Rating of the best ATVs for off-road driving

Anyone who does not have a passion for off-road driving can call an ATV a toy or a useless waste of money. But hunters, fishermen or simply those who like to conquer the vastness of nature cannot imagine their hobby without such a means of transportation. Where a car won't go, an ATV will go! Which ATV to choose for off-road driving?

Types of ATVs depending on their cross-country ability

There are several types of ATVs, differing not only in appearance, but also in power, on which their purpose depends:

Sports models

Their purpose is to participate in off-road racing. Such ATVs have good speed and power, as well as lightness. The suspension of such devices is capable of softening impacts from strong jumps. Only experienced athletes can handle such an ATV.

Sports-utilitarian or touring ATVs

These models are capable of conquering off-road terrain, mountain trails and roads washed out by rain. These types of ATVs are suitable for hunters, fishermen and foresters; they are also convenient for hiking.

The features of such vehicles are reinforced suspension and a powerful engine, which improves overcoming steep climbs and holes, as well as being equipped with low-pressure tires. The latter improve grip on bad roads. But there is nothing to do on asphalt with such tires: driving is difficult and unsafe.

Sports-utilitarian ATVs are also focused on passenger comfort: there is a comfortable seating area, automatic gear shifting, and additional luggage racks, trunks and other accessories.

ATVs for utility purposes

The name speaks for itself: utility ATVs are designed to become human assistants when transporting small and large (if you use a trailer) items. Such vehicles are equipped with high power and traction. Towbars and other accessories are installed on them to expand their capabilities.

Children's ATVs

This technique is distinguished by its small size and weight, automatic gear shifting, not very powerful motor and low speed. Many models are equipped with a remote control function via a remote control. This is convenient when the child himself is still unable to cope with the ATV. Of course, manufacturers do not forget about the maximum level of safety for a small passenger.

Children's ATVs are mostly suitable for riding on flat roads, but there are also options for off-road riding.

DIY ATV frame drawings

The false tank has a complex shape. It was not possible to bend it out of hardboard. Therefore, having wrapped the engine with plastic film, I began to fill the space intended for it with layers of polyurethane foam. After each layer, drying is mandatory, otherwise the thick volume of foam may not dry out inside. Filled until the layers went beyond the contour. Finally, after the foam had completely dried, I began to draw out the desired shape with a knife. The edges were smoothed with coarse sandpaper.

Part of the Oka dashboard was used under the instrument panel. I secured it to the blank also using polyurethane foam. Since the foam is large-porous, the pores were filled with gypsum and then processed. When the shape of the blank began to correspond to the intended design and its surface became more or less smooth, I coated the blank with PF-115 paint. Since I was not going to make a matrix for gluing the body kit on the block, but immediately glued the body kit on it, followed by finishing the surface to an ideal state, putting plaster and painting the block could be neglected.

TOP 10 ATVs for off-road driving

When choosing an ATV, it is necessary to take into account every little detail, although there are no little things in this device - everything affects the cross-country ability and reliability. Experts in the selection of ATVs have identified a number of the best models that can overcome any off-road obstacles.

BRP CAN-AM OUTLANDER 6X6 1000 XT

This is a real all-terrain vehicle. It seems that he can even overcome the surface of the Moon. This Canadian is the undisputed leader in the ATV market, at least for now. And all thanks to its power, easy handling, absolute off-road capability, safety and comfort when traveling. The latter is available thanks to good shock absorption.

BRP CAN-AM OUTLANDER 6X6 1000 XT is a six-wheeled monster, practically unlimited in its capabilities in the basic configuration, let alone its capabilities with additional equipment.

The technical characteristics of the ATV are as follows:

• Rotax V-engine;
• 4WD/6WD modes;
• Visco-Lok clutch that automatically locks the front differential;
• engine capacity 976 cc;
• power 82 horsepower;
• the front suspension is represented by double A-arms;
• rear suspension – independent torsion bar;
• front and rear brake mechanism – hydraulic disc;
• loading capacity of luggage platforms: front – 45 kg, rear – 318 kg;
• Fuel tank capacity is 20.5 liters.

All this forms the high price of an ATV without mileage - from 28,000 USD. For secondary sales, amounts from 9,000 to 22,000 USD are requested, based on the year of manufacture and equipment of the device.

