Confused about the correct 2016 Honda Accord tire size? Finding the right tires for your vehicle doesn’t have to be a headache when you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Your 2016 Honda Accord requires exact tire dimensions that vary depending on the trim level. Whether you’re driving the LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, or Touring model, each has manufacturer-recommended tire specifications designed to optimize your vehicle’s performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. Understanding these specifications is crucial when it’s time to replace your tires or switch between all-season and winter options.
Understanding 2016 Honda Accord Tire Sizes
The 2016 Honda Accord tire size information is coded directly on your sidewall in a exact format. Reading these numbers correctly ensures you’ll purchase compatible replacements when needed. Let’s break down the tire size notation you’ll find on your Accord.
Decoding Tire Size Markings
Tire markings follow a standardized pattern that indicates crucial specifications. For example, a typical 2016 Accord tire might show “P215/55R17.” The “P” designates a passenger vehicle tire, “215” represents the width in millimeters, and “55” indicates the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width). The “R” means radial construction, while “17” specifies the wheel diameter in inches.
Stock Tire Sizes by Trim Level
Each 2016 Honda Accord trim comes equipped with exact tire dimensions from the factory:
| Trim Level | Standard Tire Size | Optional Size |
|---|---|---|
| LX | P205/65R16 | None |
| Sport | P235/45R18 | None |
| EX | P215/55R17 | None |
| EX-L | P215/55R17 | None |
| Touring | P235/40R19 | None |
“I was shocked when I discovered my Sport model needed completely different tires than my friend’s LX,” shares Accord owner Marcus T. “The performance difference is noticeable, especially when cornering.”
Speed and Load Ratings Explained
Beyond size dimensions, your Accord’s tires include speed and load ratings. The speed rating, typically represented by a letter (H, V, etc.), indicates the maximum safe speed. Most 2016 Accords use H-rated tires (130 mph) or V-rated tires (149 mph) depending on the trim. The load index, a numerical value, represents how much weight each tire can safely carry.
Standard Tire Sizes for Different 2016 Honda Accord Trims
The 2016 Honda Accord comes with exact tire sizes that vary across different trim levels, optimized for each model’s performance characteristics and intended driving experience. These manufacturer-recommended specifications ensure proper handling, safety, and efficiency for your vehicle.
LX and Sport Models
The base LX trim of the 2016 Honda Accord is equipped with 205/65R16 tires, providing a balanced combination of comfort and fuel efficiency for daily driving. These 16-inch tires offer generous sidewall height that helps absorb road imperfections, creating a smoother ride quality. The Sport trim features significantly larger 235/40R19 tires, delivering enhanced grip and sharper handling response. These sportier tires complement the Sport model’s more performance-oriented design and driving dynamics, giving you better cornering capabilities and a more aggressive stance.
EX and EX-L Models
For the mid-range EX and EX-L sedan trims, Honda standardized the tire size at 215/55R17, striking an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. These 17-inch tires provide improved handling over the base model while maintaining reasonable ride comfort for everyday use. The EX-L V6 variants offer more flexibility in tire sizing, sometimes featuring larger 235/45R18 or 235/40R19 tires, particularly in coupe models. This tire upgrade supports the additional power from the V6 engine while improving the vehicle’s premium feel and appearance.
Touring and V6 Models
The top-tier Touring models, including those with V6 engines, come standard with performance-oriented 235/40R19 tires. These larger, lower-profile tires deliver superior road grip and responsive handling that complement the more powerful engine options. The 19-inch wheel and tire combination also contributes to the premium aesthetic of these high-end trims, giving them a distinctive and sophisticated appearance. Touring models benefit from these performance tires with improved stability at highway speeds and more confident cornering during spirited driving.
| Trim Level | Standard Tire Size | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| LX | 205/65R16 | Better ride comfort, fuel efficiency |
| Sport | 235/40R19 | Enhanced grip, sportier handling |
| EX | 215/55R17 | Balance of comfort and performance |
| EX-L | 215/55R17 | Balance of comfort and performance |
| EX-L V6 | 215/55R17, 235/45R18, or 235/40R19 | Power-appropriate grip, premium feel |
| Touring/V6 | 235/40R19 | Maximum performance, upscale appearance |
OEM Tire Specifications for the 2016 Honda Accord
The 2016 Honda Accord comes equipped with exact OEM tire sizes that vary by trim level and body style. These factory-installed tires are carefully selected to optimize the vehicle’s performance characteristics, balancing comfort, handling, and efficiency.
Tire Pressure Recommendations
Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for your 2016 Honda Accord’s optimal performance and tire longevity. Regular pressure checks with a quality gauge provide more accurate readings than relying solely on the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Factory inflation pressures typically range between 32-35 PSI for most 2016 Accord models, creating an ideal balance between ride comfort, responsive handling, and fuel efficiency. These pressure specifications accommodate the vehicle’s weight distribution while ensuring even tire wear across all four corners.
