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πŸ”˜Tire Size

Volkswagen Beetle Tire Size

Find the correct tire size for your Volkswagen Beetle. Covers all model years and trim levels with pressure specs and recommended brands.

Quick Answer

The Volkswagen Beetle tire size varies by trim level and model year. Common sizes include 205/55R16, 215/55R17, and 225/45R18 β€” see the full year-by-year breakdown below.

2014-2019

2014-2019
Common Tire Sizes215/55R17 or 225/45R18
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph) or V (149 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’TPMS sensors must be reprogrammed when swapping wheel sets

2008-2013

2008-2013
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’TPMS sensors must be reprogrammed when swapping wheel sets

2002-2007

2002-2007
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1996-2001

1996-2001
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1990-1995

1990-1995
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1984-1989

1984-1989
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1978-1983

1978-1983
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1972-1977

1972-1977
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1966-1971

1966-1971
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1960-1965

1960-1965
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1954-1959

1954-1959
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1948-1953

1948-1953
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1942-1947

1942-1947
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

1938-1941

1938-1941
Common Tire Sizes205/55R16 or 215/60R16
Tire Pressure (Front/Rear)32 - 36 PSI (check door jamb sticker)
Bolt Pattern5x100 or 5x114.3 (varies by model)
Speed RatingH (130 mph)
Notes
  • β†’Always match all four tires for size, speed rating, and load index
  • β†’Tire pressure specs are on the driver door jamb sticker, NOT the tire sidewall
  • β†’Winter tires should be the same size or one size narrower than stock
  • β†’Check if your model has TPMS β€” sensors need relearning after tire rotation

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tires does a Volkswagen Beetle use?
The Volkswagen Beetle tire size varies by trim level and model year. Base trims typically use smaller wheels (16") while higher trims use 17" or 18" wheels. Check the breakdown below for your specific year and trim.
What is the correct tire pressure for a Volkswagen Beetle?
Recommended tire pressure for the Volkswagen Beetle is typically 32-36 PSI. The exact specification is on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Do NOT use the "max pressure" number on the tire sidewall.
Can I put bigger tires on my Volkswagen Beetle?
You can typically go one size up in width (e.g., 215 to 225) without issues. Going up in diameter (e.g., 16" to 17") requires matching wheels and may affect speedometer accuracy. Extreme upsizing can cause rubbing and void warranty.
How often should I rotate Volkswagen Beetle tires?
Rotate your Volkswagen Beetle tires every 5,000-7,500 miles for even wear. Front-wheel drive vehicles wear front tires faster, so regular rotation is especially important.

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