What tires to put on the Niva: rating of the best models 2021

Factory tire parameters

Not all Russian roads have smooth and high-quality surfaces. We are not talking about large cities with a population of over a million, although here too there are often unpleasant “surprises” on the roads in the form of potholes and other irregularities. Today we are talking about the outback and country roads. Off-road requires an appropriate level of car. VAZ-2121 is the optimal vehicle for off-road driving.

VAZ-2121 is the best car for Russian off-road

Relatively comfortable off-road driving and driver safety depend on the technical characteristics of the car. Tires play an important role in driving a vehicle. The vast majority of VAZ-2121 are produced with factory tires VLI-5 R16 175/80. Basic tires have many disadvantages:

• poor handling on flat road surfaces;
• increased noise at speeds of 60 km/h or more;
• loss of elasticity and softness at sub-zero air temperatures.

Recommended size of Niva 4x4 wheels and tires

Tire size with load capacity and speed indexes*

185/75 R16 92Q 95T

Allowed to be installed in operation

195/70 R15 92Q, T

205/70 R15 95Q, S, T

• * Speed ​​indices: Q – up to 160 km/h, S – up to 180 km/h, T – up to 190 km/h. Load capacity indices: 85 – 515 kg, 88 – 560 kg, 92 – 630 kg, 95 – 690 kg.
• **Rim offset (ET) is the distance from the mating plane of the disc to the middle of the rim.
• In operation, it is allowed to install wheels with a rim width of 5 1/2J and a rim offset of 48-58 mm.
• R is not a radius, but a designation of the radius of the tire, and the number is the diameter of the rim in inches.

Tire sizes and specifications

So, let's figure out what tires can be installed on the Niva. The standard tire size for the VAZ-2121 is 175/80 R16. Finding replacement narrow and tall tires with a diameter (not to be confused with a radius!) of 16 inches will not be easy. But it's worth a try.

According to reviews from motorists, the basic 16-inch tires for the Niva can be replaced with the following options:

• Hankook Winter Ipike;
• Nokian WRC3;
• Michelin Agilis X-ice North;
• Kama Euro LCV;
• Nokian Hakkapeliita C Cargo;
• Amtel K182A;
• Cordiant Business;
• Continental VanContact.

Many owners of domestic SUVs install R15-sized wheels on their cars. Such a replacement does not require additional modifications or changes. The main advantage is a large selection of tires with a diameter of 15 inches. So, for the Niva you can use the following tire models:

• Yokohama F700Z;
• Amtel NordMaster;
• Toyo Observe Gsi-5;
• Tunga Nordway;
• Gislaved NordFrost 100;
• Cordiant SnowCross;
• Cordiant Off Road;
• Kumho KW 7400;
• Nokian Nordman RS, etc.

SUV tire manufacturers

The above options are suitable for model 2121 and the entire model range - VAZ-21213 and 21214.

215/75 R15

Without any modifications, but provided that the disc is selected correctly, it is recommended to install tires with a diameter of 27-28 inches and an offset of 35-58 mm. In some cases, wheels may touch the fender liners:

• when the machine is overloaded;
• at the extreme points of the suspension travel;
• when driving over bumps.

But these disadvantages associated with the 215/75 R15 size are not critical compared to the advantages that the driver receives:

• better maneuverability;
• fuel economy;
• no need for lifting.

We recommend using the following tire models:

• Dunlop Grandtrek AT3;
• Yokohama Geolandar;
• Cordiant Off Road;
• Kumho Road Venture;
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 7;
• Michelin Latitude X-ice North.

The first two samples are all-season tires and their size corresponds to the wheel arches of the Niva, as well as the design features of the suspension. The Kumho and Cordiant brands belong to the off-road class, their element is dirt and potholes. The last pair are winter wheels for driving in deep snow and ice.

For those who intend to further increase the cross-country ability of their “jeep” for fishing or hunting, we can recommend these particular sizes. But the car will have to be slightly altered, namely, lifting the suspension and widening the wheel arches.

Also interesting: Do-it-yourself Niva 2121 elevator: drawings, dimensions

The Togliatti plant produces special lifting kits that allow you to lower the wheel axle by 40 mm. This will be enough to install and operate 235/75 R15. The kit includes:

• spring spacers;
• spacers for ball joint;
• upgraded spring cups;
• reinforced longitudinal rods;
• cross rod.

The process leaves the factory shock absorbers and springs in place. But the work of adjusting the size of the required tire on the Niva cannot yet be considered completed. The updated design will not allow you to achieve full power and acceleration dynamics.

