The 1998 Hyundai Accent came from an era when small imported cars were valued for simplicity, efficiency, and easy everyday usability. Its light footprint and straightforward packaging make tire selection especially important, because wheel diameter and size choice can change the car’s look and fitment more than many buyers expect. The 1998 Hyundai Accent uses radial tires, with 13-inch fitments on GL, GS, and L models and a 14-inch fitment on the GSi. That leaves room to choose between practical blackwall and whitewall presentations, depending on the exact size. The key is confirming the sub-model and wheel diameter first, then selecting the tire style that suits the car’s intended use.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Hyundai Accent
Three tire sizes apply to the 1998 Hyundai Accent, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. GL, GS, and L models use 13-inch fitments in either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, while the GSi uses 175/65R14 on a 14-inch rim. Before choosing a tire, confirm which wheels are actually on the car, especially if it has been changed from its original setup.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1998 Hyundai Accent, this size is one of the 13-inch fitments used on GL, GS, and L sub-models. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments across several series. This size is worth considering when maintaining a tall-profile 13-inch presentation and when whitewall styling is part of the look you want for the car.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim. For the 1998 Hyundai Accent, it is another 13-inch fitment used on GL, GS, and L models rather than the GSi. The available product in this size is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, giving it a different character from the whitewall-oriented 155/80R13 offerings. This size makes the most sense when the car is already set up for the wider 13-inch fitment and the wheel diameter has been confirmed.
175/65R14 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, radial construction, and a 14-inch rim diameter. On the 1998 Hyundai Accent, this size belongs to the GSi, so it should not be treated as a universal fitment for every Accent sub-model. Its meaning is straightforward for modern buyers: the key distinction is the move to a 14-inch wheel rather than a 13-inch setup. Anyone considering this size should verify that the car is actually a GSi or has the correct 14-inch wheels before moving ahead.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1998 Hyundai Accent because not every version uses the same wheel diameter or tire size. GL, GS, and L models share the 13-inch fitment family, while the GSi moves to a 14-inch setup, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step.
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1998 Hyundai Accent GL
The 1998 Hyundai Accent GL uses one of the 13-inch radial fitments, with 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 both associated with this sub-model. Tire selection comes down to confirming which 13-inch wheel setup is on the car, then choosing between available sidewall styles and product character within the correct size.
The 1998 Hyundai Accent GS also stays within the 13-inch radial range, using either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. That means the practical decision is less about construction and more about verifying the actual wheel and tire setup already on the car before selecting a replacement.
The 1998 Hyundai Accent GSi uses the 175/65R14 radial size, setting it apart from the 13-inch fitments used on other Accent sub-models. For this version, wheel diameter confirmation is especially important, since choosing from the 13-inch sizes would point the buyer in the wrong direction.
The 1998 Hyundai Accent L shares the same 13-inch radial fitment family as the GL and GS, with 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 tied to this sub-model. The next step is to confirm which of those two sizes matches the wheels on the car, then choose the tire style and brand that fit the intended appearance and 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 1998 Hyundai Accent Tires for Sale
Available 1998 Hyundai Accent tire choices center on 13-inch radial options from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. The main differences are size, blackwall versus whitewall presentation, tire series, and the rim-width specifications attached to each product.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1998 Hyundai Accent, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to compare when choosing among available radial, blackwall, and whitewall options.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Hyundai Accent?
The 1998 Hyundai Accent uses three radial tire sizes: 155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 175/65R14. GL, GS, and L models use the 13-inch fitments, while the GSi uses 175/65R14 on a 14-inch rim. That means there is not one universal tire size for every 1998 Accent.
The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model and the wheel diameter currently on the car before choosing a tire. Many older small cars end up with swapped wheels, so checking the sidewall of the existing tire and the wheel itself helps prevent ordering a 13-inch tire for a 14-inch setup or the other way around.
What size rim does a 1998 Hyundai Accent use?
A 1998 Hyundai Accent uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on the sub-model and tire size. The 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 fitments use 13-inch rims, while the 175/65R14 fitment uses a 14-inch rim. Rim diameter is one of the first things to verify on this vehicle.
The tire size in the sidewall must match the wheel diameter exactly, so a 13-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 14-inch wheel. Because GL, GS, and L models share 13-inch fitments while the GSi moves to 14 inches, checking the actual wheels on the car is more useful than assuming the size from the model name alone.
Do all 1998 Hyundai Accent sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 1998 Hyundai Accent sub-models do not all use the same tire size. GL, GS, and L models are associated with 155/80R13 and 175/70R13, while the GSi uses 175/65R14. The split is important because it also means there are two different rim diameters across the range.
