The Honda Fit is a subcompact car that has been manufactured by Honda since 2001. It is known for its space-efficient interior packaging and versatile seating configurations. Over the years, Honda has offered the Fit with different wheel and tire size options from the factory. This article will provide an overview of the various OEM and aftermarket wheel and tire sizes available for the Honda Fit. Understanding the correct sizes, dimensions and terminology is important for those looking to replace or upgrade the wheels and tires on their Fit.
OEM Wheel Sizes
The Honda Fit has come with several OEM wheel sizes over the years, depending on the trim level and model year:
- 14-inch steel wheels – These were standard on the base model Fits from 2007-2008. They had a diameter of 14 inches.
- 15-inch steel wheels – Also found on base model Fits from 2007-2013. These measured 15 inches in diameter.
- 15-inch alloy wheels – Optional on higher trim Fits from 2007-2008. 15-inch alloys were standard on Sport models from 2009-2013.
- 16-inch alloy wheels – These were equipped on EX and EX-L models from 2007-2008. 16-inch alloys also came standard on upper trims from 2009-2013.
- 17-inch alloy wheels – Optional upgrade on higher trim Fits from 2007-2013. Could be added through dealer accessories.
So in summary, most Fits came with 15-inch steel or alloy wheels depending on trim level. Higher trims often had 16-inch or optional 17-inch alloy wheel upgrades. The base models typically used 14-inch steel wheels.
OEM Tire Sizes
The Honda Fit originally came with 14-inch wheels from the factory. The OEM tire size for the 14-inch wheels was 175/65R14 (https://tiresize.com/tires/Honda/Fit/).
Starting in 2007, Honda upgraded the Fit to 15-inch wheels. The OEM tire size for the 15-inch wheels is 185/55R15 (https://www.hondapartsnow.com/oem-honda-fit-tire.html).
In later model years like 2013-2015, Honda offered 16-inch wheels on higher trim Fit models. The OEM tire size for the 16-inch wheels is 205/45R16.
So in summary, the main OEM tire sizes for each wheel size are:
- 14-inch wheels: 175/65R14
- 15-inch wheels: 185/55R15
- 16-inch wheels: 205/45R16
Upgrading Wheel Size
Moving up to a larger wheel size can provide a few advantages on the Honda Fit. Larger wheels often come with lower profile tires, which can improve responsiveness and handling. The wider wheels can also fill out the fenders better for a more aggressive look. However, there are some downsides to consider:
Larger, wider wheels and lower profile tires may result in a firmer, harsher ride. The Honda Fit has a short wheelbase and already exhibits some ride firmness from the factory. Dramatically increasing wheel and tire size can amplify this firmness to an uncomfortable level, especially on poor roads. Suspension modifications, like upgrading to performance dampers, may help compensate.
Care must be taken to ensure proper fitment and avoid rubbing or other clearance issues. The Fit was designed around 14″ and 15″ wheels. Moving up to 16″ or 17″ wheels, depending on offsets and tire sizes, may start to run into clearance problems when turning. Test fitting wheels and cycles of full suspension travel are advisable before purchase.
Wheels larger than 17″ are not recommended, as this often requires lowering the car and pushes the limits of proper fitment. Most enthusiasts feel 17″ x 7″ is the largest advisable wheel size for the Honda Fit platform.
When upgrading Honda Fit wheels, aim to keep the overall diameter close to stock. This will help maintain proper speedometer accuracy and keep changes to acceleration manageable. Upgrades typically center around more aggressive offsets and widths while keeping overall diameter similar.
Upgrading Tire Size
When upgrading to a larger tire size while retaining the OEM wheels, there are a few key considerations:
Pros:
- Larger tires can increase ground clearance, allowing you to clear speed bumps and steep driveways more easily.
- Bigger tires may improve the aesthetic of the vehicle by filling out the wheel wells.
- Larger tires can provide a smoother ride over bumps and potholes.
Cons:
- Putting too large of a tire on the OEM wheel can result in rubbing on the struts or fenders, especially when turning. This can cause premature tire or vehicle wear.
- Oversized tires may throw off your speedometer/odometer accuracy.
- Larger tires increase rotational mass which negatively impacts acceleration and fuel economy.
When upgrading tire size, it’s generally recommended to increase no more than 10% over the OEM diameter to avoid rubbing issues. Many Honda Fit owners have successfully upgraded to 205/50R16 or 205/45R16 tires on the stock 16-inch wheels with no rubbing or clearance issues. Always consult your owner’s manual or mechanics to verify fitment.
Sources:
[I had 205-45R16 size tires mounted on my 2008 Fit Base for years. No rubbing. I then went to 205-50R16 and got some rub over big bumps.](https://www.reddit.com/r/hondafit/comments/mozeuj/largest_size_tires_for_2008_honda_fit/)Wheel and Tire Compatibility
Ensuring proper wheel and tire compatibility is crucial for performance, safety, and preventing damage to your vehicle. The wheel width needs to appropriately match the tire width – too narrow of a wheel can cause bulging and instability of the tire, while too wide of a wheel does not provide enough support to the tire sidewalls. Generally, tires should be mounted on wheels with a width equal to or greater than the tire’s section width.