The solution to the problem lies on the surface: you need to change the main pairs of the rear and front gearboxes from the factory number 3.9 to 4.44. As a result, in addition to increasing dynamics, excess load is removed from the engine and clutch.

Another important point. Do not forget about such a parameter as wheel offset. To increase it, craftsmen use special spacers made of light and durable aluminum alloy. The part is mounted directly onto a standard hub.

With such modernization, the hub assembly experiences increased loads, so experts recommend installing hubs with double-row bearings in the steering knuckle. Despite the simplicity of modernization, it requires a certain investment of money to purchase not only rubber, but also the necessary parts.

The domestic auto industry, after more than fifty years, continues to firmly hold a leading position in the car markets. The VAZ family has a very reasonable price, and these cars are quite easy to maintain.

Huge demand has appeared for the Soviet SUV VAZ-2121, as well as its analogues. This type of VAZ has achieved enormous success in world motorsport, setting unattainable records. This car model is very actively exported to European countries and beyond.

Car owners who do not have much experience in servicing this type of car quite often encounter various problems associated with the operation and repair of the Niva. One of these common problems is determining the tire size for Niva 2121.

The Niva body is considered original if it has not been lifted and has “original” wheel arches. The manufacturer equips such cars with the VLI-5 brand of rubber. The performance of this tire is 175/80 R16. However, this type of rubber has not performed very well. Among the most common comments:

• when driving a car at a speed of more than 60 km/h, on a flat asphalt road, increased noise will be observed;
• in the cold season, the elasticity of rubber decreases;
• I have a camera;
• Poor handling on a flat asphalt road.

However, despite the above disadvantages, there are a number of advantages. The main positive aspects are:

• Clay and wet sections of the road can be easily overcome; off-road;
• affordable price.

Today there are enough alternatives, so everyone can choose a worthy option for themselves.

The standard wheel size is R16. The rim offset does not exceed 58 millimeters. You can also install other models with a smaller size on the car - R15. They are in great demand in mountainous areas.

The rubber is thick, so there is no damage to the disc. The tires provide excellent shock absorption when the car moves over large potholes or pits.

On the Niva 2121 you can install wheels from the Chevrolet Niva, without any additional work. You can also install high profile wheels, size 215 R15. The tire offset should not exceed 40 millimeters.

You can install wheels with a large radius, but to avoid touching the fender liners, you need to choose the right size of the disk and tire. Typically, such work is performed during tuning operations.

A new model, available in several versions. The dimensions remained unchanged. Exactly the same as a regular Niva, R16 wheels are used. The main one is 185 / 75 / R16.

To make it easier to choose the wheel size for Niva Urban, we provide a summary table of popular parameters.

In the factory configuration, the car is equipped with disks, which are fastened with five bolts.

• Circle diameter – 139.7 mm;
• Bolts M12x1.25 mm;
• Departure ET58;
• The diameter of the hub hole is 98.5 mm.

How to choose tires for Niva

Tanks (in our case, Nivas) are not afraid of dirt. Accordingly, the choice of tires for a Russian SUV should be carefully thought out and justified.

Selection options

We bring to your attention several important characteristics that need to be taken into account when choosing tires to replace the factory set:

1. Operating conditions (smooth and high-quality asphalt pavement within the city or typical off-road conditions).
2. The need for additional modifications, in particular widening the wheel arches or bending the sides outward.
3. Technical characteristics (pattern, height, tread width) and offers from leading manufacturers.
4. Seasonality – all-season option or double set for summer and winter.
5. Estimated budget.

When choosing tires for the Niva, you need to take into account the operating conditions

Summer-winter or all-season

An all-season or summer-winter option is the first stumbling block. Winter tires are soft and resistant to sub-zero air temperatures. It is important that tires do not tan in the cold. Otherwise, the likelihood of an accident increases. The main quality of winter tires is excellent grip on snowy or icy road surfaces.

The summer version, on the contrary, should be hard and resistant to wear. The rubber used to make summer tires is characterized by high resistance to elevated temperatures. Do not forget that the temperature of the asphalt pavement in the open sun can reach 50–55 °C.

The chemical compositions used for the manufacture of all-season tires are characterized by average statistical parameters. These tires perform well both in summer and winter. But with a strong increase in air temperature and heating of the road surface, tire wear increases. At the same time, an all-season vehicle is not the best option for driving on snow-covered or icy roads.

MT or AT

The next selection criterion is universal or mud tires.

