Tires for Chevrolet Niva - a selection of excellent AT tires R15
Chevrolet Niva, judging by a survey on the website, is the second most popular SUV among Russians.
However, very few people exploit it harshly (like Niva, for example). And it turns out that for many Shevik is a kind of expedition vehicle, which for the most part is driven on the highway, dirt roads and just a little bit on mud. That is why the most popular tires, of course, are the All Terrain mud tires. They are not as muddy as the Mud terrain class, but you can also drive quite far on them. But driving on the highway is comfortable, and such tires do not wear out as quickly as MT mud tires.
In our selection, we will look at ten excellent AT class tires - for use 80% on the highway and 20% on dirt. These are universal tires, many of which are all-season tires and are used all year round.
Hankook Dynapro ATM RF10
One of the best ATs for the Chevrolet Niva, I have one in size 215/75/R15 (the front ball spacers are 2 cm, because the front springs are sagging, and this size easily fits into a stock car). My mileage is already 60 thousand km and the front wheels are worn down by 40 percent, the rear wheels are only 20% worn. The most killer tires, soft, comfortable, in the mud they once competed with Kordikas and looked very decent. The cords sometimes went further, but driving them on the highway was a complete chore. And Hankuk is beautiful. Highly recommend. I used it all year round, even in severe frost (-32 Celsius) the tire remained soft and did not tan. Really, the best all-season mud tire, and we tried 5-6 of them for sure.
Maxxis AT-771 "Bravo"
The 771 Maxis are also among the top all-season vehicles, which are optimally suited for expeditioners of the Chevy Niva class. Soft, comfortable, they don’t sharpen quickly, they handle dirt just fine for an AT-shki. The tread pattern of all AT tires is very similar to each other. Well, there are white letters here, maybe this is also important for someone)) In general, Bravo can very often be seen on Nivas and for use 80/20 dirt/dirt is ideal.
Bontyre Stalker A/T
New for the 2015 season, it has already collected a lot of positive reviews. Nivovods note the softness of the tire, comfort on the highway, sidewall strength and excellent cross-country ability for a tire of this class. True, there are only sizes 205/75/R15, as well as 215/65/R16. That is, for a cross-car, these sizes are perfect. The price tag isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s definitely 25 percent cheaper than top-end imported tires.
Kumho RoadVenture AT KL78
Another amazing All Terrain tire. The tread pattern is large enough for an AT tire, and as a result, it has good off-road capability (be careful, this is not a Mud Tire). On the highway it’s comfortable, the tire is soft, on the Shevik you can maintain a cruising speed of 100-110 km/h and drive without strain. Off-road - the distance between the tread blocks is quite wide, so it removes slurry from the contact patch quite well. The downside is that there are no side teeth (lugs), so it doesn’t go well out of the ruts, but show me at least one AT tire with lugs)) For your money, this tire is just super, you can drive a lot on asphalt, and then take it go fishing and wrap yourself in mud. If you are driving alone, then having a winch is a must, because good AT tires drag so hard that you begin to believe that you can drive everywhere))
Matador MP 71 Izzarda
Matador is a division of Continental, and the Germans know how to make rubber. True, more of a road one)) But this model turned out to be very good, the tread pattern is aggressive and large, the blocks are large and the distance between them is decent. You can rarely see them on Sheviks, since most people roll more famous tires. But pay attention to the Izzarda, a typical cross-country tire, ideal for dirt roads and light off-roading. Compared to highway cars, gasoline consumption increases by at least a liter per hundred, this is the price to pay for versatility, because now you can easily go fishing.
Cordiant All Terrain
A long-known and proven tire. Not as popular as Cordiant Offroad, nevertheless ideal for a touring car - not bad on the highway, excellent on dirt roads, light off-road - not bad. Positioned as an all-season product, but it is better to use only in the summer. Indestructible, moderately comfortable, a good budget option. The tread pattern, of course, is biased towards “driving on the highway and dirt roads”; if you often leave the highway, it is better to look for something more off-road.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T D697
A classic of the AT rubber genre, large tread pattern, large blocks and a decent distance between them. Ideal for light off-road use, indestructible, strong sidewall. It will, of course, get washed out in clay; it’s still not pure mud. There are a lot of positive reviews - people ride for 70 thousand km, the tire wears out quite slowly. That's why many people install it - it lasts a long time, it's excellent on the highway, excellent on dirt roads and fields, and excellent off-road. It’s not worth using in winter, even if it reaches zero it gets tanned and becomes plastic. In this regard, Hankuk is much cooler. But in terms of cross-country ability, the Bridge is in no way inferior, dragging through the mud to the last. For AT tires the result is simply amazing.