Watch a video review of this unique ATV:

Yamaha 700 Raptor 6.0

This ATV is positioned as one of the fastest among sports ones. In practice, it has been proven that this device accelerates to 315 km/h. While driving, he behaves aggressively, boldly, but at the same time stable and maneuverable.

The stylish design resembles a strong and fast predator, which influenced the final name of the ATV - Raptor. The device itself is lightweight, made of light and durable alloys.

But not only this makes the Yamaha 700 Raptor 6.0 the flagship in the line of ATVs from this manufacturer. He has the following leadership qualities:

• 686 cc engine producing 48 horsepower;
• adjustable suspension with a huge vertical range;
• automatic transmission with smooth shifting;
• durable design, resistant to deformation;
• a unique tire pattern that promotes good and reliable grip on any road surface: swamp, mud, sand, racing road;
• economical fuel consumption.

The cost of the new Yamaha 700 Raptor 6.0 ATV starts from 12,000 USD. In used condition, these devices sell like hot cakes, at prices ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 USD. The price of used models depends on their current condition and equipment.

A test drive of an ATV in a field and along a muddy road is presented in this video:

Yamaha Raptor 660R

The Raptor 660 R is in the TOP of the best ATVs due to its best technical characteristics. This athlete is not limited in speed, maneuverability and maneuverability. It easily overcomes any type of off-road terrain, has the ability to stand in shallow water, jump over bumps and even take low short-term flights.

And here are the technical characteristics for which this model is valued:

• light and maneuverable machine weighing 180 kg;
• five-speed manual transmission with the ability to quickly change reverse gear and change direction;
• solid steel frame;
• engine power 55 horsepower;
• engine capacity 660 cubic meters;
• brake system - hydraulics;
• The universal tread pattern allows the ATV to easily cross forest paths and highways.

The disadvantages of the vehicle are:

• no turn signals provided;
• sparse dashboard;
• There are sometimes interruptions in the operation of the gearbox.

It is possible to purchase a new all-terrain vehicle at a price of 8500-9000 USD. But the “luxury” modification costs 1500-2000 USD. expensive. As for a used ATV, on the secondary market they ask for 4500-6000 USD. depending on condition and configuration.

Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS

This model is considered the most reliable of all possible utilitarian ATVs. In addition to reliability, the device is distinguished by its enviable versatility. It is used both as a sports model for amateur racing, and as a tourist vehicle for forest walks, and as a reliable assistant in the garden.

The technical characteristics of the vehicle will be the envy of many competitors:

• a strong duplex steel frame that can withstand shocks, improved in the latest models (since 2012);
• V-shaped four-stroke engine with a volume of 749 cc. cm;
• power 51 horsepower;
• weight – 316 kg;
• The front brake system is double-disc, the rear is multi-disc sealed.

Kawasaki Brute Force 750 is available in 4 trim levels:

• basic;
• basic with electric power steering;
• SE with aluminum wheels and graphics;
• Realtree with camo pattern.

The cost of the new Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV in its latest configuration is about 13,000 USD. Used models sell for 4500-6000 USD.

Watch the review and test drive of the ATV in this video:

STELS ATV 500 GT

The Stealth 500 GT ATV ​​is a decent budget vehicle with two seats and good technical characteristics. Such a device is suitable for forest walks, but is no longer suitable as a sports vehicle.

The advantages of Stels ATV 500 GT are:

• wide loading area;
• powerful winch;
• extended wheelbase;
• deep tread pattern for mud roads;
• 2 fuel tanks;
• towbar;
• dynamic behavior on the road, despite the impressive vehicle weight of 380 kg;
• availability of components for sale;
• budget price tag.

Technical characteristics of "Stealth 500":

• four-stroke engine with a volume of 499 cubic meters and a power of 32.6 horsepower;
• There are 2 ways to start the ATV: electric starter and manual starter;
• Fuel tank capacity – 20 liters;
• four-wheel drive;
• steel tubular frame;
• independent front and rear suspension;
• alloy wheels;
• On the front trunk, the permissible weight of transported cargo is 50 kg, on the rear trunk – 80 kg.

The cost is really attractive - 3600 USD. for a new ATV. For a used device they ask for 2200-2600 USD.

Watch the review and test drive of this ATV:

Russian Mechanics PM500 4X4 - the best domestic off-road ATV

The vehicle is well suited for a tourist walk in tandem. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to drive it briskly through the mud, but otherwise the PM500 is very good.