AT (All Terrain) is a universal type of tire that is distinguished by an increased level of cross-country ability and a special tread structure. Bulky blocks with wide grooves promote rapid self-cleaning of the wheels. When operating in urban environments, the noise level may increase.

MT (Mud Terrain) – marking mark for mud tires. Such tires are used for cars that are driven off-road and on poor quality dirt roads. Distinctive features of MT tires are large grooves and a powerful pattern. “Evil” tires, as mud tires are often called, are unsuitable for use within the city. On a smooth, high-quality asphalt surface, there is an increase in noise and rapid wear of the rubber. Driving speed and driving comfort are low.

Distinctive features of MT tires are large ditches and powerful tread.

Tires for lifting and without

What is a lift and why is it needed? A lift is a modification of the suspension: trimming wheel arches, installing spring blocks with a large number of turns, installing spacers for ball joints, etc. Such manipulations allow you to replace the base rubber with a higher and wider profile.

Tires without a “lift” can be safely called the best option for motorists who are satisfied with the basic equipment or replacement options that do not require additional modifications.

Types of SUV tires

Any manufacturer gives clear instructions and recommendations on what tire size is suitable for a specific car brand. The factory size for Niva is 175/80 R16, but there is a selection of interchangeable parameters. When selecting tires for R16 wheels, car owners are faced with the problem of an insufficiently wide selection of tires.

The most popular of them are 185/75 R16, 175/80 R16 or 215/65 R16. Often, as an alternative, SUV owners use R15 wheels for their car, which are installed on the Niva without additional modifications. Tires for R15 wheels have a much wider range. The maximum tire size for such wheels for Niva is 215/75 R15.

Let's consider such parameters as the radial size of the disk, the height and width of the tire.

As for the disk size for the Niva. Wheels of 15 and 16 inches can be installed on any car from the Niv family; they are interchangeable in mounting dimensions. On R15 tires, the Niva takes on a more stylish look; due to the smaller rim size, the car will be more comfortable on uneven roads.

Tire height. Installing smaller tires on a car will reduce ride quality and cause rapid wear. Increasing the height of the tire will entail an increase in the load on the rims and chassis of the car, and the car will become stiffer. Positive quality - the car's handling will improve, reactions to the steering wheel will become faster and clearer.

Increasing tire width has both pros and cons. Wide tires improve the contact of the tire with the road, increase the acceleration speed of the car, and the stability of the car. The disadvantages are that the sprung weight of the car increases, fuel consumption increases, and the price category of such tires is much higher.

Niva is a car that has a relatively low price, excellent cross-country ability, and is suitable for driving in any conditions. Niva tires have a wide range. Before purchasing and choosing tires, you need to decide for what purpose you are using your car.

Let's highlight two categories: the first - you use the Niva in exclusively urban conditions, then you need to choose tires for highway use, the second - mud tires for impassable roads.

Tires that are labeled Highway Terrain (H/T) and High Performance (H/P) are classified as tires suitable for driving on asphalt. Such tires are installed by car owners of premium cars that are practically never used in off-road conditions.

All Terrain (A/T) tires are considered universal tires. The tread pattern of these tires has bulky blocks that separate wide channels, which accompanies the self-cleaning of the wheels and increases the level of cross-country ability. When driving on asphalt with such tires, the noise level may increase slightly.

Tires marked Mud Terrain (M/T) are mud tires intended for poor quality dirt roads or off-road conditions. The tread of such tires is distinguished by powerful patterns and large grooves, which contributes to a high level of self-cleaning. Such tires are practically unsuitable for driving on asphalt.

Tires with a rough tread pattern are excellent for driving in off-road conditions, increase the cross-country ability of a car, but are actually not suitable for driving around the city, reducing the comfort and controllability of the car.

Let's look at manufacturers of tires for SUVs.

Cordiant is a modern domestic tire manufacturer. Tires are characterized by independence from temperature indicators and individual tread configuration. The Off Road model is designed for complete off-road use and has high cross-country ability in swampy and sandy areas.

Amtel is a company that specializes in all-season tires for SUVs. The tires are distinguished by a powerful tread that ensures vehicle stability, excellent road traction, and are effective in both snowy and rainy weather due to wide and deep grooves.

BF Goodrich is an American company. The range includes All Terrain T/A KO and Mud Terrain T/A KM models, which are suitable for Niva. Both models are designed for muddy, rocky, impassable roads. Thanks to the latest technologies, the tires of this company are additionally protected from punctures and impacts.

