We put the Niva on 29-inch wheels and send it for diagnostics and prevention

To choose tires for mud, you must correctly take into account the operating parameters of the vehicle. The 4x4 wheel arrangement of an SUV has an advantage over a 2x4. The lack of a track is not a hindrance for Niva at all. Next, we will look at which tires the 2-axle Niva is capable of showing results on on-road and off-road tests.

The Niva, shod with high-profile tires, can easily overcome rolling deep ruts; wide-profile tires are indispensable for driving on snow and mud.

Choosing mud tires for Niva

Niva SUVs are equipped by default only with all-season tires K 156-1 from the Kirov Tire Plant.
When installing tires on a car, you should pay attention to the tires of the Kama I 511 model. They are available in studded and studless versions. Today there are a lot of different models on the market, so you need to pay attention to additional criteria. The main thing is the tire size, which will be discussed later. The right choice will help the Niva to be used in mud without additional modifications.

You also need to pay attention to the load factor and speed index. If frequent driving while loaded is expected, then the first criterion is dominant, if fast driving on a well-rolled dirt road is the second one.

The heat resistance index (preservation of tire characteristics when air temperature changes) is important. There are three parameters: A, B and C, the best is marking A. Careful owners need to pay attention to the wear resistance index (the conditional maximum mileage value under standard conditions) – the best is also index A.

Tire sizes

The Niva SUV leaves the factory with standard rollers with a diameter of R16. Their size is 185/75 P16 with an outer tire diameter of 28 inches. However, many owners prefer to install tires with sizes 215/70/R16, 215/75/R16 or 215/65/R16. Increasing the tire width provides a larger contact patch and better off-road traction.

Some people refuse rollers with this radius, preferring smaller R15 wheels with typical sizes 205/70/R15 or 215/75/R15. This choice has a positive effect on the smoothness of the ride and reduces the noise from the tires making its way through the wheel arches.

Without lift and cutting arches

Obviously, stock wheels are a universal solution that does not always provide reliable traction when driving in mud. If the driver has increased requirements, then it is necessary to install other wheels - fortunately, many options are equipped with standard wheels.

One of the most popular is the Yokohama Geolandar MT, whose unique technologies have made a splash in the world of tires. They provide optimal contact with the heavy canvas in almost any conditions and do not wear out quickly. For lovers of budget options, we can recommend the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71, but it is designed for off-road use and wears out quickly on asphalt.

With lift and arch cutting

The quality is not inferior to foreign analogues, and the price exceeds them. But this tire is designed for lifting , just like the Cordiant off-Road, which at the same price (4 thousand) has excellent grip on mud and tolerates asphalt surfaces well.

Winter off-road tires for Niva

If you often have to drive off-road in winter, where there is a lot of snow, then it makes sense to install the BFgoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 mud kit. It is a universal option for traveling in deep snow or severe off-road conditions. Does not flatten even with low pressure and provides maximum grip.

Dimensions

The manufacturer installs tires of a strictly regulated size on the Niva model.
By default, the wheels here are sized 185/75/R16. These are the wheels that are relevant for Niva 2121/2131 or 4x4 models. Depending on operating conditions and driver preferences, the manufacturer allows the installation of tires of a different radius or size. Many people abandon R16 wheels in favor of 15 rollers to improve ride smoothness and reduce noise. The most popular non-standard sizes are 185/75/R16, 205/70/R15 or 205/70/R16.

You need to understand that not only the appearance, but also the handling of the car, as well as other characteristics, depend on the size of the tires. The 205/70/R16 tire has a nicer design, but will perform worse when driving off-road than 205/75/R15 rollers. Below is a table that gives an idea of ​​changes in the behavior of the car depending on the type of shoe (15th or 16th wheels).

Which mud tires are better?

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.

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.

Extreme tires

• Simex Extreme/Jungle Trekker are excellent tires. But there is no way to do without modification. And you won’t get off with just an elevator. Here we cut the arches and change the pairs. In general, a whole list of changes, after which you will be able to experience all the delights of driving on such tires. The cost may scare those who are used to mud shoes for 4 kopecks. Such “shoes” cost 12 thousand. Essential for most growers. But loving a car requires financial sacrifice.
• If it’s expensive, then there is a Russian version that costs a little less than 5,000 - Forward Safari 500. Good for off-road use. Useless on asphalt. The downside is that it doesn’t go particularly well on the track. But you can do without an elevator by simply trimming the arches. Easy to clean. In general, the tread is very pleasing in the most difficult conditions.
• Silverstone MT-117 XTREME - costs almost the same as Simex. Thanks to the lugs on the sides, it can get out from where the Safari gets stuck. The tires are designed for dirt, and on normal roads they wear out too quickly. He is not afraid of clay - he does not get washed out.

