In 1998 Hyundai was still building its American reputation, offering a range that stretched from the value-minded Accent to the sportier Tiburon and the larger Sonata. That breadth matters on a year-make tire page because 1998 Hyundai vehicles did not all share one universal size. Four models used seven distinct radial sizes, with some overlap between Accent and Elantra and between Elantra and Tiburon, while Sonata and several Accent fitments stood on their own. For a buyer, the first step is to confirm the exact model and then match the correct rim diameter and section profile before narrowing the choice to a whitewall, blackwall, or other sidewall style.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1998 Hyundai
Seven tire sizes are used across 1998 Hyundai vehicles, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the whole range. Because these sizes span 13-, 14-, and 15-inch rim diameters, the real decision starts with identifying your model and confirming the wheel diameter before comparing tread style or sidewall appearance. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right Hyundai.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accent|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155/80R13 is a metric radial size with a 155-millimeter section width, an 80-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, with load figures reaching 959 pounds at 35 psi on several versions and a T speed rating on one version up to 118 mph. It is specific to certain 1998 Hyundai Accent applications rather than the full 1998 Hyundai range. Buyers looking for a smaller Hyundai fitment with a more traditional whitewall appearance will focus here.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accent|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
175/70R13 is a metric radial size that uses a 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 13-inch rim diameter. Avon offers this size in a blackwall configuration, with an H speed rating that carries a 130 mph ceiling and a rim width range of 4.5 to 6.0 inches. This size is specific to certain 1998 Hyundai Accent models and is not shared across the rest of the make. It suits buyers who want the Accent's 13-inch fitment in a blackwall radial rather than a whitewall presentation.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Accent, Elantra|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14-in rim
175/65R14 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter section width, a 65-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. This size serves both the Accent and Elantra, though product variety is slimmer here than in some of the other 1998 Hyundai fitments. Its shared use makes it one of the crossover sizes within the year. If your car is one of the 14-inch Accent or Elantra applications, this is the size to confirm before moving on to the model-specific page.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Elantra, Tiburon|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/60R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Michelin offers this size in a blackwall tubeless configuration with a V speed rating up to 149 mph. This size is shared by certain 1998 Hyundai Elantra and Tiburon models rather than the full Hyundai line. It is the right path for buyers whose car uses a 14-inch wheel but calls for a lower-profile fitment than the 175-series options.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Sonata|Construction: Radial|Rim: 14 in
195/70R14 is a metric radial size using a 195-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. Dunlop offers it as a blackwall radial with a V speed rating up to 149 mph and a maximum load capacity of 1,356 pounds. This fitment is specific to certain 1998 Hyundai Sonata applications and does not cross over to the other models on this page. Buyers with a 14-inch Sonata wheel should start here before comparing against the separate 15-inch Sonata size.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Sonata|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/60R15 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 60-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is available from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, wide whitewall, and RWL styles; tube status varies by product, and speed ratings range from S at 112 mph on BFGoodrich to W at 168 mph on Michelin. It is specific to certain 1998 Hyundai Sonata models rather than universal across the make. This size gives Sonata owners the broadest mix of sidewall appearances and road-use character within the 1998 Hyundai range.
Year(s): 1998|Fit(s): Tiburon|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
195/55R15 is a metric radial size using a 195-millimeter section width, a 55-series profile, and a 15-inch rim diameter. BFGoodrich and Michelin offer it in blackwall form, with rim width ranges of 5.5 to 7.0 inches and a maximum load figure of 1,135 pounds at 44 psi on one version. This fitment is specific to certain 1998 Hyundai Tiburon applications and is not shared with the rest of the year-make range. It is the size to pursue when your Tiburon uses the 15-inch performance-oriented wheel package.
Four Hyundai models are covered for 1998: Accent, Elantra, Sonata, and Tiburon. Tire size varies by model, and in some cases by wheel package within the same model, so year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the sizes that apply to your car.
1998 Hyundai Accent
The 1998 Hyundai Accent was the brand's entry-level subcompact, aimed at economy-minded drivers who still wanted a modern front-wheel-drive layout and compact-city proportions. Accent fitments span both 13-inch and 14-inch wheels, which makes model identification especially important before choosing a tire.
The 1998 Hyundai Elantra sat a step above the Accent, giving Hyundai a compact sedan and hatchback entry with a more substantial footprint and a more mainstream daily-driver mission. Elantra uses 14-inch wheels across its fitments here, but the tire profile changes depending on the application.
The 1998 Hyundai Sonata was Hyundai's midsize offering, positioned for buyers who wanted more interior room and a larger road-car feel than the smaller Accent or Elantra. Sonata fitments here mount on either 14-inch or 15-inch wheels, so wheel diameter should be confirmed first.