The advantages of an all-terrain vehicle are:

• Good endurance of front and rear cargo areas. The first can withstand up to 40 kg, the second – 80 kg.
• Easy steering control in any road conditions. There is no need for an electric booster.
• 2 two-level seats. The rear passenger seat is located slightly higher than the driver's seat and is also equipped with grip handles and a backrest.
• 26-inch alloy wheels.
• The body of the ATV is made of durable injection molded plastic. It is resistant to external shocks and low temperatures.
• Durable electric winch.
• Good lighting of front and rear headlights, turn signals.
• Convenient built-in boxes for transporting goods.
• Stable behavior on the road.
• High ground clearance, allowing you to pass road obstacles.
• Spare parts available at a price and availability.

During the operation of the Russian Mechanics 500, the following shortcomings were identified:

• “gluttony” for the amount of fuel;
• unbearable battery that requires regular recharging;
• narrow steps-rests for passengers' feet.

Specifications:

• four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a volume of 503 cubic meters and a power of 40.8 horsepower;
• electric starter as a starting system;
• CVT type gearbox;
• independent double wishbone suspension;
• hydraulics front and rear brakes;
• weight 388 kg;
• gas tank volume – 25 liters.

The PM 500 is a mid-price device that fully justifies its cost. For 2022, its price tag does not exceed 470,000 rubles for a new device. The price for a supported unit starts from 250,000 rubles and above.

Stels ATV 100RS – the best children's off-road ATV

In the ranking of the best ATVs for off-road driving, one cannot fail to mention the children's version. The Stealth ATV 100 will be a great choice as a child's first ATV. This is an inexpensive but reliable model. Of course, you can purchase more advanced versions of children's quads (Yamaha or Kawasaki), but their prices are too high for a children's toy that will not be used for long.

Features of children's Stealth are:

• Hydraulic braking system: front drum brakes, rear disc brakes. This feature is important when a child is driving. Even with a sharp decrease in speed, the ATV does not lose stability on the road.
• The wheelbase is short, which is reflected in the reliable grip of the tires on any surface. In addition, the ATV has an even weight distribution, which prevents it from tipping over by 90%.
• The front suspension has been improved, so comfort is guaranteed when driving off-road.
• V-belt variator as a gearbox. The child may not be distracted by constantly changing gears.
• Budget cost.

Main technical characteristics:

• two-stroke gasoline engine with 91.3 cubic meters and 7.9 horsepower;
• 2 cylinders;
• starting system – electric starter;
• tubular frame made of durable steel;
• independent front and rear suspension;
• wheel rims – steel stampings;
• ATV weight – 142 kg;
• the fuel tank holds 9 liters of gasoline;
• maximum acceleration – 70 km/h;
• 2 seats.

A used Stels ATV 100RS is inexpensive - 900-1200 USD. depending on equipment, condition and technical characteristics.

A review and test drive of this ATV is presented in this video:

BRP Outlander MAX 850 XT-P

Power and reliability are the motto of this model. The BRP Outlander MAX 850 XT-P is capable of being a fast runner and a heavy-duty truck at the same time (reaching a speed of 100 km/h and carrying loads of 500 kg).

Specifications:

• V-shaped four-stroke engine with 2 cylinders;
• engine capacity – 854 cc. cm, power – 78 horsepower;
• CVT gearbox;
• four-wheel drive;
• fuel tank capacity - 20.5 liters;
• independent front and rear suspension;
• Braking system – disc hydraulics.

The BRP Outlander MAX 850 XT-P ATV is equipped with two seats. If desired, the passenger seat can be removed, and in its place an additional spacious trunk will appear. The double fit will ensure comfort for both people.

Smooth shock absorption allows you to easily overcome any unevenness on the road, no matter how loaded the ATV is. The standard kit includes a powerful and durable winch that allows you to easily drive off-road.

The cost of a new vehicle is from 20,700 USD. A used device is also not cheap - from 11,000 to 15,000 USD.

Yamaha Grizzy 700 EPS

A four-wheeled ATV of a utilitarian nature can both drive off-road and carry some cargo. However, Grizzly is not suitable for hunting: the improved engine not only has high power, but also makes loud growling sounds, so that it will scare away prey a mile away.

Expert opinion revealed the following advantages in the Yamaha Grizziy 700 EPS:

• powerful engine;
• maneuverable and dynamic movement on roads with any surface;
• electric power steering;
• Disc brakes on all wheels.

