Shoppers searching for whitewall tires for sale usually want one of two things: a period-correct look for a classic car, or a clean retro finish on a daily driver, trailer, or custom build. Either way, the search gets confusing fast. Sizes are limited, whitewall widths vary from thin pinstripes to bold three-inch bands, and not every retailer stocks what the listing photo suggests.

This guide breaks the process into plain steps. It covers where to buy, which sizes exist, how new and used options compare, what prices look like, and how to keep the white band bright once the tires are mounted.

What Are Whitewall Tires?

Whitewall tires have a white band on the sidewall, usually a ring around the wheel opening. The band is made from a white rubber compound bonded into the sidewall during manufacturing, so it is part of the tire rather than paint or a sticker.

A Short History of the White Sidewall

Early tires were pale because natural rubber is light in color. Manufacturers began adding carbon black in the early 1900s because it made rubber tougher and longer lasting, and tires turned black. Whitewalls came back as a style feature, when makers added a strip of white rubber to the sidewall. The look peaked in the 1950s and 1960s, faded through the 1970s and 1980s, and has stayed popular with classic-car owners and retro builders ever since.

Why Buyers Still Want Them

• Period correctness: Many restoration judges and owners expect whitewalls on cars that left the factory with them.
• Visual contrast: A bright band makes wheels and body lines stand out.
• Customization: Lowriders, hot rods, custom trailers, and retro-styled trucks often use them.
• Modern construction: Radial versions deliver the old look with better ride and wear than vintage bias-ply designs.

Where to Find Whitewall Tires for Sale

Selection changes by size, so the smartest approach is to check several source types before deciding. The table below compares the main options.

National chains are worth a look for mounting even when the tires are purchased elsewhere. Guides such as Discount Tire Direct, Les Schwab Tire Center, Firestone Complete Auto Care, and Pep Boys tire prices and deals explain what each service network offers. Buyers who want to trim the final bill can also review the latest Simple Tire coupon codes before checkout.

Types of Whitewall Tires

Wide Whitewall Tires for Sale

Wide whitewalls carry a broad white band, often two inches or more on period-style tires. They suit 1940s to 1960s classics, cruisers, and lowriders. Wide bands need enough sidewall height to look right, so they are most common on taller profiles such as 75 or 78 series tires. On low-profile tires, the band shrinks or disappears.

Narrow and Medium Whitewalls

Thin whitewalls, sometimes called pinstripe or premium sport whitewalls, appear on muscle cars, sedans, and 1970s to 1980s luxury cars. They look subtle and work well on smaller sidewalls.

Radial vs. Bias-Ply Whitewalls

Whitewalls for Trucks and Trailers

Some whitewall options are built for light trucks and trailers, where load rating matters more than looks. Heavy loads call for the correct ply rating, and the guide to 10-ply truck tires explains what those ratings mean. Owners who tow or haul should also keep a portable tire inflator for trucks in the vehicle.

Popular Whitewall Tire Sizes

The selection of whitewall sizes is much smaller than the selection of blackwall sizes. The examples below are commonly searched, but availability changes, so fitment should always be confirmed before ordering.

14 Inch Whitewall Tires for Sale

The 14 inch category is the heart of the classic market. Many 1960s and 1970s American cars used 14 inch wheels, so retailers stock more whitewall choices in this diameter than in most others.

15 Inch Whitewall Tires, Including 165R15 and 235/70R15

The 15 inch group covers everything from small imports to full-size trucks. The 165R15 is a narrow size often connected with small vintage cars, while the 235/70R15 is a wider size associated with older SUVs and pickups. Trailer owners also search this diameter heavily, so listings should be checked for passenger (P) or special trailer (ST) markings.

215/55R17 and Other Modern Sizes

Modern low-profile sizes such as 215/55R17 rarely come with a true whitewall. Shoppers who find one should check the load index, speed rating, and manufacturing date carefully, and use the tire speed rating chart to decode the letters.

How to Confirm Fitment

• Read the size on the driver-door placard and in the owner’s manual.
• Compare it with the numbers on the current tire’s sidewall.
• Measure wheel width, since a very wide tire on a narrow rim can distort the sidewall.
• Ask the seller in writing to confirm the size before ordering.

Brands to Check When Shopping

Brand availability shifts often, so the names below are starting points rather than promises of stock. The tire brands directory lists more manufacturers to compare.

Hankook Whitewall Tires for Sale

Hankook is best known for modern passenger and light-truck tires. Whitewall versions of select models have appeared in limited sizes, so buyers should confirm the exact model, size, and current availability with the seller.

Diamondback Whitewall Tires for Sale

Diamondback is a value-oriented name that shoppers often see in budget listings, including 14 inch and 15 inch whitewall sizes. Buyers should read the specification sheet for load range, speed rating, and warranty terms, since budget tires can differ widely in construction.