Speed and Load Ratings
The 2016 Honda Accord’s OEM tires feature exact speed and load ratings matched to each trim’s performance capabilities. Most factory tires carry either V (149 mph) or W (168 mph) speed ratings, ensuring safety margins well beyond normal driving conditions. Load indexes range from 94 to 98, with higher trims featuring stronger ratings to support additional equipment weight. The base LX sedan uses 205/65R16 95H tires, while EX and EX-L models typically feature 215/55R17 94V tires from premium brands like Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS. Performance-oriented trims such as Sport, Touring, and V6 models come equipped with either 235/45ZR18 98W or 235/40R19 96V tires, often manufactured by Continental or Bridgestone. These specifications guarantee your Accord maintains its intended handling characteristics and safety parameters in various driving conditions.
Upgrading Your 2016 Honda Accord Tires
Upgrading your 2016 Honda Accord tires offers an opportunity to enhance performance or adapt to exact driving conditions. The right tire choice depends on your driving preferences, local climate, and the particular Accord trim you own.
Performance Options
Performance tires for your 2016 Honda Accord deliver improved grip, responsiveness, and cornering abilities. Many Accord owners upgrade to wider, lower-profile tires such as 235/40R19 or 235/45R18—the sizes commonly found on Sport, Touring, and coupe V6 trims. These larger diameter options provide noticeably sharper handling characteristics and create a more aggressive stance. Performance upgrades typically feature stiffer sidewalls that transmit road feedback more directly to the driver, improving the connection between car and road. Remember that these performance improvements come with trade-offs including a firmer ride quality, potentially increased road noise, and higher replacement costs compared to standard tires.
All-Season Alternatives
All-season tires represent the most versatile option for your 2016 Honda Accord, delivering reliable performance across varying weather conditions. These tires are available in all stock sizes (205/65R16, 215/55R17, 235/45R18, and 235/40R19) to fit any Accord trim level. Popular models include the Goodyear Eagle LS-2, Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS, Continental ContiProContact, and Firestone Affinity Touring S4 FF. Each option strikes a different balance between tread life, comfort, and wet-weather traction. All-season alternatives typically offer quieter operation than performance variants while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. Their tread patterns incorporate both summer and winter design elements, making them practical for regions with moderate seasonal changes without requiring a complete tire change twice yearly.
How to Read Your Honda Accord Tire Size Information
Tire size markings on your 2016 Honda Accord follow a standardized format that contains crucial information about dimensions and specifications. Each number and letter in the sequence serves a exact purpose and helps identify the exact tire your vehicle needs.
The format typically appears as a sequence like “215/55R17 94V” with each component representing:
- First number (215): Width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall
- Second number (55): Aspect ratio showing the sidewall height as a percentage of the width
- Letter R: Indicates radial construction, the standard for modern tires
- Wheel diameter (17): The diameter in inches of the wheel rim the tire fits
- Load index (94): Numeric code corresponding to the maximum weight the tire can support
- Speed rating (V): Letter code indicating the maximum speed capability (V = 149 mph)
Finding your tire size information is straightforward. The tire sidewall displays these markings prominently, usually raised or molded into the rubber. Your vehicle’s door jamb sticker, owner’s manual, and glove compartment information card also list the recommended tire specifications.
Different 2016 Accord trims use exact tire sizes to match their performance characteristics. The LX sedan models feature 205/65R16 tires for a comfortable ride, while Touring models employ 235/40R19 tires for enhanced handling and sportier aesthetics.
Aspect ratio significantly impacts your Accord’s ride quality and handling. Lower aspect ratios (like 40 in 235/40R19) provide sharper handling but transmit more road imperfections, while higher ratios (like 65 in 205/65R16) offer more cushioning over bumps.
Additional codes sometimes appear after the main size designation. The “XL” marking indicates extra load capacity tires, which several higher-trim Accord models use to accommodate additional weight from luxury features and passengers.
Common Tire Issues and Solutions for 2016 Accords
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven tire wear on your 2016 Honda Accord often stems from alignment issues or lack of proper rotation. The tread pattern wears down unevenly when wheels remain out of alignment for extended periods. Regular tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles prevents this problem by distributing wear patterns across all four tires. Scheduling alignment checks at least once yearly ensures your Accord maintains proper geometry, especially after hitting potholes or curbs.
Tire Pressure Problems
Incorrect tire pressure directly impacts your 2016 Accord’s fuel economy, handling, and tire longevity. The recommended pressure ranges from 32-35 PSI for most Accord models, with exact values listed on the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires flex excessively, causing premature wear on outer edges and reducing fuel efficiency by up to 3%. Overinflated tires create a harsh ride and wear more quickly in the center of the tread. Monthly pressure checks using a quality gauge help maintain optimal performance in your sedan or coupe.