The 1998 Hyundai Tiburon brought a sport-compact personality to the lineup, with a sleeker body and a more youthful character than Hyundai's sedans. Tiburon appears here with both 14-inch and 15-inch fitments, reflecting the difference between its wheel packages and driving presentation.
Thirteen products are available across seven tire sizes for 1998 Hyundai vehicles. 155/80R13 has four radial choices from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in narrow and wide whitewall styles; 175/70R13 has one Avon radial blackwall; 195/60R14 has one Michelin radial blackwall; 195/70R14 has one Dunlop radial blackwall; 205/60R15 has four radial choices from Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich in blackwall, wide whitewall, and RWL styles; 195/55R15 has two radial blackwalls from BFGoodrich and Michelin. Confirm size first, since tube status and speed ratings can vary within some sizes.
These answers sort out the real 1998 Hyundai questions: which models share sizes, how the 13-, 14-, and 15-inch fitments differ, what sidewall styles exist in each size, and what to check before putting a low-use collector or hobby car back on the road.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1998 Hyundai vehicles?
1998 Hyundai vehicles use seven tire sizes across four models: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 for Accent, 175/65R14 for Accent and Elantra, 195/60R14 for Elantra and Tiburon, 195/70R14 and 205/60R15 for Sonata, and 195/55R15 for Tiburon. Rim diameters span 13, 14, and 15 inches, so there is no single year-wide fitment that covers every 1998 Hyundai application.
That means the first fitment question is always model identification, followed by wheel diameter. Once those are confirmed, you can compare profile, sidewall style, and brand choices within the correct size. If your car has replacement wheels or a trim-specific wheel package, verify the actual tire size on the car and the wheel diameter before choosing a reproduction or replacement tire.
What does 155/80R13 mean on a 1998 Hyundai tire?
On a 1998 Hyundai, 155/80R13 means the tire is 155 millimeters wide, carries an 80-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and mounts on a 13-inch wheel. Within the 1998 Hyundai range, that size belongs to certain Accent applications. Available versions include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles, so the code tells you the physical dimensions while the product itself determines the appearance.
This is a useful size to decode because it sits at the smaller end of the 1998 Hyundai range and can be confused with the other 13-inch Accent option. The practical difference is not just width but profile and styling choice. If your Accent uses a 13-inch wheel and you want to preserve a particular visual character, confirm both the exact size and the sidewall treatment before moving forward.
Do all 1998 Hyundai models use the same tire size?
No. 1998 Hyundai models use different tire sizes depending on the model and, in some cases, the wheel package. Accent spans 155/80R13, 175/70R13, and 175/65R14; Elantra uses 175/65R14 and 195/60R14; Sonata uses 195/70R14 and 205/60R15; and Tiburon uses 195/60R14 and 195/55R15.
That variation matters because even two cars from the same year and make may not share the same wheel diameter or tire profile. A buyer who starts with only "1998 Hyundai" can easily land on the wrong size. If you are comparing cars across the lineup, use the model first and the wheel diameter second, then narrow the choice to the exact size attached to that application.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Hyundai tires?
1998 Hyundai tire choices include more than one sidewall look, but the variety depends heavily on size. 155/80R13 comes in narrow whitewall and wide whitewall form, 175/70R13, 195/60R14, 195/70R14, and 195/55R15 are blackwall-only in the current range, and 205/60R15 adds blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options. That means style choices are concentrated in a few sizes rather than spread evenly across the whole lineup.
For most 1998 Hyundai owners, blackwall will be the most natural appearance for a late-1990s import. Whitewall and raised-white-letter versions are more of a visual preference choice than a factory-authentic one for this era. If your goal is a clean original-type look, start with blackwall where available, then weigh whitewall or RWL only if you are building around a custom presentation.
What brands make tires for 1998 Hyundai vehicles?
1998 Hyundai tires are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, Michelin, Dunlop, American Classic, and Coker Classic, depending on size. Brand coverage is size-specific: 155/80R13 has Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel; 175/70R13 has Avon; 195/60R14 has Michelin; 195/70R14 has Dunlop; 205/60R15 has Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich; and 195/55R15 has BFGoodrich and Michelin.
The practical takeaway is that brand choice widens or narrows dramatically once you confirm size. Some 1998 Hyundai fitments offer a broad mix of visual styles and brand identities, while others come down to one specialist option. If brand heritage matters to your project, start by identifying the correct size, because the brand conversation only becomes meaningful inside the right fitment.
What is the difference between Michelin Primacy 3 and BFGoodrich Radial T/A for a 1998 Hyundai?
