Choosing mud tires for Niva Chevrolet 15 radius

In the minds of many Chevrolet Niva drivers, it is already invariably associated with the image of an SUV capable of conquering almost any off-road terrain. At the same time, the car is actually capable of overcoming almost any obstacles, thanks to the presence of permanent all-wheel drive on all four wheels and an engine of sufficient power. But, in order to fully realize all the capabilities of the car, it is necessary, first of all, to ensure reliable traction of the wheels with the surface. And to do this, you should install wheels on it that have a large tread. The best choice would be to use special mud tires, which can be selected for wheels of any size.

There are several types of tires that are used on a car depending on the season of operation and type of surface:

• Summer
• Winter
• All-season
• Road
• Mud

Each type of tire allows you to provide optimal traction under certain conditions. Mud is no exception. It is used by car owners exclusively for driving in off-road conditions. This is not necessarily dirt; these include sand, marshy areas and similar soils when a special tread pattern and its size are required. The use of this type of rubber allows you to increase cross-country ability by 40% compared to standard ones. In addition, there are several more advantages:

• Increased ground clearance due to tread height
• No dirt sticking
• Maximum grip
• Tire wear resistance
• Smooth running due to high radius.

But at the same time, some disadvantages inherent in such rubber should be taken into account:

• Maximum speed limit
• Increased fuel consumption
• Difficult to install on disks

The third drawback is relatively controversial, since it can be eliminated by using specialized tools or carrying out work in a specialized service station.

Features and purpose of mud tires

The main thing that distinguishes tires for driving on mud is their special pattern with large, deep lugs.
Similar wheels can be seen on a tractor. Thanks to the large distance between the tread elements, the tires are independently cleaned of dirt.

Mud tires are made of harder rubber. This provides them with high off-road durability.

Unlike standard ones, they do not tear when exposed to stones and other hard elements.

Typically, mud tires are higher than standard tires. They provide greater ground clearance and make it easier to overcome high obstacles.

With off-road tires you can easily get out of a muddy rut. However, they are not intended for permanent use on asphalt.

Mud tires on hard surfaces have three serious disadvantages:

• High noise level.
• Poor handling.
• Accelerated tread wear.

Therefore, installing such tires on a Chevrolet Niva only makes sense for those who constantly have to drive off-road. For use in urban conditions, it is better to buy road tires.

What kind of tires can be installed on Niva 2131

The updated version differs from the original in having a longer body and a raised, stout ride height. Otherwise, typical components and assemblies are used here. Due to the increased weight of the car, the model is equipped with 185/75 R16 rollers from the assembly line. Slightly widened slopes due to their mass work stably on hard and pliable surfaces. Acceptable sizes are similar to previous generations:

• 175/80 R16;
• 205/70 or 75 R16;
• 215/65 R16;
• 195/75 R15;
• 205/70 R15;
• 215/70 R15.

At the same time, some car enthusiasts insist on compatibility with 235/75 R15 tires. The only caveat is the purchase of rims of non-standard size and design.

Types of mud tires

Depending on the type of tread and purpose, SUV tires are divided into 3 classes:

• HT (short for Highway terrain or Half Terrain - tires for highways and poor quality asphalt roads. It can be used on dirt roads, but it will be difficult to overcome off-road on it. But such tires do not make noise and have a speed limit of 180 km/h. Therefore, these tires are bought by those who drive mainly on asphalt.
• AT (short for All Terrain) are tires designed for asphalt, dirt and light off-road use. Manufacturers recommend different mileage ratios on hard and unpaved surfaces: 60/40, 50/50, 40/60. This is a good tire for those who have to drive in rural areas. The AT tire tread provides average off-road capability.
• MT (short for Mud Terrain) is a tire with an aggressive profile that is designed exclusively for driving on dirt and off-road. Although you can find MT tires with a speed rating of R (160 km/h), their use on asphalt is not recommended. These tires are designed to take you off-road and reveal the potential of your car there.

The most famous domestic company that produces MT tires for the Chevrolet Niva is “Bear”. This brand offers mud tires made of high-strength rubber, which are not inferior to many foreign analogues.

