The 1989 Honda Civic sits in the late-1980s compact era that made the Civic such a familiar choice for efficient daily driving, practical hatchback use, and lightweight enthusiast ownership. By this point, the model line covered several distinct configurations, and tire fitment followed those differences more closely than many buyers expect. A 1989 Honda Civic uses radial tires, but the exact size changes across 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications depending on sub-model. That means the real choice is not only brand or sidewall style, but first confirming whether the car is a DX, LX, Si, RT 4WD, Hatchback, Wagon, or Wagovan before selecting a road-use or restoration-minded replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Honda Civic
The 1989 Honda Civic uses four different primary tire sizes, and they are tied to specific sub-models rather than one universal fitment. Both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications appear in the lineup, so the first step is confirming the exact Civic version and wheel diameter before comparing tire choices, sidewall style, or performance character.
The 175/70R13 size uses a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1989 Honda Civic, this size serves several sub-models and reflects the practical, everyday radial fitment expected on a late-1980s compact. Available choices in this size include an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving buyers a recognizable brand and a defined tire series to evaluate. This size is the right place to focus when keeping a 13-inch Civic on its established wheel setup without moving into another sub-model's fitment.
The 165/70R13 size is a metric radial with a 165-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Compared with other 1989 Honda Civic fitments, it represents a distinct sub-model application rather than a broad replacement size across the whole range. Its narrower metric format is familiar to modern buyers, but it still needs to be matched to the correct Civic configuration and existing wheel diameter. This is the size to verify carefully when the car is a Hatchback, especially if wheels have been changed over the years.
The 175/70R14 size keeps the same 175-millimeter width and 70-series profile seen in smaller wheel applications, but it is built for a 14-inch rim. On the 1989 Honda Civic, that matters because this size belongs to a specific sub-model and should not be treated as interchangeable with the 13-inch versions simply because the section width looks familiar. Product choice in this size includes a Travelstar radial with a narrow whitewall presentation, adding an appearance decision alongside basic fitment. It is the size to evaluate when the Civic is already equipped with the correct 14-inch wheel package.
The 185/60R14 size uses a wider 185-millimeter section width, a lower 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Within the 1989 Honda Civic range, this size stands apart as a more specialized fitment and should be selected only for the sub-model that uses it. Available product choice includes the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 blackwall, which gives this size a distinctly performance-oriented series identity compared with more conventional replacements. This is the size to confirm when preserving the intended wheel-and-tire balance of a Civic Si rather than substituting a taller or smaller-wheel setup.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Honda Civic because tire size is not shared across the entire lineup. Some versions use the same 13-inch radial size, while others move to different 13-inch or 14-inch applications that need to be matched carefully before replacement.
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1989 Honda Civic DX
The 1989 Honda Civic DX uses the same 175/70R13 radial fitment found on several other Civic sub-models. That makes tire selection more straightforward, with the main decision centered on maintaining the correct 13-inch sizing and choosing among the available product characteristics within that format.
The 1989 Honda Civic Hatchback uses 165/70R13 radial tires, giving it a distinct fitment within the broader Civic range. Tire selection starts with staying on the correct 13-inch wheel diameter and confirming that the car has not been changed to another wheel or tire package over time.
The 1989 Honda Civic LX uses 175/70R13 radial tires, aligning it with a shared 13-inch Civic fitment rather than one of the model-specific 14-inch applications. For replacement, the focus is on preserving the established size and checking wheel compatibility before comparing brand or tread-character differences.
The 1989 Honda Civic RT 4WD uses 175/70R14 radial tires, making wheel diameter confirmation especially important before ordering replacements. Tire choice should stay centered on the correct 14-inch fitment, then move to appearance and product-style differences that suit the vehicle's intended use.
The 1989 Honda Civic Si uses 185/60R14 radial tires, a size that differs from the more common 13-inch Civic applications. That makes it important to retain the proper 14-inch wheel setup and evaluate tires in terms of profile, rim compatibility, and the driving character expected from an Si.
The 1989 Honda Civic Wagon uses 175/70R13 radial tires, sharing a common 13-inch fitment with several other Civic versions. Replacement decisions are therefore less about identifying a unique size and more about selecting the right tire style while keeping the existing wheel setup in mind.
The 1989 Honda Civic Wagovan also uses 175/70R13 radial tires, so its fitment follows one of the more common 1989 Civic patterns. The practical decision is choosing a tire that matches the 13-inch application and intended use, while still confirming that the vehicle remains on its proper wheel size.
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 1989 Honda Civic Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Honda Civic tire choices span Avon, Travelstar, and Michelin, with differences in tire series, blackwall versus narrow whitewall appearance, and rim-width compatibility on certain sizes. The product grid is most useful once the exact Civic sub-model and its 13-inch or 14-inch tire size have been confirmed.
These 1989 Honda Civic tire FAQs focus on exact size by sub-model, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, appearance differences, and the checks worth making before putting a lightly used older Civic back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Honda Civic?
