Cars that feel equally comfortable both on city asphalt and in its complete absence have always been popular in our country. The reason for this, to put it mildly, is the unsatisfactory condition of roads even in large cities - let alone the provinces.
Even though our market is simply flooded with foreign-made SUVs, Russian Nivas (together with UAZs) create worthy competition for them. They themselves are cheaper, and spare parts are easier to buy and replace.
As for cross-country ability, in this they are not inferior to polished “foreigners” at all - they only need the right tires.
Let's look at how to choose wheels for an off-road Niva, but first let's look at their sizes.
Tire sizes for Niva (VAZ) of different models
Despite the fact that the Niva does not have a reinforced frame or a solid front axle, it still belongs to the category of SUVs, not SUVs, and copes well even with complete off-road conditions.
Although this concept can be completely different: a dirt village road without covering; mountainous terrain; deep ruts that become impassable after rain; a swamp where the soil is peaty and quite loose.
Car enthusiasts are faced with all these options:
- fans of recreation in the forest and mountains,
- participants of berry and mushroom marathons,
- lovers of summer and winter fishing.
When purchasing a car, which is designed to help overcome all the hardships of active recreation, the owner first of all strives to test it in the harsh realities of the local terrain.
To avoid disappointment at the very first difficulties, it is advisable to immediately take care of choosing good tires after purchasing a car. The one that is produced in Russia, unlike the Niva itself, does not belong to this category, and cannot compete with imported ones at all.
First, let's find out which wheels can be installed on a Niva without cutting the arches in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and then we'll go through the tire models.
VAZ-21214 (LADA 4×4)
This model is one of the few that was produced for export. It was also supplied to Japan, which is why it is right-hand drive. And this is the only Russian car allowed into the country, which is the queen of the global automobile industry.
For reference: On a Niva 4x4, regardless of the model and restyling, all four wheels are driven and must have the same profile.
That is, the car has all-wheel drive. Which wheels are suitable:
Factory parameters are 175/80 R16.
To replace:
- 185/75 R16,
- 195/80 R15,
- 195/70 R15,
- 205/75 R15,
- 205/70 R15.
VAZ-21213
The name Taiga, which this model initially received, never caught on. Although the car itself is quite popular, it has been produced since 1994, and became the prototype for many export models. The wheels on Niva 21213 are the same as those on the previous model.
VAZ-21215
This car with a diesel engine from Peugeot was produced only until 2007. It was also exported, so small batches were produced and better assembled than for the domestic market. Nevertheless, such Nivas also run along our roads.
Factory dimensions: 175/80 R16.
Replacement options:
- 185/75 R16,
- 205/75 R16,
- 195/80 R15,
- 195/70 R15,
- 205/75 R15,
- 205/70 R15.
Niva 2121
This Niva model went into mass production back in the late 70s, and over such a long period of time it has proven its right to life. No matter how much motorists scold AvtoVAZ assemblers, many people drive exactly this version. Tires for Niva 2121 will have the same dimensions.
From the factory: 175/80 R16.
To replace:
- 185/75 R16,
- 205/75 R16,
- 195/80 R15,
- 195/70 R15,
- 205/75 R15,
- 205/70 R15.
VAZ-212180 “Fora”
This Niva model was called Fora for its body lengthened by 30 cm, increased width of door openings and a wider rear seat than other models. Among other things, the “handicap” also affected the size of the wheels - 15-inch ones are no longer installed here.
Factory tires: 175/80/R16, 205/75 R16.
Tires with dimensions 215/70 R16 are suitable for replacement.
Niva 2131
Another extended model, but with 5 doors. Its popularity, judging by the copies sold, has not yet surpassed the VAZ-2121, but is already close to it.
Factory tire size is 175/80R16.
Replacement tires:
- 185/75R16,
- 195/70R16,
- 205/70R16,
- 215/65R16.
Niva 2123
The production of a pilot batch of this car was carried out in 2002. However, it ended up in the series when, due to financial difficulties, the production license was sold to General Motors.
As a result, a Chevrolet badge began to appear on the car’s bumper. This also affected the size of the wheels.
Base tires:
- 205/70R15,
- 205/75R15,
- 215/65R15.
What to replace:
- 215/75R15,
- 215/70R15,
- 225/65R16,
- 225/60R17.