Eleven friends of Nivovod. Overview of AT category tires

We are so often asked the question of which tires to choose that we decided to make a kind of guide to the Russian tire market, or rather what is left of it, starting with the most popular category - All-Terrain in sizes that are suitable for SUVs and crossovers.

This is a short review, which means we won't be rating it.
The sequence of the models does not have any hidden meaning, but only corresponds to alphabetical order. Well, except maybe the first position. The BF Goodrich All-Terrain may not have created the category, but it certainly gave it a name. And in general, perhaps the most famous. We have BFG represented by its previous and extremely popular generation of All-Terrain KO2: it probably has the widest size range (from cars to trucks), the most recognizable and most counterfeited tread pattern. Although no, in first place on the lists of counterfeits and copies is its mud brother, which we will talk about another time. So, let's begin. BF
Goodrich All - Terrain KO 2
These tires have a very interesting size - 215/70 R16, that is, the actual diameter is 27.8 inches, or 708 mm, which is slightly larger than the accepted one, but fits most crossovers of the Renault Duster / Hyundai Tucson class, including the classic Niva/Chevy Niva without a lift, with not very tired springs. The three-layer cord on the sidewall makes the tire light (15 kg) and easily changing shape when the pressure decreases. The downside of this advantage was the insufficient strength of the sidewall, although the manufacturer claims to use technology to strengthen it, tested on the Baja 1000. The bottom line is that the tire wall is 4.5mm thicker than before, and ingredients have been added to the rubber compound to reduce abrasion. Recommended for connoisseurs of white letters on the sidewall and owners of fast engines. The working pressure off-road is 1-1.2 atm (then it sits firmly and rows well), but 0.5 atm will not be critical. It quickly wears down the shoulder area in turns, but will easily last three seasons. Easy to lather and easy to clean with gas. The approximate cost of size R16 is 10,500 rubles. About a year ago it was replaced by a generation - KO3, but the remnants of KO2 are still sold.

Bridgestone
Dueler AT 001
The Japanese have released two AT category tires under the same name Dueler, but with different indexes. We decided to take the most unusual one - Bridgestone Dueler AT 001. This tire replaced the Dueler 694. According to the manufacturer, it is quieter than its predecessor, handling has improved significantly, and cross-country ability has not been affected. Looking at the zigzags and triangles of the treadmill, it’s hard to believe, but the shoulder area and sidewalls are seriously developed, so it’s possible and even necessary to poison them. The fact is that the service life of the Dueler AT 001 increased by 10 percent, and the coasting (coasting motion) became greater by 18. The tires are not the lightest - 14.6 kg with a size of 215/70 R16 and a diameter of 884 mm. The sidewall is marked with an icon that allows them to be used in winter, which, however, should not deceive anyone. Estimated cost: 6,500 rubles.

Continental
Crosscontact ATR
The all-rounder Crosscontact ATR is a road tire in terms of handling and noise characteristics, with some useful features that show up off-pavement. Actually, this was the manufacturer’s idea, and we are talking about the design of the side paths, the checkers of which tend to open up on off-road conditions, promoting good cleaning. After all, the quick washing of All Terrain tires is a real scourge of this category. In the case of Crosscontact ATR, the valuable thing is that the wheels do not need to be deflated to 0.8 atm to feel the effect - it also appears at standard pressure. Users, noting the off-road capabilities of the tire, also mention resistance to aquaplaning, rigidity and excellent performance at moderately low pressure. It is also presented in size 215/65 R16, while its weight is 14.7 kg and the actual diameter is 684 mm. The tread depth is 9 mm, and the cost is about 11,500 rubles.

Cordiant
All - Terrain
Russian Cordiant All-Terrain tires have been produced for several years and are well known to SUV owners. They went through a long period of “childhood illnesses”, the formation of production and no longer disappoint with uneven wear or poor quality of the cord. The main advantage is accessibility. Moreover, both in terms of price and in the sense of the opportunity to purchase a spare tire in almost any more or less large city in the country. The line includes tires of the size we are interested in, 215/65 R16, and the actual diameter exactly corresponds to the declared one - 686 mm. Despite the non-aggressive tread pattern, the tires perform well off-road. The only thing is that the sidewall is too rigid and does not allow you to take full advantage of the low pressure. And Cordiant really doesn’t like frost. The tires are light (12.5 kg) and perfectly balanced. Recommended cost: 4,800 rubles.