Cooper Discoverer A/T3
Expensive, but really worthwhile tires. I saw it live once and how it drove through the mud - it was cool, it gave the impression that the Shniva had purely mud tires installed, because the Nivka was like a tank. Premium tires are expensive, but they last for 4-5 seasons and no matter how long you drive on asphalt. There is minimal sharpening on the highway, although the rubber is soft, that’s what quality import means. It can be difficult to find on sale in the right sizes. Of the AT-shke, this is definitely in the top 3 in terms of its characteristics. Super tires.
All these 8 models can be safely taken and installed on a Chevrolet Niva, there are the required sizes - 215/75/R15, 205/75/R15 or 205/70/R15, some models are also available in the 16th diameter. Leave your reviews on tire models in the comments, and recommend something else from your experience.
Which tires are best for the winter for the Chevrolet Niva
When choosing the best model of winter tires, you should pay attention to the following most popular offers from domestic and foreign manufacturers:
- Cordiant Polar SL;
- Kumho Izen KW22;
- Bridgstone Ice Cruiser 7000;
- Nordman Nordman 4;
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7.
The first model belongs to the budget studless category. It is popular due to its low cost, not exceeding 4.5 thousand rubles, and decent driving performance. According to the owners' reviews, it is able to cope with both the snow porridge that forms on domestic roads in winter and the icy surface of the highway.
Rubber exhibits its best performance at temperatures below -5. Therefore, it is not suitable for transitional seasons and regions where such low temperatures are too rare.
Tires from the well-known budget brand Kumho are already studded, which makes them a particularly good solution for icy roads in winter. At a price two times lower than well-known foreign brands, they are not much inferior to them in terms of driving performance.
The cost of tires differs depending on the size and ranges from 3500-4500 rubles. There are both 15 and 16 inch products. Despite good stability on ice, owners note such disadvantages of rubber as noise and a high frequency of studs falling out of the tread.
The second disadvantage is reduced by minimizing movement on an asphalt-covered surface. But still, the total loss of studs per season will be up to 20 percent versus 5 for more expensive brands.
The cost of Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 wheels already ranges from 4 to 7 thousand rubles, so they are classified in the middle price segment. The brand produces studded winter tires, which for the most part receive only praise.
A distinctive feature of this option is its lower noise level compared to the competitor described above. It performs best on an icy road, while on a snowy track it is inferior to some other models. In terms of the overall combination of ride quality on different surfaces and price, it is one of the most popular options among Niva Chevy owners. A higher price also means increased reliability of the studs. During the season, no more than 10% of their total number flies out.
Nordman Nordman 4 is a real legend among the mid-priced ones. This tire has earned special appreciation from car owners, because at a reasonable price it was able to compete with the best winter tire options on the market.
For the Chevrolet Niva, the standard size 215/65R16 is suitable, the cost of which is about five thousand. One of the main advantages is that the material is quite soft and not prone to hardening. Another plus is the low noise level. Although the wheels are inferior in this indicator to representatives of the premium segment, they undoubtedly occupy a place among the best in their price category.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 is one of the most popular tires in the expensive segment for the cold season in our country. It is specially designed for the cold northern climate with its snowfall and ice. The Finnish brand can boast of winning many tests from reputable automotive publications. As for the price, for the required standard sizes it is about seven thousand rubles.
For the city
The main choice that Niva owners face in urban conditions in winter is whether to install studs or Velcro. The first option is suitable for populated areas where snow removal is not carried out often enough and ice forms instead of the typical mess. Among inexpensive models, many car owners choose the Kama Euro 519. Another good option is the Amtel Nordmaster ST
As for large cities with frequent use of reagents or regular snow removal, Velcro would be the best choice. They behave better on slushy snow and have increased grip. Mud or all-purpose tires can also be a replacement, but they “don’t like” asphalt.
For winter off-road
Chevy owners often leave their mud tires on for the winter. This approach makes sense if the car is used mostly outside the city and does not drive on highways. Mud tires can easily overcome snow drifts. The best models for this are the well-known Viati Bosco A/T or BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain models. Extreme tires will be needed if very heavy precipitation in the form of snow is typical in the region.