Chevrolet Niva
Later, the Americans made some changes to the design of the VAZ-2123, due to which it began to be considered a different model and received the proud prefix Chevrolet to the name Niva.
Factory tires:
- 205/70R15,
- 205/75R15,
- 215/65R16.
To replace:
- 215/75R15,
- 215/70R15,
- 225/65R16,
- 225/60R17.
Chevrolet Niva FAM-1 (VAZ-21236)
In 2006, a new Chevrolet Niva model was released, now with an Opel engine. However, after a couple of years it was discontinued. What wheels should I put on the Niva Chevrolet FAM-1? The same as the predecessor.
The factory installs tires with the following dimensions:
- 205/70R15,
- 205/75R15,
- 215/65R16.
Replacement tire sizes:
- 215/75R15,
- 215/70R15,
- 225/65R16,
- 225/60R17.
Chevrolet Niva Trophy
Previous Chevy Niva models were not adapted to off-road conditions in the same way as the Trophy model.
There are many features used here that help you drive on bad roads: a snorkel that protects the car from water hammer when driving through water, a chain tensioner that has become mechanical (it was hydraulic), transmission breathers under the hood and much more.
Factory tires:
- 205/70R15,
- 205/75R15,
- 215/65R16.
To replace:
- 215/75R15,
- 215/70R15,
- 225/65R16,
- 225/60R17.
Chevrolet Niva after restyling
In 2009, the Chevrolet Niva was updated, which was worked on by Italian designers. This mainly affected the appearance - the car began to look the way it is customary in the orderly ranks of General Motors. The wheels for the Chevrolet Niva remain the same.
Basic sizes:
- 205/70R15,
- 205/75R15,
- 215/65R16.
Replacement:
- 215/75R15,
- 215/70R15,
- 225/65R16,
- 225/60R17.
Some readers are interested in what large wheels can be installed on a Niva? If you cut the bridge and remove the arches, you can get such a miracle of technology as in the photo. But first, think carefully: is this necessary, and how much will it cost?
Some people believe that the best wheels on a Niva can be removed from a tractor
All-season mud tires for Niva
It is not forbidden to use a car with “original” tires off-road; on compacted snow, the car obediently follows the turn of the steering wheel. Shallow mud and muddy dirt roads will not cause any inconvenience in driving. But ice and swampy terrain will help replace the standard with Kama Flame 515.
This model is available in studded and studless versions, 15 and 16 inches. Deep, loose snow is her element, ice and mud rides are more confident than on the Kirovskaya 185/75/R16. The price of Flame is very reasonable. And the resource is considerable - 70-80 thousand km.
Hiking tires for Niva
Since the old models are no longer produced, you don’t have to remember about the tires on which they came off the assembly line. VLI-5 has been out of production for a long time, and it is unlikely that anyone has survived to this day. Therefore, we will not consider them even as wheels for a used Niva.
The Yaroslavl Ya-192, which also appeared as a first-equipment tire, may still be available on old Nivas. But it is only good on hard ground, and if the car gets on sand or peat, it will certainly get stuck.
There are other purely domestic tires - not the fruits of joint production with eminent companies, but invented by Russian minds. Even those tire models that are declared by their creators to be OFF ROAD (off-road tires) are not actually such.
For example, Cordiant. Next to a good off-road tire, it pales in comparison – not only in appearance, but also in performance.
Pictured are Cordiant Off Road mud tires on the right.
The tread of the same Cordiant Off Road seems to be deep, but due to the mediocre composition of the rubber, when artificial rubber is used instead of natural rubber, the tires do not get the properties they need.
In addition, they are very unsuited to working at low pressure, which worsens the car’s well-being on real off-road conditions. This tire is not used for the first configuration, and if you are driving outside the city, we do not recommend installing it on such a car.
Then what wheels can be installed on the Niva so that it copes with the task as well as possible?
Selection of tires for non-standard wheel sizes
As stated earlier, for the VAZ-2121, non-standard tires are tires on 15th wheels, namely 205/70 R15 or 205/75 R15. As a result of switching to such sizes, there is a richer choice, as well as increased width and a high profile, increasing the cross-country ability and grip of your car.