General
Tire Grabber AT 3
Grabber AT3 tires are positioned by the manufacturer as super-universal, suitable for use on and off-road in equal proportions. Yes, we understand perfectly well that no one specifies how difficult this off-road will be. Although the developers claim that the tread is designed to work well not only on dry ground... In a word, All-Terrain in its purest form. In size R16 it weighs only 12.4 kg and the exact diameter is 685 mm. AT3 is far from the most expensive. For example, the cost of 245/70 R16 is 7,500 rubles. The tire, by the way, is quite soft and works well until heavy snow begins.

Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure Kevlar

Another American model convenient for crossovers in size 215/70 R16. The small pattern and sluggish sidewall are compensated by the strength of the aramid cord and its wear resistance. Perfect for traveling from Murmansk to Magadan, where there are ten thousand kilometers of asphalt, a thousand graders and almost nothing changes around. You can drive into a dry forest or dry steppe, but if the forecast is unfavorable, it is not recommended to leave the road. The actual diameter is 706 mm, the tread is quite deep - about 11 mm. Nobody really knows how it flattens and what comes out of it (write if you’ve tried it). The ideal tire for trips to Europe and the Far East. Weighs only 13.3 kg and balances well. Doesn't make noise or vibrate. Approximate retail price - 7,700 rubles.

Matador MP 72 Izzarda A/T 2

Matador tires stand out for their consistent quality and performance. Judging by the reviews, the Izzarda A/T 2 is more suitable for those owners of SUVs and crossovers who rarely drive off the asphalt and like a quiet ride. The tread pattern, to put it mildly, is moderately off-road, but there are ridges on the sidewall that will make the Izzarda not so helpless in a forest rut, unless, of course, you are lazy and turn the wheels on time. In size 215/70 R16, it weighs 14 kg and has a diameter of 706 mm. The tire is inexpensive and perfect for classic Nivas in the warm season, even as a city tire. Recommended price: 6,500 rubles.

Maxxis
AT -771 BRAVO
The manufacturer calls Bravo a premium tire for SUVs, but in fact it is one of the most inexpensive import tires in size 235/70 R16. At the same time, it has all the latest technological solutions. There is a new compound and a progressive tread pattern with low noise levels. The developed sidewall protects it from damage, and the grooves of the treadmill prevent stones from getting stuck. The tire is very light! In size 235/70 R16 it weighs 12.1 kg. Diameter – 680 mm. Estimated cost: 6,100 rubles.

Nokian
Rotiiva AT
Yes, imagine, the Scandinavians make not only winter tires. We learned about this three or four years ago, when the company launched its first mud model. Actually, the Finns love off-road and it’s strange that they realized it so late. We are interested in the Rotiiva AT model, which is also available in sizes 215/65 R16. It weighs 12.5 kg and is quite quiet, demonstrating 72 dB of noise in field measurements. The Rotiiva does not have a pronounced mud pattern, developed shoulder areas or aggressive sidewall ridges. But the manufacturer guarantees exemplary endurance on the worst roads and on the heaviest vehicles. The Rotiiva resource is 100 thousand kilometers. Prices start from 5,500 rubles.

Toyo
Open Country A / T Plus
Toyo relatively recently showed a new version of the Open Country series with the addition of Plus. It was created mainly for the European market, where the requirements for noise, braking properties and handling are becoming more stringent every year. Off-road performance was probably sacrificed for this, but the asymmetrical tread pattern with variable pitch leaves hope for good traction if you don't give up the gas. The actual diameter with dimension 215/65 R16 is 686 mm. The tread depth is typical for All Terrain tires at 9.1 mm. Weight – 12.2 kg. Recommended cost: 5,000 rubles.

Yokohama
Geolandar A / T G 015
The updated Geolandar G015 tire was introduced several years ago. Its tread design has been changed and the mixture composition has been optimized, sidewall strength and wear resistance have been increased. However, you can learn all this from the advertising booklet. What’s more interesting for us is that the sidewall has its own protector, which helps cope with ruts and works better at reduced pressure. The lamellas and grooves are made in 3D technology with overlapping protrusions and depressions of a rhombic shape. This made it possible to declare the G015 all-season and put a “snowflake on the mountain” on it. There are a lot of standard sizes, and the 215/70 R16 we chose is also available. Yokohama tires are traditionally light - 12.1 kg, and the recommended price is 5,700 rubles.

