Honda Accord Tires

Honda Accord fitments span 19 distinct sizes across 1976 through 2026. The full range includes 155R13 and 560-13 for 1976-1978, 165R13 for 1979-1981, 185/70R13 and 195/60R14 for 1982-1989, 185/70R14, 195/60R15, 205/60R15, and 185/65R15 for 1990-1997, 195/70R14, 195/65R15, 205/60R16, 205/65R15, and 215/50R17 for 1998-2007, 215/60R16, 225/50R17, and 235/45R18 for 2008-2012, 205/65R16, 215/55R17, 225/50R17, 235/45R18, and 235/40R19 for 2013-2026. Rim diameters used across the run are 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 inches.

The practical takeaway is that year alone is not always enough, especially from the mid-1990s forward when several Honda Accord years list three, four, or even five sizes. Start with the model year, then verify the actual wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or printed on the existing tire. If the car has been modified, repaired with later factory wheels, or upgraded by a previous owner, the wheel on the car matters more than assumptions drawn from the calendar year.

560-13 is an older numeric bias-ply size used on Honda Accord models from 1976 through 1978. In that format, the 560 represents nominal section width in inches with the decimal omitted, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter. Products offered in 560-13 are bias-ply tires fitted to 13-inch rims rather than modern metric radials.

That matters because an early Honda Accord may show both 560-13 and 155R13 for the same year, and those are not simply two ways of writing the same tire. One is a period-style bias-ply choice and the other is a radial fitment, so the decision affects appearance, driving feel, and wheel suitability. If originality is important, inspect the car’s current wheel and compare it with period references before choosing between the two.

A 1996 Honda Accord has four tire sizes listed because that model year was offered with multiple wheel packages. The listed sizes are 185/70R14, 195/60R15, 205/60R15, and 185/65R15, which span both 14-inch and 15-inch rims. That is a rim-diameter split first, with more than one 15-inch size layered on top of it.

The useful next step is to identify the actual wheel diameter on the car before narrowing the exact tire size. Once you know whether the car carries 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, compare the current tire placard, original wheel size, and the existing tire dimensions to sort out which 15-inch option belongs on that particular Honda Accord configuration. That approach prevents choosing a tire that matches the year but not the wheel package.

Honda Accord uses several rim diameters across its long production run: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 inches. The earliest cars start on 13-inch fitments, the first change to 14-inch wheels appears in 1988, and later generations add 15-, 16-, 17-, 18-, and finally 19-inch applications. Some overlapping years list more than one rim diameter because different configurations shared the same model year.

That wheel-diameter spread is the single most important fact to confirm before selecting a Honda Accord tire. A tire can have a similar overall profile to another listed size and still be completely wrong if the rim diameter differs. Check the wheel itself, the current tire sidewall, and the vehicle placard so the tire size you choose matches the actual wheel on the car rather than a general year-range assumption.

A 2005 Honda Accord can use 195/65R15, 205/65R15, 205/60R16, 215/50R17, or 215/60R16 depending on configuration. Those sizes span 15-, 16-, and 17-inch wheels, so there is no single year-only answer. The correct size is the one that matches the actual wheel diameter and the intended configuration of that specific Honda Accord.

Begin by reading the size on the current tire and confirming the wheel diameter. Then compare that information against the tire placard and any original ownership or service records still with the car. If a previous owner changed wheels, treat the present wheel and its safe approved tire size as the controlling factor unless you are restoring the Honda Accord back to a known factory wheel package.

Honda Accord tire offerings include blackwall, narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, redline, and RWL sidewall styles depending on size. Early 560-13 products include narrow and wide whitewall bias-ply choices, many 1980s through 2000s sizes include blackwall radials, and several later classic-oriented sizes are available with whitewall or redline styling. RWL appears in some 15-inch performance-oriented radial applications.

Sidewall style should follow the era and look you want from the car. A blackwall usually suits later-model Honda Accord applications and a more factory-like modern appearance, while whitewall and redline options are generally chosen for custom presentation or period-inspired styling on selected sizes. The key is to choose a sidewall style only after the basic size and wheel diameter are correct, since appearance never overrides fitment.

Honda Accord tire offerings here come from BFGoodrich, Dunlop, Michelin, Avon, Vredestein, American Classic, Coker Classic, Nitto, and Firestone. Brand availability depends heavily on size, with early and mid-period Accord fitments showing the broadest variety. Some later sizes are represented by only one or two brands even though the model itself uses many sizes across the full year range.

Brand selection is best narrowed after size and sidewall style are settled. Once the correct Honda Accord size is confirmed, compare construction style, tread character, and appearance within that size rather than trying to choose a brand first. That keeps the decision tied to the actual wheel package on the car and avoids being drawn to a brand that does not support the required dimension.

Honda Accord offerings include several distinct tire series such as Michelin XAS and XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, Firestone Classic Bias Ply, Silvertown Radial, Radial T/A, Sport Classic, Sprint Classic, American Classic Radial, Star Series, g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, g-Force Phenom T/A, and Nitto NT555 G2. Some are period-style classic radials or bias-ply designs, while others are modern performance-oriented radial series for later Accord sizes. The series difference is often as important as the brand because it affects appearance and intended use.

A buyer restoring an early or middle-year Honda Accord will usually focus on series that preserve a vintage profile or sidewall look, while a later Accord owner may prefer a modern radial series matched to larger wheels and contemporary handling expectations. The smart approach is to decide first whether the goal is authenticity, custom appearance, or modern road behavior, then select the series within the exact size your Honda Accord requires.