Wheel and tire sizing also takes into account aspects like wheel diameter, wheel offset, tire diameter, tire width, tire profile, and rim type. For example, the Honda Fit has OEM wheel sizes that range from 15″ to 17″. Upgrading to larger diameter aftermarket wheels like 18″ or 19″ requires consideration of how that impacts tire fitment and overall wheel/tire diameter. Refer to sizing charts from reputable brands like WTB and ReadyLift to ensure proper fitment when upgrading Honda Fit wheels and tires.
Consulting Honda Fit forums and groups can also provide compatibility insights from owners’ experience. The goal is optimizing performance by ensuring the wheels and tires work cohesively. Paying attention to sizing guidelines helps prevent rubbing, interference, or unsafe handling.
Recommended Alternate Sizes
When looking for alternate wheel and tire size combinations for the Honda Fit, there are a few popular options to consider:
15″ Wheels with 195/55R15 Tires
Going up one inch to 15″ wheels allows you to fit a slightly wider 195 section width tire while maintaining a similar overall diameter to the stock 14″ setup. The 195 width provides a bit more grip and stability compared to the stock 175 width tire [1]. The 55 aspect ratio strikes a good balance between ride comfort, handling, and sidewall height.
16″ Wheels with 205/50R16 Tires
Sixteen inch wheels open up more performance-oriented tire sizes like the 205/50. This provides even more grip and stability from the wider 205 section width and shorter 50 aspect ratio sidewall [2]. The overall diameter is very close to stock as well. The shorter sidewall may provide crisper handling but impacts ride comfort.
17″ Wheels with 215/45R17 Tires
Seventeen inch wheels allow running wider 215 width tires for maximum grip, along with 45 aspect ratio sidewalls for responsive handling. However, the overall diameter grows significantly larger than stock which can impact fuel economy and acceleration. The shorter sidewalls also deliver a firmer ride. Larger wheels like this are more prone to damage from potholes too [3].
Where to Purchase
There are several recommended places to purchase alternate wheels and tires for the Honda Fit:
Discount Tire (https://www.discounttire.com/vehicle-wheels/honda/fit) – Discount Tire stocks a wide selection of wheels for the Honda Fit in various sizes, styles and finishes. Their website allows you to search by year and model to see compatible options.
Fitment Industries (https://www.fitmentindustries.com/vehicles/honda/fit/wheels) – Fitment Industries has over 270 aftermarket wheel brands for the Honda Fit. Their site allows you to view and compare different wheel photos and specs.
eBay (https://www.ebay.com/b/Honda-Wheels-Tires-Parts-for-Honda-Fit/33743/bn_7078897484) – eBay has a large selection of used and new wheels and tires for the Honda Fit available for purchase.
Installation
The wheel and tire installation process on the Honda Fit is relatively straightforward, but does require some mechanical skill and the right tools. Here are the basic steps:
1. Jack up the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Refer to the owner’s manual for proper jack placement.
2. Remove the wheel nuts and take off the old wheel/tire assembly. A lug wrench and torque wrench are required for proper removal and installation.
3. Install the new wheel/tire assembly. Make sure the wheel bolts/nuts are tightened to the specified torque in a star pattern.
4. Lower the vehicle back down and remove the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts again once the full weight of the vehicle is back on the wheels.
It’s recommended that beginners have the wheels and tires installed by a professional shop with the proper equipment. Incorrect torque or installation can lead to wheels coming loose on the road. Most installers will also take care of swapping over TPMS sensors if needed.
For more details, refer to the wheel change process in the Honda Fit wheel installation video.
Conclusion
The Honda Fit comes equipped from the factory with 15-inch or 16-inch wheels depending on trim level. The most common OEM tire sizes are 185/55R15 and 185/60R15. While the stock wheel and tire sizes are suitable for most driving conditions, some owners choose to upgrade to larger 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and lower profile tires for an improved look and performance. However, it’s important to carefully select alternate wheel and tire sizes that properly fit the Fit’s suspension and braking systems. Upgrading requires checking measurements like wheel diameter, width, offset, and bolt pattern. The tire size must also have the proper overall diameter to work with the Fit’s speedometer and odometer. With some research and planning, Honda Fit owners can safely upgrade their wheels and tires for the look and performance they desire.
In this article, we reviewed the factory and most common alternate wheel and tire sizes for the Honda Fit. We looked at important measurements to get right when upgrading wheel size and explained how to choose a tire size that keeps proper speedometer accuracy. The goal was to give Honda Fit owners a better understanding of their options when considering wheel and tire upgrades.
