The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol belongs to the compact sport coupe era when Honda blended Civic-based practicality with open-air driving and a light, nimble chassis. Buyers still gravitate to it for its distinctive targa-style roof, approachable size, and trim-specific personality. Tire fitment on the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol is trim dependent, with 175/70R13, 185/60R14, and 195/60R14 radial sizes tied to different sub-models. That makes wheel diameter and exact sub-model identification more important here than simply choosing by appearance, especially since the available options are blackwall radial designs from Avon and Michelin. The right choice starts with confirming whether the car is an S, Si, or VTEC.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol
Three tire sizes apply to the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol, and they do not all use the same wheel diameter. The S uses a 13-inch fitment, while the Si and VTEC move to 14-inch radial sizes with different section widths and profiles. Before selecting a tire, the first step is confirming the exact sub-model and checking whether the car still has its correct wheel setup.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size in which 175 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol, this size belongs to the S sub-model and keeps the fitment in a smaller 13-inch package. Available choices center on a blackwall radial from Avon in the CR6ZZ series. This size is the one to evaluate when maintaining proper fitment on an S and preserving its intended wheel-and-tire proportions.
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol, this size is associated with the Si and represents a lower-profile fitment than the 13-inch S setup. The available product is a blackwall Michelin radial in the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 series. This is the size to compare when the goal is staying aligned with Si fitment while confirming the car still carries the proper 14-inch wheels.
195/60R14 is a metric radial size that uses a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch wheel. On the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol, this size is tied to the VTEC sub-model and gives that trim its own wider 14-inch fitment. The available choice is a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A radial, which offers a different series selection than the Si size. This is the right size to review when keeping VTEC-specific fitment in place and checking that wheel diameter and overall clearance remain consistent.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol because each covered trim uses its own tire size. Checking whether the car is an S, Si, or VTEC is the clearest way to narrow the correct wheel diameter and tire profile before comparing products.
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1996 Honda Civic del Sol S
The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol S uses a 175/70R13 radial tire on a 13-inch wheel. Tire selection for this trim starts with preserving that smaller-wheel fitment and then comparing the available blackwall radial option within the correct size.
The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol Si uses a 185/60R14 radial tire on a 14-inch wheel. That means product choice should stay centered on the Si-specific 14-inch sizing rather than assuming the S or VTEC tire will suit the same wheel setup.
The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol VTEC uses a 195/60R14 radial tire on a 14-inch wheel. Choosing for this trim means confirming the wider VTEC fitment first, then evaluating the available blackwall radial option that matches that 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 1996 Honda Civic del Sol Tires for Sale
Available tires for the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol are all blackwall radials, with Avon covering 175/70R13 and Michelin offering options in both 185/60R14 and 195/60R14. The main comparison points are trim-specific size, tire series, and rim-width compatibility where stated.
Common questions for the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol usually come down to trim-specific tire size, 13-inch versus 14-inch wheel fitment, and how to choose the right radial tire for an S, Si, or VTEC.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol?
The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol uses three different radial tire sizes depending on sub-model. The del Sol S uses 175/70R13, the del Sol Si uses 185/60R14, and the del Sol VTEC uses 195/60R14. Each size is a primary fitment for its specific trim rather than a shared size across the whole model line.
The practical step is to confirm the exact trim and wheel diameter before choosing a tire. Many older cars have seen wheel changes over the years, so it helps to check the sidewall on the current tire and verify the wheel itself. Picking by model name alone can lead to the wrong diameter or profile.
What size rim does a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol use?
Rim diameter on the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol depends on sub-model. The S uses a 13-inch rim with 175/70R13 tires, while the Si and VTEC use 14-inch rims with 185/60R14 and 195/60R14 tires. That means there are two wheel diameters in play across the 1996 del Sol range.
Wheel diameter should be checked before any tire purchase because a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel, and the reverse is also true. It is also smart to verify that the car still has its proper trim-specific wheel setup, especially if it has been modified or fitted with aftermarket wheels at some point.
Why does the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol have more than one tire size?
The 1996 Honda Civic del Sol has more than one tire size because the S, Si, and VTEC sub-models do not share the same fitment. The S uses 175/70R13, the Si uses 185/60R14, and the VTEC uses 195/60R14. The differences include both section width and wheel diameter across the model range.