A stored Honda Accord should be kept in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, ozone sources, and major temperature swings. Tires last better when they are clean, properly inflated, and not left sitting in standing moisture or on contaminated concrete. If the car will sit for extended periods, moving it occasionally helps prevent long-term flat spotting.

Collector-minded owners should also avoid parking a Honda Accord for months with extra load in the trunk or cabin, since unnecessary weight stresses the tire carcass while stationary. If the storage interval will be long, many owners either raise the car slightly to reduce tire loading or roll it a short distance from time to time. The goal is steady support, stable inflation, and protection from age-related deterioration.

Tires on a Honda Accord should be inspected regularly even when the car is driven infrequently. A visual check before each outing and a more deliberate inspection several times a year is a sensible routine for a low-use collector or hobby vehicle. Look for cracking, sidewall damage, bulges, punctures, irregular wear, and changes in inflation pressure.

Inspection matters especially on Honda Accord years with optional larger wheels or classic-style sidewall treatments, because improper pressure or alignment can show up quickly in shoulder wear and handling changes. Include the spare if the car still carries one, and check valve stems at the same time. Catching age or wear issues early is far easier than discovering them after vibration, pulling, or a roadside failure begins.

Tires on a Honda Accord should be replaced when they show age cracking, impact damage, structural irregularities, persistent air loss, or any sign that the casing is no longer sound, even if the tread still looks acceptable. Low-mileage collector use can preserve tread while rubber and internal components continue to age. Appearance alone is not a reliable measure of serviceability.

The best practice is to have aging Honda Accord tires evaluated periodically by a knowledgeable tire professional, especially on cars that spend long periods parked. Replacement decisions should be driven by condition and age as much as by tread depth. If the car is used for tours or highway driving rather than short local trips, the margin for caution should be higher because heat and sustained speed place greater demands on an older tire.

Original-style Honda Accord fitment varied substantially by year. Early cars show both 155R13 and 560-13 in 1976-1978, then 165R13 in 1979-1981, followed by later metric radial sizes as the model evolved through larger wheel packages. The available series today include both period-style bias-ply and a broad range of classic and modern radial offerings, depending on the specific size.

Because the Honda Accord changed sizes often, originality should be verified against the exact year and configuration rather than by model name alone. If the goal is concours-level accuracy, compare the wheel diameter, the placard, and marque or period literature for the precise car. That is especially important for years where more than one size appears, since the original fitment could differ by equipment package.

Correct tire fitment can affect both presentation and judging on a Honda Accord, particularly on preserved early cars and carefully restored later examples. Size, sidewall treatment, and overall profile influence how authentic the car looks and whether the wheel-and-tire package appears period-appropriate. A Honda Accord wearing the wrong diameter or an obviously mismatched style can stand out immediately.

That does not mean every restored Honda Accord must wear the most original-looking tire available, but it does mean the choice should match the restoration goal. A preservation car, a marque-club judged car, and a custom street car may each justify different tire decisions. If value and authenticity matter, settle the correct size first and then choose the sidewall and series that best support the era of the car.

Blackwall is the most broadly appropriate restoration style for many Honda Accord applications, especially from the late 1970s forward where radial fitments dominate the available range. Whitewall, redline, and RWL options also exist in selected sizes, but they are concentrated in certain classic-oriented offerings rather than spread evenly across the whole production run. The correct look depends on the exact year, wheel package, and restoration intent.

A faithful Honda Accord restoration should match sidewall appearance to the era and personality of the car rather than choosing purely by visual preference. Early cars using 560-13 may reasonably point a restorer toward period-style whitewall bias-ply options, while many later Accords will look more natural on blackwall radials. If the car is being restored for judging, consult period photos and marque references before committing to a sidewall treatment.

A properly sized, properly installed tire in sound condition can be suitable for driving a Honda Accord on public roads, but the right answer depends on matching the tire to the exact wheel diameter and intended use. Early Honda Accord years include both radial and bias-ply options, while later years are radial-only and often use lower-profile sizes on larger wheels. Safety starts with using the correct size and a tire type appropriate to the car’s setup.

Road use also depends on condition, inflation, alignment, suspension health, and how the car will be driven. A Honda Accord used for casual fair-weather driving may be well served by a period-style tire, while a later car used regularly at modern traffic speeds benefits from a tire that suits its larger-wheel configuration and handling expectations. Before regular road use, inspect the complete wheel-and-tire package rather than focusing on tread alone.

Before driving a Honda Accord, check tire pressure, sidewall condition, tread surface, valve stems, and any sign of bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Confirm that all four tires match the intended size for the wheel package on the car, especially on model years where several sizes were offered. A quick walk-around can also reveal uneven ride height or a partially deflated tire before it becomes a larger problem.

For a Honda Accord that sits for long periods, pay attention to age cracking, flat spotting, and vibration on the first miles after storage. If the car has recently changed wheels or came from a previous owner, verify that the installed tire size actually belongs on those rims. Tire checks are most effective when combined with a general pre-drive review of brakes, steering response, and suspension condition.

Appropriate speed for a Honda Accord on original-style tires depends on the exact tire size, construction, and condition, not simply on the model name. Early bias-ply and classic-style applications should be treated more conservatively than a later Honda Accord fitted with a modern radial designed for larger wheels. Even where a tire carries a higher speed-oriented design, age and condition remain decisive.

The sensible rule is to drive a Honda Accord within the limits of the tire actually fitted and the condition it is in today. If the car runs on vintage-style bias-ply tires or sees only occasional collector use, keep speeds moderate and avoid sustained high-speed driving. For later radial-equipped cars, safe cruising still depends on proper inflation, alignment, and fresh, undamaged tires rather than on size code alone.