Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Finding a period-correct 13-inch tire can be difficult because many modern options use a plain black sidewall or do not match the load and speed requirements of older compact cars. The Travelstar UN106 155/80R13 set gives you four radial passenger tires with a narrow 14mm whitewall, an all-season tread, and a 79T service description. It is a practical choice when your vehicle specifically calls for this size and you value classic styling, but it is not the right tire for heavy loads, severe winter driving, or cars that require a higher service rating. This review helps you check the fit, understand the verified specifications, and decide whether the set suits your driving.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8/10, Recommended with caveats
Best For: Compact and classic-car owners who need 155/80R13 79T tires and want a narrow whitewall look
Bottom Line: The UN106 combines period-friendly styling with useful wet-road features, a 10/32-inch tread depth, and two forms of warranty coverage. Its limited size and standard-load construction mean you must confirm fitment carefully before ordering.
TL;DR
|
Feature |
Verdict |
|---|---|
|
Fit and Installation |
Good when your vehicle specifies 155/80R13 with an equal or lower required load and speed rating. Professional mounting and balancing are recommended. |
|
Ride and Wet Traction |
The touring design, optimized pitch, and four circumferential grooves target a quiet ride and better water evacuation in normal road use. |
|
Appearance |
The 14mm narrow whitewall gives compact and vintage cars a restrained, period-friendly look. |
|
Durability |
A 10/32-inch tread depth, UTQG 480 A B, 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, and three-year road hazard coverage add value, subject to the seller’s terms. |
|
Overall Verdict |
Recommended with caveats for correctly matched passenger cars. Skip it for severe snow, heavy-duty use, or vehicles that require a different service description. |
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Travelstar |
| Model | UN106 |
| Product Type | All-season radial passenger touring tire |
| Package Quantity | Four tires, wheels and rims not included |
| Tire Size | 155/80R13 |
| Service Description | 79T |
| Load Capacity | 963 pounds per tire at the rated conditions |
| Load Range | SL, standard load, 4-ply rated |
| Speed Rating | T, rated up to 118 mph under specified test conditions |
| Tread Depth | 10/32 inch |
| Tread Design | Symmetrical, five-rib touring pattern with four circumferential grooves |
| Sidewall | 14mm narrow whitewall |
| Overall Diameter | About 22.8 inches |
| Section Width | About 6.18 inches |
| Approved Rim Width | 4 to 5 inches |
| Maximum Pressure | 44 psi, not the vehicle’s recommended operating pressure |
| UTQG | 480 A B |
| Warranty | 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty plus three-year road hazard coverage, subject to current terms |
| Best Use | Correctly matched compact and classic passenger cars used for normal street driving |
Before You Buy: Match the tire size, load index, speed rating, and rim width to your vehicle’s door-jamb placard or owner’s manual. The 44 psi figure is the tire’s maximum pressure, not the pressure you should automatically use.
What Is the Travelstar UN106?
The Travelstar UN106 is a standard-load radial touring tire for passenger cars. This listing contains four tires in the 155/80R13 size, each with a 79 load index, T speed rating, and narrow white sidewall. Its 22.8-inch overall diameter and approved 4-to-5-inch rim-width range make it relevant to many older subcompacts and classic vehicles, but only when those measurements match the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
The tread uses a five-rib pattern with four circumferential channels intended to move water away from the contact area. A 10/32-inch starting tread depth and UTQG 480 A B rating position it as an everyday touring tire rather than a performance or heavy-duty design. The main selling point is simple: you get modern radial construction and a restrained whitewall appearance in a size that can be hard to find.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Drivers whose placard or manual specifies 155/80R13 tires and supports a 79T service description
- Classic-car owners who want a narrow 14mm whitewall rather than a wide show-car stripe
- Compact-car drivers seeking a four-tire set for normal commuting, cruising, and highway travel
Skip If
- Your vehicle requires a different tire size, higher load index, higher speed rating, or wider approved rim
- You need severe-snow capability, track performance, run-flat construction, or heavy-load service
- You want wheels included, because this package contains tires only
Fit and Compatibility
The correct size is more than the numbers molded into the sidewall. Your car must accept a 155mm section width, 80-series aspect ratio, 13-inch wheel diameter, and the tire’s overall diameter. You should also confirm that the wheel is within the listed 4-to-5-inch approved rim-width range and that the 963-pound capacity per tire meets or exceeds the original requirement.