Summer tires
Dunlop Grandtrek PT3 is a summer tire for SUVs such as Niva, which has a reasonable price (4-4.5 thousand rubles) and high performance. The central rib provides the tire with good handling, and the symmetrical tread provides reliable grip and stability on dry surfaces. Due to the wide drainage channels and sipes, the tire is quickly cleared of moisture, resulting in improved protection against aquaplaning and traction on wet surfaces. The rubber contains silicon, which reduces noise levels and extends service life.
The next model of summer tires for Niva is Bridgestone Ecopia 850 , suitable exclusively for use in urban conditions. The tire tread has a large number of small blocks with grooves and lamellas of different depths and different directions. This drainage system effectively removes moisture from the tire, providing reliable protection against aquaplaning and better traction on wet surfaces.
The central rib of the tread contributes not only to high directional stability and controllability, but also to a shortened braking distance, both on dry and wet surfaces. Thanks to the special rubber composition, the generated noise level is reduced, wear resistance is increased, and it is also environmentally friendly. Price - 5 thousand rubles.
Next up is the Continental ContiCrossContact LX2 with an aggressive central tread that provides high traction and grip not only in urban conditions, but also in light off-road conditions. The central rib promotes reliable handling and shortened braking distances on dry surfaces, and the system of zigzag sipes and wide drainage channels ensures rapid self-cleaning of the tire from moisture and dirt, which improves aquaplaning protection and grip on wet surfaces.
Reinforced sidewalls increase resistance to deformation and various types of damage. The tire is low noise and has an increased service life. Prices for the model start from 6 thousand rubles.
Winter tires
Among winter tires for Niva, we can highlight Viatti Bosco S/T V-526 . For 4 thousand rubles, you get a tire with high traction and grip characteristics thanks to a specially designed asymmetric tread, which, due to the wide and deep channels between the blocks, quickly cleans itself. The grooved sipes provide confidence when driving on snowy and icy surfaces, and the polymers included in the rubber compound ensure elasticity at low temperatures and a long service life.
Another great option is the Michelin Latitude Alpin . This model will surprise you with its capabilities, allowing you to feel confident and comfortable when moving both on snow and ice. The tire's tread has specially shaped blocks that can “bite into” snow and ice, providing reliable traction and controllability, and the drainage system with directed deep grooves and wide rings promotes effective self-cleaning. The rubber composition includes silicon and polymer, which increases wear resistance and maintains the elasticity of the rubber. Price - from 4.5 thousand rubles.
Next up is the Gislaved NordFrost 200 SUV . The asymmetrical tread has a central part with a directional arrangement of a specially shaped block, thanks to which high levels of grip and vehicle control are achieved on dry, snowy and icy surfaces. Wide shoulder zones increase the plane of contact with the surface, and protruding teeth improve maneuverability, especially in deep snow, preventing the tire from getting stuck. Thanks to the studs located using a special technology, effective traction and braking on ice is ensured. Wide drainage channels quickly clear the tire of water, snow and ice chips, improving traction. The tire is low noise and wear-resistant. The cost of the model is 5 thousand rubles.
The list of winter tires for the Niva is completed by Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 . The multi-directional triangle-shaped central tread provides excellent traction and handling on dry, snowy and icy surfaces. The shoulder zones increase the contact patch with the surface, which not only improves traction, but also provides additional directional stability, and the side teeth increase patency in deep snow.
Wide channels between the tread blocks effectively clean the tire and protect against aquaplaning. The rubber composition is made using a special technology with the inclusion of adaptive polymers and a large amount of silicon, as a result of which the tire has an increased service life and is able to maintain its elasticity even at the lowest temperatures. Price - 5.5-6 thousand rubles.
All-season tires
Toyo Open Country H/T model has good traction and grip characteristics at any time of the year and allows you to move not only in urban conditions, but also in light off-road conditions. The central tread blocks provide traction on dry and snowy surfaces, and the shoulder tread with special grooves increases the tire's maneuverability when driving in deep snow and in off-road conditions.
The sipes improve traction on snowy and icy surfaces, and two large rings, together with the channels between the tread blocks, form a very effective drainage system. Thanks to the optimized rubber composition, the tire is low noise, lasts longer and retains its performance properties even with fluctuations in ambient temperature. Price - from 4 thousand rubles.
