What is the smallest tire Ican run on a 15x7 rim? I want to keep the profile down so 195/50/15? I usually run 205/50/15 but curious as to what else is out there. Thanks

 

On a 1999 Civic, stick with 195/55-15 or 205/50-15. Either size will fit fine on a 15x7 rim. Don't get 195/50-15, which is too small for your car; that size is for older Civics that came with smaller tires. If you want a smaller profile (shorter sidewall), the proper way to do it is to get larger diameter wheels (16" or 17"), not by running undersized tires.

 

195/50/15 in the older model civic is that because they are lighter in weight?

 

When you say smallest, are you talking about the narrowest width, or the smallest diameter?

 

No. It's because the older Civics (pre-'96, plus the DX and hatch models in '96) came from the factory with tires whose size has a smaller outer diameter. As a general rule, you want to choose a tire whose outer diameter is as close as possible to that of the stock tire size. That way, you maintain the accuracy of the speedometer and odometer, and the tires are not likely to rub in the wheel/fender wells.

 

Thanks