The 1988 Honda lineup captured the brand at a moment when front-wheel-drive packaging, efficiency, and sharp engineering had fully moved into the mainstream. Accord and Prelude served buyers who wanted refined family and sporty coupes, while Civic and CRX covered the compact end with everything from practical commuter duty to lightweight enthusiast appeal. Across 1988 Honda models, six tire sizes appear, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range, with both 13-inch and 14-inch fitments in play. Before choosing a tire for a 1988 Honda, the first step is confirming the exact model and then matching the correct wheel diameter and size for that application.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1988 Honda
Six tire sizes are used across 1988 Honda vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Because these sizes span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels, the real decision starts with confirming the correct rim diameter for your Accord, CRX, Civic, or Prelude before narrowing to the exact size. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps ensure the right match.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Accord, Prelude|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
185/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles, with H- and V-rated examples reaching 130 mph and 149 mph respectively. This size is specific to Accord and Prelude rather than universal across 1988 Honda models. It suits owners who want a 13-inch fitment with a choice between more traditional visual styling and sport-oriented blackwall options.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Accord, Prelude|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. It is available from Michelin as a blackwall tubeless radial with a V speed rating, which carries a 149 mph ceiling. This size is specific to Accord and Prelude rather than shared across the entire 1988 Honda range. It is the choice for owners whose cars use the 14-inch application and who want a modern-looking radial presentation.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): CRX, Civic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. It is available from Avon in a blackwall radial with an H speed rating, giving it a 130 mph ceiling. This size is specific to CRX and Civic models rather than the whole 1988 Honda lineup. It is a straightforward fit for owners keeping a 13-inch wheel setup on those compact models.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): CRX, Civic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13-in rim
165/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 165-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 13-inch wheel. Blackwall, brand, tube, and speed-rating details are not expanded here, but the size remains a radial 13-inch application for the CRX and Civic. This size is specific to those two models and is not used across the broader 1988 Honda range. It is the size to choose only after confirming your compact Honda was built around the narrower 13-inch fitment.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): CRX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 185-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. It is available from Michelin as a blackwall tubeless radial with a V speed rating, which carries a 149 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the CRX and does not apply across all 1988 Honda models. It fits buyers who have confirmed the 14-inch CRX application and want a distinctly sport-oriented blackwall radial.
Year(s): 1988|Fit(s): Civic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
175/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 14-inch wheel. It is available from Travelstar in a narrow whitewall style with a T speed rating, giving it a 118 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the Civic and is not shared across the rest of the 1988 Honda lineup. It makes sense for Civic owners who need the 14-inch fitment and prefer a more traditional sidewall look.
Four 1988 Honda models are covered here: Accord, CRX, Civic, and Prelude. Tire sizing varies by model, so year and make alone are not enough for an accurate choice; the exact model determines whether you need a 13-inch or 14-inch application and which size goes with it. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific Honda.
1988 Honda Accord
The 1988 Honda Accord was one of the defining front-wheel-drive midsize cars of its era, known for combining everyday practicality with a more polished driving feel than many rivals. Accord uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch tire fitment depending on application, so confirming the wheel diameter on the car matters before choosing a replacement.
The 1988 Honda CRX stood out as a lightweight hatchback with a strong enthusiast following, valued for nimble handling and efficient packaging. CRX spans both 13-inch and 14-inch tire fitments, with size choice tied closely to the specific version and wheel setup on the car.
The 1988 Honda Civic carried Honda's compact formula into a more modern shape, balancing economy, reliability, and a broad appeal that ranged from basic transportation to sharper-edged variants. Civic uses both 13-inch and 14-inch tire applications, so wheel diameter should be verified first and then matched to the correct size.
The 1988 Honda Prelude occupied the sport-coupe side of the Honda range, with a more specialized character than Accord and a reputation for responsive road manners. Prelude uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch tire fitment depending on application, making wheel diameter the key first check before moving to the exact tire size.