A 1989 Honda Civic can use 175/70R13, 165/70R13, 175/70R14, or 185/60R14, depending on the sub-model. DX, LX, Wagon, and Wagovan use 175/70R13. The Hatchback uses 165/70R13, the RT 4WD uses 175/70R14, and the Si uses 185/60R14.
The key is matching the tire to the exact Civic version rather than treating the whole model line as one fitment. Wheel diameter changes across the range, so a buyer should confirm both the sub-model and the car's actual wheels before choosing a replacement tire.
What size rim does a 1989 Honda Civic use?
A 1989 Honda Civic uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 175/70R13 and 165/70R13 fitments use 13-inch rims, while the 175/70R14 and 185/60R14 fitments use 14-inch rims.
That makes rim diameter one of the first things to verify before replacing tires, especially on an older Civic that may have changed hands several times. Checking the wheel itself helps avoid ordering a tire in the right width and profile but for the wrong rim diameter.
Do all 1989 Honda Civic sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1989 Honda Civic does not use one shared tire size across every sub-model. Several versions share 175/70R13, but the Hatchback, RT 4WD, and Si each have their own distinct fitment, including both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel applications.
That variation matters because two Civic tires can look similar on paper while fitting different wheels or delivering a different overall stance. Identifying the exact sub-model first keeps the search focused and reduces the chance of choosing a tire meant for another Civic configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Honda Civic tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1989 Honda Civic sub-model, since the range includes four different radial fitments. After size, look at the wheel diameter, any stated rim-width specification, and whether the tire's character suits the way the car will be used and presented.
A preserved commuter-style Civic, a sportier Si, and a wagon kept for casual collector use may lead to different priorities even before brand enters the picture. Keeping the proper size and wheel match in place is the foundation, then appearance and series choice become the meaningful comparison points.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Honda Civic tires?
Available sidewall styles for 1989 Honda Civic tires include blackwall and narrow whitewall, depending on the size. The 175/70R13 Avon CR6ZZ and the 185/60R14 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 are blackwall tires, while the 175/70R14 Travelstar option uses a narrow whitewall treatment.
Sidewall style changes the visual character of the car even when the tire size is correct. A blackwall usually keeps a more understated or performance-minded look, while a narrow whitewall adds a more decorative presentation, so the right choice depends on the Civic's intended appearance and correct sub-model fitment.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Honda Civic?
Tire options for the 1989 Honda Civic include Avon, Travelstar, and Michelin across the sizes that appear in this model range. Brand availability depends on the exact fitment, so the choice is tied to whether the car uses 175/70R13, 175/70R14, or 185/60R14.
Brand selection should come after confirming the Civic's correct size and wheel diameter. Once that is settled, the comparison becomes more useful because it can focus on the tire series, sidewall presentation, and fitment details that actually apply to that specific Civic configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Honda Civic?
A period-style 1989 Honda Civic tire choice starts with using the exact size assigned to the sub-model, whether that is a 13-inch or 14-inch radial application. Staying with the proper size preserves the car's overall visual balance better than substituting another Civic fitment simply because it is close.
Appearance then comes down to how the car is being presented. Blackwall tires tend to suit a cleaner late-1980s compact look, while the available narrow whitewall in 175/70R14 creates a more stylized presentation. Buyers seeking strict originality should compare any tire choice against marque-specific historical references.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Honda Civic?
On a restored 1989 Honda Civic, tire construction is straightforward because the model's primary fitments are radial tires. That means the visual difference comes less from choosing between bias-ply and radial construction and more from the tire's sidewall style, profile, and how closely the size matches the original wheel setup.
A lower-profile 185/60R14 on an Si presents differently than a taller 70-series tire on another Civic sub-model, even though both are radials. Keeping the proper size and wheel diameter for the specific version does more for a restoration-minded appearance than forcing one Civic tire style across the whole lineup.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Honda Civic?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1989 Honda Civic even when the tire size is correct for the original sub-model. Aftermarket wheels, altered offset, suspension changes, or body modifications can change clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, or steering components.
That is especially important on a Civic range that already uses both 13-inch and 14-inch wheel fitments. A car that has been lowered or converted to different wheels should be checked carefully before replacement, since the right original size does not automatically account for later changes to the chassis or wheel package.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Honda Civic on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Honda Civic on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the correct rim diameter, and make sure the tires are installed in the proper size for the sub-model. It is also wise to check valve stems, inflation pressure, tread seating, and visible clearance around suspension and body edges.
An older Civic can hide problems that are not obvious during installation alone. Looking over wheel bearings, brakes, alignment condition, and any signs of rubbing helps the new tires start their service life correctly, especially if the car has spent long periods parked or has an unknown maintenance history.
How should tires on a collector 1989 Honda Civic be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1989 Honda Civic should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Even when tread wear is low, a low-mileage older car can still develop age-related concerns such as cracking, flat spotting, bulges, or gradual air loss.
Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, heat, moisture, and ozone sources helps protect the rubber over time. It also pays to inspect the tires before each drive rather than relying on mileage alone, since collector cars often age their tires through storage conditions more than through frequent road use.