The Cooper manufacturer has off-road tires in its range. The Discoverer S/T and Discoverer STT models provide excellent handling in difficult conditions. The Discoverer A/T and Discoverer LT are versatile tires that are suitable for both road and dirt roads.

Michelin is a US tire company. The benchmark for off-road tires today is the BF Goodrich Macadam. It has a serrated tread that provides excellent maneuverability on slippery, difficult-to-pass dirt roads. Winter Michelin Latitude Alpins have proven themselves well in conditions of constant weather changes.

Maxxis International is a Taiwanese company and is one of the largest tire manufacturers. Models M-8060 Trepador and MAXXIS MT-762 are perfectly adapted for mud roads, have an aggressive tread pattern, and self-clean well. The MT-753 and MA-751 models are designed with a special design that ensures a comfortable and safe ride both on paved roads and in light off-road conditions.

As you can see, the tire supply market today is diverse, and it is difficult to single out one leader. Tires from domestic manufacturers have an acceptable price range. If we talk about imported tires, then their pricing policy is much higher.

Also interesting: Engine VAZ 21213 Niva

VAZ Cars of the VAZ family have not ceased to please domestic car enthusiasts for about fifty years, and no matter what words they remember our assemblers, the majority continue to drive these unpretentious cars. Affordable price and good maintainability are the main arguments in favor of the Russian automobile industry.

The VAZ-2121 SUV and its modifications are in considerable demand. International success in motorsport, world records and exports to many foreign countries - these achievements speak for themselves. Inexperienced owners often face the problem of determining the tire size on a Niva car when replacing them, let's try to figure it out.

The base body is considered to be one that has not been subjected to lifting and has standard wheel arches. At the factory, the cars are equipped with VLI-5 tires with indicators of 175/80 R16. It must be said that this is not a very good option and it has very conflicting reviews:

• increased noise when driving on a hard surface at speeds over 60 km/h;
• at low temperatures loses elasticity;
• the big drawback is the presence of a camera;
• poor handling on clean asphalt.

Its high ability to overcome wet off-road conditions, especially on clay soils, is also noted. Another plus is the low price. The number of disadvantages of rubber outweighs its positive qualities. This is why most owners decide to use alternative options, especially since the possibilities for this exist.

The Russian SUV Niva is very popular among Russian car enthusiasts. All models of this machine are constantly exported abroad. Its positive qualities have long been appreciated by European countries.

The cars are equipped at the factory with a variety of wheels and rims. For each model, you can choose the right size depending on the operating conditions.

The size of the tires and wheels greatly influences the behavior of the car on the road. AvtoVAZ recommends installing tires and wheels of a strictly defined size on Lada 4×4; only in this case the manufacturer guarantees the service life of chassis and suspension components and assemblies. In the review, we will tell you what the size of the wheels affects during the operation of the machine and what recommendations the manufacturer gives.

185/75 R16 92Q 95T

Allowed to be installed in operation

195/70 R15 92Q, T

205/70 R15 95Q, S, T

• * Speed ​​indices: Q – up to 160 km/h, S – up to 180 km/h, T – up to 190 km/h. Load capacity indices: 85 – 515 kg, 88 – 560 kg, 92 – 630 kg, 95 – 690 kg.
• **Rim offset (ET) is the distance from the mating plane of the disc to the middle of the rim.
• In operation, it is allowed to install wheels with a rim width of 5 1/2J and a rim offset of 48-58 mm.
• R is not a radius, but a designation of the radius of the tire, and the number is the diameter of the rim in inches.

The smaller the unsprung mass (this includes the mass of tires and wheels), the better the car will hold the road and accelerate faster. For example, if you put wheels on a car that are 2 kg lighter each, then acceleration to 100 km/h will be reduced by 0.2 seconds.

As a reminder, for safety and to increase tire life, you should maintain your tires at the recommended pressure. Other modifications to the Lada 4×4 can be found in the tuning category and by content.

Keywords: 4x4 wheels | 4x4 tires | Lada 4x4 urban

The best summer tires for Niva

Summer tires must withstand high temperatures and be resistant to wear. However, for regions with frequent precipitation, when the asphalt surface is constantly wet, too hard rubber is not suitable. Hard tires have poor grip on wet asphalt.

So, when choosing a summer tire set, the climatic features of the region and the technical characteristics of the car are taken into account. The size must comply with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, but the tread pattern and tire width can be selected at your discretion.

