The 1988 Honda Prelude sits squarely in the era when Honda coupes were becoming more refined, more technical, and more driver-focused without losing their compact proportions. For buyers sorting tire fitment, this Prelude is not a one-size-fits-all application, because trim level determines whether the car uses 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 radial tires. That matters not only for wheel diameter, but also for the overall character of the available tire choices. Depending on the exact sub-model, options range from traditional blackwall sport-oriented radials to period-style redline and wide whitewall treatments. The right choice starts with confirming the sub-model and wheel size already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1988 Honda Prelude
The 1988 Honda Prelude uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Just as important, those two sizes use different rim diameters, so the first step is confirming whether the car is set up for a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel before comparing tire styles, brands, or series.
185/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1988 Honda Prelude, this size belongs to the 13-inch-wheel fitment and suits buyers who need to stay with the correct trim-specific setup. Available choices include blackwall sport and touring radials as well as BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial versions with redline or wide whitewall styling. It is a useful size to evaluate carefully when appearance matters as much as everyday road use.
195/60R14 is also a metric radial size, with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1988 Honda Prelude, this size applies to sub-models equipped with the 14-inch wheel setup rather than the 13-inch arrangement. The available product choice here is centered on a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A, giving this fitment a more focused selection path than the 13-inch size. This is the right size to consider only after confirming the car is one of the 14-inch-wheel versions.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1988 Honda Prelude because tire size changes with the trim. Identifying whether the car is a 2.0 S, 2.0 Si, or 2.0 Si 4WS is the quickest way to narrow the correct wheel diameter and tire selection.
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1988 Honda Prelude 2.0 S
The 1988 Honda Prelude 2.0 S uses the 185/70R13 radial tire size on a 13-inch wheel. That gives this sub-model the broadest choice in available brands, tire series, and sidewall presentation, so the decision is less about size and more about selecting the right look and intended use.
The 1988 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si uses the 195/60R14 radial tire size on a 14-inch wheel. Tire selection starts with confirming that 14-inch setup is still on the car, especially if wheels have been changed, because this fitment follows a different size path than the 2.0 S.
The 1988 Honda Prelude 2.0 Si 4WS also uses the 195/60R14 radial tire size. Since this sub-model shares the 14-inch fitment with the 2.0 Si, the main priority is preserving the correct wheel-and-tire relationship before comparing the available blackwall radial option.
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 1988 Honda Prelude Tires for Sale
Available 1988 Honda Prelude tires span 185/70R13 and 195/60R14 radial fitments, with brands including BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein. Buyers can compare blackwall choices alongside period-style redline and wide whitewall options, plus different tire series and rim-width specifications within the 13-inch size.
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used by the 1988 Honda Prelude, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing between available radial tires, wheel setups, appearance options, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1988 Honda Prelude?
A 1988 Honda Prelude uses either 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 radial tires, depending on the sub-model. The 2.0 S uses 185/70R13, while the 2.0 Si and 2.0 Si 4WS use 195/60R14. Both are metric radial sizes, but they are not interchangeable as a basic fitment choice because they pair with different wheel diameters.
The key step is identifying the exact Prelude trim and confirming the wheel diameter currently on the car. A car that has been modified over the years may no longer be wearing its original wheel size, so checking the actual wheel before selecting tires helps avoid ordering the correct tire size for the wrong setup.
What size rim does a 1988 Honda Prelude use?
The 1988 Honda Prelude uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model. The 2.0 S uses a 13-inch rim with 185/70R13 tires, while the 2.0 Si and 2.0 Si 4WS use a 14-inch rim with 195/60R14 tires. That wheel diameter difference is one of the main fitment distinctions across the model range.
Wheel diameter should be confirmed before focusing on tread style or sidewall appearance. A tire marked for a 13-inch rim cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. On an older Prelude, that check becomes even more important if aftermarket wheels or a previous owner changed the original wheel package.
Why does the 1988 Honda Prelude have more than one tire size?
The 1988 Honda Prelude has more than one tire size because tire fitment changes by sub-model. The 2.0 S uses 185/70R13, while the 2.0 Si and 2.0 Si 4WS use 195/60R14. That means the tire decision is tied to the specific version of the car rather than to the Prelude name alone.
This matters because the two sizes also bring different wheel diameters and different product choices. Once the sub-model and wheel size are confirmed, the remaining decision becomes much simpler. The buyer can then compare the available radial tires within the correct size instead of trying to force a single size across all 1988 Prelude configurations.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1988 Honda Prelude?