Many drivers believe that Safari is too heavy for the Niva. Because no one wants to load bearings and hubs.

The debate about which tires for the Niva 4x4 are the best is still going on. Some people manage to drive in mud on standard tires, others take the Bear for the winter and for mud. And a fair percentage “pray” to Goodrich, who is essentially very versatile. If you are not an extreme sports enthusiast, then there is little point in buying tires for 12,000 rubles. You just need to clearly understand why you are buying tires. If you are traveling for work, hunting, fishing, etc., then in each case you need to correctly understand where to go, on what road, at what time of year and in what weather. Otherwise, you can either get stuck or ruin tires that are clearly not suitable for certain conditions.

Often, some even experienced tire drivers install good tires, kill them on the asphalt, and then scold them on all forums for their weak tread. Unfortunately, driving experience and understanding are not the same thing.

What is good in mud, and even in snow, can be 100% useless on ice and clean asphalt. The specification of each set of tires for Niva cars is very unique. But we tried to talk in general terms about what is most suitable and for what purposes. So that when you buy tires for Niva, you get exactly the result on the road that you wanted to see. And don’t forget that no less depends on driving skill than on tires, no matter how much they cost.

Niva is one of the few Russian cars that can even participate in prestigious rally races. Therefore, considerable experience has been accumulated. Cars of this model perform quite well in the toughest off-road races.

One of the Niva’s greatest successes was 2nd place in the 1983 Paris-Adjir-Dakar rally. A year earlier, another crew also received silver, and they took bronze in 1981.

Lada 4×4 performs quite well not only on mud, but also on sand, which becomes an obstacle for many Dakar crews. And the reason for this is the correct choice of tires. Perhaps it is precisely thanks to the versatility of the Niva and the ability to adapt it to different tires that athletes from many countries really like it.

Under normal standard conditions, the best wear resistance is shown by the most common domestic tires K-156-1 and Y-457. They managed to beat the expensive Dunlop Grandtrek AT2. And the point is not the poor quality of the latter, but the fact that the Dunlop tread turned out to be too shallow.

We managed to avoid obstacles on the road using the Kama-232. While on imported tires I had to seriously slow down. When braking on wet asphalt, the result is similar, not comforting for foreigners and pleasant for Kama tires. Having tried braking on dry asphalt and snow, we again found that the Kama copes better.

During testing, the car crawled out of mud and ditches better with the K-156-1. The worst in this ranking were the Ya-457s, but the Dunlops were quite good. They turned out to be the best in braking on snow and ice, leaving domestic models far behind. So the foreigners have completely rehabilitated themselves by showing good statistics for the winter.

Now we have a general idea of ​​the recommended tires, the capabilities of standard tires, and comparisons with foreign models. Based on your personal needs and financial capabilities, all that remains is to choose the type of tire that suits you best.

We wish you to successfully cope with any off-road conditions and not end up with your Niva in places from which you can’t get out on any tires without a tractor. Good luck on the roads!

In general, there are many videos about the correct choice of tires not only for the Niva, but also for SUVs in general. You can find one of these videos below:

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:

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.

Reviews

This is not the first Niva in my practice, I tested a variety of models. There were all sorts of tires: K-156, Kama 232, Bear, Cordiant off-road, BFG KM2. The last option performed best, but not everyone can afford its price.

Taking into account the change in course, I began to look for an alternative. I chose Federal Couragia m/t. I figured out the price for it and didn’t look for anything else, took it in size 235/75 15. And I’ll tell you, friends, it was not for nothing that I chose it.

Arkady, 43 years old.

I have never used extreme mud tires - it’s not my thing. But active recreation is the norm, so there is a need for such tires. Since the spring of 2015, I also have Cordiant off Road in size 215/75R15.