Standard wheel sizes
The factory equipment of the Shnivy provides for the installation of two wheel options: 15- and 16-inch. Based on this, and also taking into account the dimensions of the wheel arches, the tire sizes are also binary: 205/75 R15 and 215/65 R16. When using wheels with such indicators, the manufacturer guarantees their trouble-free mileage in a variety of conditions, including even diagonal hanging. At the same time, some deviations from the factory settings are allowed. For example, 215/75 R15 tires fit well into existing wheel arches without catching wheel arches or other parts of the body even with maximum steering or when driving off-road. However, if you install “mud” tires of the same size in this car, then in some positions the side wheel lugs may abnormally catch the wheel arch liners or bumper. 225/75 R16 tires can behave similarly if the steering wheel is in one extreme position or another.
Acceptable wheel sizes for Chevrolet Niva without modifications
Tire markings are deciphered as follows:
- tire width in millimeters;
- percentage ratio of the tire height to its width;
- inner (landing) diameter of the tire in inches.
Tire sizes are directly related to their performance. Wide tires have a larger grip area and a shorter braking distance. In addition, wide wheels have a lower specific ground pressure, which improves the vehicle's maneuverability in off-road conditions. That is, the advantages of wide tires are obvious. However, there is also a downside to the coin, which worsens the good picture of using wide tires:
- As tire width increases, rolling friction increases proportionally, which requires additional fuel consumption.
- A large area of contact with the road provokes aquaplaning, that is, sliding through puddles, which is less likely with narrow tires.
- Reducing the specific ground pressure, which improves the vehicle's off-road performance, simultaneously worsens the vehicle's handling on country roads.
- Wide tires weigh more than narrow tires, which puts additional stress on the suspension.
That is, the use of wide tires is justified only when the vehicle is primarily used in off-road conditions.
Based on the ratio of the height of the tire to its width, tires are divided into:
- low profile (from 55% and below);
- high-profile (up to 60–75%);
- full-profile (from 80% and above).
At the factory, high-profile tires are installed on the Chevrolet Niva car. In order to install full-profile tires on it, it is necessary to carry out a suspension lift. If you install low-profile tires on standard wheels, the ground clearance can reach a dangerously low level, which threatens the car’s components with damage.
If the car does not undergo any modifications, then it is allowed to use wheels with the following dimensions:
2056017 with an overall wheel height of 31.4 inches and a 265/70/17 of 31.6 inches.
2358516 is 31.7 inches, 2657516 is 31.6 inches, and 2857016 is 31.7 inches.
215/75 R15 - 31.3 inches.
Maximum wheel size for Chevrolet Niva 4x4 without a lift
Without using lifting, you can install wheels on a Chevrolet Niva 4x4 with the dimensions discussed above. It should be taken into account that although these dimensions fit normally into the standard parameters of the car, when using, for example, “mud” tires, problems may arise with the wheels catching the wheel arch liners or bumper. Most often, Shniva owners install UAZ wheels with a diameter of 31 inches on their cars.
Selecting tire width and profile height
The wider the tire, the:
- the car is more stable on a flat road;
- higher maneuverability;
- Her appearance attracts more attention.
The profile height in Russian stores is indicated as a percentage of the tire width.
If increasing the width by several sizes compared to the manufacturer’s recommendations is problematic due to the body structure, with the height of the profile the limitations are easier to overcome (disc diameter). However, you should adhere to the dimensions suggested by the factory. The value is calculated taking into account the load on the wheels. A significant deviation leads to premature wear of parts, in some cases to an accident.
Within the framework of the profile height values proposed by the plant, regularities should be taken into account. Comfort and braking distance increase with height.
Most consider 205/75 to be the most universal combination of width and height.
Wheel sizes for Chevrolet Niva 4x4 with lifting
Often, car enthusiasts believe that lifting increases the ground clearance of the car. However, this is not an entirely accurate judgment. In reality, ground clearance is increased due to the use of wheels of larger diameter, which can reach 33 inches. But lifting helps to install such wheels. As a result, the vehicle's cross-country ability increases; it is able to easily overcome bumps, potholes and thick mud. Transformations using an elevator, which most car enthusiasts can do, manifest themselves, in addition to increased cross-country ability, also in:
- more aggressive surroundings of the car;
- possibility of installing mud tires on it;
- protection of components and assemblies from road irregularities due to higher ground clearance.