A more serious version of the all-season tire for the Niva is Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 , which has a reinforced frame, sidewalls and tread that allow it to move even in off-road conditions. The blocks have grooves that improve traction on any surface, and wide drainage channels ensure rapid self-cleaning of water, snow and dirt, which increases cross-country ability.
Wide shoulder areas increase the contact patch with the surface, and lateral lugs prevent slipping. The tire is low noise and wear-resistant, its cost varies about 4.5 thousand rubles.
Excellent driving performance will be provided by Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 , which is also famous for its long service life and environmental friendliness. Shoulder areas with lateral lugs provide reliable directional stability, controllability and additional traction on any surface.
The special shape of the central tread allows you to achieve high results when driving on dry, snowy and icy surfaces. Due to special sipes and wide drainage channels, the tire is quickly cleared of moisture, dirt and snow, which also improves traction and protection against aquaplaning. Price - from 5 thousand rubles.
Off-road tires or mud tires
For driving the Niva in off-road conditions, the Goodyear Wrangler A/T Adventure , with large tread blocks and deep drainage channels that ensure quick and effective self-cleaning of the tire. The reinforced carcass and sidewalls of the tire significantly increase resistance to deformation and provide additional stability and controllability.
A special rubber composition of silicon and polymers reduces noise and vibration while driving, extends service life and allows the tire to maintain its performance properties with changing temperatures. The price is about 7 thousand rubles. About the brand + prices for the entire line of tires
Cordiant Off Road will also perform very well in off-road conditions . Aggressive tread blocks provide uncompromising cross-country ability in virtually any terrain and at any time of the year. Lateral lugs and special protrusions on the sidewalls ensure good maneuverability on deep ruts and eliminate slippage.
Large and deep drainage channels between the tread blocks effectively clean the tire, improving cross-country ability. The reinforced frame and sidewalls provide reliable protection against deformation and various types of damage. Price - from 4.5 thousand rubles.
What kind of off-road tire is there?
All off-road tires for Niva and other cars of this class are divided into three large categories:
- N/T – road;
- M/T – mud;
- A/T – all-terrain.
These icons can be seen on the sidewall - where the tire's production date and country of origin are indicated.
Mud-Terrain is M/T
If you are faced with the question of which wheels are best to install on the Niva for driving on muddy ruts, you definitely need to take the M/T.
They have the most aggressive tread and the highest level of noise and vibration, so for highway driving - at least for a long time - they will be uncomfortable. But on harsh off-road conditions they simply have no value.
For the track you need road tires that provide both higher grip on the asphalt and high speed. But off-road, such tires have poor traction and are quickly damaged, since their sidewalls are very soft.
All-terrain tires are the golden mean when a car can spend an equal amount of time both on asphalt and on country roads. Most often, A/T tires for Niva are the best choice.
There are also models that combine A/T and M/T qualities, and you see one of them in the photo above.
What tires are recommended for Niva 4x4
The question of what tires to put on a Niva 4x4 is a pressing issue among many motorists. For such purposes, special samples are selected. Their main condition is the width, which will be slightly more than half the width of the product. For example, for a structure with a width of 10 centimeters, a tire measuring 12.5 inches is suitable.
You may be interested in this About tire sizes for Renault Captur
Choosing tires for a Niva 4x4
Such criteria are selected taking into account the fact that when driving off-road, the air from the product will gradually be released, while increasing the width of the rubber on the sides. This impact is of great importance, as it increases the contact surface of the Niva 4x4 wheel and provides the vehicle with better traction.
Of course, nothing prevents you from installing off-road tires on narrower rims. But at the same time, the width of the rubber will decrease and the contact plane will also decrease. Although such a change also has its advantages. For example, when driving on a hard dirt surface, narrower tires on a Niva 4x4 will hold the road better due to the larger protrusion of the treads. But when driving through a swamp or other similar soil, it will go worse than a rim with wide tires.
Note!
To install rims with flattened tires, you must install additional fasteners in advance - beadlocks. They will hold the products during any maneuvers, braking and slipping. A cheaper fixing option is to put the tires on a sealant. But this method is very unreliable.
The best off-road tires for Niva: test results
In search of the best tires for an SUV, let's turn to the test conducted in 2022 in South Africa by 4x4 magazine, and maybe its results will help you choose off-road tires for the Niva.
There were 17 participants from 16 manufacturers in the tests, each of which presented the best models in their lines.
