The best tires for offroad on Niva

• January 30, 2019
• Cars
• Victoria Slaviy

In Russia, the roads leave much to be desired, and therefore an SUV is a common vehicle. Nowadays it is very popular in society. This is due to the fact that car owners want to stand out on the road, choosing a bulky SUV as their main vehicle or using it for its intended purpose, but off-road.

It's comfortable and fashionable!

Despite the huge range of SUVs (both foreign and Russian), ours are widely popular, especially for the Niva and UAZ brands. There are simple explanations for this:

• Affordable price. A new domestic SUV often costs the same as a used foreign car.
• No maintenance problems.
• You can always find spare parts. Unlike foreign cars, there are always spare parts for our SUVs (both new and used).
• They are in many ways not inferior to foreign SUVs, and sometimes even superior to them, because Russian SUVs are produced specifically for driving on impassable roads.

The most popular domestic SUV today is the VAZ-2121 Niva. It differs from its predecessors in its good price/quality ratio, as well as excellent off-road performance. In order for a car to perform well in difficult conditions, simple all-season tires will not do. That is why the owner is faced with the question of which off-road wheels for the Niva-2121 are best to choose.

Narrow or wide tires are better for off-road use

Off-roading is different. Wide tires cope better with slushy and swampy terrain than narrow ones. They can be compared to skis. The wider the skis, the less the skier falls into the snow.

For driving on rocky roads, or when there are hard rocks under the same slush or snow, narrow wheels are more convenient. They push off and carry the car forward. It is this property of the Niva, along with its light weight, that makes the inhabitants of the Alps wait for months in line for the Niva, and drive home in motorcades to travel along mountain streams.

Extreme sports enthusiasts buy special tires for SUVs. They are wide, have a special shape and tread pattern.

When choosing winter tires for yourself, do not forget to check their pressure. Control is especially important during sudden temperature changes and frost.

There are many “nivovods” in our country. And more and more often on various forums questions arise related to “shoes” for this wonderful machine.

“VAZ-2121”, “Niva”, “Lada 4×4” - as they called the domestic SUV. And all these names are official. Marketing is what it is. Nevertheless, this car remains the most popular and best-selling of all that were produced. Moreover, many samples are exported.

You can see the Niva far beyond the borders of not only Russia, but also the CIS. Cars of this model were exported to Japan, Europe, Latin American countries, and even in Australia you can find some. In Canada you can often find modifications imported in the years 90-2000.

What is the reason for such a wild popularity of cars? It does not differ in design or comfort. So what's the secret?

And there is no secret here. The car turned out to be so good in terms of reliability and cross-country ability that in these indicators it left behind even Land Rovers, which have always been considered almost the standard.

But Soviet technology was developed as an all-terrain vehicle capable of getting out of sand, snow, and mud. At the same time, there is unification of parts with serial cars and cheap repairs. With a consumption of 10-13 liters per 100 km, the car performs such miracles off-road that it makes even the owners of Gelik cars, which cost many times more, whistle.

And if you find really cool off-road tires for the Niva, it turns into a real tank on wheels. Moreover, it is easy to operate and quite convenient.

Road grip under such conditions is good enough for the all-wheel drive monster “made in USSR” to pull you out of any jungle.

When these cars were tested at one time eleven years ago, they, along with various kinds of Rovers, were thrown into the Siberian and Far Eastern regions. In fact, to see when the machines start to fail. But despite the doubts and outright skepticism of many who said “no, it won’t fly,” domestic jeeps, cobbled together from an ordinary Zhiguli, suddenly showed the highest class, in many ways, in addition to the comfort mentioned above, ahead of their British fellow competitors.

Then many services purchased Nivas, which are good competition for the same UAZs, which were initially positioned as all-terrain vehicles and did not have “fathers” in the form of passenger cars.

Having bought mud tires for the Niva, you can easily forget about what autumn is. Because you will get out of any dirty puddle quite calmly. All that remains is to wash the car when you arrive home. And even if you get stuck, it won’t be that difficult to pull out the Lada 4x4.

There is a lot of controversy about the reliability of the Niva. Still, the Soviet ones are very different from the Russian ones. Even the quality of the metal in the “soviet” was better. Tolyatti residents began to openly save.

But now we are talking more about issues of cross-country ability and which tires are best to buy for the Niva.

Where to start when choosing tires?

All-season tires installed at the factory, 185/72 R16, are quite budget-friendly, uncompromising tires, since they can be driven both in the city and in the countryside at any time of the year.