Noise and Vibration Issues
Tire noise or vibration in your 2016 Accord indicates potential balance problems or physical damage. Balancing issues manifest as steering wheel vibrations at exact speeds, typically between 55-70 mph. Cupping or scalloping of tread surfaces produces rhythmic humming sounds that increase with vehicle speed. Professional tire balancing corrects weight distribution problems, while inspections identify damaged areas requiring repair or replacement. Unresolved vibrations potentially damage suspension components over time, leading to more expensive repairs.
Tread Wear and Replacement Timing
The 2016 Honda Accord’s tires typically last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles depending on driving habits and conditions. Monitoring tread depth regularly helps determine replacement timing before performance degrades. Tires need replacement when tread depth reaches 2/32 inch – easily checked using the penny test by inserting a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread groove. Visible Lincoln indicates unsafe tires requiring immediate replacement. Higher performance trims like the Sport and Touring with 19-inch wheels may experience faster wear due to softer rubber compounds optimized for grip.
Seasonal Tire Considerations
Your geographic location determines the optimal tire type for your 2016 Accord. All-season tires work adequately in regions with mild weather fluctuations, providing reasonable performance in light snow and rain. Winter tires deliver significantly improved traction in snow and ice for drivers in northern climates, with specialized rubber compounds that remain pliable in freezing temperatures. Summer performance tires offer enhanced grip and handling in warm weather but become dangerously hard below 45°F. Matching tire type to your climate ensures optimal safety and performance year-round.
Conclusion
Selecting the right tire size for your 2016 Honda Accord isn’t just about fitting the wheel – it’s about maximizing your vehicle’s performance safety and efficiency. Whether you drive an LX with 205/65R16 tires or a Touring model sporting 235/40R19 rubber your tire choice impacts everything from handling to fuel economy.
Remember to check your exact trim requirements before purchasing replacements and consider how different tire types might enhance your driving experience. Regular maintenance including proper inflation rotation and alignment checks will extend tire life and preserve your Accord’s handling characteristics.
By understanding the complete tire sizing system you’ll make informed decisions that keep your Honda performing at its best for years to come. The right tires make all the difference in your Accord’s ride quality comfort and safety on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the correct tire sizes for the 2016 Honda Accord?
The 2016 Honda Accord tire sizes vary by trim level: LX models use P205/65R16, Sport models use P235/40R19, EX and EX-L trims use P215/55R17, and Touring models use P235/40R19. The EX-L V6 variants may have 235/45R18 or 235/40R19 tires to accommodate the additional power. These manufacturer-recommended specifications optimize performance, handling, and fuel efficiency for each specific model.
How do I read the tire size markings on my Honda Accord?
Tire size markings follow a standard format like “P215/55R17”. Here’s what each part means: “P” indicates passenger vehicle, “215” is the width in millimeters, “55” is the aspect ratio (height as percentage of width), “R” means radial construction, and “17” is the wheel diameter in inches. Additional numbers and letters after these indicate load index and speed rating. This information is visible on your tire’s sidewall.
What speed ratings do 2016 Honda Accord tires have?
Most 2016 Honda Accords come with either H-rated (130 mph) or V-rated (149 mph) tires, depending on the trim level. Higher performance trims like the Sport and Touring models typically feature V-rated or even W-rated (168 mph) tires to accommodate more spirited driving. These ratings ensure the tires can safely handle the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
What is the recommended tire pressure for a 2016 Honda Accord?
The recommended tire pressure for most 2016 Honda Accord models ranges between 32-35 PSI. The exact pressure specifications can be found on the driver’s side door jamb sticker. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency, tire longevity, and handling performance. Check your tire pressure monthly with a quality gauge for best results.
When should I replace the tires on my 2016 Honda Accord?
Replace your 2016 Honda Accord tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch (use the penny test with Lincoln’s head inverted) or after 40,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving habits and tire type. Signs that replacement is needed include visible tread wear indicators, cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or vibrations while driving. Regular inspections help ensure timely replacement.
Can I upgrade to different tire sizes on my 2016 Honda Accord?
Yes, you can upgrade your 2016 Honda Accord tires within certain parameters. When changing sizes, maintain the same overall diameter to prevent speedometer inaccuracies and mechanical issues. Popular upgrades include going from 16″ to 17″ wheels on LX models or installing performance-oriented tires with lower profiles. Consult with a tire professional before making significant changes.
What causes uneven tire wear on the 2016 Honda Accord?
Uneven tire wear on a 2016 Honda Accord is typically caused by alignment issues, improper tire pressure, lack of regular rotation, or suspension problems. Front tires often wear faster on the outside edges due to the Accord’s front-wheel-drive configuration and weight distribution. To prevent uneven wear, rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles and maintain proper alignment.
Are winter tires necessary for the 2016 Honda Accord?
Winter tires are recommended for 2016 Honda Accord owners who live in regions with regular snow, ice, or temperatures consistently below 45°F (7°C). They provide significantly better traction, braking, and handling in winter conditions compared to all-season tires. All four tires should be switched to ensure balanced handling and optimal safety during winter months.