There are also a couple of disadvantages:

• lack of a passenger seat;
• The package does not include a tow bar and a winch; they must be purchased separately.

The technical characteristics of the ATV are as follows:

• four-stroke engine with a volume of 708 cc. cm;
• Ultramatic transmission, allowing engine braking on steep descents;
• all-wheel drive with three operating modes: 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock;
• the ability to transport cargo weighing up to 140 kg (50 kg on the front trunk, 90 kg on the rear);
• starting system – electric starter;
• independent front and rear suspension;
• front brake – hydraulic disc;
• gas tank volume – 18 liters;
• 26-inch Maxxis tires;
• “aggressive” tread pattern that enhances traction.

The new Grizzly is not a cheap pleasure, which will cost the buyer from 16,000 USD. A used model on the secondary market costs from 7,500 to 12,000 USD.

Watch a video review and test drive of this ATV:

What tires are suitable for Niva for standard and non-standard wheel sizes?

In order to install new tires on the Niva, you should carefully study the parameters of the standard wheels installed at the factory.

To understand whether or not a new brand of tire will fit on factory-sized wheels, pay primary attention to the following inscriptions:

1. 5J
2. R16
3. H2-ET = 58;
4. DIA = 98;
5. PCD = 5×139.7.

All these designations refer to important characteristics. So, the first indicates that the permissible tire size is 5 inches with a maximum deviation of 1 inch in any direction. The letter J indicates the presence of only one side.

The following parameter indicates the diameter, which should not exceed 16 inches. H2 indicates the presence of two hunting rings at the edges of the rim, necessary for tightly fixing the tire to the rim. Hunts are a must-have item for off-road vehicles.

The ET parameter indicates the wheel offset (in this case 58 cm) with a permissible deviation of 1 centimeter. Well, DIA indicates the radius. The PCD marking indicates the bolt pattern: that is, the number of holes for mounting bolts with the distance between them.

Thus, we can state that 27-28-inch tires will easily fit the standard wheel size. But to install 29-inch tires, which are more often found on foreign models, and are considered the optimal solution by SUV manufacturers, you will need a small but lift - it just won’t fit.

A lifted Niva, designed to install tires 30, 31, and even more so 32, 33 dm, will require larger rims. The last wheel size is the maximum. 35 inches are considered too big for this car. In case of such alterations, it is advisable to install beadlocks

It is important not to install too heavy discs, otherwise you can expect deformations when hitting bumps. Taking large wheels only makes sense if the car is intended to be used only outside the city

Which wheels are better to install on Lada 4×4

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!

When choosing wheels, you should take into account the full diameter of the wheel; it should not differ much from the standard one. Compatibility table for Lada 4×4 tires and wheels:

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

Don't forget about the rim width:

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.

The best off-road tires for Niva: test results

In search of the best tires for an SUV, let's turn to the test conducted in 2022 in South Africa by 4x4 magazine, and maybe its results will help you choose off-road tires for the Niva.

There were 17 participants from 16 manufacturers in the tests, each of which presented the best models in their lines.

Tests were conducted in 5 categories:

1. Braking on asphalt;
2. Braking on gravel;
3. Traction force on sand;
4. Traction on gravel;
5. Overcoming the climb.

Basically, A/T took part in the competition, and these, by the way, are the best summer tires for the Chevrolet Niva.

So, let’s get acquainted with the models that hit the top ten:

10 – Velocity Raptor A/T

The Korean company TiAuto entered three of its models into the competition. In addition to Velocity, this is also the GT Radial, which rose a notch higher, as well as Hankook, which became only 14th. Velocity is unlikely to be found in Russian stores, so it’s not worth talking about them.

9 – GT Radial Adventuro A/T3

But domestic car enthusiasts are quite familiar with the GT Radial. And although there was no particular enthusiasm for this brand among them - at least in passenger sizes, here it showed itself quite well, taking the golden mean in the final table.

True, the indicators were unstable - if in other disciplines it was in the middle or closer to the tail, then in the traction test in sand it became third, behind only two brands, which in the end became winners.

8 – Firestone Destination AT

The brand of this tire belongs to the Japanese corporation Bridgestone, but for European countries it is produced in Spain and Hungary. In braking on asphalt and gravel, it showed perhaps the worst results, but in traction on gravel it was third.

