185R14 tires
Prices, best picks and current deals for 185R14, a common size on minivans. It fits the Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia, Volkswagen Vanagon and more.
Yes, this fits your Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia. 185R14 is the original size on the 1971-1979 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia.
The sticker inside the driver's door is still the final word, because trim and wheel package can change the size. Back to every Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia size.
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
The strongest wet and snow braking and the longest tread life among what is stocked in this size. Worth it if you keep the car.
Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing. 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.
This size is not in our retailer's product feed, so these are typical ranges across the US online sellers, checked by hand rather than pulled live. Treat them as a guide to what is reasonable, and let the button below show what the size actually costs today.
See every 185R14 tire in stock at SimpleTire
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.
What the numbers on the sidewall mean
A 185R14 tire is 185 millimeters wide, its sidewall is 80 percent of that (about 5.8 inches tall), and it mounts on a 14-inch wheel. That works out to an overall diameter of roughly 25.7 inches. Every replacement has to match all three numbers, and the load index and speed rating on the placard inside the driver's door have to be met or exceeded.
Our guide on reading a tire size walks through the markings, and this one lists every load index and speed code.
Vehicles that use 185R14
- Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (1968-1979)
- Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia (1971-1979)
- Volkswagen Vanagon (1980-1991, 14 in)
Other years and wheel packages of the same models came on 185R15 instead, so read the placard inside the driver's door before you order.
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. A set of four therefore starts at about $360. 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.