The 1986 Honda Civic sits at an important point in the Civic story, when Honda’s compact platform had already earned a reputation for efficiency, tidy packaging, and sharp small-car engineering. Buyers today often approach this generation with very different goals, from preserving a simple commuter-era hatchback to keeping a CRX or Si true to its original character. Tire fitment on the 1986 Honda Civic is fully radial, but the exact size depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. That makes the real choice less about old bias-ply versus radial questions and more about confirming the correct 13-inch or 14-inch setup, then selecting the right brand, series, and intended road use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Honda Civic
The 1986 Honda Civic uses three primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes fit 13-inch rims, while one uses a 14-inch rim, so the first step is confirming both the trim and the wheel currently on the car. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to choosing the right radial tire for the car’s intended use and presentation.
165/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 165 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1986 Honda Civic, this size suits the lighter-duty sub-models that were built around a 13-inch wheel and compact tire package. It represents a straightforward modern radial format rather than an older alphanumeric or numeric sizing system. Choosing this size starts with confirming that the car still carries the correct 13-inch wheels and has not been changed to a wider or larger-diameter setup over the years.
175/70R13 follows the same metric radial format, with a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This is the most widely used size across the 1986 Honda Civic range, covering several standard and sport-oriented sub-models on 13-inch wheels. Available product choice in this size includes an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving buyers a clearly defined option within the correct fitment. It is the size to evaluate when the car remains on its original-type 13-inch wheel diameter and the goal is to preserve proper sizing rather than move to a larger wheel.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size that uses a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a lower 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim. On the 1986 Honda Civic, this size is tied to the sub-model that carries the 14-inch wheel setup, making wheel-diameter confirmation essential before selection. Product choice in this fitment includes a Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 blackwall radial, which gives this size a distinct modern performance-oriented option. This is the size to consider when the car is equipped with the proper 14-inch wheels and the aim is to stay with the intended lower-profile fitment.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Honda Civic because tire size changes across the range rather than staying uniform from one version to the next. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact Civic or CRX variant and make sure the wheel diameter on the car matches the intended fitment.
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1986 Honda Civic 1300
The 1986 Honda Civic 1300 uses the smaller 165/70R13 radial fitment on a 13-inch wheel. Tire selection here is mainly about staying with the correct compact metric size and confirming that the car has not been changed to a different wheel package.
The 1986 Honda Civic 1500 S uses 175/70R13 radial tires on a 13-inch rim. That makes the buying decision more about choosing the right tire within that size rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The 1986 Honda Civic CRX uses the 175/70R13 radial size with a 13-inch wheel. Owners should focus on selecting a tire that matches the car’s intended use while keeping wheel diameter and overall fitment consistent.
The 1986 Honda Civic CRX HF uses 165/70R13 radial tires. Choosing for this sub-model starts with retaining the proper 13-inch fitment and checking whether the car still wears its original-size wheel and tire combination.
The 1986 Honda Civic CRX HF 1300 also uses the 165/70R13 radial size. That keeps the fitment straightforward, with the main priority being confirmation of the wheel diameter and overall condition of the existing setup.
The 1986 Honda Civic CRX Si uses 185/60R14 radial tires on a 14-inch rim. This sub-model’s fitment stands apart from the 13-inch Civic and CRX variants, so wheel confirmation is especially important before selecting a replacement tire.
The 1986 Honda Civic DX uses the 175/70R13 radial size. Tire selection is therefore centered on finding the right product within that fitment and making sure the car still retains the proper 13-inch wheel setup.
The 1986 Honda Civic Si uses 175/70R13 radial tires. That keeps sizing simple, but it is still worth confirming actual wheel diameter and width first, especially on cars that may have seen aftermarket wheel changes over time.
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 1986 Honda Civic Tires for Sale
Available product choice centers on two radial sizes: 175/70R13 and 185/60R14. Buyers can compare Avon and Michelin offerings, both in blackwall form, with differences in tire series and rim-width specifications that matter when matching the tire to the wheel already on the car.
Owners of a 1986 Honda Civic usually need to confirm the exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and correct radial size before choosing a tire. The questions below focus on fitment, rim sizing, available product choices, appearance, and the checks worth making before road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Honda Civic?
A 1986 Honda Civic can use 165/70R13, 175/70R13, or 185/60R14, depending on the specific sub-model. The 1300, CRX HF, and CRX HF 1300 use 165/70R13, while the 1500 S, CRX, DX, and Si use 175/70R13. The CRX Si uses 185/60R14.
That means the first step is identifying the exact version of the car rather than ordering by year and model alone. Wheel diameter matters just as much, since the 13-inch and 14-inch fitments are not interchangeable without confirming the actual wheel setup on the vehicle.
What size rim does a 1986 Honda Civic use?
