
Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing, based on what the big US online retailers charge for this size. A set of four in the mid range comes to roughly $460 to $620, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.
About the 185R14 size
Full-profile 185R14, that is 185/80R14, the factory size for the bay-window Type 2 and the early water-cooled Vanagon. Buy the C-load (8PR, load index 102/100) commercial version, not a passenger-car 185R14: a loaded bus is close to its axle limits and the reinforced casing is what the original Michelin XZX and Continental van tires provided. Whitewalls exist only as Coker or Diamond Back conversions. There is no reason to run bias here even on a judged bus. Speed ratings are low (R or S, 106-112 mph) which is irrelevant in a vehicle that runs out of breath at 70.
The numbers mean: 185 mm section width, sidewall height 80 % of that width, and a 14-inch rim. Overall diameter works out to about 25.7 inches. Any replacement has to match all three, and the load index and speed rating on your door sticker must be met or exceeded. Our guide on reading a tire size walks through it.
Vehicles that use 185R14
- Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (1968-1979)
- Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia (1971-1979)
- Volkswagen Vanagon (1980-1991, 14 in)
Confirm on the door-jamb sticker before ordering. Optional wheel packages often change the size within the same model.
Which type of 185R14 tire?
All-Season Tires
Drivers in the South, West Coast and mild parts of the Midwest who want one set of tires that lasts a long time and is quiet.
All-Weather Tires
Drivers in snow-belt states who want one set of tires with proven snow traction and no seasonal swap.
Winter Tires
Anyone in the northern US, Canada-border states or mountain regions where snow and ice are on the roads for weeks at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How much do 185R14 tires cost?
Expect $90–$110 per tire for a budget brand, $115–$155 for a mid-range tire like the Vredestein Sprint Classic, and $160–$250 for a premium tire like the Michelin XZX. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.
What vehicles use 185R14 tires?
185R14 is original equipment on Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (1968-1979), Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia (1971-1979) and Volkswagen Vanagon (1980-1991, 14 in), among others. Always confirm with the sticker inside your driver's door, because trim levels and wheel packages can change the size.
What is the best 185R14 tire?
For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Vredestein Sprint Classic, is the sweet spot of price and tread life. If you keep the vehicle a long time or drive in heavy rain and snow, the Michelin XZX is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Hankook Radial RA08 is a sound choice.
Can I replace just one or two 185R14 tires?
On a front- or rear-wheel-drive car, yes: replace in pairs on the same axle and put the newer pair on the rear. On all-wheel-drive vehicles most makers want all four replaced together, or a new tire shaved to match, because a difference in circumference strains the drivetrain.