1998 Honda marked a mature point in the brand’s U.S. lineup, with the Accord serving family-car duty, the Civic covering compact transportation, and the Prelude carrying Honda’s sport-coupe identity. That breadth means tire choice is more than a simple year-and-make lookup, because the model range spans seven distinct radial sizes across three different vehicles. The real decision comes down to identifying your exact model first, then confirming the wheel diameter and profile that match how your Honda left the factory or how you want it to drive today. Getting those basics right narrows the field quickly and keeps you focused on the size that actually suits your Accord, Civic, or Prelude.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1998 Honda
Seven tire sizes appear across 1998 Honda vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Every size here is a radial, so the key choice is not bias-ply versus radial construction, but identifying the correct model and wheel diameter first. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Honda.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accord|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 195 millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This Accord-specific size is available from Dunlop in a blackwall style, with a V speed rating rated to 149 mph. It suits owners who want to stay with the proper 14-inch fitment for the models that used it while keeping a clean, understated modern radial appearance.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accord|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15-in rim
195/65R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 195 millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to certain 1998 Honda Accord applications within the model range. It is the right path when your Accord uses the 15-inch fitment and you want to confirm tire choice around the correct wheel diameter before moving on to a specific product.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accord|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/60R16 is a metric radial size with a 205 millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This Accord-specific size is available from American Classic with a wide whitewall sidewall, and its rim width range runs from 5.50 to 7.50 inches. It appeals to owners who need the larger 16-inch Accord fitment and want a more distinctive vintage-style sidewall treatment on a modern radial casing.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accord|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/65R15 is a metric radial size using a 205 millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This Accord-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in wide whitewall and redline versions, with a 5.50 to 7.50 inch rim width range and a 1,400-pound load rating at 35 psi. It is a strong choice for owners who need the 15-inch Accord fitment and want to tailor the car’s appearance with a period-inspired sidewall style.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Civic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14-in rim
185/65R14 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to 1998 Honda Civic applications rather than universal across the year and make. It is the correct direction when your Civic uses the lower-profile 14-inch setup and you want to match the car to the proper wheel diameter first.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Civic|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
185/70R14 is a metric radial size with a 185 millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This Civic-specific size is available from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall styles, and speed ratings vary by product, including H at 130 mph and V at 149 mph. It gives Civic owners the broadest range of visual and brand choices, whether the goal is a simple blackwall look or a more stylized whitewall treatment on a 14-inch fitment.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Prelude|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/50R16 is a metric radial size that uses a 205 millimeter section width, a 50-series profile, and a 16-inch rim diameter. This Prelude-specific size is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, with a 5.5 to 7.5 inch rim width range and W speed-rated products capped at 168 mph. It fits the more performance-oriented character of the Prelude and is the proper path for owners keeping the car on its correct 16-inch wheel size.
Three Honda models are covered for 1998: Accord, Civic, and Prelude. They do not share the same tire sizes, so identifying the exact model is the first step before narrowing down wheel diameter and profile. Select a model below to move into model-specific fitment history and tire options.
1998 Honda Accord
The 1998 Honda Accord entered a new generation as one of the core midsize family cars of its era, known for balancing comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability. Its tire fitments span 14-, 15-, and 16-inch rims across the model range, so the exact wheel size matters before choosing a tire.
The 1998 Honda Civic remained one of the defining compact cars in the U.S. market, valued for light weight, efficiency, and a broad range of trims that appealed to daily drivers and enthusiasts alike. Civic fitments here stay on 14-inch rims, with two profile variations that make exact size confirmation important.
The 1998 Honda Prelude was Honda’s sport coupe, with sharper proportions and a more performance-focused personality than the Accord or Civic. Its tire fitment centers on a 16-inch rim, making it the most specialized of the 1998 Honda models covered here.
Eleven products are available across seven tire sizes for 1998 Honda vehicles. 195/70R14 has 1 Dunlop radial in blackwall, 205/60R16 has 1 American Classic radial in wide whitewall, 205/65R15 has 2 BFGoodrich radials in wide whitewall and redline, 185/70R14 has 5 radials from BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, and Michelin in blackwall and wide whitewall, and 205/50R16 has 2 BFGoodrich radials in blackwall. Confirm your exact size first, since speed ratings can vary within a size.
These answers focus on how 1998 Honda tire sizing changes between Accord, Civic, and Prelude models, what the metric size codes mean, and how sidewall style, speed rating, and collector-car care affect the right choice.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1998 Honda vehicles?