Use the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s door area or the owner’s manual as the primary reference. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises buyers to use the vehicle manufacturer’s specified size and pressure. A tire shop should check fitment, valve stems, wheel condition, balancing, and clearance before installation.
Pro Tip: Photograph your door-jamb tire label before shopping. Compare the full size and service description, then ask the installer to verify the wheel width and recommended cold pressure before mounting the set.
Tread Design and Wet-Road Performance
The UN106 uses a symmetrical touring tread with four circumferential grooves. Those channels give standing water a path out from under the tread, while the rib layout supports stable contact during normal straight-line driving. This design is useful for commuting and highway trips where rain, road spray, and changing pavement are common.
You should still treat it as a value-oriented touring tire. The UTQG traction grade of A is a comparative wet-braking grade, not a promise that the tire cannot hydroplane. Slow down in heavy rain, maintain adequate tread depth, and replace worn or damaged tires promptly.
Ride Comfort and Noise
The tread’s optimized pitch is intended to reduce repetitive road noise, and the standard-load radial casing suits normal passenger-car use. On a properly aligned vehicle with balanced wheels, the tire should provide the compliant ride expected from a tall 80-series sidewall. That extra sidewall height can absorb small pavement impacts better than a low-profile performance tire.
Ride quality still depends on the car, suspension, wheel condition, pressure, and alignment. Overinflating to the 44 psi sidewall maximum can reduce comfort and change handling. Inflate the tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s cold-pressure recommendation unless a qualified professional gives vehicle-specific guidance.
Whitewall Appearance and Care
The 14mm stripe is narrow enough to look restrained on small classic cars, vintage-inspired builds, and older daily drivers. It gives you a more period-correct appearance than a blackwall without the visual weight of a broad whitewall.
Clean the stripe with a tire-safe whitewall cleaner and a soft brush. Avoid harsh solvents, petroleum-based dressings, or abrasive tools that can stain or damage the rubber. If the whitewall arrives with a colored protective coating, follow the seller’s cleaning directions before using stronger products.
What People Say
The buyer feedback summarized with the original listing is positive about the tires arriving in good condition, producing a comfortable ride, and improving the appearance of older or compact cars. The included road hazard coverage is also seen as a useful extra. These comments are helpful for spotting common themes, but fitment, installation quality, and vehicle condition can produce different results.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Four-tire package simplifies a complete matched replacement
- 14mm whitewall suits compact and period-style vehicles
- Four circumferential grooves support water evacuation
- 10/32-inch tread depth and UTQG 480 A B suit everyday touring use
- Includes limited treadwear and road hazard warranty coverage
Cons
- Limited to vehicles that safely accept the 155/80R13 79T specification
- Standard-load construction is not intended for heavy-duty or high-performance applications
- All-season and M+S descriptions do not make it a dedicated severe-winter tire
Durability, Warranty, and Maintenance
The verified specifications list a 10/32-inch tread depth, standard-load construction, and UTQG treadwear grade of 480. Those numbers suggest a sensible everyday touring setup, but tire life varies with alignment, pressure, rotation, climate, storage, road surface, and driving style. The 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty is useful context, not a guaranteed service life.
The set also advertises three-year road hazard coverage. Treadwear and road hazard warranties cover different problems, so read the current terms, registration requirements, exclusions, and claim process before mounting the tires. Keep purchase and installation records because warranty claims often require proof of maintenance.
Check cold pressure monthly, inspect for cracking or bulges, and rotate the tires according to the vehicle manufacturer’s schedule. Have the alignment checked if the car pulls, the steering wheel sits off-center, or the tread develops uneven wear.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Daily Commuting
The tall sidewall, touring tread, and standard-load construction are a reasonable match for compact cars used on city streets and normal highways. The UN106 makes the most sense when comfort, straightforward handling, and vintage appearance matter more than sharp performance response.
For Wet Roads
Four circumferential grooves and an A traction grade support everyday wet-road use. You still need to reduce speed in heavy rain and replace the tires before the grooves become too shallow to move water effectively.