For a 1998 Hyundai using 205/60R15, Michelin Primacy 3 and BFGoodrich Radial T/A differ most in sidewall appearance, speed rating, and rated wheel range. Michelin Primacy 3 is a blackwall tubeless radial with a 91W rating, good to 168 mph, and fits 5.5- to 7.5-inch rims. BFGoodrich Radial T/A is an RWL radial with a 90S rating, good to 112 mph, also suited to 5.50- to 7.50-inch rims, with a maximum load figure of 1,301 pounds at 35 psi.
That makes the choice less about raw fitment and more about the character you want from the car. Primacy 3 leans toward a cleaner modern blackwall presentation, while Radial T/A brings a period-style raised white letter look that changes the visual tone of the vehicle. Either way, the wheel fit window is similar, so the decision usually comes down to appearance and rating rather than basic compatibility.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1998 Hyundai tires require?
Rim width guidance varies by size on 1998 Hyundai vehicles. 155/80R13 appears with approved ranges of 4.00 to 5.50 inches, 4.50 to 5.50 inches, and 4.00 to 5.00 inches depending on brand. 175/70R13 uses 4.5 to 6.0 inches, 205/60R15 uses 5.5 to 7.5 inches, and 195/55R15 uses 5.5 to 7.0 inches. Some 14-inch fitments on this page do not carry a published rim-width figure in every product option.
Rim width matters because the correct tire size can still behave poorly if mounted on a wheel outside the intended range. Before final selection, compare your wheel width to the approved range for the exact tire you are considering, not just the size family. That step is especially important if your 1998 Hyundai has aftermarket wheels or if the original wheels have been changed over time.
Do 1998 Hyundai tires require inner tubes?
Most 1998 Hyundai fitments on this page are radial tires without a tube marking, while some products are clearly identified as tubeless. Michelin MXV3-A in 195/60R14 and Michelin Primacy 3 in 205/60R15 are marked TL, meaning tubeless. The 205/60R15 category varies by product because not every version carries the same tube-status marking in its size description, so that size should be checked product by product.
For a late-1990s Hyundai on original-style one-piece wheels, tubeless use is generally the normal expectation, but the product marking on the specific tire is what counts. If your wheel condition is questionable, or if you are dealing with older restored wheels, inspect the rim carefully before installation. Matching the tire's marking to the wheel's condition is more important than assuming every radial in the category is handled the same way.
Can the original 1998 Hyundai wheels be used with all 1998 Hyundai tire sizes?
No, because 1998 Hyundai fitments are split across 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch rim diameters. A 13-inch Accent wheel cannot accept a 14- or 15-inch tire, a 14-inch Elantra, Sonata, or Tiburon wheel cannot take a 13- or 15-inch size, and 15-inch Sonata or Tiburon tires require 15-inch wheels. Several sizes do share the same rim diameter, but not every model uses the same wheel size.
That means original wheels can often be reused only within the diameter family they were built for. Even inside the same diameter, you still need to confirm the wheel width against the tire's approved range. If your car has changed hands several times, do not assume the wheels are original to the model; read the sidewall and verify the wheel itself before selecting a replacement tire.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1998 Hyundai when the tires are fitted?
A 1998 Hyundai that sits for long periods should be stored away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone sources that accelerate sidewall aging. Keep the tires clean and dry, maintain inflation pressure, and move the car periodically so the same footprint is not loaded in one spot for months at a time. Because every size on this page is radial, long static storage is usually easier on the tire than with older bias-ply construction, but flat-spotting can still happen.
Collectors who store a car for a season often place it on tire cradles or unload some weight with stands while keeping the suspension supported correctly. That reduces the chance of temporary deformation and helps preserve ride quality when the car goes back on the road. A quick pressure check and visual inspection before the first drive of the season should always be part of the routine.
How long do tires on a 1998 Hyundai typically last?
On a 1998 Hyundai hobby car, tire age matters more than mileage. A common collector-vehicle rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age, with replacement strongly considered as they approach ten years, even if tread depth still looks usable. The DOT date code on the tire sidewall gives the production week and year and is the best starting point for judging age.
That approach is especially important on older, low-mileage cars because visual wear can be minimal while the rubber has already hardened or cracked with time. A lightly used 1998 Hyundai may seem fine on old tires until wet-weather grip, ride quality, or braking confidence falls off. If the car is driven infrequently, treat calendar age as the primary guide and tread wear as a secondary one.
How often should tires on a 1998 Hyundai be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Hyundai should be inspected before every drive and again before any longer highway outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven tread wear, and pressure loss. On sizes where tubeless status varies by product, pay extra attention to valve stems and bead-sealing condition, since air retention depends on the tire and wheel working together properly.
