Peugeot 404 Tire Pressures

• The ideal Peugeot 404 tire pressures range from 20-36 PSI.
• To find the perfect tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guides.

• Our recommended Peugeot 404 tire is the 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX.
• To see more information on Peugeot 404 tires see below, or follow the link to our Peugeot 404 Tire Section.

Peugeot 404 Tires

Peugeot 404 tires are usually sized 165 R15. As a steady sedan and estate vehicle, there is not normally much need for high-speed performance tires. For most Peugeot 404 models, Longstone recommends opting for a set of 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX. These tires are specifically designed for 60s-70s saloon cars and offer an ideal balance of performance and comfort.

If you want the very best Peugeot 404 tires for performance and handling there are a few excellent options such as the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, or 165-15 Michelin XAS. These tires are both excellent choices from the appropriate era, providing high-end sport-oriented performance.

Some Peugeot 404/8 tires were sized 155 R15. For this size, we recommend the following options: 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 155 TR 15 Michelin X. The Michelin X is a great quality classic tire, better suited to steady drivers. The CA67 is a great value high-quality classic tire that will provide sporty, but well-rounded performance.

The 155HR15 Michelin XAS FF is also a good option in this size for harder driving. These tires are all well-suited for the 404/8 models and reliably provide excellent performance for classic cars like the Peugeot 404/8.

Some fitment guides may mention the 165-380 tires for Peugeot 404 models. In the mid-20th century, tire measurements transitioned from millimetres to inches. However, Michelin continued using the millimetre measurement, resulting in the 165-380 size. 15 inches is equivalent to 381mm, so 165-380 tires are almost identical to 165-15 tires.

Peugeot 404 Low Profile Tires

Many Peugeot 404 models (including some 404/8 and 404 fuel injection models) offered the option of fitting 185/70 R15 tires. The 185/70 R15 is a larger alternative size to the standard 165 R15 Peugeot 404 tire size, featuring a lower 70% profile (a full expression of 165R15 would be 165/80 R15).

One of the key benefits of low-profile Peugeot 404 tires is their wider footprint. This wider contact area with the road surface offers increased stability, particularly during high-speed driving. The larger contact patch improves traction and enhances braking performance, but the steering will be heavier than if on smaller tires.

Our recommended 185/70 R15 low profile Peugeot 404 tire is the 185/70VR15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 N. The 185/70 VR 15 Michelin XWX is another good classic Peugeot 404 tire in this size.

From 1971 some Peugeot 404 Estate tires were sized 185 R15. In this size, we recommend the 185 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or the 185 HR 15 Michelin XVS-P.

Some owners like to fit Peugeot 404 white wall tires. For most 404 models we can offer the 165R15 Michelin XZX White wall. This tire features the timeless white wall aesthetic while maintaining a superior level of quality inherent to proper classic tires. The XZX white wall is true to the period, ensuring that both the driving experience and performance remain uncompromised.

For 155 R15 Peugeot 404 tires we have the 155 HR 15 Galaxy Whitewall, however this tire does not have a genuine classic construction, and will not offer the most authentic driving experience on any classic motor.

It is possible to have any Michelin or Pirelli classic tire modified with a whitewall, which we can facilitate if you get in contact, however it does cost roughly £100 per tire.

Peugeot 404 Inner Tubes

When it comes to Peugeot 404 inner tubes, we find Michelin tubes are the best quality. Other tubes are available, but Michelin's tubes are reliably made to the highest standards. Cheaper tubes are much more likely to rub and wear on the inside of the tire, making punctures more likely.

For tires sized 155 R15, 165 R15, and 185/70 R15, the recommended choice of inner tube is the Michelin 15E. For 185 R15 tires, the Michelin 15F inner tube is the most suitable choice.

Peugeot 404 wheels, manufactured in Europe until 1975, was originally equipped with tube-type wheels, the Peugeot 404 needs inner tubes for proper functionality. However, some foreign reproductions made after this period were designed to accommodate tubeless tires. If you have a post-1975 foreign assembly vehicle, it is possible that you may not require inner tubes.