If you look at the main qualities, then everything is fine. The price tag is quite reasonable for these tires; they don’t get washed out in the mud, so it’s easy to get to the right place. Yes, and it can be installed without an elevator or modifications.

I’m not an extreme sports enthusiast, deliberately looking for deep viscous mud is not my thing, but I don’t disdain fishing and hunting, as well as other outdoor activities. Here she shows herself perfectly.

Reading time: 8 minutes

The VAZ-2121, also known as the famous Niva, is rightfully considered one of the most popular and sought-after domestically produced SUVs. It is valued for its unpretentiousness, convenience, ease of operation and maneuverability. Many Niva owners install so-called mud tires on their wheels, which will be discussed in this article.

Legal consequences of changing wheels or what the traffic police think

Driving a car with large wheels can be divided into two situations:

• Traffic on the highway . Rules of traffic regulations in the “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles for operation” Section 5 “Wheels and tires” clause 5.4. The admission of vehicles with tires that do not match the vehicle model in size or permissible load is limited. As a result, the car owner may receive a warning or a fine of 500 rubles in accordance with Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Part 1. Also, enlarging the wheels will lead to distortion of the speedometer, since the tachometer is structurally designed for a different diameter. This can lead to unknowing speeding and a fine of 500 to 2,500 rubles;
• Passing maintenance. A twofold situation is possible, but numerous Niva owners, when replacing the wheel diameter from standard to 29, usually do not experience difficulties during passage, with rare exceptions, which can be circumvented by returning standard tires for the duration of the passage.

As the diameter of the wheels increases, the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle, the load on the suspension and beams will also change. The nature and length of the braking distance has changed. All this together, in a critical situation, can lead to loss of insurance as a result of an accident or traffic accident. If, during the investigation of an accident, it is established that it was the change of tires that prevented the driver from preventing the accident, the fact that non-standard wheels were installed will be considered an aggravating circumstance.

The tire size for Niva, Niva Chevrolet, Niva Urban, Niva Fora is always a compromise between the on-road and off-road capabilities of the car. Therefore, the final choice is always up to the owner.

Mud tires for Niva

Mud tires are all-season tires for SUVs, in this case for the Niva. These tires are designed for use on powerful and off-road vehicles, such as the VAZ-2121, in the most extreme conditions: completely off-road, on dirt roads, country roads, forest roads, and in wild nature.

Mud wheels on Niva

The Niva is equipped with classic mud tires, characterized by a rather large tread pattern and powerful lateral lugs. It is soft enough, which is necessary for adhesion to surfaces in off-road conditions. It is used by motorists in cases where they drive about 80 percent of their journey on mud and dirt roads and only about 20 percent on highways and city roads. When using these tires on asphalt, they wear out extremely quickly. On asphalt, almost all models of mud tires are characterized by increased noise.

Niva behavior in winter on all-season tires

For the cold season, you should choose softer tires. This will give better grip on snow and ice, and they will cling to the asphalt well, which will keep the car’s handling at the proper level. And it is better to give preference to wider wheels due to the larger contact patch between the tire and the road surface. At the same time, a slight increase in fuel consumption is a small price to pay for the stability of the car.

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.

Advantages and types of mud tires for Niva

Mud tires for Niva come in the following variants:

• A/T tires are universal rubber designed for movement on both asphalt surfaces and various light off-road options. Tires of this type have a moderately aggressive tread pattern and protected sidewalls. Tires are suitable for asphalt, dirt roads, sand, stone, snow. They get stuck in deep ruts and clay. This is an ideal option for drivers who mostly drive on city roads and occasionally go off-road.
• M/T tires are a more classic version of mud tires. They have a tractor-type tread and fairly powerful side lugs. These tires are much more difficult to clog with dirt than regular ones and tend to self-clean when driving. They are much harder than All Terrain tires and perform poorly on asphalt and highways (they wear out quickly), as well as on ice. These tires are perfect for off-road driving, mud, rough roads, and solid snow.
• Extreme tires. This includes tires for tractors and special equipment. They have a diagonal cord design, their tread pattern is quite thin and quite large. Tires have a center track. The size range of the vast majority of these tire models starts from 29-31 inches. Some Niva owners install tires up to 31 inches in size, first changing a number of car structures, for example, filing the wheel arches. In addition to mud, these tires also work well on rocks and clay; they can also be used on asphalt.