Most often, the lifted Chevrolet Niva 4x4 is equipped with wheels reaching a size of 240/80 R15.
Reviews
My first winter season with Chevy and I decided to take the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 as it fit my budget perfectly. I was pleased - it drives perfectly on the roads of my village. I recommend it to all residents of small towns.
I am a farmer and I need the Niva to get around my property. In winter, I need tires that handle off-road well. Of all the people, I chose Viatti and I was right!
Niva 4x4 has increased cross-country ability. Created for rural residents, it has become indispensable for hunters, fishermen, adventure lovers and Niva lovers. Light weight for its class made it the most popular Russian car abroad.
The design of the car has undergone minimal changes since the 1970s. The choice of tires for wheels has increased, which significantly expanded the cross-country ability. Despite the apparent monotony of the range of tires for the Niva, the choice is not easy for owners.
Tires for a Chevy Niva - what parameters should you use to choose it?
In addition to different standard sizes, tires also have a specific purpose that corresponds to their operating conditions.
Winter, summer, all-season
Summer tires are made of hard rubber that does not soften on hot road surfaces. In addition, they are more resistant to wear in high summer temperatures, which provides them with a long service life. The tread pattern of summer tires allows you to successfully remove water from the contact patch and prevent the risk of aquaplaning in puddles. However, summer tires immediately lose all their advantages at low temperatures. Its elasticity disappears, the coefficient of adhesion of tires to the road surface sharply decreases, and the braking distance, on the contrary, increases.
Winter do not have these disadvantages ; they retain their elasticity at low temperatures and thus provide reliable grip on the road surface. In addition, the presence of lamellas on them, which cling to the road surface with their edges, allows the car to be securely held even on ice or snow. However, at high temperatures, winter tires soften greatly and become unsuitable for successful use.
Off-season tires represent a compromise between summer and winter tires. But, having some advantages of both types of tires, all-season tires also have their disadvantages. For example, on a hot road surface it wears out faster than its summer counterpart, and when used on ice, snow or cold asphalt it demonstrates worse road grip than winter tires.
AT and MT
In addition to temperature and weather conditions, the types of tires also take into account the types of road surfaces with which they will have to come into contact. Rubber marked AT is intended for all types of surfaces in an average version. That is, it can be successfully used on the highway, but with noticeably worse performance than conventional road tires. The same thing happens in off-road conditions, where AT tires can also be used, but with less success than specialized tires.
Tires marked MT, judging by the translation from English, are intended specifically “for dirt.” That is, they are specifically aimed at operation in severe off-road conditions, for which they are equipped with a grooved tread with a high tooth profile. Because of them, the car exhibits handling problems on the track. In addition, such tires wear out quickly when used in highway conditions.
What is the tire pressure on a Chevrolet Niva?
In addition to different standard sizes, tires also have a specific purpose that corresponds to their operating conditions.
Summer tires are made of hard rubber that does not soften on hot road surfaces. In addition, they are more resistant to wear in high summer temperatures, which provides them with a long service life. The tread pattern of summer tires allows you to successfully remove water from the contact patch and prevent the risk of aquaplaning in puddles.
Winter tires do not have these disadvantages; they retain their elasticity at low temperatures and thus provide reliable grip on the road surface. In addition, the presence of lamellas on them, which cling to the road surface with their edges, allows the car to be securely held even on ice or snow. However, at high temperatures, winter tires soften greatly and become unsuitable for successful use.
Off-season tires represent a compromise between summer and winter tires. But, having some advantages of both types of tires, all-season tires also have their disadvantages. For example, on a hot road surface it wears out faster than its summer counterpart, and when used on ice, snow or cold asphalt it demonstrates worse road grip than winter tires.
AT and MT
In addition to temperature and weather conditions, the types of tires also take into account the types of road surfaces with which they will have to come into contact. Rubber marked AT is intended for all types of surfaces in an average version. That is, it can be successfully used on the highway, but with noticeably worse performance than conventional road tires. The same thing happens in off-road conditions, where AT tires can also be used, but with less success than specialized tires.
These tires are designed for any road surface, but in an average version
Tires marked MT, judging by the translation from English, are intended specifically “for dirt.” That is, they are specifically aimed at operation in severe off-road conditions, for which they are equipped with a grooved tread with a high tooth profile. Because of them, the car exhibits handling problems on the track. In addition, such tires wear out quickly when used in highway conditions.