1998 Honda vehicles use seven sizes across three models. The Accord uses 195/70R14, 195/65R15, 205/60R16, and 205/65R15. The Civic uses 185/65R14 and 185/70R14. The Prelude uses 205/50R16. Rim diameters therefore span 14, 15, and 16 inches depending on model, with published rim width ranges of 5.00 to 6.50 inches for 185/70R14, 5.50 to 7.50 inches for 205/60R16 and 205/65R15, and 5.5 to 7.5 inches for 205/50R16.
That means year and make alone are not enough for a confident tire choice on a 1998 Honda. The first checkpoint is your exact model, and the second is the wheel diameter actually on the car. Once those are confirmed, you can narrow your options by sidewall style, brand preference, and whether you want a stock-looking blackwall or a more specialized appearance such as whitewall or redline.
What does 195/70R14 mean on a 1998 Honda tire?
On a 1998 Honda, 195/70R14 is a metric radial size. The 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R means radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. In this application, that size belongs to the Accord and mounts on a 14-inch rim.
That code matters because a 195/70R14 is not interchangeable with the 15-inch or 16-inch Accord sizes without a wheel change. It also carries a different overall profile than lower-series Honda fitments from the same year. If your Accord has replacement wheels, check the actual rim diameter stamped on the wheel before deciding that the year and model alone answer the fitment question.
Do all 1998 Honda models use the same tire size?
No, 1998 Honda models do not share one universal tire size. The Accord alone spans four sizes, the Civic uses two different 14-inch sizes, and the Prelude uses one distinct 16-inch size. Even within the same make and year, Honda separated family sedan, compact, and sport coupe applications with different widths, sidewall profiles, and wheel diameters.
That variation is why the model name should come before brand preference or sidewall style in your decision process. A Civic owner choosing between 185/65R14 and 185/70R14 is solving a different fitment question than an Accord owner choosing between 14-, 15-, and 16-inch combinations. Confirm the model first, then verify the wheel diameter on the car, especially if it has had wheels swapped over the years.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Honda tires?
1998 Honda tire choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and redline sidewall styles, depending on size. Blackwall options appear in 195/70R14, 185/70R14, and 205/50R16. Wide whitewall choices appear in 205/60R16, 205/65R15, and 185/70R14. Redline appears in 205/65R15. Those sidewall treatments are styling choices on radial tires rather than changes in basic construction.
For most 1998 Hondas, blackwall is the most factory-appropriate visual direction, especially for owners keeping a late-1990s appearance. Whitewall and redline versions make sense when the goal is a custom look rather than strict showroom authenticity. If appearance matters as much as fitment, choose the size first and then compare which sidewall treatments exist within that exact size rather than assuming every style exists across the whole model range.
What brands make tires for 1998 Honda vehicles?
1998 Honda coverage comes from Dunlop, American Classic, BFGoodrich, Avon, and Michelin, depending on size. Dunlop covers 195/70R14 and also appears in 185/70R14. American Classic covers 205/60R16. BFGoodrich covers 205/65R15, 185/70R14, and 205/50R16. Avon and Michelin both appear in 185/70R14.
Brand choice on a 1998 Honda is tied closely to the size you need, so it helps to treat fitment as the first filter and brand as the second. Some sizes have a single-brand path, while others offer a broader mix of touring, styling, or performance-oriented character. That is especially true in 185/70R14, which gives Civic owners the widest spread of brand and sidewall choices.
What is the difference between the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S for the 1998 Honda Prelude?
For the 1998 Honda Prelude in 205/50R16, both BFGoodrich g-Force products share the same size, blackwall appearance, 16-inch rim diameter, 5.5 to 7.5 inch rim width range, W speed rating, and 22-pound weight. The g-Force COMP-2 A/S also carries a stated maximum load figure of 1,201 pounds at 51 psi, while the Sport COMP-2 entry is presented without that added load-pressure notation.
In practical terms, the decision is less about fitment and more about which series better matches how you use the car. Since both occupy the same size envelope, the tire will still need to be matched to the Prelude’s existing 16-inch wheels and overall intended use. When comparing two close choices like these, look carefully at the sidewall marking, service description, and manufacturer guidance before making a final decision.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1998 Honda tires require?
Rim width guidance varies by size on 1998 Honda vehicles. The 185/70R14 works with rims from 5.00 to 6.50 inches depending on product, with some versions specified at 4.5 to 6.0 or 4.50 to 6.00 inches. The 205/60R16 and 205/65R15 both use a 5.50 to 7.50 inch range. The 205/50R16 uses a 5.5 to 7.5 inch range.