Tests were conducted in 5 categories:
- Braking on asphalt;
- Braking on gravel;
- Traction force on sand;
- Traction on gravel;
- Overcoming the climb.
Basically, A/T took part in the competition, and these, by the way, are the best summer tires for the Chevrolet Niva.
So, let’s get acquainted with the models that hit the top ten:
10 – Velocity Raptor A/T
The Korean company TiAuto entered three of its models into the competition. In addition to Velocity, this is also the GT Radial, which rose a notch higher, as well as Hankook, which became only 14th. Velocity is unlikely to be found in Russian stores, so it’s not worth talking about them.
9 – GT Radial Adventuro A/T3
But domestic car enthusiasts are quite familiar with the GT Radial. And although there was no particular enthusiasm for this brand among them - at least in passenger sizes, here it showed itself quite well, taking the golden mean in the final table.
True, the indicators were unstable - if in other disciplines it was in the middle or closer to the tail, then in the traction test in sand it became third, behind only two brands, which in the end became winners.
8 – Firestone Destination AT
The brand of this tire belongs to the Japanese corporation Bridgestone, but for European countries it is produced in Spain and Hungary. In braking on asphalt and gravel, it showed perhaps the worst results, but in traction on gravel it was third.
7 – Dunlop Grandtrek AT3G
Dunlop is the only company to present two Grandtrek models for testing, which have different designs. AT3 G is a three-ply tire.
In the final table, it took seventh place, right after its “relative” – the two-layer AT3 M (with an increased load index). It showed the best results in braking efficiency - both on the highway and on gravel roads.
6 – Dunlop AT3 M
The two-ply Grandtrek, made using new technology, showed, although not the highest, but quite decent results, bypassing the three-ply tires of its own brand in all tests.
When braking on asphalt, this tire generally became the first, leaving far behind even the models that won in terms of all indicators.
5 – Michelin LTX A/T2
The Michelin tire ultimately showed good results, but was only 14th in braking on asphalt. She was best able to overcome the climb, which is why she ended up in 5th place.
4 – Bridgestone Dueler A/T D694
In all competitions, the Japanese Bridgestone was in 7th and 8th place, helped only by its amazing ability to go uphill.
3 – Continental CrossContact AT
The respected Continental, a regular at all kinds of test drives and often its winner, took the honorable third place. Here the tire managed to take third place, although it showed extremely unstable results.
When braking on asphalt it was generally 10th, on gravel it was 4th, and on sand it was 8th. But in the draft effort, the Continental became the first, which saved its position.
2 – Goodyear AT Adventure
The second prize-winner also did not shine in all categories. I was 12th in braking on asphalt and 9th on gravel, including in traction.
But the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure had no equal in traction on sand, and the tire showed the best results. On the uphill climb, he became second, behind only General, who became the winner.
1 – General Grabber AT3
They say the winners are not judged. And yet, the gold medalist showed rather mediocre results in many disciplines. He was first only in climbing and second in both types of traction.
The situation with braking was much worse, since the results were only 9 on gravel and 12 on asphalt.
Using this test as an example, we were once again convinced that it is impossible to judge anything unambiguously. When choosing which mud tires to put on your Niva, take into account the conditions in which they will most often have to work.
Only in this case, even a high price will not reduce your joy from the purchase, because a properly shod car will become a reliable assistant not only on the road surface, but also where there is no trace of it.
Selecting tires for standard wheel sizes
If you are one of those who don’t need the extra headache of expensive car modifications, then using tires that fit standard sizes is what you need. The maximum tire size that will fit on a car without problems is 215/65 R16. But with a further increase in the profile, the rubber will rub against the wheel arches during sharp turns. In this case, even reducing the radial diameter will not help.
Summer tires
Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV model has high traction and grip characteristics on dry surfaces. Deep drainage rings ensure effective cleaning of the tire from water, which increases protection against aquaplaning and improves grip on wet surfaces, and the presence of longitudinal and diagonal sipes improves drainage properties and provides additional stability and controllability.
Thanks to L-shaped grooves, braking distances on wet roads are reduced. Due to the content of silicates and polymers in the rubber composition, high wear resistance and environmental friendliness are achieved. The cost of a tire starts at 3.8 thousand rubles. This model is also available for size 215/65 R16.
