The 2002 Honda Civic tire size varied between 14″ and 15″ wheels depending on the trim package. Most models came with 14″ wheels and P185/70R14 tires. The higher EX trims had 15″ wheels with P185/65R15 tires. All Civics came with a compact spare tire, which was the smallest diameter tire that would fit on the vehicle. Knowing what size spare tire your 2002 Civic needs is important in case you get a flat.

2002 Honda Civic Trim Packages

The 2002 Honda Civic came in several different models, each with their own 2002 Honda Civic tire size:

Coupes

  1. DX – 14″ wheels, P185/70R14 tires
  2. HX – 14″ wheels, P185/70R14 tires
  3. LX – 14″ wheels, P185/70R14 tires
  4. EX – 15″ wheels, P185/65R15 tires
  5. Si – 15″ wheels, P185/65R15 tires

Sedans

  1. DX – 14″ wheels, P185/70R14 tires
  2. LX – 14″ wheels, P185/70R14 tires
  3. EX – 15″ wheels, P185/65R15 tires

Hatchbacks

  1. Si – 15″ wheels, P185/65R15 tires

Standard Tire Sizes

As the above overview shows, there were two standard 2002 Honda Civic tire sizes:

  1. P185/70R14 – This size fits all models with 14″ wheels. It has an overall diameter of approximately 25.7″.
  2. P185/65R15 – This size fits all models with 15″ wheels. It has an overall diameter of approximately 25.4″.

All models also came equipped with a compact spare tire.

14″ Wheels and Tires

Models equipped with 14″ wheels used P185/70R14 tires. The P stands for passenger car tire, 185 is the width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height), and R14 is the wheel diameter in inches. This size tire has an overall diameter of 25.7″.

The overall tire diameter is important when selecting a spare or replacement tire. Using a different overall diameter can affect speedometer accuracy and gearing.

15″ Wheels and Tires

Models with 15″ wheels used P185/65R15 tires. This is very similar to the 14″ tire size, but with a lower, 65 aspect ratio sidewall suited to the larger wheel. The overall diameter is 25.4″.

Again, sticking close to this diameter is important when replacing tires to maintain proper drivetrain function.

Compact Spare Tire Size

All 2002 Honda Civics came equipped with a compact spare tire from the factory. This was not a full-size tire, but a smaller diameter spare designed just for temporary emergency use.

On models with 14″ wheels, the compact spare was a T125/70D14 tire on a 14″ wheel. This tire had an overall diameter of 24″, which is 1.7 inches smaller than the standard P185/70R14 tire size.

The 15″ wheel models used a T125/70D15 compact spare tire. This also had a 24″ overall diameter, 1.4 inches smaller than the regular P185/65R15 tires.

Using this smaller compact spare for long distances or at high speeds could damage the drivetrain since it throws off the proper gearing. It should only be used temporarily until the standard tire can be repaired or replaced.

Finding The Right Spare Tire

When it comes time to replace your 2002 Honda Civic’s spare tire, make sure you get the same size as the original. The best way to determine the right size is to check the information sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. This will list the recommended tire size and inflation pressures.

You can also measure the wheel rim diameter and look for identifying marks on the tire sidewall to determine the size. Keep in mind that using the wrong size spare can be unsafe and cause drivetrain damage.

For a 2002 Civic with 14″ wheels, look for a T125/70D14 tire as a direct replacement compact spare. For models with 15″ wheels, get a T125/70D15. These are readily available online and at most tire shops. Make sure to also check the tire inflation and get a proper match.

Full-Size Spare Tire Options

While the compact spare works fine for temporary use, some owners prefer to upgrade to a full-size spare that matches their regular tires. This provides a safer spare that can be used for longer durations without issue.

For the P185/70R14 tire size, look for a 14″ wheel and tire combo that matches the overall diameter of 25.7 inches. Same for the 15″ wheel cars – get a tire with an overall diameter of around 25.4″. This will help ensure proper drivetrain operation when switched.

Just make sure your 2002 Civic has enough cargo room to store the larger full-size spare. The compact spare uses up minimal space, while a full-size wheel and tire will need more room. Check under the trunk floor to confirm space.

What Size Spare Tire Can I Use?

The best size spare tire to use for a 2002 Honda Civic is the original equipment size. This would be either a T125/70D14 or T125/70D15 compact spare, depending on your trim level and wheel size. Using this OEM compact spare size will ensure proper clearance and prevent any drivetrain issues when installed. 

You could also upgrade to a full-size wheel and tire as long as the overall diameter matches your original tires. Refer to the door jamb sticker or sidewall sizing to determine the right replacement. Using the wrong size spare can lead to unsafe driving situations and potential damage.

Will A Full-Size Spare Fit In A Honda Civic?

A full-size spare tire can be made to fit in a 2002 Honda Civic but it depends on the available storage space. The compact spare that comes with the Civic takes up minimal room, while a full-size wheel and tire will need more area. 

Check under the trunk floor to see if there is enough room to accommodate a 14 or 15-inch wheel and tire. It may involve some cargo reorganization. Ensure the full-size spare’s overall diameter matches the original tires for proper drivetrain operation. Consider a “donut” style full-size spare if cargo room is limited.

Does The Spare Tire Need To Be The Same Size?

For optimal safety and performance, the spare tire on a 2002 Honda Civic should closely match the original tire size. Using a different diameter spare can negatively affect drivetrain operation, gearing, and electronic systems. The compact spare has a smaller overall diameter which is only intended for temporary use. 

When replacing it, refer to the door jamb sticker for OEM size. Matching this diameter, even if upgrading to a full-size spare, will ensure proper functioning when swapping the spare. The same goes if replacing a full-size spare – get as close as possible to OEM specifications.

Why Is My Spare Tire The Wrong Size?

If your 2002 Civic’s spare tire is the wrong size, it may have been replaced incorrectly at some point. The original spare would match the OEM specifications for diameter but if substituted improperly, it could have the wrong dimensions. 

Using a different diameter can cause drivetrain issues and speedometer inaccuracies. Reference your door jamb sticker for the factory tire size and overall diameter. Any replacements should match this, even when moving to a full-size spare. 

The compact spare should also have the correct size stamped on the sidewall. Getting the proper replacement will restore normal operation when swapping to the spare.

Can I Use Any Tire As A Spare?

While any tire can physically function as a spare, you should not use just any tire on a 2002 Honda Civic. The spare tire size and diameter are engineered to work specifically with the Civic’s drivetrain gearing and electronic systems. 

An improper size spare can lead to damage or abnormal operation. It’s best to replace the spare with the exact OEM size, or get as close as possible to the overall diameter of the original tires. Using a matching quality spare designed for the Civic will ensure safe, normal functioning when swapped from the flat tire. Don’t just install any spare without checking specifications.

Conclusion

The 2002 Honda Civics came equipped with either P185/70R14 or P185/65R15 tires from the factory, depending on trim level. All models used a compact spare tire that was smaller in diameter for temporary emergency use. When replacing your spare, make sure to get the same T125/70D14 or T125/70D15 size. 

Or consider upgrading to a full-size wheel and tire for added safety and peace of mind. Refer to your door jamb sticker or tire sidewall to determine the right spare tire for your 2002 Honda Civic.

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