That matters because the right tire is tied to the exact trim, not just the year and model name. A del Sol that has changed wheels over time may no longer match its original sub-model fitment, so checking the trim, wheel diameter, and the current tire markings helps narrow the correct size before comparing available products.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol tire?
Start with the correct trim-specific size, since the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol uses 175/70R13, 185/60R14, or 195/60R14 depending on sub-model. All of the available choices here are radial blackwall tires, so the decision is less about construction type and more about matching the proper wheel diameter, tire series, and intended use.
Once the size is confirmed, compare details that affect compatibility and character, such as rim-width range where stated, tire weight, and the specific series offered in that size. A del Sol used for casual road driving may call for a different emphasis than one being refreshed for a more original-looking presentation on its correct wheel setup.
What sidewall styles are available for 1996 Honda Civic del Sol tires?
The available sidewall style for the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol is blackwall across all three supported sizes. That applies to the Avon option in 175/70R13 and the Michelin options in 185/60R14 and 195/60R14. There are no alternate whitewall or raised-letter treatments in the current size-specific product selection.
That keeps the appearance choice straightforward and closely aligned with a modern sporty compact look rather than a vintage sidewall presentation. Since sidewall treatment is not the deciding factor here, the more important comparisons are the exact trim fitment, the tire series in the correct size, and whether the wheel on the car still matches the intended diameter.
What brands offer tires for the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol?
Avon and Michelin offer tires for the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol within the supported fitments. Avon covers the 175/70R13 size with the CR6ZZ series, while Michelin appears in the 185/60R14 and 195/60R14 sizes with the Pilot Exalto PE2 and MXV3-A series. Brand choice is tied to the specific size used by each trim.
That means the first decision is still the sub-model and wheel diameter, since brand availability changes with the tire size. After that, compare the specific series offered in the correct fitment and check any stated rim-width range. Choosing by brand first can easily point you toward a tire that belongs to a different del Sol trim.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1996 Honda Civic del Sol?
A period-style 1996 Honda Civic del Sol starts with keeping the correct trim-specific size in place. That means 175/70R13 for the S, 185/60R14 for the Si, or 195/60R14 for the VTEC, all in radial construction. Staying with the proper size and wheel diameter does more for the car’s stance and overall presentation than chasing an unrelated appearance cue.
Since the available products are blackwall radials, the visual choice is already fairly restrained and appropriate to the era of the car. Owners pursuing exact originality may want to compare tire details against period brochures, marque literature, or other vehicle-specific references, but fitment should remain the first filter before cosmetic preferences.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters because the 1996 Honda Civic del Sol used different sizes across the S, Si, and VTEC sub-models. The proper wheel diameter and profile help preserve the car’s intended proportions and avoid a mismatched look. On a restoration-minded car, the wrong size can stand out even when the tire itself is otherwise a quality radial.
Fitment also affects practical details such as wheel compatibility and body clearance, especially if the car has been altered during its life. A restoration is a good time to confirm the trim, verify the wheel size on the car, and make sure the tire chosen matches the way that particular del Sol is being returned to road use.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension lowering, or body alterations can all change how a 175/70R13, 185/60R14, or 195/60R14 tire sits in the car. Even when the size looks close, the wheel and surrounding clearance may no longer match the original setup.
That is why it helps to inspect the actual wheel diameter and width already on the car before choosing a replacement. Steering clearance, fender room, and overall tire condition should be part of that review. A modified del Sol should always be measured against its present configuration rather than assumed to match stock trim fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol on new tires?
Before driving a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol on new tires, check that the tire size matches the correct trim and wheel diameter, then inspect the wheels for damage and proper bead seating. It is also wise to confirm inflation pressure, lug torque, and basic clearance at the fenders and suspension once the tires are mounted.
A short initial road test can reveal vibration, rubbing, or steering issues that are easier to correct early. Older collector-oriented cars also benefit from a quick look at suspension bushings, alignment condition, and brake components, since fresh tires can highlight problems that were less obvious when the previous set was worn or aged.
How often should tires on a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol be inspected?
Tires on a 1996 Honda Civic del Sol should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Pressure loss, sidewall cracking, tread wear, bulges, and cuts are all worth checking before normal road use. Low-mileage collector cars can age their tires without showing much tread wear.
A quick visual inspection before each outing is a smart habit, with a more thorough check performed at routine service intervals. Storage conditions matter too, since prolonged exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone can accelerate deterioration. Keeping the correct tire pressure and watching for uneven wear can also help catch alignment or suspension issues early.