For 7-7.5 thousand rubles you can purchase high-quality tires from the German manufacturer Continental ContiVanContact-100 . The tires perform well in the city, as well as in conditions where there are no roads, thanks to their tread with wide and deep drainage channels of various shapes, which ensure quick self-cleaning of the tire from water and dirt.
The reinforced carcass and sidewalls of the tire increase its stability and protection from damage. And the innovative composition of the rubber mixture can significantly extend the service life and reduce noise levels, providing high driving comfort. About the brand + prices for the entire line of tires.
Winter tires
The first representative of winter tires for standard Niva wheels will be Yokohama Geolandar IT-S G073 . This model has central blocks made of hard rubber, thanks to which reliable directional stability is maintained. The central rib ensures tire controllability on dry, snowy and icy surfaces, and due to the wide drainage channels, it removes moisture on wet surfaces.
A large number of small threaded sipes improves traction and braking performance on snowy and icy surfaces. The reinforced frame provides resistance to deformation and provides additional stability during movement, and the special rubber composition allows for high wear resistance, low noise levels and maintaining elasticity at low temperatures. The price is 4-4.5 thousand rubles.
The next model Gislaved Soft Frost 200 SUV can also boast of high off-road performance in winter conditions. The outer tread rib, consisting of small blocks with sipes, provides the tire with reliable stability and controllability on dry, snowy and icy roads. The internal tread with grooved sipes has blocks of different directions that improve traction.
Wide drainage channels clean the tire from moisture and wet snow, improving traction when driving on wet surfaces, including slush. The rubber contains silicon and adaptive polymers, which maintain the elasticity of the tread as the temperature decreases and extend service life. Price - 5 thousand rubles.
Bridgestone ICE Cruiser 7000 is a high-quality tire with excellent traction and grip characteristics. Due to the tread with an innovative block shape, good grip and controllability is ensured while driving on dry roads, on snow and ice. A system of directional drainage channels almost instantly cleanses the tire of moisture, preventing the formation of a water wedge.
The tread blocks have studs that significantly increase traction and braking efficiency on icy surfaces. You can purchase the model for 5.5-6 thousand rubles. About the brand + prices for the entire line of tires
Wonderful Michelin X ice North 3 will allow you to experience all the delights of driving a Niva in harsh winter conditions. The central rib improves handling and shortens braking distance. The special shape of the tread blocks provides reliable traction on dry and snowy surfaces, and thanks to the studs, on icy surfaces. Deep grooved zigzag sipes “cut” into the surface more strongly, improving traction and braking performance on both snowy and icy surfaces. About the brand + prices for the entire line of tires
Due to the system of deep drainage channels and high tread, the tire quickly cleans itself from water and snow, resulting in improved grip on wet surfaces and patency in very deep snow. Also, with the use of a high tread, the performance characteristics of the tire are maintained longer. The innovative adaptive polymer included in the rubber allows it to maintain elasticity even at the most extremely low temperatures. Price - 6-6.5 thousand rubles.
All-season tires
A good option would be to install Pirelli Scorpion ATR , which have excellent driving performance both in urban and off-road conditions. The asymmetrical tread has deep channels and multi-directional sipes that effectively clear the tire of water and dirt, providing protection against aquaplaning and improving traction on wet surfaces.
Wide shoulder zones increase the surface of contact with the surface, improve the reliability of tire traction, and the side lugs prevent slipping when driving off-road. Thanks to the reinforced frame and sidewalls made of a thick layer of rubber, protection against deformation and various types of damage is increased. Cost - 4-4.5 thousand rubles. About the brand + prices for the entire line of tires
The next tire representative for Niva is Toyo Open Country A/T plus . The tread has hard blocks that “cling” well to a dry surface, and due to the presence of lamellas, the formation of a water wedge is eliminated. The central rib ensures high tire control and shortens braking distances, both in urban and off-road conditions.
Wide drainage channels quickly remove moisture and dirt, thereby improving hydroplaning protection and grip on wet surfaces. Due to the silicon content in the rubber, the tire is low noise and has a long service life. The model will cost 4-4.5 thousand rubles.
Off-road tires or mud tires
Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T tires are ideal for the Niva , which has an aggressive, muddy tread that provides high cross-country ability. Sipes and large channels between the tread blocks quickly clear the tire of water, snow and dirt, and the side lugs provide additional traction and eliminate the possibility of slipping. The tire carcass has been reinforced to increase the protection of the tire and give it additional stability while driving. Price - 5-5.5 thousand rubles.
