1978 Honda Accord Tires

The 1978 Honda Accord uses two recognized tire sizes: 155R13 in radial construction and 560-13 in bias-ply construction. Both are 13-inch fitments, and both are associated with the 1978 Honda Accord Base, so the decision is less about trim level and more about selecting the construction and presentation that match the car.

A radial 155R13 and a bias-ply 560-13 are not the same kind of tire even though they share the same rim diameter. Before choosing, confirm the actual wheels on the car, consider whether the Accord has been modified, and decide whether the priority is a radial-style road setup or a more traditional period-style bias-ply look.

The tire fitments tied to the 1978 Honda Accord use a 13-inch rim diameter. That applies to both the 155R13 radial size and the 560-13 bias-ply size, so wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire sizing systems and construction types differ.

Rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing a radial against a bias-ply tire, so it is smart to verify the wheel dimensions actually on the car before selecting a tire. That becomes even more important if the Accord no longer wears its original wheels.

The 1978 Honda Accord Base is associated with both of the vehicle’s recognized tire sizes: 155R13 radial and 560-13 bias-ply. That means the Base model does not point you to one unique size by itself; the real distinction is the tire’s construction and the style of setup the car is using.

For a buyer, that means the next step is checking the wheels and deciding what kind of result is wanted from the tire. A radial choice keeps the car in a radial-size format, while the bias-ply option shifts the Accord toward a more traditional visual and construction style that should still be checked against the car’s wheel width.

560-13 is a bias-ply tire size for the 1978 Honda Accord. It uses the older numeric sizing convention, with 560 representing the nominal section width class and 13 identifying the wheel diameter, and it differs from the Accord’s 155R13 radial fitment in both construction and size format.

Choosing 560-13 usually points toward a more traditional period-style appearance, especially with whitewall options. Because bias-ply and radial tires can call for different wheel-width ranges and give the car a different visual stance, the practical step is to confirm wheel dimensions and make sure the overall setup matches the construction you plan to run.

Radial equivalents for 560-13 include 155R13 as the 80-series metric radial option, P155/75R13 as the P-metric 75-series radial option, and P155/70R13 as the P-metric 70-series radial option. These are alternative radial-size references tied to the original 560-13 bias-ply fitment rather than additional primary factory-style sizes.

The useful distinction is that these equivalents span different radial sizing systems and profile families while staying in the same 13-inch conversation. A recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches is associated with the equivalent options, and the final choice should still be checked against wheel width, tire dimensions, and clearance on the individual Accord.

A conversion from 560-13 bias-ply to a radial alternative starts with confirming the wheel diameter and wheel width actually on the car. For the 560-13 fitment, radial equivalents include 155R13, P155/75R13, and P155/70R13, with a recommended rim-width range of 4 to 5 inches attached to those equivalent choices.

Beyond wheel width, compare the new tire’s dimensions with the space available around the fenders, suspension, and steering components. It also helps to inspect the car for aftermarket wheels, ride-height changes, or worn suspension parts, since even a well-matched equivalent size should be evaluated against the Accord’s real-world setup before the switch is made.

Start with the tire size and construction that match the setup you want on the car. A 155R13 keeps the Accord in a radial format, while a 560-13 moves it into a numeric bias-ply format, so the decision involves both fitment and the kind of appearance or driving character you want from the tire.

After size and construction, compare wheel-width compatibility, brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, and load figures where they are shown. A blackwall radial gives the Accord a different presentation than narrow whitewall or wide whitewall bias-ply tires, so the right choice usually comes down to whether the goal is practical road use, restoration flavor, or a balance of both.

Sidewall choices for 1978 Honda Accord tires include blackwall in the 155R13 radial category, along with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options in the 560-13 bias-ply category. Those sidewall treatments create very different visual results even before construction type, tire series, and brand are considered.

Blackwall radial tires suit an understated late-1970s import look, while whitewall bias-ply tires give the Accord a more traditional and restoration-oriented presentation. Since sidewall style does not override fitment requirements, keep the decision anchored to the correct size, construction, and wheel width first, then choose the appearance that best fits the car’s intended personality.

The 1978 Honda Accord has tire choices from Michelin and Dunlop in the 155R13 radial size, and from BFGoodrich and Firestone in the 560-13 bias-ply size. Those brands also bring different tire series into the mix, including Michelin XAS-FF, SP Sport Aquajet, Silvertown Classic Bias Ply, and Firestone Classic Bias Ply.

That variety gives buyers useful ways to narrow the field without treating any one brand as the default answer. The practical approach is to first settle on the correct size and construction, then compare sidewall style, wheel-width suitability, and the general character of the tire series to match the Accord’s look and the kind of driving it will actually see.

For a period-style 1978 Honda Accord, the first decision is whether the car should present as a radial-equipped late-1970s compact or lean into a more traditional bias-ply look. The 155R13 radial supports a blackwall presentation, while the 560-13 bias-ply opens the door to narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styling.

A restoration-minded choice should balance size, construction, and visual tone rather than focusing on sidewall style alone. If exact historical originality matters, compare your car against authoritative Honda literature, marque-club guidance, or well-preserved examples. For many owners, the better practical question is whether the finished Accord should look understated, formal, or distinctly period-inspired.

Tire construction changes the visual feel of a restored 1978 Honda Accord because a radial 155R13 and a bias-ply 560-13 do not present the same way. The radial option is available as a blackwall tire, while the bias-ply range includes narrow whitewall and wide whitewall choices that create a more traditional side profile.

Construction also influences the overall impression of the car beyond the sidewall alone. A bias-ply setup tends to support a more vintage visual theme, while a radial setup keeps the Accord closer to the compact import image many buyers associate with the era. The best result comes from matching the tire’s look to the restoration’s broader finish, stance, and wheel choice.

Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Honda Accord even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, altered ride height, brake changes, or body and suspension work can all change how a 155R13 radial or 560-13 bias-ply sits and clears the car.

That is why the actual car should be checked rather than relying only on the original fitment conversation. Measure wheel diameter and width, inspect clearance at full steering lock, and look closely around the fenders and suspension. A modified Accord may still use the same size family, but its wheel and clearance needs can differ from a stock example.

Before driving a 1978 Honda Accord on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires seat properly, and check inflation, lug torque, and visible clearance. It is also wise to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn or loose hardware.

A collector-era Accord can hide age-related issues even when the tread looks fresh. Pay attention to sidewall condition, any signs of rubbing after a short test drive, and whether the car tracks evenly. Rechecking pressure and a quick visual inspection after the first miles helps catch small fitment or mechanical issues before they turn into bigger road-use problems.

Collector-car tire maintenance starts with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and keeping an eye on aging as much as tread wear. On a 1978 Honda Accord, that applies whether the car is using a 155R13 radial or a 560-13 bias-ply, since low annual mileage can hide deterioration that only shows up when the car returns to the road.

Good storage matters just as much as driving maintenance. Keeping the Accord away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, and periodic inspections for cracking, bulges, cuts, or air loss are worthwhile even during off-season storage. Before a longer drive, verify pressure, inspect the spare if one is carried, and check for any uneven wear.