For Highway Trips
The 79T rating supports ordinary passenger-car highway travel when the vehicle is correctly loaded and the tires are properly maintained. Do not treat the T rating as a recommended driving speed, and never exceed posted limits or the vehicle manufacturer’s guidance.
For Cold Weather and Light Snow
The tire is sold as all-season and M+S rated, which may be adequate for mild winter conditions. It is not the best choice for frequent ice, deep snow, mountain travel, or areas where dedicated winter tires are appropriate.
Installation and Safety
Have all four tires mounted, balanced, and inspected by a qualified tire professional. The installer should confirm wheel width, valve-stem condition, bead seating, torque specifications, and clearance around the suspension and body. New tires should also be checked for date codes and shipping damage before installation.
Do not use the 44 psi sidewall number as your default inflation target. Use the vehicle’s recommended cold pressure, and never exceed the tire or wheel limits. If your classic car has modified suspension, non-original wheels, or a tire size different from factory specification, ask a knowledgeable installer to evaluate clearance and load capacity.
Is It Worth the Price?
The UN106 is positioned as a value-oriented whitewall touring tire. It offers more visual character than a common blackwall while retaining a modern radial layout, useful wet-road grooves, and a matched four-tire package. The two warranty types can strengthen the value when their terms fit how you drive.
It is a smart buy for everyday use when you need this exact size and care about the narrow whitewall. It is not the best fit if you prioritize premium wet braking, severe-snow certification, sporty response, or broad national installation support.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Kumho Solus TA51a is worth comparing if you prefer a newer blackwall grand-touring option with a longer listed mileage warranty in the same 155/80R13 79T size. The Suretrac Power Touring and Tornel Classic are alternatives for buyers who still want a whitewall, although their available service descriptions and warranty terms may differ.
The Travelstar UN106 makes the most sense when the 14mm white stripe, 79T rating, and four-tire package line up with your vehicle and style goals. Compare the complete service description rather than choosing by size or appearance alone.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Travelstar UN106 fit my car?
It may fit when your placard or manual specifies 155/80R13 and supports at least the 79 load index and T speed rating. Also confirm the wheel is within the approved 4-to-5-inch rim-width range and have a tire professional verify clearance.
Does the package include wheels or rims?
No. The listing is for four tires only. Mounting, balancing, valve stems, disposal fees, and other installation services may cost extra.
What pressure should I use?
Use the cold-tire pressure listed by the vehicle manufacturer on the door-jamb label or in the owner’s manual. The 44 psi marking is the tire’s maximum pressure and should not be treated as the normal target for every vehicle.
Are these good winter tires?
They are sold as all-season and M+S tires, so they may handle mild cold weather and light snow. Choose dedicated winter tires for frequent ice, deep snow, severe cold, or mountain conditions.
What do the 79T numbers mean?
The 79 load index corresponds to 963 pounds per tire under rated conditions. The T speed rating is a laboratory capability classification up to 118 mph, not a recommendation to drive at that speed.
What warranty coverage is included?
Current listings describe a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and a three-year road hazard warranty. Coverage, registration, exclusions, and reimbursement rules can change, so review the seller’s current terms before purchase.
How should I clean the whitewall?
Use a tire-safe whitewall cleaner, water, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive tools, and follow any cleaning instructions included with the tires.
Why Buyers Choose
You choose the Travelstar UN106 when you need an uncommon 155/80R13 size and want a classic whitewall without moving to a specialty show tire. The matched four-tire package, wet-road channels, touring design, and warranty coverage make it a practical option for correctly matched compact and vintage passenger cars.
The Bottom Line
The Travelstar UN106 155/80R13 set is a good fit for drivers who want four narrow-whitewall radial tires for normal street use and have confirmed the full 79T specification. Its strongest points are period-friendly styling, practical touring features, and useful warranty coverage, while its main limits are narrow compatibility and a lack of dedicated severe-winter capability. Skip it when your vehicle requires a higher service rating, a different size, or specialized performance.
Ready to Buy?
Confirm your vehicle’s size and service requirements, then check the latest listing details before you decide.