Those ranges matter because matching the tire to the right wheel width affects section shape, footprint, and overall behavior. A 16-inch Honda wheel may still be too narrow or too wide for a particular tire even when the rim diameter is correct. Check the actual wheel width before ordering, especially on modified cars or on Hondas that may have been upgraded with wheels from a different trim or model.
Do 1998 Honda tires require inner tubes?
At least one 1998 Honda tire size is clearly tubeless. The Michelin XAS version of 185/70R14 carries a TL marking, which means tubeless construction. The other products here do not consistently show tube markers in the sidewall description, so tube status can vary by product presentation and should be confirmed on the specific tire before installation.
That matters most when you are pairing tires with older or specialty wheels, or when choosing among several brands in the same size. On a 1998 Honda with original-style one-piece wheels, tubeless radial fitment is usually the direction buyers expect, but the actual sidewall marking should still guide the final setup. If there is any doubt, have the installer verify the tire and wheel combination before mounting.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1998 Honda when the tires are fitted?
A 1998 Honda should be stored on a clean, dry surface away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, and other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber. Keep the tires properly inflated during storage, and if the car will sit for long periods, roll it periodically or support it in a way that reduces long-term static loading. That helps preserve sidewall condition and reduces the tendency to develop temporary flat spotting.
Collector Hondas are now old enough that storage habits matter almost as much as mileage. A garaged Civic, Accord, or Prelude that sees only occasional use can still age its tires out if the environment is harsh. Covering the vehicle, keeping moisture under control, and avoiding months of motionless storage on underinflated tires will do more for tire life than simply driving the car infrequently.
How long do tires on a 1998 Honda typically last?
On a 1998 Honda, tire age is usually a more important replacement measure than mileage, especially on collector or lightly used examples. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely around five to seven years from their date of manufacture and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the key reference point.
That approach matters because many older Hondas accumulate low annual mileage and can appear to have plenty of tread left while the rubber has already hardened with age. If the car has been stored indoors for years, the tires may still look presentable, but visual condition alone is not enough. Date code, sidewall flexibility, and how well the tire holds pressure should all enter the decision.
How often should tires on a 1998 Honda be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Honda should be checked before every drive and given a more thorough inspection before longer trips. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven tread wear, embedded debris, and slow pressure loss. Any Honda that sits for extended periods also benefits from a quick post-storage inspection to catch age-related issues before the car returns to regular road use.
The inspection routine should be simple but consistent. Check inflation when the tires are cold, look at valve stems as well as the tread and sidewalls, and pay attention to changes in steering feel or vibration that were not present before. A few minutes in the garage can reveal whether the tires are ready for a local cruise, a weekend event, or a longer highway drive.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1998 Honda tires safe for highway driving?
1998 Honda tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is chosen, the tires are in sound condition, and the speed rating matches the intended use. The sizes here are all radial, with examples that include H at 130 mph, V at 149 mph, and W at 168 mph depending on product and size. Those ratings exceed normal U.S. highway speeds, but they do not override the condition of the tire or the car itself.
A well-maintained Accord, Civic, or Prelude will usually be limited more by age, alignment, suspension wear, or braking condition than by the speed symbol on a reproduction or specialty tire. Highway use should start with the basics: proper inflation, recent inspection, no cracking or impact damage, and an honest look at how long the tires have been in service. Safety comes from the complete package, not from the rating letter alone.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1998 Honda tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1998 Honda should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the car, then be cross-checked against the tire manufacturer’s maximum load and pressure information for the exact size you are using. Some available tires include figures such as 1,356 pounds at 35 psi for 205/60R16, 1,400 pounds at 35 psi for 205/65R15, 1,201 pounds at 35 psi for one 185/70R14 option, and 1,201 pounds at 51 psi for one 205/50R16 option.
Those figures are not blanket inflation settings for every 1998 Honda. They are maximum load and pressure references for specific tires, and they should not be transferred from one size to another. Start with the car’s factory pressure guidance for your model, then adjust only within the tire maker’s published limits if needed for the exact application and load.
What should I check before taking a 1998 Honda on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1998 Honda, inspect each tire for cracking, punctures, sidewall bulges, tread separation, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the valve stems, confirm the spare is usable, and make sure the wheel and tire sizes actually match at all four corners. On an older Accord, Civic, or Prelude, the tires are only one part of a broader readiness check that should also include brakes, fluids, belts, and suspension condition.
Longer trips tend to expose problems that short local drives can hide. A tire with plenty of tread may still have age-related weakness, and a car that tracks fine at neighborhood speeds may show vibration or pull once it settles into highway pace. Give yourself time to inspect the car in daylight, set pressures before the tires warm up, and address small warning signs before they become roadside problems.