And these tires are more afraid of a good road than off-road
In order to correctly select the most suitable rims for wheels on the Shniva, you need to know what types of rims are available and how they are made:
- For example, stamped ones, being the cheapest and easiest to produce, are made by stamping from rolled steel. They are easily restored after deformation, but are heavy in weight, which affects the condition of the suspension and worsens the car’s handling. In addition, stamped discs are susceptible to corrosion and bend easily.
- Cast wheels, made from aluminum and other light alloy metals, are not as heavy as steel, have an attractive appearance and do not corrode. But at the same time they are noticeably more expensive and suffer from excessive fragility.
- Forged wheels, being the most expensive ones, become lighter and stronger through additional mechanical and heat treatment than cast ones.
The most popular wheels among Chevrolet Niva owners are from the following cars:
- "Suzuki Grand Vitara";
- "Suzuki Jimmy";
- "Kia Sportage";
- "Volga".
Car wheels differ greatly both in appearance and in the manufacturing method.
Reading time: 6 minutes
The Russian SUV "Niva Chevrolet" has won the love of domestic motorists due to its comfort, convenience, unpretentiousness and good cross-country ability. The article will talk about the features of choosing wheels and tires on a Niva Chevrolet.
The tire size determines the mounting diameter of the wheel rim. In the case of the Chevrolet Niva, the manufacturer completes various modifications with tires of excellent size. On the L or LC trim levels, which are considered basic, tires for 15-inch wheels are installed. The LE package comes with 16-inch wheels made of light alloys.
The tire width for the basic version is 205 mm, for the luxury version - 215 mm. The height of the rubber profile is either 60% or 70-75%. The low profile is used in the city, and the second option is used on highways and off-road. Some owners prefer to use two sets per year, while others make do with all-season tires.
R15 tires are most often installed on them. This size is perfect for urban asphalt. If you use the car off-road, you can install tires with a diameter of R16. But this will require a number of changes to the chassis, namely the use of spacers to increase ground clearance.
In other words, the choice of the best diameter should be made based on what roads, soils and under what conditions the vehicle will have to drive.
Also interesting: Body parts - description of car body parts and main parts of the car
All-season tires are installed on the Chevrolet Niva at the discretion of the owner. They differ from other types in their tread. The inner side of an all-season tire is used for driving on loose snow, and the outer side removes water from the tire contact patch. The standard size of all-season tires suitable for this domestic SUV is 205/75 R15.
These tires are perfect for the following situations:
- The region has fairly mild winters with stable above-zero temperatures.
- The car owner's budget is limited for the purchase of both winter and summer tires.
- It is not possible to store two sets of winter and summer tires.
All-season tires also have their disadvantages:
- high noise;
- increased fuel consumption;
- dynamic characteristics are reduced;
- increased wear.
Of the all-season tire models of this size, the following are suitable for the Chevrolet Niva:
- The Maxxis AT-771 features an aggressive tread design that provides excellent traction. The tires have a zigzag sidewall that improves handling on dry and wet surfaces.
- The Goodyear Wrangler HP is a high-performance 4x4 hard-road tire. They show excellent handling on the road.
- "Kama-Euro 228" have good directional stability when driving on highways and dirt roads, as well as high wear rates and low rolling resistance.
- Forward Safari 540 from the Altai Tire Plant is a radial tire, tubeless, with a metal cord in the belt. The tires have an all-terrain tread pattern and are designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h. They have increased maneuverability on soft soils.
All-season tires
All-season tires are used by many RVers year-round, and most car owners keep all-season tires as a spare at all times. In regions with mild winters without snow or frost, drivers make do with an all-season vehicle all year round.
For off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with M/T tires. It is not suitable for asphalt due to high noise, poor handling and rapid wear, but it is perfect for dirt, country roads, fields, and swamps. This tire is made from special rubber and is very soft.
Off-road tires
The standard tire sizes and the manufacturer's recommended tire length and width parameters for the Chevrolet Niva are 215/65. This size is provided for the LE trim level. For the basic L and LC versions, the tire size is 205/75 R15 or 205/70 R15.
All standard tires on the Niva Chevrolet are radial. The manufacturing plant equips cars with domestically produced tires from Kama, Altai Tire Plant and others. Car owners rarely leave standard factory tires on the wheels of purchased cars, changing them to suit their needs and preferences.