Start with the correct trim-specific size: 185/70R13 for the 2.0 S or 195/60R14 for the 2.0 Si and 2.0 Si 4WS. From there, compare radial construction details that affect the purchase decision, including brand, tire series, sidewall style, and any stated rim-width or load specifications that apply to the size you need.
The right choice depends on how the Prelude is used and how you want it to look. A buyer preserving a period-style presentation may focus on redline or wide whitewall availability in 185/70R13, while a more restrained original-era appearance may point toward blackwall options. Wheel size, actual wheel width, and any suspension changes should still be checked before final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Honda Prelude tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used by the car. In 185/70R13, available styles include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall. In 195/60R14, the available option is a blackwall radial. That makes the 13-inch fitment the more appearance-oriented size if sidewall presentation is part of the buying decision.
Choosing a sidewall style is partly about visual balance and partly about staying consistent with the car's intended character. A blackwall keeps the look understated and era-appropriate for many late-1980s imports, while redline or wide whitewall choices create a more custom or period-inspired presentation. The tire still needs to match the car's actual size and wheel setup first.
What brands offer tires for the 1988 Honda Prelude?
Available brands for the 1988 Honda Prelude include BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, depending on tire size. The 185/70R13 fitment has the widest brand spread, while the 195/60R14 fitment is represented by Michelin. Those brand differences are tied to the tire size and wheel diameter, not simply to the Prelude model name.
Brand is only one part of the selection process. It should be compared alongside the correct size, the tire series offered in that size, sidewall style, and any rim-width guidance attached to the product. A useful approach is to confirm fitment first, then narrow the options by the kind of appearance and road use the car is meant to support.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1988 Honda Prelude?
A period-style choice for a 1988 Honda Prelude starts with the correct trim-specific size. The 2.0 S uses 185/70R13, while the 2.0 Si and 2.0 Si 4WS use 195/60R14. Within those sizes, blackwall radials usually deliver the most natural late-1980s presentation, while the 185/70R13 fitment also opens the door to more distinctive appearance-driven options.
The best visual match depends on whether the goal is stock-looking restraint or a more personalized vintage style. Redline and wide whitewall treatments are available in 185/70R13, but that does not automatically make them original to every Prelude. For a restoration where exact historical appearance matters, compare the tire choice against vehicle-specific reference material before deciding.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1988 Honda Prelude?
For the 1988 Honda Prelude, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the construction itself already aligns with the car's era. Appearance changes more through tire series and sidewall treatment than through a bias-ply-versus-radial decision. In practical terms, the visual difference comes from whether the car wears a straightforward blackwall or one of the styled sidewall options offered in 185/70R13.
A restored Prelude usually looks most cohesive when the tire profile, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment all suit the specific trim. A 2.0 S on 13-inch wheels can take on a different visual character than a 2.0 Si on 14-inch wheels, even before brand is considered. Matching the tire to the intended finish of the car is often more important than chasing novelty.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1988 Honda Prelude?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1988 Honda Prelude even when the size seems close on paper. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, offset changes, lowering, spring replacement, or body modifications can all affect how a 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 tire sits in the wheel opening and clears through steering and suspension travel.
That is why the actual car should be checked before replacing tires, especially on an older coupe that may have changed hands several times. Confirm wheel diameter first, then look at wheel width, clearance to fenders and suspension parts, and the tire size already mounted. A careful inspection prevents selecting a tire around assumptions that no longer match the car.
What should I inspect before driving a 1988 Honda Prelude on new tires?
Before driving a 1988 Honda Prelude on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires are the proper size for the sub-model, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup. It also helps to check for rubbing points, loose suspension components, and any uneven wear pattern from the previous tires.
A short test drive should be used to confirm straight tracking, steering response, and clearance at full lock and over bumps. On a collector or lightly used Prelude, it is also wise to inspect wheel bearings, brakes, and valve stems while the tires are being changed. New tires perform best when the rest of the basic running gear is ready for regular road use.
How often should tires on a 1988 Honda Prelude be inspected?
Tires on a 1988 Honda Prelude should be inspected regularly, with extra attention if the car is driven infrequently. Check for tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, air loss, and any sign that the tire is rubbing due to wheel or suspension changes. A quick visual inspection before each drive is sensible on a vehicle that may spend long periods parked.
Low annual mileage does not eliminate tire aging, so time and storage conditions matter just as much as tread depth. Heat, sunlight, moisture, and long stationary periods can all affect an older collector car's tires. Frequent pressure checks and periodic close inspections help catch problems early, especially before a highway trip or the start of a new driving season.