Eleven products are available across six tire sizes for 1988 Honda vehicles. The 185/70R13 size has four radial choices from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop in blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles; 195/60R14 has one Michelin radial blackwall; 175/70R13 has one Avon radial blackwall; 185/60R14 has one Michelin radial blackwall; and 175/70R14 has one Travelstar radial narrow whitewall. Confirm your exact size first, since speed ratings vary between some options.
These answers focus on the model-by-model size differences across the 1988 Honda range, what each metric radial size means, and how sidewall style, wheel diameter, speed rating, and long-term collector-car care affect your choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1988 Honda vehicles?
1988 Honda vehicles use six tire sizes across four models. Accord and Prelude use 185/70R13 and 195/60R14. CRX uses 175/70R13, 165/70R13, and 185/60R14. Civic uses 175/70R13, 165/70R13, and 175/70R14. Those fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels, so rim diameter is the first thing to verify before choosing any tire.
That means a buyer with only the year and make still needs to identify the exact Honda model, and sometimes the wheel setup on the car, before moving forward. Accord and Prelude share their sizes with each other, while CRX and Civic overlap on two 13-inch sizes but diverge on their 14-inch options. If the car has changed hands, compare the installed tire size and wheel diameter against the model-specific fitment before ordering.
What does 185/70R13 mean on a 1988 Honda tire?
On a 1988 Honda, 185/70R13 is a metric radial size. The 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size fits certain Accord and Prelude applications, and available examples include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall styles with H- and V-rated choices.
That code matters because it tells you more than simple diameter. It affects how the tire fills the wheel opening, how it looks on the car, and which wheel it mounts to. On a period Japanese coupe or sedan, a 13-inch radial like this can support either a stock-appearing presentation or a more specialized enthusiast look, depending on the sidewall style and tire series you choose.
Do all 1988 Honda models use the same tire size?
No, 1988 Honda models do not all use the same tire size. Accord and Prelude share 185/70R13 and 195/60R14, while CRX and Civic share 175/70R13 and 165/70R13. The 14-inch sizes split by model after that, with CRX using 185/60R14 and Civic using 175/70R14. Every size in this year is a radial, but the fitment is still model-specific.
That distinction is especially important on cars that may have been fitted with wheels from another Honda model over the years. A tire can be the right diameter for one 1988 Honda and still be incorrect for another. If you are comparing a CRX, Civic, Accord, and Prelude side by side, use the model first, then the wheel diameter, and only then narrow down to the exact tire size.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1988 Honda tires?
1988 Honda tire choices include several sidewall presentations, depending on size. The 185/70R13 size offers blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options. The 195/60R14, 175/70R13, and 185/60R14 choices are blackwall, while 175/70R14 appears as a narrow whitewall. Those visual differences can change the character of the car even when the overall fitment remains correct.
For most late-1980s Hondas, blackwall is the most natural match if the goal is an era-appropriate everyday appearance. Redline, wide whitewall, or narrow whitewall choices can create a more customized or more nostalgic look, especially on a car that has been restored with a personal styling theme in mind. The key is to separate visual preference from fitment, since the sidewall style does not change which wheel diameter the tire fits.
What brands make tires for 1988 Honda vehicles?
1988 Honda tire coverage includes BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Travelstar. The 185/70R13 size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, and Dunlop. Michelin covers 195/60R14 and 185/60R14, Avon covers 175/70R13, and Travelstar covers 175/70R14. All of these applications are radial fitments, but the look and speed rating can vary from one brand and size to another.
That mix gives buyers several ways to approach an older Honda. Some owners want a straightforward blackwall radial that looks at home on an 1988 import, while others want a more stylized sidewall treatment for a particular build theme. Brand choice should come after the basic fitment decision, since the correct Honda model and tire size determine which brands are even relevant for your car.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet for a 1988 Honda?
For a 1988 Honda in 185/70R13, BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial and Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet take noticeably different approaches. The BFGoodrich tire appears in redline and wide whitewall forms, carries a 1135-pound maximum load at 35 psi, and fits 5.00- to 6.50-inch rims. The Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet is a blackwall performance-style radial with a V speed rating and a 1,047-pound maximum load figure, giving it a different visual and technical profile.