7 – Dunlop Grandtrek AT3G

Dunlop is the only company to present two Grandtrek models for testing, which have different designs. AT3 G is a three-ply tire.

In the final table, it took seventh place, right after its “relative” – the two-layer AT3 M (with an increased load index). It showed the best results in braking efficiency - both on the highway and on gravel roads.

6 – Dunlop AT3 M

The two-ply Grandtrek, made using new technology, showed, although not the highest, but quite decent results, bypassing the three-ply tires of its own brand in all tests.

When braking on asphalt, this tire generally became the first, leaving far behind even the models that won in terms of all indicators.

5 – Michelin LTX A/T2

The Michelin tire ultimately showed good results, but was only 14th in braking on asphalt. She was best able to overcome the climb, which is why she ended up in 5th place.

4 – Bridgestone Dueler A/T D694

In all competitions, the Japanese Bridgestone was in 7th and 8th place, helped only by its amazing ability to go uphill.

3 – Continental CrossContact AT

The respected Continental, a regular at all kinds of test drives and often its winner, took the honorable third place. Here the tire managed to take third place, although it showed extremely unstable results.

When braking on asphalt it was generally 10th, on gravel it was 4th, and on sand it was 8th. But in the draft effort, the Continental became the first, which saved its position.

2 – Goodyear AT Adventure

The second prize-winner also did not shine in all categories. I was 12th in braking on asphalt and 9th on gravel, including in traction.

But the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure had no equal in traction on sand, and the tire showed the best results. On the uphill climb, he became second, behind only General, who became the winner.

1 – General Grabber AT3

They say the winners are not judged. And yet, the gold medalist showed rather mediocre results in many disciplines. He was first only in climbing and second in both types of traction.

The situation with braking was much worse, since the results were only 9 on gravel and 12 on asphalt.

Using this test as an example, we were once again convinced that it is impossible to judge anything unambiguously

When choosing which mud tires to put on your Niva, take into account the conditions in which they will most often have to work.

Only in this case, even a high price will not reduce your joy from the purchase, because a properly shod car will become a reliable assistant not only on the road surface, but also where there is no trace of it.

Effect of wheel and tire sizes

Depending on what wheel size is installed on the Niva 2121, driving characteristics can change dramatically, and an important factor is understanding what is generally required from the car. By increasing the wheel diameter, qualities such as car style, road holding, comfort when driving on a flat surface and control accuracy will improve.

The only downside of the increased diameter is driving on a dirt or rocky road: the Niva will shake and create inconvenience for the driver and passengers. By increasing the wheel width, all of the above qualities will be repeated, and the vehicle’s grip on the road and noise absorption will also improve.

The downside to using wide wheels is that tire wear will increase and fuel consumption will be higher. So you should choose the wheel size for the Niva 2121 carefully and take into account the terrain where the car will be used.

How to install low pressure tires on a Niva

The installation of low-pressure cylinders on the Niva is accompanied by significant modifications to the suspension and body panels of the car. The transmission and chassis are also affected. Basically the sequence of actions looks like this.

1. Production of drawings. Serious remodeling begins with design. Any mistake can cause unnecessary costs.
2. Body modification. Arches are cut out, bridge fastenings are strengthened.
3. Complete transmission replacement. Installing huge, heavy wheels overloads the gearbox and gearboxes.
4. Installation of a new suspension adjusted to wide rims.
5. Installation of wheels and decorative elements.
6. Running in the car.

A similar sequence is standard when converting any domestic car to low pressure cylinders.

Wheels for Niva - from small to large

Absolutely every driver has at least once had the thought that it’s time to get bigger wheels. Because the stock Nyvka is, of course, good, but as they say - more wheels - more possibilities. Therefore, let’s figure out what a driver will have to face in order to install tires of a larger diameter and, in general, whether it’s worth doing.

Basically, here we will collect all your questions and answers to them.

Is it worth switching to 15-inch wheels?

I think you know that most tire drivers are switching from standard 16″ wheels to 15″ ones. For what? The answer is prosaic - the choice of tires with a 15″ fit is many times greater than for 16. That’s why they switch, because they want to install a meaner rubber, but with 16″ options the cat cried. No, of course, if you drive a Kama Flame, then leave the standard wheels. But I think you will soon feel that you should at least install Cordiant.

What is the maximum tire size for a Niva without modifications (lift, cutting arches)?