A 1986 Honda Civic uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 165/70R13 and 175/70R13 fitments both use 13-inch rims, while the 185/60R14 fitment uses a 14-inch rim on the CRX Si.
Rim diameter should be confirmed before tire selection, especially on cars that may have been modified over the years. A Civic that now wears aftermarket wheels may not match its original sub-model fitment, so checking the wheel itself helps avoid choosing the right size for the wrong rim.
Why does the 1986 Honda Civic have more than one tire size?
The 1986 Honda Civic range covers several distinct sub-models, including standard Civic trims and CRX variants, and they do not all share the same wheel-and-tire package. Most use a 13-inch setup in either 165/70R13 or 175/70R13, while the CRX Si uses a 14-inch wheel with 185/60R14 tires.
That variation reflects differences in the way each version was equipped rather than a one-size-fits-all fitment. Buyers should match the tire to the exact sub-model and wheel diameter on the car, then compare tire options within that size instead of treating the whole 1986 Civic lineup as identical.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 175/70R13 tire for a 1986 Honda Civic?
Start by confirming that 175/70R13 is the correct fitment for the specific 1986 Honda Civic sub-model and that the car still uses a 13-inch wheel. In the available product range, this size is offered as a radial blackwall tire from Avon in the CR6ZZ series.
Once the size is confirmed, compare the tire’s rim-width specification to the wheel already on the car and think about how the vehicle will actually be used. A regularly driven Civic, a preserved CRX, and a lightly used collector car may all need the same size, but not always the same tire priorities.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Honda Civic tires?
The available products for the 1986 Honda Civic fitments shown here use a blackwall sidewall style. That applies to the 175/70R13 Avon CR6ZZ and the 185/60R14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, so the visible appearance stays clean and understated rather than using stripes or raised white lettering.
For many owners, that makes the decision more about size, series, and wheel compatibility than about dramatic sidewall styling. It is still worth matching the visual presentation to the car itself, especially if the Civic or CRX is being kept close to a stock-era appearance instead of a modified look.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Honda Civic?
The available tire choices for the 1986 Honda Civic fitments shown here come from Avon and Michelin. Avon covers the 175/70R13 size with the CR6ZZ series, while Michelin covers the 185/60R14 size with the Pilot Exalto PE2 series.
Brand choice should always come after fitment confirmation, since the correct size and wheel diameter matter more than the name on the sidewall. Once the proper size is identified, compare the series offered in that fitment, the sidewall style, and the wheel-width compatibility before making a final selection.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Honda Civic?
A period-style 1986 Honda Civic starts with the correct original-type size for the exact sub-model: 165/70R13, 175/70R13, or 185/60R14. Because this Civic generation uses modern metric radial sizing rather than older bias-ply formats, keeping the right diameter and profile relationship is the key visual starting point.
From there, the appearance decision is more subtle and depends on whether the goal is a stock-looking driver, a preserved CRX, or a more performance-focused presentation. Blackwall tires suit the available product range, but buyers chasing exact historical authenticity should also compare the car against period photos or marque-specific references.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1986 Honda Civic restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1986 Honda Civic restoration because this generation uses different sizes across the model range, and the wrong diameter or profile can change the car’s stance and overall presentation. A CRX Si on 185/60R14 does not present the same way as a 1300 or HF model on 165/70R13.
Restoration-minded owners should verify the exact sub-model first, then confirm that the wheel diameter on the car matches that fitment before choosing a tire. That approach keeps the project grounded in the proper size family and helps avoid a finished look that feels out of step with the car’s intended configuration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Honda Civic?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1986 Honda Civic. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, or body alterations can all influence which tire size works on the car, even if the original sub-model fitment was 165/70R13, 175/70R13, or 185/60R14.
A Civic or CRX that no longer has its original wheel setup should be measured rather than assumed to match stock sizing. Checking actual rim diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fenders and steering stops helps prevent choosing a tire that is correct for the model on paper but wrong for the car in front of you.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Honda Civic on new tires?
Before driving a 1986 Honda Civic on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the wheel diameter and width, and make sure the chosen tire size matches the sub-model. It is also smart to check for suspension wear, alignment issues, and any signs that the previous tires rubbed or wore unevenly.
Road-ready preparation should also include verifying tire pressure, looking over valve stems, and making sure there is proper clearance through full steering travel. On an older Civic or CRX, those basic checks matter because even a correct-size tire can be compromised by worn chassis parts or a neglected wheel-and-tire setup.
How should tires on a collector 1986 Honda Civic be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1986 Honda Civic should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspection, and attention to age-related condition as well as tread depth. Older enthusiast cars often see limited mileage, so sidewall cracking, flat-spotting, air loss, and general aging can become concerns even when tread still looks usable.
Storage conditions also matter. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires, while occasional movement can reduce long-term flat spotting. Before any longer drive, inspect for cuts, bulges, or vibration and confirm that the tires still suit the wheel and suspension setup on the car.