Selecting tires by parameters

Recommendations from the manufacturer. 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:

1. 205/70R15;
2. 205/75R15;
3. 215/75R15;
4. 215/65R16.

Seasonality. For different times of the year, you should select seasonal “shoes” for the Chevrolet Niva.

1. Summer tires behave well in the warm season, allowing the driver to enjoy a fast ride. It is quiet and has good rolling power.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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Speed ​​and load index. Many Chevrolet Niv owners use their cars as workhorses. Some reckless drivers are trying to set a speed record on paved highways. Therefore, when choosing tires, you should pay attention to the speed and load index.

1. Speed ​​characteristics are encrypted in letter designation (Latin letters). For example, “T” indicates a top speed of 190 km/h, and “V” allows you to accelerate to 240 km/h.
2. The Chevrolet Niva can be seriously loaded, but only if you have the appropriate tires. The load index has a digital designation. If with the marking “60” the maximum weight per wheel is 250 kg, then with “113” this value will increase to 1150 kg.

We have selected the 14 best tires for the Chevrolet Niva for review. All models are sold in auto stores in our country. When distributing places, the editors of the journal expertology took expert opinions as a basis, taking into account the reviews of Russian crop farmers.

When choosing tires for a car, you should remember their intended purpose. Ground clearance, comfort, noise level and cross-country ability depend on a number of parameters.

Which mud tires are best for a Chevrolet Niva in size?

When selecting suitable mud wheels, even if conversion is planned, Chevrolet owners need to focus on the car parameters that were initially set at the factory. The stock equipment is standard and it is this that determines the possible choice of tire sizes.

The manufacturer equips the car with wheels (alloys are no exception) capable of supporting wheels of a slightly larger diameter than those installed at the factory. And no lifting is required. The standard solution for a crossover is sizes 205/70/R15 or 215/75/R15. Any tire with a 16-inch diameter is suitable, of which there are more than fifteen-inch versions on the market.

Large inch tires easily fit both steel and alloy wheels. In this case, the wheels can reach a height of 26 to 28 inches. Wheels of similar sizes are good for moderate off-road conditions and standard dirt roads in the rural areas of the Middle Zone or the South. And, as noted above, they do not require additional manipulations from the owner in the form of lifting.

Operation in more extreme conditions will require mounting the wheels higher. Most often, tires are installed with a height of up to 29.5 inches, capable of overcoming most types of dirt, but they already require lifting the car. The offset of such wheels reaches 35 millimeters, and as for the diameter, it can equally be either 15 or 16.

Some owners install 31-inch tires. Tires of this height are capable of passing through terrain where there is not even a hint of a path and perform well in the Far North. But the standard size 31/10.5(9.5)/R15 will require a serious reconstruction of the Niva, including not only lifting, but also alteration of the body. As for the diameter of the rims, such extreme wheels are usually installed on the R15.

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Large tires are perfectly compatible with standard wheels. An excellent choice without installing a lift would be tires 205 75 15 or 205 70 15 or wheels with a radius of 16, the height of such tires will be 26-28 inches. This type of wheels will perform well both in light off-road conditions and in city conditions.

If you still need to overcome serious obstacles, it is better to install 28-29.5 inch tires on the Chevrolet Niva, but then you will need to lift the SUV.

Depending on the diameter of the “native” Chevrolet Niva wheels, you can install R15 and R16 tires on the car. It should be taken into account that the height of mud tires is higher than standard ones.

You won't find tires lower than 225/75 R15. However, the space under the Niva's wings is not designed to accommodate nineteen-inch wheels. Therefore, you will have to raise the car a little by doing a “lifting”.

For this purpose, special kits are sold, including some suspension parts and special spacers for springs. As a result, you will get an SUV with increased cross-country ability and increased ground clearance.

But you can’t do without cutting the arches when installing R16 mud tires. Their outer diameter exceeds 20 inches, so the rubber will rub against the wheel arches even with the suspension raised.

What tire sizes are installed on the Niva?