Frequent inspection is one of the simplest ways to keep an older car enjoyable and predictable on the road. It also helps catch suspension or alignment issues before they ruin a harder-to-find size. If the car has been parked for weeks or months, roll it forward slightly and inspect the full circumference of each tire rather than only the section visible at first glance.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1998 Hyundai Accent?
A 1998 Hyundai Accent would have been fitted with radial tires from new, not bias-ply construction. Within the 1998 Hyundai range, Accent applications use 155/80R13, 175/70R13, or 175/65R14 depending on the car's wheel package. That makes radial construction the authentic baseline, while the exact size should be confirmed against the car's placard, owner's literature, or marque-specific reference material.
Late-1990s Hyundai restoration is usually less about choosing between bias and radial and more about preserving the correct size, wheel diameter, and visual presentation. If originality matters, verify whether your Accent was delivered with 13-inch or 14-inch wheels before choosing a replacement tire. For trim- or market-specific confirmation, factory literature and Hyundai enthusiast sources remain the best final check.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1998 Hyundai?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters on a shown 1998 Hyundai, even though it is a newer collector-era vehicle. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice the right size, proper wheel diameter, and an era-appropriate sidewall appearance. A radically different profile, an incorrect rim diameter, or a sidewall treatment that looks out of step with a late-1990s Hyundai can distract from an otherwise accurate presentation.
For most 1998 Hyundai cars, blackwall radials are the most natural visual choice for an original-type restoration. Whitewall or raised-white-letter versions can still be appealing on a custom build, but they change the car's period impression. If your car will be judged, use event-specific standards from the relevant club or organizer, since restoration expectations can vary from casual shows to more detail-focused venues.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 for a 1998 Hyundai?
For a 1998 Hyundai Tiburon using 195/55R15, BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 share the same basic size and blackwall appearance, but they differ in published details. The BFGoodrich version carries a maximum load figure of 1,135 pounds at 44 psi and fits 5.5- to 7.0-inch rims. The Michelin version also fits 5.5- to 7-inch rims, with a lower published weight figure in this range.
That means the comparison is not about whether one fits and the other does not; both are built for the same Tiburon size. The more useful distinction is which product character and specification set aligns with your project. If you are choosing between them, confirm the wheel width first, then compare the exact sidewall markings and construction details on the specific tire you plan to run.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1998 Hyundai tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 1998 Hyundai tires can be suitable for highway driving when the correct size is matched to the car, the tire is in sound condition, and its speed rating fits the intended use. Speed-rated examples here include T at 118 mph for 155/80R13, H at 130 mph for 175/70R13, V at 149 mph for 195/60R14 and 195/70R14, S at 112 mph for one 205/60R15 option, and W at 168 mph for another 205/60R15 option. All of the fitments on this page are radial.
In real use, the condition of the individual tire and the health of the vehicle often matter more than the headline speed letter. A 1998 Hyundai with aging shocks, poor alignment, or old brake components will feel less secure than one that is fully sorted, regardless of tire rating. Choose a size and rating appropriate to your driving, then make tire condition part of the broader roadworthiness check.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1998 Hyundai tires?
Inflation pressure on a 1998 Hyundai should follow the vehicle's factory recommendation first, with the tire's own load-and-pressure marking used as a reference for the specific product. Several tires here include rated figures such as 959 pounds at 35 psi for some 155/80R13 versions, 1,301 pounds at 35 psi for one 205/60R15 version, 1,521 pounds at 32 psi for another 205/60R15 version, and 1,135 pounds at 44 psi for one 195/55R15 version. Those are tire-capacity references, not a universal inflation setting for every Hyundai model.
The key is not to transfer one pressure number from one size to another or from one brand to another. A Sonata on 205/60R15 and a Tiburon on 195/55R15 have different tire dimensions and may call for different operating pressures. Check the placard or owner's manual for the vehicle baseline, then compare it with the sidewall information on the exact tire you are fitting.
What should I check before taking a 1998 Hyundai on a longer drive?
Before a longer trip in a 1998 Hyundai, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation, and make sure the spare is usable and aired up. On fitments where tubeless marking varies by product, take a close look at valve stems and any sign of bead leakage. Tire condition is only one part of the picture on a car of this age, but it is one of the first and most visible checks.
A longer drive is also a good reason to verify that the wheels are the correct diameter for the tires installed and that no old mismatched replacement remains on the car. After the tire inspection, continue with the rest of an age-appropriate pre-trip review: brakes, fluids, belts, cooling system, and lights. That approach gives the tires a proper context within the overall readiness of the vehicle.
