The 1979 Honda Civic came from the first generation of Honda’s compact front-wheel-drive economy car, a model remembered for light weight, efficient packaging, and the CVCC-era push toward practical small-car transportation. That compact footprint makes tire selection especially important, because the Civic uses both 12-inch and 13-inch fitments depending on sub-model and construction. Radial and bias-ply sizes both appear here, with 155R12 and 155R13 radial options alongside 6.00-12 and 6.15-13 bias-ply alternatives. For an owner, the real task is confirming the exact sedan or wagon configuration, then choosing between period-style bias-ply character and the radial setup that matches the intended look and road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1979 Honda Civic
The 1979 Honda Civic uses four primary tire sizes across its covered sub-models, and the right one depends first on identifying the exact sedan or wagon configuration and confirming whether the car is on 12-inch or 13-inch wheels. Fitment also spans both radial and bias-ply construction, so the decision is not just about size code, but also about wheel diameter, tire type, and the kind of driving or restoration presentation you want.
Fit(s): 1200 Sedan, CVCC 5 Speed Sedan, and CVCC Sedan
Construction: Radial|Rim: 12 in
155R12 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 155 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, R indicates radial construction, and 12 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1979 Honda Civic, this size serves the 12-inch wheel fitment used on several sedan configurations. Its radial construction suits owners who want a period-appropriate small-car radial format rather than a vintage numeric bias-ply tire. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car actually uses a 12-inch wheel, especially if wheels have been changed over time.
6.00-12 is a numeric bias-ply size, with 6.00 representing the nominal section width in inches and 12 identifying the wheel diameter. For the 1979 Honda Civic, it is part of the 12-inch fitment used on certain sedan versions that also appear with a radial alternative. This size matters most to owners looking for a more traditional bias-ply construction and a period-style presentation instead of a radial layout. Before selecting it, check that the car still has the correct 12-inch wheel setup and enough clearance for the intended tire choice.
155R13 follows the same Euro-metric radial logic, with a 155-millimeter nominal section width, radial construction, and a 13-inch wheel diameter. On the 1979 Honda Civic, this size is tied to the wagon fitment rather than the 12-inch sedan setup. Available products in this size include Michelin and Dunlop blackwall radials, giving buyers a choice between established series such as Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. The key reason to focus on this size is simple: a Civic wagon on 13-inch wheels needs that larger wheel diameter confirmed before any product comparison begins.
6.15-13 is a numeric bias-ply size where 6.15 describes the nominal section width in inches and 13 denotes the wheel diameter. For the 1979 Honda Civic, this size belongs with the 13-inch wagon fitment and represents the bias-ply alternative to the radial 155R13. It is the better starting point for an owner seeking a more traditional construction and vintage small-car appearance rather than a modern-style radial presentation. The practical step is to verify both the wagon sub-model and the actual wheel size, since 13-inch fitment is not shared across the full Civic range.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1979 Honda Civic because tire size changes between the sedan and wagon applications, and construction choices vary within some of those setups. Checking the exact sub-model first helps separate the 12-inch sedan fitments from the 13-inch wagon fitment before narrowing the choice to radial or bias-ply.
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1979 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan
The 1979 Honda Civic 1200 Sedan uses a 12-inch tire fitment with both radial and bias-ply choices represented. That gives the owner a clear decision between preserving a more traditional bias-ply presentation or selecting the radial format that matches the car’s wheel size and intended use.
The 1979 Honda Civic CVCC 5 Speed Sedan uses a 12-inch radial tire fitment rather than the broader mix seen on some other Civic sub-models. Tire selection here centers more on confirming the wheel setup and choosing the right radial size than on deciding between radial and bias-ply construction.
The 1979 Honda Civic CVCC Sedan uses a 12-inch fitment that appears in both radial and bias-ply form. That makes construction choice part of the buying decision, especially for owners balancing period-style appearance with the feel and presentation of a radial-equipped small Honda.
The 1979 Honda Civic CVCC Wagon moves to a 13-inch fitment and offers both radial and bias-ply size paths within that wheel diameter. The main selection step is confirming the wagon’s larger wheel setup first, then choosing the tire construction that best suits the vehicle’s look and road use.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1979 Honda Civic Tires for Sale
Current product choices center on 155R13 radial fitment, with blackwall options from Michelin and Dunlop. Buyers can compare tire series, construction details, and rim-width compatibility within that 13-inch Civic wagon size rather than sorting through unrelated fitments.
These 1979 Honda Civic tire FAQs focus on the sizes used across sedan and wagon sub-models, 12-inch versus 13-inch wheel fitment, radial and bias-ply choices, and the checks that matter before putting a lightly used vintage Civic back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1979 Honda Civic?
A 1979 Honda Civic can use 155R12, 6.00-12, 155R13, or 6.15-13, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. The sedan applications use 12-inch sizes, while the CVCC Wagon uses 13-inch sizes. Both radial and bias-ply fitments appear within the covered range, so size and construction both matter.
The first step is identifying whether the car is a 1200 Sedan, CVCC 5 Speed Sedan, CVCC Sedan, or CVCC Wagon. After that, confirm the actual wheel diameter on the car, since decades of replacement wheels or mixed parts can change what is mounted today. Once the wheel size is confirmed, the tire choice becomes much easier.
What size rim does a 1979 Honda Civic use?
The 1979 Honda Civic uses either a 12-inch or 13-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The sedan fitments shown here use 12-inch wheels with 155R12 or 6.00-12 tires, while the CVCC Wagon uses 13-inch wheels with 155R13 or 6.15-13 tires. That split is one of the most important fitment details on this vehicle.