A wide number of modifications of the Niva car are usually equipped with one type of tire: 185/75 R16. The standard size provides the necessary cross-country ability and acceleration of the vehicle on different road surfaces. Users prefer to replace their original wheels with similar ones of different dimensions, arguing that the action is due to improved driving characteristics and design.

For such purposes, the plant provides information on the tolerances of tires suitable for Niva without modification of the suspension or body:

• 175/80 R16;
• 205/70 or 75 R16;
• 215/65 R16;
• 195/75 R15;
• 205/70 R15;
• 215/70 R15.

The manufacturer limited the maximum wheel width to 215 mm. The size is set justifiably. Since the car belongs to the off-road class, installing larger ramps can greatly reduce cross-country ability, increase the load on the hub units and increase fuel consumption.

All terrain tire manufacturers

The following models are most in demand for the Chevrolet Niva:

• Medved I-569 are budget mud tires, the installation of which does not require modification of the wheel arches. Before installing Medved 235/75 R15, it is enough to do a light lifting. This soft rubber performs well in mud and snow. However, on summer asphalt or ice the car becomes almost uncontrollable. The price starts from 3700 rubles.
• Cordiant off Road is another Russian-made mud tire. Unlike the Bear, these tires perform well on asphalt. Its size (225/75 R16) allows it to be used on a Chevrolet Niva after a light lift. Price - from 4000 rubles.
• Hankook Dynapro are optimal tires that wear out slowly on asphalt and are capable of pulling a car out of muddy clay or black soil. Installation of these tires (235/75R 15) requires only a small lift. Hankook price - 4500 rubles. The tires are equipped with holes for studs.
• Kumho Road Venture is a tire with an aggressive tread designed for professional off-road racing. The side lugs grip the dirt securely. However, on asphalt these tires wear out very quickly. Size 235/75 R15 does not require modification of the Niva's wheel arches. The price of one tire is 5800 rubles.
• The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain is a true mud tire that wears slowly on asphalt. For a lifted Niva, size 215/75 R15 is suitable. After reworking the arches, you can install 240/80 R15. The price of one tire is 7,100 rubles.

What tires are installed on the Niva 2121

For the very first version of the Niva, the plant recommends using 175/80 R16 tires. The narrow version of the tires provides the best traction in mud and easily copes with snow. Increasing the tread width leads to improved appearance, but entails a decrease in vehicle performance. Due to the design features of the chassis, the car clings worse to slippery areas and floats on clay.
Acceptable wheel sizes:

• 205/70 or 75 R16;
• 215/65 R16;
• 195/75 R15;
• 205/70 R15.

Also, some car enthusiasts install tires up to 225 or even 235 profile. This is possible by replacing standard wheels with modifications with a larger offset.

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.

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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.

Tire selection

When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the markings on the wheels, thanks to them you can understand what type of tires they are.

1. H/T. This type of tire can withstand heavy loads on the highway, but it is not recommended to use them often off-road.
2. A/T. Tires with increased cross-country ability, in addition to good grip, they are able to withstand lateral loads when turning and maneuvering. Sometimes all-season tires on Niva Shervol have this marking.
3. M/T. Extreme type of rubber. They are used only in off-road conditions, since on asphalt they are exposed to several negative factors: increased wheel noise, severe tread wear, loss of control over the vehicle.

It is necessary to take these parameters into account before purchasing tires based on how you plan to use the car.

Why you shouldn't ride on asphalt with off-road tires

The coefficient of adhesion to asphalt of all off-road tires, regardless of price and manufacturer, is inferior to road tires. As a result, the braking distance increases, the risk of skidding increases and controllability deteriorates. These factors must be taken into account when driving into the city on mud tires.

Another reason why you should not use mud tires on the track is purely economic. Off-road tires are much more expensive than traditional tires and wear out quickly on asphalt. Therefore, before trips to the city and, especially, long trips along the highway, it is advisable to “change” the car to road tires that correspond to the season.

Off-road tires for a Chevrolet Niva may well be inexpensive. But you shouldn’t count on a low price when it comes to extreme wheels. Of course, domestic models are mostly cheaper than foreign ones, but this difference is not always great.

Photos of the protectors of each model can be found on the sellers’ websites.

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