But many fans and car enthusiasts of the VAZ-2121, when choosing off-road wheels for a Niva, have to replace the factory tires with new ones, choosing them personally for themselves. They pay attention to the following points:

• where and how the owner of the Niva will drive, that is, on the road or off-road;
• is the driver ready to make some modifications to the car in order to install this or that tire (sometimes it is necessary to enlarge the wheel arches, bend the sides outward or raise the body above the frame);
• it all depends on the budget and the amount that the car owner is willing to spend (from 3 to 12 thousand rubles);
• carefully approach the choice of tire manufacturer.

And, of course, you should know about tire markings. Everyone knows that when marking three parameters are used, for example: 185/70 R16. 185 is the width of the tire, 70 is the height, and R16 is the diameter of the rim in inches. And of course the following indicators: MS - all-season, AT - universal, MT - mud. Let's consider the question in more detail.

Which power bumper to choose for UAZ 469? Or do it yourself?

From this list, “Medved” is, in my opinion, the most worthless tire. Its only advantage is the price, and even then, for this money it is better to take a standard Kirov K-156. It's much better for summer. Of the ones presented here, the best choice is “Goodrish”, in my opinion. I had the pleasure of driving it. And also, for those who have decided to bother buying real extreme tires, I advise you to think carefully about whether you really need it? Remember, these are extreme tires only. For all other conditions it is of little use. Well, I’ll add on my own that no extreme tire can replace skill. An experienced breeder will rake the same K-156-1 in any conditions, believe me.

Well, dear Vladimir, “an experienced crop grower” is, of course, a given. But, honestly, it’s funny to read about Kirov standard tires. Well, for asphalt and primer in the summer, it will work, of course, but further... I remember that once a respected magazine put it in first place, and not only for summer, but also for winter! This somehow immediately brought me to certain thoughts about the objectivity of the material.

Should you modify your car?

When choosing tires, as mentioned earlier, owners are faced with the question of improving their car. It depends on the choice of tires.

Among the tires that the market offers, a large number have a standard wheel, and therefore they can be installed without additional modifications. The most important thing here is to understand whether you will need to resort to lifting or not.

Most car enthusiasts will say that you shouldn’t add unnecessary problems to yourself and it’s easier to put standard off-road wheels on the Niva (205/70 R15 or 205/75 R15). Due to the fact that the car has a significant arch width and height, they can easily be installed on your car.

Other options for increasing the tire profile will result in you having to resort to lifting. You can make these changes either yourself or contact a specialist. Thanks to the high ground clearance, the service is possible, and VAZ-2121 owners can install really more serious tires on their car (235/70 R16, 235/75 R16 or 240/80 R16).

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.

What to choose: MT or AT

Let's look at this tire marking for the VAZ 2121. So:

• AT - universal tires. Perfect for driving on asphalt and less so for off-road driving.
• MT - mud tires. Ideal for Russian impassable roads.

The choice comes down to where you prefer to drive. Normal tires on the off-road wheels on the Niva are excellent for off-road use, but you can’t accelerate on it on asphalt: it has a poor braking distance, it behaves unsteadily when cornering, and wears out very quickly on rough surfaces. Off-road, it behaves much more confidently, allowing the driver to overcome even the most impassable obstacles. This cannot be achieved on conventional wheels with AT tires.

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.

Choosing off-road tires

These tires have a large pattern on the tread. The rubber is quite soft and, having lugs on the sides, behaves quite boldly and confidently off-road.

It is worth considering that it is most suitable for driving on dirt. It is better to use it as little as possible on asphalt roads, otherwise it will quickly become unusable. Which mud tires for Niva are better? Let's look at the most popular models today and try to understand this issue.

Other important parameters

Tires with a beautiful and non-aggressive pattern that remove moisture well or cope with snow porridge are well suited for the city. For high-speed driving on country roads, it is better to choose sports profile models. They hold the road well and respond quickly to steering. And for frequent country trips, tires with an aggressive tread pattern are an excellent option.

It is also worth remembering that the tire manufacturers themselves indicate the conditions for which their products are created. This makes the choice easier and gives you an understanding of what to expect from tires in the future.

Source

BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2

The best mud tires for Niva. You may have to pay a lot more for it compared to competitors, but believe me, it’s worth it. You can choose any size you want (from 215/75 R15). Tires will cost more than five thousand rubles for lifting vehicles (240/80 R15). The cost of the entire set will cost you seven thousand rubles.

