Hey car enthusiasts! Are you a proud owner of the 11th generation Honda Civic Sport? If so, you're probably already aware of its sleek design, sporty performance, and overall appeal. One of the best ways to enhance your Civic Sport's aesthetics and handling is by upgrading its wheels. This guide dives deep into the world of Honda Civic Sport 11th gen wheels, covering everything from choosing the right size and style to the practical aspects of installation and maintenance. So, let's get started and explore how you can make your Civic Sport even more head-turning and fun to drive.

Why Upgrade Your Honda Civic Sport 11th Gen Wheels?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let's talk about why you should even consider upgrading your Honda Civic Sport 11th gen wheels. The factory wheels, while perfectly functional, often lack the visual flair and performance benefits that aftermarket options can provide. Upgrading your wheels offers several advantages. First and foremost, aesthetics. New wheels can dramatically change the look of your car, giving it a more aggressive, sporty, or even luxurious appearance, depending on the style you choose. Secondly, performance. Lighter wheels can reduce unsprung weight, which improves acceleration, braking, and handling. This is because less weight has to be controlled by the suspension, leading to quicker response times and a more planted feel on the road. Thirdly, handling. Wider wheels and tires can increase the contact patch between the tire and the road, providing more grip and better cornering capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy spirited driving or track days. Also, upgrading your wheels can potentially increase your car's resale value, as they are a desirable modification for many buyers. In conclusion, upgrading your Honda Civic Sport 11th gen wheels offers a blend of style and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for any Civic Sport owner who wants to elevate their driving experience. It's a great way to personalize your car and make it stand out from the crowd.

Benefits of Upgrading Wheels

• Enhanced Aesthetics: A wide range of styles and finishes to personalize your car's look.
• Improved Performance: Reduced unsprung weight, leading to better acceleration, braking, and handling.
• Enhanced Handling: Wider wheels and tires for increased grip and cornering capabilities.
• Increased Resale Value: Desirable modification for potential buyers.

Choosing the Right Wheels for Your Honda Civic Sport

Now, the fun part: picking out your new wheels! When choosing wheels for your Honda Civic Sport 11th gen, several factors come into play. Size, style, material, and offset are all critical considerations. Let's break down each of these elements to help you make an informed decision.

Wheel Size

Wheel size is probably the most crucial aspect to consider. The size is determined by the diameter and width of the wheel. The 11th gen Honda Civic Sport typically comes with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels from the factory. You can choose to stick with the same size, go slightly larger, or even downsize, depending on your preferences and driving style. If you want to maintain a similar ride quality and don't want to make any other modifications, staying within the factory-recommended size is generally a good idea. However, if you are looking for a more aggressive look, you might consider going up one inch in diameter. Keep in mind that larger wheels may require lower-profile tires, which can impact ride comfort. Also, when you upgrade your wheels, you must consider the tire size also. The tire size is composed of three numbers, in this order: section width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter. For example, in the tire size 225/45R18, 225 is the section width, 45 is the aspect ratio, and 18 is the wheel diameter.

Wheel Style

The style of the wheel is where personal preference really comes into play. There's a vast array of designs available, from classic five-spoke wheels to more intricate multi-spoke patterns. Some popular styles include:

• Five-spoke wheels: A timeless design that complements the sporty nature of the Civic Sport.
• Multi-spoke wheels: Offer a more intricate and aggressive look.
• Mesh wheels: Provide a classic and elegant aesthetic.
• Split-spoke wheels: A modern design that adds a touch of sophistication.

Consider the overall look you're trying to achieve with your Honda Civic Sport. Do you want a sleek and understated appearance, or something more bold and eye-catching? Research different wheel styles online and see how they look on other Civic Sports. This will help you narrow down your choices and find a style that resonates with you.

Wheel Material

Wheel material affects both the weight and durability of the wheel. The most common materials are:

• Aluminum alloy: Lightweight, strong, and offers a good balance of performance and affordability. Most aftermarket wheels are made from aluminum alloy.
• Steel: Heavier and more durable than aluminum, but not as performance-oriented. Steel wheels are typically found on older vehicles or as a cost-effective option.

Wheel Offset

Offset refers to the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel. It's measured in millimeters. The offset affects how far the wheel sits inside or outside the wheel well.

• Positive offset: The mounting surface is closer to the front of the wheel. This causes the wheel to sit further inside the wheel well.
• Negative offset: The mounting surface is closer to the back of the wheel. This causes the wheel to stick out from the wheel well.
• Zero offset: The mounting surface is at the wheel's centerline.