That means the decision is less about whether one tire fits and more about what character you want from the car. A Silvertown Radial can support a more custom or retro presentation on an Accord or Prelude, while the Dunlop leans more toward an enthusiast-oriented blackwall look. Before choosing between them, confirm whether appearance, rim-width compatibility, or the speed-rating envelope matters most for your particular Honda.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1988 Honda tires require?
Rim-width guidance varies by size on 1988 Honda tires. For 185/70R13, examples span 4.5 to 6.0 inches and 5.00 to 6.50 inches depending on the tire series. The 175/70R13 size fits 4.5- to 6.0-inch rims, and the 185/60R14 size fits 5.0- to 6.0-inch rims. Other 1988 Honda sizes in this range should still be matched to the actual wheel and the tire maker's specification before installation.
That matters because a tire can have the correct overall size code yet still perform poorly if mounted on a wheel that is too narrow or too wide for the specific product. Honda owners working with original wheels, aftermarket wheels, or a long-ago wheel swap should confirm both wheel diameter and rim width. If the car has mixed parts from different trims or models, taking a direct wheel measurement is the safest path.
Do 1988 Honda tires require inner tubes?
Most 1988 Honda tire options here are radial passenger-car fitments, and some are clearly marked tubeless. The 195/60R14 Michelin MXV3-A and 185/60R14 Michelin Pilot Exalto are both identified as TL, meaning tubeless. Other sizes do not carry the same marking in every case, so tube status can vary by product and should be confirmed on the specific tire before installation rather than assumed from size alone.
For a late-1980s Honda on original-style one-piece passenger wheels, tubeless fitment is often the direction owners expect, but the tire marking and wheel condition still matter. If a wheel has corrosion, damage, or an unusual construction, installation requirements can change. Checking the tire's sidewall designation and the wheel's condition at the same time will avoid surprises during mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1988 Honda when the tires are fitted?
A 1988 Honda should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone sources. Clean the tires with mild soap and water rather than dressings that can leave residue. Keep the car on a clean surface, maintain inflation, and move it periodically so the tires are not carrying the same load on the same contact patch for months at a time.
Even though these are radial tires rather than older bias-ply constructions, long static storage can still encourage flat spotting and age-related sidewall deterioration. If the Honda will sit for an extended period, rolling it occasionally or supporting the chassis appropriately can reduce stress on the carcass. A simple storage routine usually does more for tire life than low annual mileage alone.
How long do tires on a 1988 Honda typically last?
Tires on a 1988 Honda should be judged more by age than by mileage, especially on collector, hobby, or low-use cars. A good rule is to begin close inspection once tires are around five to seven years old and to treat roughly ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the best way to establish the tire's actual age.
That approach is important because many older Hondas are driven infrequently, which can leave a tire looking serviceable long after the rubber has hardened. A car that only sees short weekend trips is not immune to aging. If the vehicle has an unknown service history, checking date codes should happen before planning any real road use, not after the first long drive.
How often should tires on a 1988 Honda be inspected?
Tires on a 1988 Honda should be inspected before every drive, with a more deliberate check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, bulges, punctures, irregular tread wear, and pressure loss. Because some products in these sizes are explicitly tubeless while others need confirmation product by product, it is also smart to inspect valve stems, wheel sealing surfaces, and the spare at regular intervals.
Frequent inspection matters on an older Honda because the car may spend long periods parked and then be asked to run at modern traffic speeds. Small problems that seem harmless in the garage can become serious once heat builds on the road. A quick visual check and a pressure gauge take only a few minutes and can prevent the most common tire-related surprises.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1988 Honda Accord?
A 1988 Honda Accord would have been fitted from new with radial tires, not bias-ply construction. Within the 1988 Honda range, Accord uses 185/70R13 or 195/60R14 depending on application, both of them radial sizes that align with late-1980s passenger-car practice. Original-equipment branding can vary by market, trim, and assembly details, so the safest way to confirm factory-delivery specifics is to compare surviving labels, manuals, and marque-specialist references.