If the car is new, then few people will want to cut the arches - this is a fact. So the answer is this: the maximum you can set is 215-75-R15. I have this one on my Shevik, which is stock, by the way. However, there’s an immediate counter-question here: what kind of wheels to take for these tires, because everything is right next to each other, and if you get smart about the takeoff, the tires will rub against the wheel arch liners. The answer is that you need to take wheels with an offset of 40, or at least 35.

So if you are looking towards 235 tires, then get ready to prepare the car, cut arches, lift, change the main pairs, etc. Do you need it? An increase of 1.5 cm in ground clearance, and work per million. It makes sense to use 235 tires only when you are planning to seriously offroad. And if you simply want to put the biggest wheels possible on your Nivko without any modifications, then your choice is 215-75-R15.

What disc offset will be optimal for Niva chassis parts?

The basic rule is “wider and larger wheels - less offset”, but within reasonable limits. Because many people like to set the offset to zero and the car will be very unstable on sharp turns and big tires. Maintain balance))

Therefore, if you decide to change the stock wheels (and this is what 99 percent of drivers decide to do after their first rides), then you will have to take different wheels, with a smaller offset. Larger tire diameter means shorter disc offset. But you need to maintain a balance, strive to be closer to ET58. Why is this necessary? The answer is the closer the offset is to ideal, the better for your suspension and bearings.

And therefore, on wheels 205/70/R15 (most often nivovods install Cordiant Off Road in this size and do it right) you need wheels with an offset of 48. You can put thirty-fifths, but these will be better. The car will be intact.

Well, if you decide to set the maximum without modifications to 215/75/R15, then reduce the ET to 35 and it will be normal. If you put it on wheels with forty-eighth, there is a possibility of wiping.

“Sneakers” of this size are considered almost ideal for a stock Niva - there is no need to take separate wheels, the dynamics are normal, the size is slightly larger than the standard one, there is no need to cut/lift anything. If you are not going to do much “bezdorov”, but purely for mushrooms, berries, fishing, hunting, and not particularly drilling, then the choice can be considered ideal.

As for the wheels, the answer is 40-45 offset, forty-five is better, of course. Closer to the recommended one is better for the machine. Put more and it will wipe with the steering wheel turned out.

Tire sizes - popular misconceptions and reality

Some things sound boring and are difficult to remember, but you need to know them. Especially for car enthusiasts. Especially those who consider themselves experts and have their own opinion on any matter. The devil is in the details, and this article is about one such detail.

There is no radius on a tire

Many people now won’t even understand what I’m getting at. “Well, radius, so what? I have 195-65R15 wheels, radius 15, it’s all written down, why are you being clever?!” That's what I'm being smart about. R15 has nothing to do with radius. Neither R nor 15.

Nowadays you can find a lot of information on the Internet, but such little things as the marking of car tires are not among the most popular. We’d rather discuss engine power or the number of goodies in the cabin, right? And we’ll leave the choice of wheels to the store manager. Well, or we’ll ask a friend. He definitely knows! He already has his third car!

In fact, it won’t hurt to understand these boring numbers even just for general development. Moreover, this will both help save money and influence the behavior of the car, but more on that later. For now, it’s a pure educational program, so that later we can understand each other well.

So, 195/65R15. Classic case. Let's squat down next to our car. The first number is the width of the running part of the tire, roughly speaking, the tread width. Expressed in millimeters. That is 195 mm. - this is the width of your wheel. Most people have no problems understanding this figure.

The fraction 65 is the profile size. Expressed as a percentage of the width. Not in millimeters! The profile is the part of the tire that “sticks out above the rim.” Sidewall. That is, the height of this sidewall will be 195x65% = 125.75 mm. Not 65 mm. And not anything else. Moreover, from this diagram it clearly follows that the height of 65% with a width of 195 will be one, but if the tire is marked (conditionally) 225/65R15, it will be completely different! 225x65%=146.25 mm. Although the numbers 65 are the same!

R is the radial design of the tire, or more precisely, the way the metal cord is laid inside it. Once upon a time, the tire design involved diagonal laying, but that was a long time ago. Nowadays you almost never see “bias” tires, they are all radial, and the letter R will not tell anyone anything new, it will only cause controversy about the notorious radius...

And finally, the number 15. This is the diameter. The diameter of the tire seat, the inner diameter, the part that comes into contact with the disc. Expressed in inches. 1 inch = 2.54 cm. That is, 15x2.54 = 38.1 cm This is also the outer diameter of the disk, if anyone hasn’t guessed...