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.

The most effective tires for off-road driving on the Niva

The most effective options for off-road wheels for the Niva are the following models:

• Ya-569 Medved is a budget-class model made in Russia; the price of these tires starts from 3,700 rubles*. Installation does not require adjusting the arches to the tire size. This tire is quite suitable for winter conditions: it is quite soft in the cold and performs well in the snow. The tires of this model pass ice and summer asphalt quite poorly, showing poor handling. Available in a single standard size 235/75 R15;
• Cordiant off Road are also domestically produced M/T tires. It can be used both on asphalt and off-road. Cost per unit from 4000 rubles*. These tires tolerate asphalt well. Available in standard size 225/75 with dimensions R16-R15;
• Hankook Dynapro MT RT03 M/T tires, produced in size 235/75 R15, prices start from 4,500 rubles*. For installation on the Niva, a 5 cm mini-lift is used. On asphalt, the tires of this model show high wear resistance and are perfectly cleaned off-road. The tires are equipped with holes for self-studding and are very soft;
• Kumho Road Venture mt kl71 – M/T tires made in Korea, characterized by a rather aggressive tread pattern. Available in size 235/75 R15 (28.9 inches). The cost starts from 5800 rubles*. They are distinguished by good self-cleaning even in clay, the tread is quite large with large distances between the blocks. The rubber is quite soft, the sidewalls cling well to the ground, and there are lateral lugs. It wears off quite quickly on asphalt;
• BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 is considered one of the most successful choices of mud tires. For Niva, size 215/75 R15 is suitable (cost from 5,200 rubles*). The tires do not wear out on asphalt and are quite durable and self-clean well;
• Federal Couragia m/t is one of the standards of mud M/T tires; its tread is as close as possible to extreme. This rubber has lateral lugs and fairly large self-cleaning tread blocks. It is very soft and squishes very well in liquid mud. For the Niva, the standard size is 205/80/R16 (28.9 inches), its cost starts from 4,200 rubles*. The option is less common than other tires with the traditional Niva size 15, but is welcomed among supporters of installing mud tires on the Niva 4x4 size R16;
• Simex Extreme/Jungle Trekker is an extreme type of off-road tires that is installed on a Niva after lifting and cutting arches, replacing pairs and other modifications to the car. Installed in standard size 320 x 95 R15, cost per unit starts from 12,000 rubles*. The model is professional, passes well through clay, and the tread has a high degree of self-cleaning. The tread has a directional off-road type pattern. It is one of the most optimal options for mud tires for Niva 4x4;
• Forward Safari 500 is a domestic model of extreme tires for installation on the Niva, which requires a significant lift. On the VAZ-2121 it is installed in standard size 235/75 R15, the cost of which starts from 4900 rubles* per unit. Installation of this size requires spacers. Rubber is hard, quite heavy, and self-cleaning well.

What is better: summer - winter or all-season?

When choosing a tire, you must be guided by the weather conditions in which the tires will be used. They are made from different materials.

For winter, soft rubber is used, resistant to sub-zero temperatures, which has a high level of grip on icy and wet roads.

Summer tires are made from durable hard rubber, which is resistant to high temperatures.

All-season tires consist of chemical compounds that reach average parameters, which guarantee adequate density in summer and grip on slippery roads in winter. All-season tires have a characteristic tread structure that allows you to cope with snow in winter and ensures safety in conditions of heavy rain or icy roads.

The most acceptable option for harsh winters is the option of winter - summer tires according to the season. All-season tires may behave inappropriately in severe frosts and you need to drive very carefully.

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.

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.

For the cold season, you should choose softer tires. This will give better grip on snow and ice, and they will cling to the asphalt well, which will keep the car’s handling at the proper level. And it is better to give preference to wider wheels due to the larger contact patch between the tire and the road surface. At the same time, a slight increase in fuel consumption is a small price to pay for the stability of the car.

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.

The market offers an abundance of different brands, several domestic, many Chinese, and some European ones. Of the domestic ones, Kama Flame wins in terms of price/quality ratio. The products of the Volzhsky tire plant Voltyre are also in use. Chinese rubber is the leader in the number of brands producing it. The price varies accordingly.