That difference affects more than the size printed on the sidewall. It changes which product choices are relevant and whether you should be looking at 13-inch or 14-inch fitment first. If the car has had wheel changes over the years, confirm the current wheel diameter and tire size before treating any sub-model fitment as automatic.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1998 Hyundai Accent?
Start with the correct size for the exact sub-model and wheel diameter, because the 1998 Hyundai Accent uses both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments. After that, compare construction, sidewall style, and product specifications that matter to your goals, such as rim-width range, load figure when stated, and the overall look you want on the car.
A buyer keeping a simple everyday appearance may focus on a straightforward blackwall radial, while someone aiming for a more vintage presentation may prefer one of the whitewall choices in 155/80R13. It also helps to match the tire to how the Accent is actually used, whether that means casual driving, a cleaner restoration-style look, or replacing what is already on the car.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Hyundai Accent tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1998 Hyundai Accent include blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall, depending on the tire size. The 155/80R13 size offers the broadest appearance range, with whitewall options from several brands, while the available 175/70R13 product is a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ radial.
That makes sidewall style part of the size decision as well as the appearance decision. If preserving a cleaner, understated look is the goal, blackwall may be the natural choice. If the car is being given a more distinctive period-style presentation, the narrow or wide whitewall choices in 155/80R13 can change the Accent’s visual character without changing its basic radial construction.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Hyundai Accent?
Brands available for 1998 Hyundai Accent tire fitments include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. The brand mix depends on the size, with 155/80R13 carrying the widest range of choices and 175/70R13 represented by Avon. All of the available products are radial tires.
Brand is only one part of the decision, so it helps to compare each option in the correct size rather than choosing by name alone. Sidewall treatment, tire series, rim-width specification, and the exact look you want on the car can matter just as much, especially when one size offers several whitewall choices and another size is limited to a blackwall performance-style presentation.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Hyundai Accent?
For a period-style 1998 Hyundai Accent, the right starting point is the tire size that matches the car’s actual sub-model and wheel diameter. Within the available products, 155/80R13 offers the strongest restoration-oriented visual choices because it is available with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewalls in several radial series.
Appearance should still stay secondary to correct fitment. A GSi needs its 14-inch fitment confirmed first, and GL, GS, or L models should be checked for which 13-inch size is actually on the car. If exact historical authenticity matters, the smartest approach is to compare the tire choice with period photos, brochures, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Hyundai Accent?
On the 1998 Hyundai Accent, construction does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance decision because the primary fitments are radial. The visual difference comes more from tire size, profile, and sidewall treatment, especially in 155/80R13 where narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options are available alongside more standard-looking radial presentations.
That means a restored Accent can look noticeably different even while staying within the correct radial family. A blackwall tire tends to preserve a more plain, everyday presentation, while a whitewall option adds stronger visual definition. The key is to keep the tire size and wheel diameter aligned with the car’s actual setup so the appearance choice does not create an avoidable fitment problem.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Hyundai Accent?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Hyundai Accent. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can change the clearance available for the original 13-inch or 14-inch tire sizes. Even when the tire size matches the sub-model, the actual wheel width and overall setup still matter.
A sensible check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, and how much room the tire has at full steering lock and through suspension travel. Cars of this age are often changed from stock, so the safest path is to inspect the setup already on the car rather than relying on model name alone. That is especially important when moving between the Accent’s 13-inch and 14-inch fitment families.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Hyundai Accent on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Hyundai Accent on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, verify that the tire size matches the wheel diameter, and confirm that each tire is mounted and inflated correctly. It also helps to check for worn suspension or steering parts, because those can affect how a fresh set of tires behaves on the road.
A quick road-use check should include tread clearance, sidewall clearance, and any sign of rubbing once the car is on the ground. Older compact cars can hide issues such as bent wheels or tired alignment settings, so watching for vibration, pull, or uneven wear after installation is just as important as choosing the correct size in the first place.
How often should tires on a 1998 Hyundai Accent be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Hyundai Accent should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Check for pressure loss, uneven tread wear, cracking, bulges, cuts, and any signs that the tire is aging poorly. Low-use cars can look fine at a glance while still developing condition issues.
Routine inspections matter because a small car like the Accent can feel the effects of tire condition quickly. Looking over the tires before longer drives and checking them periodically during storage helps catch problems early. Keep an eye on both the tread and the sidewalls, and make sure the tire still matches the wheel setup currently on the car if any wheel changes were made in the past.