Classic-Focused Lines

Specialist retailers typically offer radial whitewalls designed to mimic vintage tires, including well-known nameplates such as BFGoodrich Silvertown radials and Vredestein classics. Major manufacturers covered in the Goodyear tires guide also serve the broader passenger and truck market.

Used Whitewall Tires for Sale: Worth the Risk?

Used whitewall tires attract shoppers because new sets in classic sizes can be expensive. Used tires can work for show cars that rarely move, but they carry more risk on vehicles that see real miles.

Inspection Checklist for Used Whitewalls

1. Check the DOT Date Code

Tires made since 2000 carry a four-digit date code, where the first two digits are the week and the last two are the year. NHTSA advises that tires more than six years old should be inspected regularly by a professional, and many vehicle makers recommend replacement at ten years regardless of tread. The how long do tires last guide explains the aging timeline in detail.

2. Inspect the Sidewall

Cracks, bulges, or a chalky surface point to age or damage. The article on tire dry rot shows what to look for. A white band with deep cracks should be skipped entirely.

3. Measure the Tread

The legal minimum tread depth in most U.S. states is 2/32 of an inch. A tire tread depth gauge gives a precise reading in seconds.

4. Ask About Repairs

Plugged or patched tires are not automatically bad, but the method matters. The comparison of tire plug vs. patch explains which repairs are considered safe, and the flat tire repair cost guide helps buyers judge whether repairing an older tire is worth it.

How to Read a Whitewall Tire Size

Whitewall sizes follow the same code as every other tire. Using 235/70R15 as an example:

Older sizes such as 165R15 skip the aspect ratio, and some vintage tires use alphanumeric codes like G78-15. When a listing uses an old code, the seller or a fitment chart should provide the modern equivalent.

What Whitewall Tires Cost

Pricing depends on size, construction, brand, and how special the whitewall is. The ranges below are rough market estimates for one tire and should be verified against current listings.

Whitewall Tire Buying Checklist

1. Confirm the exact size from the door placard or manual.
2. Decide between radial and bias-ply based on how the vehicle is used.
3. Pick a whitewall width that suits the sidewall height.
4. Check the load index, especially for trucks and trailers.
5. Verify the DOT date code on the tires that will actually ship.
6. Compare out-the-door prices from at least three sources.
7. Book a shop for mounting and balancing before the tires arrive.
8. Keep the receipt and warranty paperwork together.

Owners of local shops that mount specialty tires can add their business through the business submission page, which helps drivers find them.

How to Clean and Care for Whitewall Tires

White rubber shows dirt, brake dust, and staining faster than black rubber, so a little routine care goes a long way.

• Wash often: Use mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Rinse well.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Strong acids and solvents can dull or damage rubber.
• Handle browning gently: Brown streaks usually come from protective compounds in the black rubber migrating to the surface. Regular washing slows this down.
• Use dressings carefully: Keep tire shine off the white band unless the product says it is safe for whitewalls.
• Store properly: Keep spare or seasonal sets in a cool, dry, shaded spot away from electric motors and direct sun.
• Watch pressure: Underinflation damages sidewalls. If a dashboard warning appears, the guide to a low tire pressure light that will not turn off can help. Owners who explore off-road trailers or utility vehicles may also want an ATV tire repair kit on hand.

Drivers who choose special tires such as run-flats should note that whitewall versions are extremely uncommon, and the run-flat tires guide explains why fitment options are narrow.

Whitewall vs. Blackwall vs. Raised White Letter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering by look alone without checking load rating and speed rating.
• Buying mismatched sets, which can affect handling.
• Ignoring the date code on “new old stock” tires that sat in a warehouse for years.
• Skipping a proper alignment after mounting, which can wear the tires unevenly.
• Using acidic wheel cleaners on the white band.

For federal safety guidance on tire age, inflation, and maintenance, the NHTSA tire safety page is a reliable reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Finding the right whitewall tires for sale comes down to a few clear decisions. First, confirm the exact size, whether that is a common 14 or 15 inch fitment, a niche 165R15, a wider 235/70R15, or a rare 215/55R17. Second, choose the whitewall width and construction that match how the vehicle will be driven. Third, compare specialist retailers, online sellers, national chains, and local shops on total price, not sticker price alone.

New tires remain the safest pick for daily use, while used sets should be limited to light-duty or display cars and inspected closely for age, cracks, and tread depth. Once mounted, regular washing and correct inflation keep the white band sharp for years.

For more buying guides, repair tips, and shop listings, visit the Tire Near Me Hub blog or start from the Tire Near Me Hub home page.

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• Tire Plug vs. Patch
• 10-Ply Truck Tires