Which tires can be installed and which cannot?

And then the fun begins. We can play with these numbers if we want to put other tires (rims) on the car. Ideally, the main thing is that the overall diameter does not differ, or differs slightly. Example.

The 195/65R15 wheel has the following overall diameter: 38.1 cm - inside, plus 125.75 mm x2 = 251.5 mm (there is a profile at both the top and bottom). Let's convert to centimeters for simplicity, it turns out 38.1 cm + 25.15 cm = 63.25 cm. That's how it is! This is the total diameter of the wheel.

Now, if you want to install other wheels, the car owner must understand the following: automakers understand this figure the same way as we do. Taking into account the wheel diameter, the suspension, braking system and body are designed. Therefore, for the same car model (for example, for a Volkswagen Polo sedan), three wheel sizes are officially allowed. The simplest version is content with 175/70R14 (total diameter 60.06 cm), 185/60R15 (60.3 cm) and 195/55R15 (59.55 cm).

It turns out that the “14 wheel” is BIGGER, albeit slightly, than the 15 wheel in the case of 195/55. This relates to the question raised above, about putting on bigger wheels for the winter. Everything needs to be calculated carefully. Will a larger diameter number mean a larger wheel size overall? Not always.

All wheel parameters

In addition to the bolt pattern, when choosing new wheels, they look at the following parameters:

• offset (distance from the hub to the center of the disk along the width);
• landing size;
• radius and diameter (in inches, affects the choice of tires);
• hub (mounting hole) size in inches.

Do not confuse the characteristics of the disc with the characteristics of the tire. The latter, in terms of dimensions (width and diameter), depend on the parameters of the disk, and also have their own specific ones. These include, for example, the profile height.

The appearance of a car is, in a way, the face of its driver. If the car is constantly dirty and unkempt, then most likely its owner is not very tidy either. If the car shines and its appearance is striking, then the owner of the vehicle clearly loves his things and values ​​them. One of the good ways to refresh and improve the appearance of your car is to change wheels. But in order to carry out this operation successfully, you need to know what a Niva-Chevrolet bolt pattern with a 15 radius is, for example, etc.

General background information

Ranges of possible values ​​for tires and wheels VAZ 2121 Niva 1989.
Tires

Wheel disks

Photo

Expert advice

When choosing tires for a car, you must first follow the manufacturer's instructions. Ask yourself a few questions.

• On what roads will the car be primarily used?
• Do you need increased cross-country ability?
• How much of the route will be city roads and how much will be highways?
• Will the vehicle carry heavy loads?

The answers to these and similar questions will help determine which tire parameters you need to pay special attention to.

How to choose the right wheels for a VAZ 2121 Niva 1989?

3 types of rims:

• Stamped (economical price category) - made from a sheet of iron by stamping on a press.
• Light alloy - manufactured by casting (more reliable than stamped ones).
• Forged (the highest quality and more expensive than the previous ones) - made from light alloys by stamping at high temperatures.

The choice depends on financial capabilities. However, it should be borne in mind that the quality of the road surface on which you have to drive every day must also be taken into account.

So, if it gets into a hole, a stamped disk will bend and will not cause harm to the tire, but a forged or cast one can cut it. There is a possibility that the cast disc may burst or crack.

It should also be noted that repairing “stamping” wheels is cheaper than repairing cast or forged wheels. But wheels with high-quality cast and forged disks kill the suspension less, because lighter and have more perfect geometry (better balanced).

The same wheels may or may not rub with tires on the same car - wheel alignment adjustment will help here.

What is the tire pressure?

It is the driver's responsibility to constantly monitor tire pressure. This will avoid standard problems associated with vehicle operation. An abnormal pressure value often causes:

• deterioration of management;
• uneven tread wear.

Often the car owner independently reduces the pressure in the wheels of his own vehicle. This reduces the load on the suspension, and the car “passes” various road irregularities an order of magnitude easier. But it is worth noting: a decrease in pressure even by 0.1 MPa leads to serious problems. The main ones include:

• increased fuel consumption;
• rapid wear of the outer tread segments;
• the car becomes less maneuverable.

An overinflated wheel causes no less problems. The central part of the cylinder begins to wear off quickly. In addition, at ambient temperatures of more than 60 degrees Celsius, the tire may simply explode. Which will lead to driving into the oncoming lane.