When choosing tires for the winter, use the table above. In addition, it is allowed to use winter tires (MS) of the above dimensions and index Q with a corresponding limitation of the maximum vehicle speed (up to 160 km/h).

Choose winter tires on your Lada 4×4 that are as narrow as possible so that the pressure of the car on the surface is greater, this will improve traction. Also remember that wide tires are more sensitive to the ruts on the road.

The choice of tires for R16 wheels is not large; most often they choose sizes 185/75 R16, 175/80 R16, or 215/65 R16. Due to the paucity of choice, many SUV owners install R15 wheels on their Lada 4×4.

R15 wheels can be borrowed from Chevrolet Niva wheels, which fit without modifications. Thus, the choice of tires will increase significantly and you will be able to choose the appropriate tires for certain operating conditions. In addition, a car with such wheels will look more stylish. In addition to standard tires for R15 wheels, you can install 205/75 R15 tires.

Do you dream of a Lada 4×4 with big wheels, but don’t want to cut the arches? The maximum tire size for a Lada 4×4 without modifications is 215/75 R15, and the rims must have an offset of 40, otherwise the tires will touch the fender liners. Finally, install alloy wheels on your Lada 4×4 and you will get a stylish SUV!

Green indicates the minimum deviation of the wheel diameter (up to 3 mm); Orange indicates a diameter deviation from 3 to 6 mm.

When installing tires or wheels that differ in parameters from those recommended by the factory, you can:

• be refused warranty repair of the chassis;
• be stopped by a traffic police inspector, who has the right to draw up a report on the car’s non-compliance with the requirements of the Technical Regulations;
• fail to pass technical inspection.

Off-road tires 215 75 15 for the domestic car "Niva" 21213

For the VAZ-2121 car, the non-standard tire size is tires for size 15 wheels, namely 205/70 R15 or 205/75 R15. When switching to these sizes, the choice becomes more extensive, the width and height of the profile increases, cross-country ability and grip on the road surface increase.

Car owners who install off-road tires of this size on their Niva recommend the following models:

Goodyear Wrangler A/T Adventure

• The Goodyear Wrangler A/T Adventure is great for off-road use, with large tread blocks and deep drainage channels for fairly quick and effective self-cleaning. The tires have a reinforced frame, and powerful sidewalls greatly increase resistance to deformation. The rubber has a special composition of silicon and polymers, which reduces noise and vibration during movement and also extends its service life. The price is about 7,000 rubles* per unit;
• YaShZ Ya-569 are also off-road tires of size 15, installed on the Niva. They have a special tread pattern with characteristic sharp edges, allowing the tread to cut through a layer of dirt and thereby provide outstanding cross-country ability. There are large channels between the tread blocks that allow the tire to quickly clean itself. The tires have a reinforced frame and sidewalls, which provide resistance to deformation and additional stability. The price per unit is from 7,000 rubles. It is one of the most passable off-road tire options for the Niva.

YaShZ Ya-569

Which tires are better to put on the Niva 2121 - MT or AT?

The choice of the type of off-road tires for a Niva M/T or A/T directly depends on the type of roads on which the car owner will drive more often.

A/Ts are good for rural conditions and occasional off-road trips. In conditions of viscous clay and swamps, these tires can simply get stuck. Each model has its own recommendations for the ratio of asphalt and off-road - 50/50, 60/40, 40/60, etc.

A/T tires

M/T are more suitable for unpaved and off-road conditions. They are characterized by high noise on asphalt roads, long braking distances on asphalt, comparatively worse handling when driving only on asphalt road surfaces, and wear out and wear out extremely quickly. These tires show excellent driving performance in mud.

What's the difference

In addition to the difference in the purpose of roads and handling in certain conditions, tires differ in tread pattern. A/T have a medium aggressive tread pattern. M/Ts have a more powerful and aggressive tread pattern, which provides them with greater cross-country ability in mud.

Mud tires are an indispensable option for those owners of the Niva car who have to travel in the absence of roads, along rural, country roads, dirt roads, and forest clearings. These tires are indispensable for tourists, hunters, fishermen and travelers. They are an excellent way out of situations where ordinary wheels are powerless.

*Prices are valid for February 2022

Choosing tires: where to start?