Another formidable representative of mud tires for Niva, costing 9.5-10 thousand rubles, is the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 . The tire has an aggressive tread with large blocks, allowing it to “bite” firmly into any surface. Very wide drainage channels contribute to effective self-cleaning of the tire, which significantly increases the cross-country ability and stability of the tire.
Large side lugs prevent the tire from getting stuck and slipping, and the reinforced frame and sidewalls protect it from deformation and damage. The rubber contains silicon, which reduces noise levels and increases wear resistance, and an adaptive polymer allows the rubber to adjust its properties to the ambient temperature.
Top 10: Off-road tires for Niva
Below is a rating of the most popular mud tire options, which includes both cheap Chinese options and products from world-famous brands.
Domestic manufacturers are represented by the following models:
- I-569 Bear;
- Kama 232b VLI-5.
There are many more foreign options - here:
- Cordiant Of Road;
- Kumho Road-Venture MT KL71;
- Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2;
- Hankuk Dinopro MT RT03.
Fans of extreme tires, which are aimed at serious off-road use, can turn their attention to the following models:
- Simex Extreme;
- Forward Safari 500;
- Silverstone MT-117 Extreme.
Which all-season vehicle is better for Niva?
Since Niva cars come from the factory by default only with all-season tires K 156-1 from the Kirov Tire Plant, the question of alternatives arises. Many Niva drivers prefer to choose the best rollers for the conditions in which their SUV will be used. Therefore, if you want to replace the standard with more suitable tires, advice will not be superfluous due to the abundance of choice and prices of such products.
When looking for all-season tires, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- weather conditions of product operation;
- temperature regime;
- presence of precipitation;
- road conditions;
- using the machine for heavy loads.
Also interesting: Generator Niva 2121, 21213, 21214: which one is installed, replacement
We will not take into account driving speeds; an SUV is not a sports car.
For the eldest of the Niv 2121 family, lighter tires are preferable due to lower power. Niva 21213 is equipped with a more powerful engine and a 5-speed gearbox. Larger sneakers are suitable for it - 205/70/R15, or Kama 232. The differences between 2121 and 2131 are that the latter has an injector and 21213 from 21214 too. This will not significantly affect the choice of shoes.
Footwear for a car should be selected depending on the operating conditions. Obviously, stock tires are an average choice and if there are increased requirements, they must be replaced. It is best to pay attention to the markings to understand which tires are the best.
If you often have to drive on asphalt, rarely turning off the road, then it is better to take wheels marked A/T (all-terrain). But such all-terrain tires are universal and lose to mud tires.
The latter are always marked M/T, but they come in different types. The inscription M/T Lite denotes a lightweight version with medium-depth checkers and a small pattern. The Classic version is an average option, and the Extreme type is suitable for lovers of serious off-roading.
VAZ 2121
If we are talking about a standard three-door Niva model, then the inexpensive Ya-569 Bear would be a good choice. A classic tire costs about 4 thousand rubles, does not tan in the cold and copes well with snowy surfaces.
Niva 2131
If we are talking about a five-door version, then it is better to install the Hankuk Dinapro MT RT03. This model has many fans around the world. Excellent for moving on asphalt or moving through mud due to its softness and good self-cleaning system.
Niva 21213
There are good budget tires for this model - Cordiant Off-Road. Despite the low price, it provides good performance on almost any surface. When driving on asphalt, it does not wear out, does not harden in the cold, and in deep mud it provides good grip.
Chevy Niva
The joint model of Russian-Korean production does not have such off-road skills, but an option such as the Bridgestone Dueler D673 is perfect for it. They combine good grip and properties with a stylish design with beautiful white lettering on the sides.
Niva Comforcer
A good option is BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain. It is a universal choice for road traffic, as well as for fishing or hunting trips. An excellent safety margin, a developed tread and a good cleaning system allow you to feel confident in any situation.
Also interesting: Niva rating among SUVs
Niva Safari
For this model, Federal Souragia MT would be a good choice, since they are as close as possible to extreme models. There is a developed tread, large blocks and lugs. So excellent cross-country ability in any conditions is simply guaranteed.