Rubber is universal and quite durable. It will satisfy both the true pro and the novice off-road enthusiast. Therefore, if you are not used to saving on your pet, then this is an excellent option.

Choice of AvtoVAZ

On modern Niva 4x4s, except Bronto, the plant installs all-season Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires in size 185/75 R16. The manufacturer's decision takes into account the needs of the majority of buyers. The tires hold the car well on the highway in snow and rain, on light off-road conditions, and in the city. It rides quietly and smoothly on asphalt. Considering the minimal presence of advertisements on Avito for the sale of such tires, buyers are happy.

Those who like to mix snow in winter and swamps in summer are not impressed by such tires. For adventures, replace tires, and if you plan to buy a car in the foreseeable future, then consider the LADA Bronto option. Its reinforced design and wheels with dirt tread are designed specifically for off-road and extreme sports.

Extreme tires

What Niva fanatic doesn't like extreme driving? The types of tires considered are more suitable for impressive SUVs, since the starting size is 29 inches. They have a fairly large pattern and very powerful lugs, so you can easily get out of ruts. Due to the fact that the wheels are soft, they are completely unsuitable for driving on asphalt roads. The most popular models:

• Simex Extreme;
• Forward Safari 500;
• Silversone MT - 117 XTREME.

Thus, after reading the review of the most popular models of tires for off-road wheels on the Niva, you can decide which ones are suitable for your favorite and the driving style to which you are accustomed. At the same time, experienced drivers do not recommend buying wheels from unverified suppliers, who, as a rule, attract their victims with the favorable price of the product. It is best to buy this type of product in specialized stores, where they will not only provide the necessary documentation, but also give a guarantee for the purchase.

SUV tire manufacturers

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

215/75 R15

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

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

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

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

We recommend using the following tire models:

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

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

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

Also interesting: Choosing oil for the Chevrolet Niva gearbox, transfer case and axles

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.

Which size is better to choose

First of all, you should remember that universal tires, which are installed from the factory, perform very mediocre on and off the track. An experienced car owner approaches the choice based on several conditions:

1. Conditions (road surface);
2. The presence or absence of tuning (lifting, widening of wheel arches);
3. Price;
4. Manufacturer's authority.

Together with the above list, it is necessary to decide on the parameters that were written above. But not every buyer can take into account so many indicators at the same time, so let’s conditionally divide tires into two categories: some are more suitable for urban conditions and the highway, while others are adapted for off-road use.

There are several types of tires that are designed for off-road driving:

1. Tires marked as H/T are intended for use in areas with minor off-road conditions. Such tires can withstand loads much greater than standard ones.
2. Tires marked A/T have excellent cross-country ability, both off-road and on roads where there is asphalt. It gives the car excellent stability while driving.
3. Tires marked M/T are classified as extreme types. It is used where there is really severe off-road conditions.

Also interesting: Tire size for a field, all-season tires for a 4×4 field, mud tires, the best winter tires for r16 wheels

It is used only in off-road conditions, and if you drive it on an asphalt area, this can lead to such factors as:

• Increased noise
• The tread will wear out quickly
• Poor vehicle control

Based on what is said above, we can conclude that the best option would be to use a second type of tire for standard wheels, namely A/T. Another mistake would be if different tires are used on the front and rear axles.

What is the optimal wheel diameter for off-road driving on a domestic SUV?

The best option for moving a vehicle off-road
The original Niva body can be called the one that has not been lifted. Especially in the version if it has “original” wheel arches installed. Basically, cars of this brand are equipped with VLI-5 tires. The indicators for off-road tires of the Niva 2121 brand are 175/80 R16. It should be noted that this type of rubber is not recommended from the best side. Experts have identified several disadvantages that you should pay attention to before purchasing new components:

• When driving at high speeds above 60 km/h, especially on smooth asphalt, noise occurs.
• This tire is not recommended for installation on cars in winter. Any product loses its performance properties. The elasticity of the rubber is significantly reduced, which has an adverse effect on the car when driving on the highway, opening up high speeds.
• Camera installed.
• Poor directional control is observed.

On a note!

However, despite all these negative qualities, there are a number of advantages.

The main advantages include the following:

• Easy off-road/wet asphalt driving.
• Availability.
• Model range of components.

You may be interested in this About rubber indices

Motorists are offered many analogues to ensure safety at any time of the year. Among the huge assortment, it is important to find the appropriate components that will improve directional stability on a dirt road or asphalt.