What tires do I need for a Honda Civic?
The correct tires for a Honda Civic depend on your model year, trim, and wheel size, which you can confirm on the tire information sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. Most recent Civics use 215/55R16, 215/50R17, or 235/40R18 tires, while the high-performance Civic Type R uses 265/30ZR19; always match or exceed the load index and speed rating shown on your vehicle’s placard.
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How to find your exact tire size
The fastest, most reliable way to identify the right tires is to use the factory placard on your car. This label lists the original tire size, load index, speed rating, and recommended cold inflation pressures for front and rear tires.
- Look for the tire/pressure label on the driver’s door jamb (or sometimes on the B-pillar).
- Confirm the wheel diameter (e.g., 16, 17, 18, or 19 inches) to ensure you buy matching tires.
- Cross-check with the owner’s manual; if the car has a different wheel package, the manual may list alternate approved sizes.
- Use the full spec on the placard, including load index (e.g., 95) and speed rating (e.g., V/W/Y), not just the size.
If the car doesn’t have its original wheels or you’re unsure, a reputable tire retailer can measure and verify fitment; never downsize the load index or speed rating from the factory spec.
Decoding a Honda Civic tire size
A size like 235/40R18 95W breaks down as: 235 mm tread width, 40% aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percent of width), R for radial, 18-inch wheel diameter, 95 load index, and W speed rating. Civic trims commonly use H, V, or W speed ratings; the Type R typically uses a Y-rated, “ZR” performance tire. “XL” indicates extra load capacity, and the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) denotes true winter traction.
Common factory sizes by model and year (U.S.)
The following factory sizes are common for U.S.-market Civics; verify your placard to be certain, as packages can vary by trim and options.
2022–2025 (11th generation)
These are typical factory fitments for the current generation.
- LX: 215/55R16 (H or V speed rating typical)
- EX / EX-L: 215/50R17 (V speed rating typical)
- Sport (sedan and hatch) and Touring/Sport Touring: 235/40R18 (W or V speed rating typical)
- Si: 235/40R18 (W speed rating common)
- Type R (FL5): 265/30ZR19 93Y (ultra-high-performance summer)
Trim naming and packages can shift in refresh years; always prioritize the door-jamb label over marketing names.
2016–2021 (10th generation)
Fitments varied more widely with sedan, coupe, and hatchbody styles.
- LX: 215/55R16
- EX / EX-T / EX-L: 215/50R17
- Sport (sedan/coupe, later years) and Hatch Sport/Sport Touring: 235/40R18
- Touring (sedan/coupe, early years): 215/50R17; Hatch Sport Touring: 235/40R18
- Si (2017–2020/2020–2021): 235/40R18
- Type R (FK8, 2017–2021): 245/30ZR20 90Y
Some special editions and dealer-installed appearance packages may change wheel size; rely on the placard for the final word.
2012–2015 (9th generation) and 2006–2011 (8th generation)
Earlier generations used smaller wheel diameters on most trims.
- 2012–2015: LX ~195/65R15, EX ~205/55R16, Si ~215/45R17
- 2006–2011: DX/LX ~195/65R15, EX ~205/55R16, Si ~215/45R17
Exact sizes can differ by year and trim; the owner’s manual or placard will confirm the correct specification.
Tire type recommendations by climate and driving
Once you know your size, choose the tire category that suits your weather and driving style. Below are popular categories and well-regarded examples available in Civic-friendly sizes.
- All-season touring (quiet, long tread life): Michelin CrossClimate 2, Continental TrueContact Tour, Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
- Performance all-season (sharper handling, year-round): Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Summer performance (Si/Type R or warm climates; not for winter): Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, Bridgestone Potenza Sport
- Winter/snow (3PMSF; best below ~45°F/7°C): Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, Michelin X-Ice Snow, Continental VikingContact 7
Match the tire category to your conditions; for example, a Type R should run dedicated summer performance tires in warm months and switch to true winter tires where winters are severe.