To choose the right summer tires for an SUV, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The tire size must correspond to the size recommended by the manufacturer.
An important parameter when choosing summer tires for a Chevrolet Niva is the speed index. Since the Chevrolet Niva has a maximum speed of 140 km/h, tires marked M and N are suitable.
Yokohama A349A tires are perfect. They have an improved drainage system, which is achieved thanks to longitudinal drainage grooves and transverse grooves located in the shoulder area. This tire model is characterized by excellent stability, including when driving on rough terrain or mud. Tread blocks assembled in even stripes provide acoustic comfort. The price per unit starts from 5,000 rubles*.
Often, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with the domestic model of two-ply Kama Euro 129 tires. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. This rubber is quite wear-resistant, excellent road grip and good resistance to aquaplaning are also noted. The price per unit is 1500-2000 rubles*.
Summer tires for Niva Chevrolet
The choice of wheels and tires for the Chevrolet Niva should be taken with full responsibility - after all, the correct choice will determine how the car will behave on the road in the future and what driving performance it shows. The correct choice of tires, taking into account all the nuances, will give the car owner real pleasure from driving the car.
*Prices are current as of February 2022.
Service station experts recommend installing tires on a Chevrolet Niva strictly according to the season, thereby eliminating universal, all-season tires. When operating a machine in high positive or negative temperatures, the rubber composition changes its properties, thereby deteriorating the technical characteristics.
Before purchasing tires for a Chevrolet Niva yourself, get advice from specialists regarding the compatibility of tires with your car model.
Wheel disks | Tires |
16ET44 | 195/65/R16 |
17ET44 | 205/75R17 |
16ET44 | 195/60R16 |
How to choose wheels for a Chevrolet Niva
In order to correctly select the most suitable rims for wheels on the Shniva, you need to know what types of rims are available and how they are made:
- For example, stamped ones , being the cheapest and easiest to produce, are made by stamping from rolled steel. They are easily restored after deformation, but are heavy in weight, which affects the condition of the suspension and worsens the car’s handling. In addition, stamped discs are susceptible to corrosion and bend easily.
- Cast wheels, made from aluminum and other light alloy metals, are not as heavy as steel, have an attractive appearance and do not corrode. But at the same time they are noticeably more expensive and suffer from excessive fragility.
- Forged wheels , being the most expensive, become lighter and stronger than cast wheels through additional mechanical and heat treatment.
The most popular wheels among Chevrolet Niva owners are from the following cars:
- "Suzuki Grand Vitara";
- "Suzuki Jimmy";
- "Kia Sportage";
- "Volga".
Chevrolet Niva: wheel size
The wheel size for this SUV is in accordance with the parameters of the installed wheel rim. The disk on the Chevrolet Niva has the following parameters: disk offset (ET) - 40 mm, bolt pattern - 5x39.5 mm, hub hole diameter - 98.5 mm. The mounting diameters of the wheels, depending on the modification of the SUV, come in sizes 15 and 16 inches.
"Niva Chevrolet"
As standard, the SUV is equipped with aluminum and steel stamped wheel rims. Owners can change them to purchased cast or forged ones.
Tire size for Chevy Niva
The tire size determines the mounting diameter of the wheel rim. In the case of the Chevrolet Niva, the manufacturer completes various modifications with tires of excellent size. On the L or LC trim levels, which are considered basic, tires for 15-inch wheels are installed. The LE package comes with 16-inch wheels made of light alloys. The tire width for the basic version is 205 mm, for the luxury version - 215 mm. The height of the rubber profile is either 60% or 70-75%. The low profile is used in the city, and the second option is used on highways and off-road. Some owners prefer to use two sets per year, while others make do with all-season tires.
Which diameter is better: R15 or R16
R15 tires are most often installed on them. This size is perfect for urban asphalt. If you use the car off-road, you can install tires with a diameter of R16. But this will require a number of changes to the chassis, namely the use of spacers to increase ground clearance.
In other words, the choice of the best diameter should be made based on what roads, soils and under what conditions the vehicle will have to drive.
All-season tires 205 75 15
All-season tires are installed on the Chevrolet Niva at the discretion of the owner. They differ from other types in their tread. The inner side of an all-season tire is used for driving on loose snow, and the outer side removes water from the tire contact patch. The standard size of all-season tires suitable for this domestic SUV is 205/75 R15.