For a restoration, getting the size and general sidewall character right usually matters more than chasing a brand name that may have changed over time. Blackwall radials are the most natural visual direction for a stock 1988 Accord, while more stylized sidewalls create a custom look rather than a factory one. If the car is being judged, event-specific standards should guide the final decision.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1988 Honda?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 1988 Honda, especially if the event values factory-style presentation or period accuracy. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the car is wearing the proper size, the correct wheel diameter, and a sidewall style that makes sense for the era. A Civic or CRX wearing the wrong 14-inch size, or an Accord on an unconventional decorative sidewall, can stand out immediately.
That does not mean every show car must use the same visual treatment. Modified classes and personalized builds often have more freedom than preservation or stock classes. The practical move is to decide early whether the car is being restored as-delivered, lightly period-modified, or fully customized, then choose a tire size and sidewall style that supports that goal instead of working against it.
What is the difference between Michelin MXV3-A and Michelin Pilot Exalto for the 1988 Honda?
For a 1988 Honda, Michelin MXV3-A and Michelin Pilot Exalto apply to different sizes and different model situations. MXV3-A is the 195/60R14 option, a blackwall tubeless radial with a V speed rating. Pilot Exalto appears in 185/60R14, also as a blackwall tubeless radial with a V speed rating, and fits a 5.0- to 6.0-inch rim range. The two are not interchangeable simply because both are 14-inch Michelins.
The important takeaway is that model identity comes before brand or series preference. An Accord or Prelude using 195/60R14 is in a different fitment lane than a CRX using 185/60R14, even if both owners want a Michelin radial. For an authenticity-minded car, choosing the correct size first preserves the stance and proportions Honda intended, while the series selection fine-tunes the driving character and appearance.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1988 Honda tires safe for highway driving?
1988 Honda tires can be appropriate for highway driving when the tires are in sound condition, correctly sized for the model, and used within their speed rating. The sizes here include T-, H-, and V-rated examples, corresponding to 118 mph, 130 mph, and 149 mph ceilings. Those ratings are well above normal U.S. highway speeds, but condition, inflation, age, and proper installation matter just as much as the letter on the sidewall.
On a late-1980s Honda, the bigger real-world limits are often the car's age, maintenance condition, suspension wear, and braking capability rather than the raw speed ceiling of the tire. A fresh radial in the correct size is only part of the picture. Before regular highway use, make sure the whole vehicle is ready for sustained-speed driving instead of treating the tire alone as the deciding factor.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1988 Honda tires?
Inflation pressure for 1988 Honda tires should start with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the specific model and size, then be checked against the tire maker's own maximum-pressure information where it is stated. In 185/70R13, BFGoodrich examples carry a maximum load of 1135 pounds at 35 psi, while a Dunlop 185/70VR13 shows a maximum load figure of 1,047 pounds. Those numbers describe the tire's rated capability, not automatically the everyday cold pressure your Honda should run.
That distinction is important because over-relying on a maximum sidewall figure can produce a harsher ride and an incorrect contact patch. Use the original Honda guidance as the baseline for normal operation, then confirm that the chosen reproduction or replacement tire is appropriate for that use. If the car has been modified, corner-weighted, or fitted with nonstandard wheels, a knowledgeable Honda specialist can help fine-tune the setup.
What should I check before taking a 1988 Honda on a longer drive?
Before taking a 1988 Honda on a longer drive, inspect all four tires and the spare for cracking, cuts, bulges, embedded debris, uneven wear, and correct cold pressure. Confirm that the tire size on the car matches the model's proper fitment and that each wheel uses the correct diameter tire. If the car runs a product whose tube status is not obvious from the sidewall, verify that detail before departure and check the valve stems carefully.
A longer drive in an older Honda should also include a broader mechanical walkaround. Look at brakes, fluid levels, belts, hoses, lights, and the general condition of the suspension and steering before you leave. Tires are often the first concern because they carry the load and show age quickly, but a calm pre-trip inspection of the whole car is the best way to turn an older Honda into a dependable road companion.