Choosing the correct offset is crucial to ensure proper fitment and avoid rubbing against the suspension components or the fender. You'll need to know the factory offset of your Honda Civic Sport's wheels and consider the offset of the new wheels you're considering. It's often best to stick with an offset that is close to the factory specification or consult with a wheel specialist to determine the appropriate offset for your desired wheel size and tire combination.

Popular Wheel Brands and Styles for the Honda Civic Sport

There are tons of wheel brands out there, each with its own unique styles and features. Let's go over some of the popular brands and styles that are known to look great on the Honda Civic Sport 11th gen.

Popular Brands

• Enkei: Known for their lightweight and high-performance wheels, popular among track enthusiasts. Enkei offers various styles that complement the Civic Sport's sporty nature.
• Konig: Offers a wide range of affordable and stylish wheels, with designs that are both modern and classic. Konig wheels are a great choice for those looking to upgrade their aesthetics without breaking the bank.
• Volk Racing (Rays Engineering): High-end wheels known for their exceptional quality and performance. Volk Racing wheels are a favorite among those who demand the best in terms of weight, strength, and design.
• Rota: Offers a variety of affordable and stylish wheels, known for their classic designs.
• TSW: TSW offers a wide range of designs, including rotary forged wheels, known for their strength and reduced weight.

Popular Wheel Styles

• Sporty Five-Spoke Designs: The timeless five-spoke design is perfect for those who want a sporty and aggressive look, such as Enkei RPF1 or Konig Hypergram.
• Aggressive Multi-Spoke Designs: Multi-spoke wheels add a touch of sophistication and visual interest. Consider TSW Sebring or Rota Grid for this style.
• Classic Mesh Designs: Mesh wheels offer a blend of elegance and sportiness, like the Enkei Tuning Series Raijin.
• Modern Split-Spoke Designs: Split-spoke wheels provide a modern and dynamic aesthetic, with designs such as Volk Racing TE37 or Konig Rennform.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Once you've chosen your new wheels, it's time to install them. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, it's best to have a professional install them to ensure proper fitment and safety. Here are some basic installation steps:

1. Preparation: Gather all the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench, and wheel chocks. Make sure your new wheels come with the correct lug nuts or bolts for your Honda Civic Sport 11th gen.
2. Safety First: Park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling. Then, loosen the lug nuts on the existing wheels before jacking up the car.
3. Removal: Jack up your car and secure it with jack stands. Remove the existing wheels by unscrewing the lug nuts completely.
4. Installation: Mount the new wheels onto the wheel studs, ensuring they are flush against the hub.
5. Tightening: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
6. Torque: Lower the car until the tires touch the ground. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque, following the star pattern.
7. Final Check: After driving a short distance, double-check the lug nuts to ensure they are still properly torqued.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: Wash your wheels regularly with soap and water to remove dirt, brake dust, and other contaminants.
• Inspect for Damage: Check your wheels for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or cracks.
• Proper Tire Pressure: Maintain the correct tire pressure to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Professional Inspection: Have your wheels inspected by a professional periodically, especially if you notice any vibrations or handling issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Honda Civic Sport 11th gen wheels

Q: What is the correct wheel size for my Honda Civic Sport 11th gen?

A: The factory wheel size for the Honda Civic Sport typically ranges from 17 to 18 inches in diameter. However, you can consider different sizes depending on your needs. Check your owner's manual or the sticker on your driver-side door jamb for the specific size recommended for your car.

Q: What is the best offset for my Civic Sport?

A: It depends on the wheel width and tire size you plan to use. As a general guideline, it is best to stick with an offset that is close to the factory specification to ensure proper fitment. You can consult with a wheel specialist for precise recommendations.

Q: Do I need to recalibrate my TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) after installing new wheels?

A: It depends. If you're using the same TPMS sensors, you may not need to recalibrate. However, if you're installing new sensors, you'll likely need to recalibrate the system. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to do this or consult with a tire shop.

Q: Can I use my existing tires on new wheels?

A: It depends on the wheel size. If the diameter and width of your new wheels are the same as your old ones, you can likely use your existing tires. However, if you're changing the wheel size, you'll need to get new tires that are the appropriate size for your new wheels.

Q: How much does it cost to upgrade wheels on a Honda Civic Sport?

A: The cost can vary widely depending on the brand, style, and material of the wheels. Expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for a set of four wheels.

Conclusion

Upgrading the wheels on your Honda Civic Sport 11th gen is a fantastic way to enhance its aesthetics, improve its performance, and personalize its overall look. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can choose the perfect wheels to meet your needs and preferences. With the right wheels, your Civic Sport will not only look stunning but also provide an even more enjoyable driving experience. So, go out there, explore your options, and make your Honda Civic Sport truly your own! Happy wheel hunting, and enjoy the ride, everyone!