Wheel diameter should be checked before choosing any tire, especially on an older compact car that may have seen wheel swaps over the years. Looking only at the body style or assuming all first-generation Civics use the same rim can lead to the wrong choice. The tire size and the wheel diameter need to match before construction, brand, or appearance choices are considered.
Do all 1979 Honda Civic sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1979 Honda Civic does not use one tire size across every covered sub-model. The 1200 Sedan, CVCC 5 Speed Sedan, and CVCC Sedan use 12-inch tire fitments, while the CVCC Wagon uses 13-inch tire fitments. Some sub-models also show both radial and bias-ply options rather than a single construction type.
That means the exact sub-model matters before selecting a tire. A sedan owner should not assume a wagon size applies, and a wagon owner should not default to the 12-inch sedan fitment. Matching the tire to the specific Civic configuration helps avoid wheel-diameter mistakes and keeps the search focused on the right construction and product choices.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1979 Honda Civic?
Start with the exact sub-model, then confirm whether the car is on 12-inch or 13-inch wheels. From there, choose the correct primary size and decide whether a radial or bias-ply construction matches the way the Civic is used and presented. On a small late-1970s Honda, a size mistake can be more disruptive than on a larger vehicle.
After fitment is confirmed, compare the details that shape the final choice, such as construction type, sidewall appearance, tire series, and any rim-width compatibility notes tied to the product. For a driver-focused car, the radial option may be the more natural place to look. For a restoration-oriented car, the period-style look of a bias-ply may carry more weight.
What brands offer tires for the 1979 Honda Civic?
Available 155R13 products for the 1979 Honda Civic come from Michelin and Dunlop. Those options are both radial blackwall tires and appear in established series including Michelin XAS-FF and SP Sport Aquajet. The brand choice applies to the 13-inch radial Civic fitment rather than to every size used across all 1979 Civic sub-models.
Brand is only one part of the decision. It still helps to confirm that the Civic in question uses the 13-inch wagon fitment, then compare the product’s series character and wheel compatibility details alongside the basic size. On a vehicle with multiple sizes across the model line, choosing the correct fitment matters more than choosing a name on the sidewall.
How do I choose between the available 155R13 tires for a 1979 Honda Civic?
For a 1979 Honda Civic using 155R13, the available choices are radial blackwall tires from Michelin and Dunlop. Both fit the same general size category, but they differ by tire series and some product details such as published rim-width range or load information where noted. The decision is less about size and more about which product best suits the car’s setup and use.
A good comparison starts with wheel compatibility, since one 155R13 product includes a stated rim-width range of 4.00 to 5.50 inches. After that, look at the kind of presentation you want under the car and whether a particular series better matches the Civic’s period character. Keeping the choice tied to the actual wagon fitment prevents unnecessary confusion with the 12-inch sedan sizes.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1979 Honda Civic?
A period-style 1979 Honda Civic tire choice starts with the correct sub-model fitment and wheel diameter, then moves to construction. Sedans in the 12-inch group can point toward either a radial 155R12 or a bias-ply 6.00-12, while the CVCC Wagon’s 13-inch fitment can follow either 155R13 radial or 6.15-13 bias-ply sizing. Each path gives the car a different visual and historical feel.
For a restoration-oriented Civic, the most convincing result usually comes from matching the correct size family first and avoiding a modern substitution that changes the look of the car. When exact originality matters beyond that, period photos, marque references, and vehicle-specific documentation are worth checking. They can help narrow the right construction and appearance direction without guessing.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1979 Honda Civic?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1979 Honda Civic even when the wheel diameter is correct. A bias-ply size such as 6.00-12 or 6.15-13 brings a more traditional vintage presentation, while a radial size like 155R12 or 155R13 gives the car the look of the late-1970s radial era. That difference can be noticeable on a compact car with relatively small wheels.
Appearance is only part of the decision, because the right tire still has to match the Civic’s actual sub-model and wheel setup. A restored sedan and a restored wagon do not share the same diameter, so construction should be considered after fitment is confirmed. That order keeps a cosmetic decision from leading to the wrong tire size or wheel mismatch.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1979 Honda Civic?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1979 Honda Civic, especially because this model already spans both 12-inch and 13-inch wheel applications. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, brake conversions, or body alterations can change the space available around the tire and may also alter the wheel width or offset compared with a stock setup.
An older Civic should be checked as it sits today rather than assumed to match its original configuration. Measure the wheel diameter, inspect the wheel width, and look at clearance around the fenders, struts, and steering components before settling on a tire. That is particularly important when choosing between the sedan and wagon fitment families or between radial and bias-ply construction.
What should I inspect before driving a 1979 Honda Civic on new tires?
Before driving a 1979 Honda Civic on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm that the tires are seated properly, and check for any obvious interference at full steering lock and normal ride height. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components, since worn parts can create problems that a fresh set of tires will not solve.
Air pressure should be set appropriately for the installed tires, and the car should be watched closely during the first miles for vibration, rubbing, or unusual pull. On a collector-era compact that may spend long periods parked, this is also a good time to inspect for wheel corrosion, old valve issues, and uneven wear patterns that could point to alignment or mechanical concerns.
How should tires on a collector 1979 Honda Civic be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1979 Honda Civic should be checked regularly for pressure, cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and signs of air loss, even if the car is driven only occasionally. Low-use vintage cars can develop tire problems while parked, and small-diameter Civic tires still need routine attention to stay roadworthy and presentable.
Storage habits matter just as much as mileage. Keeping the Civic away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition, and moving the car periodically can reduce the chance of long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, recheck pressure and give each tire a close visual inspection so age-related problems are caught before the car is back on the road.