Pressure, load, and speed rating tips
Safety and performance depend on more than size. Follow these guidelines when choosing and maintaining Civic tires.
- Inflation: Use the PSI on the door-jamb placard (often ~32–36 psi cold, model-dependent). Check monthly and before long trips.
- Load index: Choose tires with an equal or higher load index than listed (e.g., 95 or above if specified). Never go lower.
- Speed rating: Match or exceed the placard rating (H/V/W for most Civics; Y for Type R). Don’t downgrade.
- XL/Extra Load: Many modern Civic sizes come in XL versions; these can provide additional load capacity and durability.
- Tire age: Replace tires around 6–10 years from DOT date, even if tread remains; rubber degrades over time.
- Alignment/rotation: Rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles and align annually or after impacts to maximize life and prevent pull or vibration.
Keeping to the placard specs and maintaining proper pressure are the simplest ways to preserve ride, handling, and braking performance.
Where to buy and what it costs
You can source Civic tires online or locally; prices vary by size, brand, and category. Expect the following typical ranges in the U.S. market.
- Online retailers: Tire Rack, Discount Tire, SimpleTire—convenient comparison shopping and installer networks.
- Local shops/chains: Competitive installation packages, road-hazard warranties, and same-day service.
- Dealers: OEM-focused options and TPMS expertise; often higher prices.
- Approximate price per tire (before install): 16-inch ($110–$170), 17-inch ($130–$200), 18-inch ($160–$280), Type R 19-inch UHP ($320–$420).
- Winter wheel-and-tire packages: Commonly $1,000–$1,600 for most Civics; Type R packages higher.
Factor in mounting/balancing, TPMS service, alignment, and potential road-hazard coverage when comparing total costs.
Summary
To choose the right tires for your Honda Civic, read the size, load index, speed rating, and PSI on the driver’s door-jamb label, then select a tire type that matches your climate and driving. Recent Civics commonly use 215/55R16, 215/50R17, or 235/40R18; the Type R uses 265/30ZR19. Match or exceed the factory load and speed ratings, maintain proper pressure, and consider dedicated winter or performance tires if your conditions demand it.
What size wheels for Honda Civic?
Honda Civic wheel sizes vary by model year and trim, but generally range from 16 inches for base models to 18-19 inches for performance trims like the Si and Sport, with the Type R using 19 or 20-inch wheels. For example, a 2025 Civic LX Sedan might have 16-inch wheels, while the Sport trim will have 18-inch wheels.
Here’s a breakdown by type:
- Standard/LX Trims: These typically come with 16-inch wheels.
- Sport/EX-L Trims: These models often feature 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on the model and year.
- Si Trims: Performance-oriented Si models usually utilize 18-inch wheels.
- Type R: The high-performance Type R is equipped with larger 19 or 20-inch wheels to provide maximum grip and handling.
Important Considerations
- Tire Size: The wheel size directly affects the tire size. For example, a 2025 Civic Sport Sedan will have 18-inch wheels with 235/40 R18 tires.
- Model and Generation: Always check the specific wheel size for your exact Civic year and trim level to ensure proper fitment and performance, as sizes can change between generations.
What tires are recommended for a Honda Civic?
Best Honda Civic Tires
- yokohama. YK-GTX. 4.7 Read Reviews (2264) Long-lasting and reliable all-season performance.
- michelin. Defender 2. 4.8 Read Reviews (8117) Better stopping distances and all-season grip.
- continental. ControlContact Sport SRS+ 4.6 Read Reviews (1806)
- kumho. Solus Majesty 9 TA91. 4.5 Read Reviews (540)
What kind of tires do Hondas come with?
The vast majority of Honda cars and SUVs come equipped from the factory with all-season tires.
How to find tire size on Honda Civic?
The tire size is easy to locate, and below are a few locations where you’ll find it:
- On the sidewall of your tire.
- In your owner’s manual.
- The driver’s side door jamb.
- The glove box door.
- The gas tank hatch.