1960: Introduction of the Peugeot 404 Saloon with a 73 PS petrol engine and column-shift four-speed gearbox. Grand Touring model features square air vents on the dashboard and body-coloured wheels.

1961: Super Luxe model introduced with silver superstructure, chromed headlight rims, and tan leather interior trim. Grand Touring model switches to metallic silver wheels.

1962: Suspension and dashboard modifications made. Circular directional vents replace square air vents. New reinforced drum brake linings installed.

1962 (continued): Introduction of Commerciale, Break, and seven-seat Family estate versions with tandem coil spring rear suspension. Longer and heavier than the sedan models.

1961-1962: Peugeot 404 Cabriolet/Convertible and Coupe versions launched, featuring bodyshells made by Pinin Farina workshops in Turin. Fuel injected engine option introduced.

1963: Introduction of the 404 Diesel model with Indenor engine. Sedan models adopt five-bearing engines.

1964: Rubber over-riders fitted on bumpers, and bi-colour oval front indicator clusters equipped on coupes and convertibles.

1965: Injection engine replaced with increased power. Thermostable Hydrovac brakes introduced. Reclining front seats and new seat pads for Grand Touring.

1966: Grand Touring saloon available with injection engine and ZF automatic gearbox. Front indicator light clusters become orange/white on all models. Two-tone door linings introduced.

1967: XC6 carburettor engine with increased power introduced. Rear anti-roll bar fitted. New dashboard with three round dials. Spare wheel relocated to under the rear of the car.

1968: Introduction of the 404/8 Confort model with a 1.5-litre engine. Front disc brakes and other modifications made.

1969: Peugeot 504 launched. Discontinuation of the 404 Injection model. New door interior panels introduced.

1970-1972: Discontinuation of the Super Luxe and Confort models. Grand Touring, Break, and Familiale models continue in petrol and diesel forms.

1973-1975: Various changes made, including replacement of water temperature gauge with a warning lamp. Production of European passenger models ceases in May 1975.

Peugeot 404 History

The Peugeot 404, manufactured between 1960 and 1975, is a large family car from France. Initially available as a saloon, estate, and pickup, the line-up expanded to include a convertible and coupe version. The 404's durability and value made it a popular choice as a taxicab, though import taxes limited its success in the UK.

Under the hood, the original 404 featured a range of engines, including a 1.6-litre petrol engine with options for a Solex carburettor, Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, and a 1.9-litre diesel engine. Offering diverse powertrain choices, the 404 catered to various driving preferences and needs.

In a departure from the traditional column-mounted manual transmission, Peugeot introduced a 3-speed ZF automatic transmission as an option at the Paris Motor Show.

The Peugeot 404 saw production in several foreign countries, allowing it to reach new markets and adapt to regional preferences. In Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, Chile, and other nations, the 404 was assembled under license or through local production.

These foreign productions tailored the 404 to suit specific markets, incorporating modifications such as engines suited to regional fuel quality, adaptations for rugged terrains, and adjustments based on local preferences. These endeavours expanded Peugeot's global presence and ensured the enduring popularity of the Peugeot 404 worldwide. The last 404 built would have been a Kenyan model in 1991.

The Peugeot 404 showcased its racing prowess by securing victories in the gruelling Safari Rally in 1963, 1966, 1967, and 1968, with the latter three wins achieved by Kugelfischer fuel-injected variants. Even in modern times, the 404 continues to demonstrate its racing capabilities. In 2014, a 1963 Peugeot 404 participated in the 24 Hours of Lemons race at Thunderhill Raceway Park, completing the two-day event reliably and earning the prestigious Index of Effluency award, awarded to a vehicle deemed improbable to complete the race, much less finish with a commendable lap count.

The Peugeot 404's legacy is rooted in its ruggedness and versatility. Produced in large numbers across the world, the 404 became ingrained in the collective memories of many as a car they grew up with. Renowned as a reliable workhorse and a cherished family car, its widespread presence further cements its place in the hearts of countless individuals. The 404's surprising achievements in racing add an extra layer of prestige, ensuring its status as a beloved classic car among enthusiasts worldwide.