These tires are perfect for the following situations:
- The region has fairly mild winters with stable above-zero temperatures.
- The car owner's budget is limited for the purchase of both winter and summer tires.
- It is not possible to store two sets of winter and summer tires.
All-season tires also have their disadvantages:
- high noise;
- increased fuel consumption;
- dynamic characteristics are reduced;
- increased wear.
Of the all-season tire models of this size, the following are suitable for the Chevrolet Niva:
- The Maxxis AT-771 features an aggressive tread design that provides excellent traction. The tires have a zigzag sidewall that improves handling on dry and wet surfaces.
- The Goodyear Wrangler HP is a high-performance 4x4 hard-road tire. They show excellent handling on the road.
- "Kama-Euro 228" have good directional stability when driving on highways and dirt roads, as well as high wear rates and low rolling resistance.
- Forward Safari 540 from the Altai Tire Plant is a radial tire, tubeless, with a metal cord in the belt. The tires have an all-terrain tread pattern and are designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h. They have increased maneuverability on soft soils.
All-Season Tires
All-season tires are used by many RVers year-round, and most car owners keep all-season tires as a spare at all times. In regions with mild winters without snow or frost, drivers make do with an all-season vehicle all year round.
15 inch tires for Niva
The factory installs R15 on 3 trim levels of the Chevrolet Niva. These wheels are suitable for other models and configurations. When using them instead of R16, the manufacturer recommends limiting the maximum speed to 160 km/h.
Due to the availability of winter tires and the inexpediency of overclocking the Niva over 160, the R15 size is popular among owners.
Suitable for all 4x4 and Chevrolet:
For Chevrolet, it is additionally possible to install 225/60R15.
For off-road use, owners choose studded tires from the following brands:
- Kama (515);
- Nokian (Nordman 5, Hakkapeliitta 7 and 8);
- Amtel (NordMaster);
- Cordiant (Snow Cross, Sno-Max, Polar);
- Yokohama (Ice Guard);
- Continental (IceContact);
- Gislaved (Nord Frost);
- Kumho (WinterCraft Ice, I'Zen KW22);
- Matador (Sibir Ice);
- Viatti (brina nordico).
All-season and friction R15 for Niva:
- Kama (Euro, Flame);
- Viatti (brina);
- Nokian (Hakkapeliitta R);
- Continental (ContiVikingContact);
- Cordiant (Winter Drive)
- Yokohama (Geolandar);
- Dunlop (Winter Maxx, Graspic);
- Kumho (WinterCraft WP51).
On Avito you can buy a set of used Kama winter tires in good condition for 3,000 rubles.
What off-road tires should I put on a Chevrolet Niva?
For off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with M/T tires. It is not suitable for asphalt due to high noise, poor handling and rapid wear, but it is perfect for dirt, country roads, fields, and swamps. This tire is made from special rubber and is very soft. Off-road tires maintain low pressure perfectly, and at the same time they are not damaged when colliding with rocks. M/T tires for Chevrolet Niva are most often represented by such models as I-569 Medved, Cordiant off Road, Hankook Dynapro MT RT03.
Off-road tires
Standard tires "Niva Chevrolet"
The standard tire sizes and the manufacturer's recommended tire length and width parameters for the Chevrolet Niva are 215/65. This size is provided for the LE trim level. For the basic L and LC versions, the tire size is 205/75 R15 or 205/70 R15.
All standard tires on the Niva Chevrolet are radial. The manufacturing plant equips cars with domestically produced tires from Kama, Altai Tire Plant and others. Car owners rarely leave standard factory tires on the wheels of purchased cars, changing them to suit their needs and preferences.
Wheel alignment angles "Niva Chevrolet"
The wheel alignment angles on the Chevrolet Niva SUV are as follows:
- The longitudinal inclination angle of the turning axis is 3° 40'+/-30'. This is the angle between the vertical and the projection of the line that passes through the centers of the ball joints onto a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. It stabilizes the steering of the wheels in the direction of straight-line movement.
- Wheel camber angle - 0° 30'+/-30'. This is the angle between the plane of rotation of the wheel in a straight position and the vertical. It is responsible for the correct position of the rolling wheel during suspension operation.
- The wheel toe value is 0+/-1 mm. This is the angle between the plane of rotation of the wheel and the longitudinal axis of the car.
Wheel alignment angles on Niva Chevrolet
Summer tires for Chevrolet Niva
To choose the right summer tires for an SUV, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The tire size must correspond to the size recommended by the manufacturer.