Why change tires at all? An experienced VAZ 2121 driver does not have such questions. Nivovod begins to think about replacing tires not because of a good life, nor in search of extreme sports or unusual sensations. The thing is that all-season factory tires 185/70 R16, being the result of compromises, unification and budgetary frameworks, turn out to be a very mediocre assistant both on the city highway, and when driving off-road, and in winter.

Off-road variant of Cordiant

Here you already have to choose tires for yourself, based on a number of basic parameters:

• in what operating conditions will the future wheels be used, whether the car will have to cut through asphalt road surfaces or more, after all, off-road;
• how far the driver is ready to go in the matter of tuning his iron horse, will the owner’s heart tremble to send his brand new VAZ 21214 under the knife (some tire sizes require widening the wheel arches or bending their sides outward, lifting the suspension, as well as lifting the body of the VAZ 21214 directly above the frame );
• based on the budget (a lift kit costs about 3-4 thousand rubles, it can be easily installed even in your garage, a completely acceptable set of tires can cost 3.5-4.5 thousand rubles, and the most “juicy” offers reach up to amounts of 8-12 thousand rubles);
• take a thorough look at the offers of various brands (it’s worth paying attention to already proven brands, since good tires are not just a beautiful tread pattern, but also the correct chemical composition. And you can be sure that you won’t get a “pig in a poke” only by trusting a manufacturer with a good reputation).

Tires for lifting and without

The cornerstone of the tire selection issue is the need for additional modifications. There are a number of proposals that fit perfectly onto a standard VAZ 21214 car wheel and do not require widening of wheel arches, etc. work. It is important to understand which tires require mandatory lifting, and which ones will become like native tires on your Niva without any problems.

If you are one of those drivers who don’t need an extra headache, then the almost standard version of tires like 205/70 R15 or 205/75 R15 is exactly your choice. Having a large profile width and height, they absolutely painlessly replace standard wheels, seriously adding cross-country ability and aesthetic power to your iron horse. If you select tires for standard rims, then the 215/65 R16 option is perfect; a further increase in the tire profile, even by reducing the radial diameter, will certainly lead to rubber rubbing during deep turns on the wheel arch protectors (we are talking about 215/75 R15 and higher , it’s better not to install such wheels without modifications).

Some tire options can only be installed by widening the arches

Lifting slightly expands the range of choices and also significantly increases the cross-country ability of your car. A spartan kit that allows you to raise the height of the suspension costs about 4 thousand rubles and is easy to install with your own hands right in the garage thanks to detailed instructions. The clearance of the VAZ 2121 increases and it becomes possible to install really serious off-road tires (235/70 R16, 235/75 R15 or 240/80 R15).

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.

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.

Choosing between MT and AT

A couple of words should also be said about the correct marking of tires for the VAZ 21214. Initially, it comes in several types:

• universal, AT (from the English word All Terrain - Any Terrain), well suited for cases when the driver travels more on an asphalt road and to a lesser extent off-road;
• mud, MT (from the English word Mud Terrain - Mud Terrain), this is already heavy Russian off-road, swamps, sandy surfaces, etc.

The problem of choice is that normal off-road tires on the VAZ 2121 are only good off-road. You can’t really accelerate with it on an asphalt road; it consumes extremely quickly and uneconomically on hard asphalt, has an extended braking distance, and performs poorly in cornering and handling. But all this only applies to city roads and highways; on muddy and swampy terrain, MT tires simply flourish, allowing you to confidently storm even the most unrealistic obstacles for conventional AT wheels.

The main differences between mud tires on the VAZ 2121:

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• increased off-road capability of the vehicle;
• special tread pattern, more reminiscent of a tractor, special rubber edging;
• a special rubber compound that provides increased softness (VAZ 21214 mud tires can also be operated with reduced pressure and can easily withstand collisions with rocks, towing on clay, sand, mud, etc.);
• self-cleaning anti-pollution system;
• increased fuel consumption.

In the Mud Terrain tire class for VAZ 21214 (Lada 4×4) there are a number of special offers. For example, mud tires for the Niva labeled Lite are the simplest, they can withstand forced driving on asphalt most easily, but do not have a deep enough and complex tread pattern. Classic - for lovers of rational choice and a whole bunch of specialized rubber: Extreme - the deepest tread with large and sparse patterns; A special shape of the pattern, as well as Modern - well-proven in handling on asphalt roads.