Nizhnekamskshina Kama-232

Nizhnekamskshina Kama-232 has good lateral and linear grip.
What tires should I put on the VAZ-2121 in the summer? According to reviews from avid supporters of the domestic automobile industry, the Niva performs well with Nizhnekamskshina Kama-232 all-season tires. The design of the model is radial, the sealing method is tubeless, there are no studs. R15 wheels are fitted with 205/70R15 tires, and R16 wheels are fitted with 185/75R16 tires.

Nizhnekamskshina Kama-232 – standard tires. With this modification, “re-shoeing” the car for the summer is not required. High directional stability is ensured by the wide central part of the all-season vehicle.

The linear pattern with Z-shaped blocks provides excellent lateral and linear grip, while the type of road surface does not play a special role.

Pros:

• strength and reliability;
• relative noiselessness;
• good vehicle handling on dry or wet road surfaces;
• low fuel consumption.

Minuses:

• relatively low degree of wear resistance;
• Despite the manufacturer's statements about all-season use, it is not suitable for driving on icy roads.

What models are recommended for installation on a Chevrolet Niva for winter use?

The installation of low-pressure cylinders on the Niva is accompanied by significant modifications to the suspension and body panels of the car. The transmission and chassis are also affected.

Basically the sequence of actions looks like this.

1. Production of drawings. Serious remodeling begins with design. Any mistake can cause unnecessary costs.
2. Body modification. Arches are cut out, bridge fastenings are strengthened.
3. Complete transmission replacement. Installing huge, heavy wheels overloads the gearbox and gearboxes.
4. Installation of a new suspension adjusted to wide rims.
5. Installation of wheels and decorative elements.
6. Running in the car.

A similar sequence is standard when converting any domestic car to low pressure cylinders.

Read news about the new Niva

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• Tires for Niva 2121: selection of the best tires for any occasion
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The best winter tires

Native tires for the winter are not the best solution for the Niva. Still, in winter, when the road is covered with ice or strewn with snow, driving a car requires a lot of experience, skills and professionalism of the driver. Of course, it is easier to drive a car when it is “shod” in the appropriate “sneakers”. We are talking about car tires for winter use.

Hankook Tire i*pike RW11 175/80 R16 91T

Hankook Tire i*pike RW11 175/80 R16 91T has a unique design.
Hankook Tire i*pike RW11 175/80 R16 91T studded tires are suitable for crossovers, SUVs and SUV cars. The model has been awarded the Nordic Swan environmental label. Has a V-format tread pattern. There is no hydroplaning due to the rapid removal of water and mud. Low noise production and increased traction and grip qualities are the result of using an optimized stud arrangement. This model is characterized by a 6-row arrangement of studs.

Hankook Tire i*pike RW11 175/80 R16 91T has a unique design. Ribbed grooves increase maximum traction on snow and ice. Side slots ensure rapid removal of moisture and snow mass.

Pros:

• excellent grip on road surfaces, including snowy or icy ones;
• quiet running;
• strength and reliability;
• softness;
• good wear resistance.

Minuses:

• At high speed, skidding is possible when entering a turn;
• not suitable for extreme driving.

The best off-road tires

Among the off-road vehicles of the domestic and foreign auto industry, the all-terrain Lada (Niva) 4x4 is highly popular among motorists. The car performs well not only on smooth or compacted road surfaces, but also in off-road conditions. The main thing is to choose the right all-terrain tires.

Nizhnekamskshina Kama-Flame

Nizhnekamskshina Kama-Flame holds the road well.
Russian off-road conditions require “toothed” tires. This is how you can characterize Kama-Flame car tires. The tires performed well in a mess of melted snow, water and clods of mud. They are distinguished by their reliability and versatility, and are easily “adapted” to any weather conditions of Russia’s changeable climate. Ideal for driving a car in some outback, where you can only dream of roads with high-quality surfaces.

Nizhnekamskshina Kama-Flame is installed on R16 wheels. Thanks to the continuous contact patch with the road, the likelihood of hydroplaning and sliding is reduced.

Increased grip is provided by 3D siping of the tires.

Pros:

• softness;
• strength and reliability;
• holds the road well;
• reasonable price.

Minuses:

• noisiness;
• rapid wear;
• increase in braking distance.

What does the size of tires and wheels affect?

Increasing disc diameter

The smaller the unsprung masses

(this includes a lot of tires and wheels), the better the car will hold the road and accelerate faster. For example, if you put wheels on a car that are 2 kg lighter each, then acceleration to 100 km/h will be reduced by 0.2 seconds.

As a reminder, for safety and to increase tire life, you should maintain your tires at the recommended pressure. Other improvements to the Niva 4x4 can be found in the tuning category and by content.