255/50R16 tires

Prices, best picks and current deals for 255/50R16, a common size on performance cars. It fits the Chevrolet Corvette C4, Buick GNX and more.

What 255/50R16 tires cost

Prices are per tire, before mounting and balancing. A set of four in the mid range comes to roughly $893 to $893, and a brand rebate can take another $50 to $110 off, see this month's deals.

See every 255/50R16 tire in stock at SimpleTire

About the 255/50R16 size

The early C4 Corvette size, P255/50VR16 on all four corners of a 1984-1991 base car, and the rear of the 1987 GNX set. Like the IROC-Z size the original was a Goodyear Gatorback and it is gone. Michelin's Collection range still lists a classic Pilot Sport in this size, which is the closest thing to a correct-period premium tire; below that you are into value brands. No bias or whitewall relevance. Two practical notes: buy all four the same, because a C4 is sensitive to mismatched grip, and remember that 1988 and later cars with the Z51 package moved to 17 in, so check the wheel before ordering.

What the numbers on the sidewall mean

A 255/50R16 tire is 255 millimeters wide, its sidewall is 50 percent of that (about 5.0 inches tall), and it mounts on a 16-inch wheel. That works out to an overall diameter of roughly 26 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.

In this size our picks are marked 99V on the Yokohama Avid H4s/V4s (1,709 lb per tire, rated to 149 mph). The first number is the load index, the letter the speed rating; a tire with equal or higher values than your placard is fine, a lower one is not.

Our guide on reading a tire size walks through the markings, and this one lists every load index and speed code.

What 255/50R16 tires cost across the whole range

Of the 2 tires listed in this size, 1 are in stock today. The median is $223.23; a third of the tires cost $223.23 or less, and the top five percent start above $223.23. Those are per-tire prices before mounting and balancing, which adds $15 to $45 per tire at most shops, read from the retailer's feed Nov 13, 2026.

Vehicles that use 255/50R16

• Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984-1991, base 16 in)
• Buick GNX (1987, rear)

Other years and wheel packages of the same models came on 245/50R16, 255/45R17 or 285/40R17 instead, so read the placard inside the driver's door before you order.

Which type of 255/50R16 tire?

Frequently asked questions

How much do 255/50R16 tires cost?

Expect $223–$223 per tire for a budget brand, $223–$223 for a mid-range tire like the Yokohama Avid H4s/V4s, and $223–$223 for a premium tire like the Michelin Pilot Sport (Michelin Collection). A set of four therefore starts at about $893. Add roughly $15 to $45 per tire for mounting and balancing.

What vehicles use 255/50R16 tires?

255/50R16 is original equipment on Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984-1991, base 16 in) and Buick GNX (1987, rear), 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 255/50R16 tire?

For most drivers our mid-range pick, the Yokohama Avid H4s/V4s, 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 Pilot Sport (Michelin Collection) is worth the extra. On a tight budget the Nankang NS-2 is a sound choice.

Can I replace just one or two 255/50R16 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.