An important parameter when choosing summer tires for a Chevrolet Niva is the speed index. Since the Chevrolet Niva has a maximum speed of 140 km/h, tires marked M and N are suitable.
Yokohama A349A tires are perfect. They have an improved drainage system, which is achieved thanks to longitudinal drainage grooves and transverse grooves located in the shoulder area. This tire model is characterized by excellent stability, including when driving on rough terrain or mud. Tread blocks assembled in even stripes provide acoustic comfort. The price per unit starts from 5,000 rubles*.
Often, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with the domestic model of two-ply Kama Euro 129 tires. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. This rubber is quite wear-resistant, excellent road grip and good resistance to aquaplaning are also noted. The price per unit is 1500-2000 rubles*.
Summer tires for Niva Chevrolet
The choice of wheels and tires for the Chevrolet Niva should be taken with full responsibility - after all, the correct choice will determine how the car will behave on the road in the future and what driving performance it shows. The correct choice of tires, taking into account all the nuances, will give the car owner real pleasure from driving the car.
*Prices are current as of February 2022.
Winter tires
Responsible owners of iron horses have a separate set of wheels for each season: summer and winter. Many even purchase special tires to overcome mud. This approach seems to be the most correct. Although there are still those who believe that since the Chevrolet Niva is positioned as an SUV, there is no need to change summer tires with the onset of cold weather. The reason in this case is usually the same - the desire to save money. Of course, purchasing a new seasonal kit comes with costs. In addition, when changing wheels, you will have to spend money not only on their installation, but also on balancing.
However, savings in this case are unacceptable.
- The aerodynamics of an SUV are not its strongest side, so a car with all-wheel drive and high ground clearance does not have high stability on slippery surfaces.
- Off-road qualities are manifested not at all on an icy road, but off-road.
- The weight of 4x4 vehicles is significantly higher compared to their passenger counterparts, which is why they are characterized by greater inertia and, accordingly, longer braking distances.
So you can’t ignore the rules that apply to owners of regular hatchbacks or sedans. As you know, for different seasons, tires are made from certain rubber compounds that differ in ductility in different temperature ranges. Summer tires lose their elasticity, which largely determines the car’s behavior on the road, already at +5 degrees; all-season tires can be used down to -5.
When choosing tires, you should focus on the climatic conditions of the region. Many people are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to install all-season wheels on a Niva. If there is no frost or snow in winter, then you can opt for these tire models. Frequent trips to icy surfaces require the installation of studded tires.
And, of course, do not forget that the tires change on both axles and all tires must be the same (from the same manufacturer and the same parameters).
Important! Tire pressure must comply with the parameters set by the manufacturer. Otherwise, the car's behavior on the road may be unpredictable.
Only by observing these requirements can you ensure comfort and safety for yourself and others.
Recommendations for choosing tires for the Chevrolet Niva
Manufacturer's recommendations
. Depending on the modification of the Chevrolet Niva, R15 or R16 wheels are installed on the factory assembly line. Therefore, before going to a car store, you should find out the equipment of your iron horse. The most common tire sizes are:
Seasonality
. For different times of the year, you should select seasonal “shoes” for the Chevrolet Niva.
- Summer tires behave well in the warm season, allowing the driver to enjoy a fast ride. It is quiet and has good rolling power.
- Winter tires are indispensable when operating a car on snowy or icy roads. Friction models are recommended for the southern regions of the country, and for northern routes it is better to prefer tires with studs.
- For those who like to ride through meadows and forests, special mud tires are recommended. It features an aggressive deep tread that is easy to clean off the ground. The only disadvantage of special tires will be noise on asphalt.
2 Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 SUV
The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 SUV studded tire will be the best choice for car enthusiasts who value safe winter driving. This model has higher braking performance on icy and snowy roads. The directional asymmetric tread pattern ensures timely removal of snow mass and high-quality grip on the surface. Thanks to the modified shape of the studs, they are provided with a reliable and durable fit, which also significantly improves contact with the road.
Improvements have also been made in the composition of the rubber compound, taking into account all the features associated with driving on winter roads. Car owners who have installed Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 SUV tires on their SUVs note in their reviews that they have good maneuverability in snowy areas and easy handling. For a Chevrolet Niva with a standard suspension, the most suitable size of this model would be 205/70 R 15 or 215/65 R 16.