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Wheels And Tires!
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Wheel and tire upgrades or a very popular upgrade on a car. Many car owners pursue such upgrade strictly from a cosmetic point of view. However a well
balanced wheel and tire combination can ensure more grip, shorter brake distances, better high speed stability and increased steering feel. Larger wheels
provide more room for high performance brakes as well as offering a striking visual effect.
When upgrading wheels, one should consider the driving style, the road surface, the weight/strength/durability of the wheel, the size of the wheel. Tires
should be selected to suit the driving conditions, to ensure proper overall circumference, handling, durability.
When upgrading wheels on '90-'93 Honda Accords (as well as '94-'97) owners will likely be selecting from 15", 16", 17" and 18" wheel/tire combinations. Since this page
is focused on 'no-nonsense' performance upgrades, 15", 16" and 17" wheel upgrades will be discussed.
15" wheels/tires.
Recommended wheel size: 15"x7", at least +40 Offset (+42 Offset preffered)
Recommended tire size: 195/60R15 (205/55R15 alternative)at least "H"-rated, "V" or "Z" preffered
16" wheels/tires.
Recommended wheel size: 16"x7", at least +40 Offset (+42 Offset preffered)
Recommended tire size: 205/50R16 (205/55R16 alternative)at least "H"-rated, "V" or "Z" preffered
17" wheels/tires.
Recommended wheel size: 17"x7", at least +40 Offset (+42 Offset preffered)
Recommended tire size: 215/40R17 (205/45R17 alternative)at least "H"-rated, "V" or "Z" preffered
Wheel/Tire combination used on my '90 Honda Accord EX-R:
- Primax '496' series wheels (P/N 49677083) silver (17"x7", 4x100mm/4x114.3mm, +38 Offset)
- Firestone 'Firehawk SZ50' (215/45ZR17)
Wheel/Tire combination used on my '90 Honda Accord EX:
- ADR 'DTM' series wheels (P/N 01778H40S) silver (17"x7", 4x100mm/4x114.3mm, +40 Offset)
- Kuhmo 'Ecsta 712 Supra' (215/45ZR17)
As you notice, both of my 17" wheel tire combinations use 215/45ZR17 size tires. 215/45 tires are recommended for slightly
lowered and stock height vehicles. Their slightly larger circumference allows for visually better look with more arch filling wheels.
However the oversized tires mean slower acceleration and noticeable speedometer error. I found that there is approximately 10% difference
with those wheels on. 215/45 tires provide the look i was looking for, added ground clearance and more comfortable ride, but my next set of
tires is likely going to be 215/40ZR17.
NOTE: Mounting and balancing of the wheels and tires should be done by a professional tire shop. Wheels should be
mounted using proper hubrings to center the wheel. Wheel nuts should be torqued to proper specifications and retorqued again
after 30km. As a theft protection and deterrent, use quality wheel locks.
I would highly advice a wheel/tire upgrade. It will not only improve the looks of the vehicle, but new and better performing tires
can increase the car's handling and braking limits as well as ensure that higher speeds are attained safely.
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Created on December 22th, 2001 | Last updated on January 21st, 2002
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