It's time for a seasonal tire change. It is not news to anyone that in winter the car must be operated on tires specially designed for this period. It is important to have an idea of which tires are optimal for the Lada Kalina, since the competent choice of these accessories is of great importance.
Car modifications
Lada Kalina was produced for 14 years. The manufacturer offered the consumer two generations of small class cars.
First generation
The debut car of the Kalina family appeared at AvtoVAZ in 2004. It was released as a sedan. The first generation cars were equipped with 1.4 liter (89 hp) and 1.6 liter (81 and 98 hp) petrol engines. In 2006, Kalina hatchbacks appeared, the next year - station wagons, and a year later - a sports modification. Depending on the configuration, the car was equipped with ABS, electronic power steering, airbags, and an air conditioning system. During production, changes were constantly made to the equipment of the vehicle. In 2009 and 2011, Lada Kalina became one of the best-selling brands in the country.
Second generation
In 2013, the plant's conveyor belt was modernized to begin production of the next generation of cars. LADA Kalina 2 was produced in hatchback and station wagon bodies. It is characterized by a more modern appearance, better aerodynamics and increased comfort. Improved powertrain, suspension and gearbox are distinctive features of the vehicle compared to previous generation models. Both hatchbacks and station wagons were equipped with 1.6 liter engines with variable intake, the power of which varied between 87...106 hp. A manual or automatic transmission was installed.
The maximum configuration included the installation of anti-lock systems, stability control, air conditioning and navigation, a traction control module, an after-braking system, a passenger airbag, a touch screen, heated front seats, a rain sensor, etc.
The latest modification of the Kalina family is the Lada Kalina Cross. It is distinguished by increased ground clearance, a modified final drive ratio and a more aesthetic appearance, for example, due to decorative trims on the wheel arches and sills.
In 2022, production of Kalina family cars was discontinued.
17" casting machine
See what the Kalina-2 hatchback might look like on 17-inch wheels:
Kalina-2 on 17-inch casting, with and without lowering
There are two tuning options presented here, with and without lowering, and in both cases the wheels used are: 7Jx17 ET-38. Tires – 205/40 R17. According to the author of the first method, there are no problems as a result. That is, the wheels do not cling to the body anywhere even when the car is loaded. The only thing is that when you turn the steering wheel all the way, one of the wheels still slightly touches the metal, but this can be neglected.
You need to take into account the following: if you simply take and install wheels with 205/40 R17 tires, the seating position of the Kalina-2 hatchback or station wagon will increase to 175 mm (the standard value is 160 mm). In general, the next step should be a competently executed understatement. Author's version: the front suspension uses struts and springs shortened by 90 mm, the rear suspension is also equipped with shortened shock absorbers and springs (–90 mm). You don’t have to lower anything, but simply install new wheels, and this tuning method has been tested by owners in reality. But it is unlikely that a car with a seat height increased to 175 mm has better handling than the factory version. We will leave the choice to the owner.
Factory recommendations for choosing tires and wheels
The behavior of a car on the road is largely determined by the characteristics of the wheels installed on it, especially the tires.
The answer to the question regarding the equipment of the Lada Kalina: which wheels are suitable can be found in the manufacturer's instructions. The factory documentation for Lada Kalina indicates three types of tires recommended for installation:
- one of the popular options, also installed on classics, is 175/70R13 tires;
- the most common tire size today is 175/65R14;
- another standard option is 185/65R15.
The plant also allows the Lada Kalina to be equipped with 185/60R14 and 185/55 R15 tires.
What size tires are Lada Kalina Cross? It is recommended to install tires with overall dimensions of 195/55R15 on this model.
For the Lada Kalina Sport car, the factory has established its own standards:
- 185/55R15 or 195/50R15;
- 195/50R16;
- 205/40R17.
An important question regarding the Lada Kalina: which wheels are suitable? Lada Kalina cars are factory equipped with steel wheels with a diameter of 13 or 14 inches, aluminum wheels 14″ or (sports version) wheels with alloy wheels 15 inches.
How to choose the best wheels with a diameter of 16 inches
Let's calculate what the outer diameter of tires of the following standard size is: 195/45 R16. The resulting value is 582 mm. Which is 2 mm less than the outer diameter of the tires installed by AvtoVAZ itself. And the rim of an alloy wheel with an increased diameter should not be narrower than 7 inches (7Jx16 wheels are needed). It is interesting that the only configuration of the Kalina-2 Sport uses tires of size 195/50 R16, but we are going to install lower-profile tires.
Various Kalina-2 hatchbacks with 16-inch wheels
Now, let's talk about the meaning of departure. It is clear that it should be from the range ET-35 - ET-38. When using a larger value, we eliminate the possibility of rubber “catching” metal, but we add load to the chassis. In general, wheels with an offset of ET-38 can be installed if the warranty is not needed. The value recommended by AvtoVAZ, ET-35, is suitable: many owners of VAZ cars purchase 7Jx16 ET-35 wheels, if we talk specifically about 16 inches. On such wheels they mount tires 205 mm wide and 92 mm high, and somehow the whole thing rides. Our conclusions:
- 205/45 R16 – not recommended, but viable;
- 195/45 R16 is quite suitable.
Note that the conclusions refer to the option of using disks of the following standard size: 7Jx16 ET-35.
In conclusion, just in case, we will list which discs are installed on the Kalina-2 from the factory. If we are talking about casting and a diameter of 15 inches, the width of the rim can only be 6 inches (no less). Another option used is 5.5Jx14. This information must be taken into account when choosing - you cannot buy narrow alloy wheels with a large diameter.
The mounting holes for some disks are located on a circle with a diameter of 100 mm. We need 98 mm, but we won’t be able to distinguish one from the other by eye. Therefore, when making a choice, be careful. It is unnecessary to remind you that installing disks with an incorrectly selected PCD parameter value is prohibited. Happy tuning!
Tire pressure Kalina
This indicator plays an important role in car controllability. The grip of the tires on the road surface depends on the tire pressure. The condition of the wheels is especially important when driving on wet, slippery or snowy roads. During vehicle operation, tire pressure may drop, so its value must be periodically checked with a pressure gauge. If the indicator deviates from the standard values, the wheels should be inflated. It's not that difficult to do it yourself.
The pressure in the wheels installed on the front and rear axles is different.
The corresponding section of the instructions indicates what pressure in the Lada Kalina tires must be maintained: in the front - 2.2 bar, in the rear - 2.3 bar. This should be done if you are installing standard factory tires.
If the owner of the iron horse has equipped the car with tires with a wide profile, it is recommended to stick to the values of 2.4/2.5 (for front/rear tires). Narrow or low profile tires should be inflated a little less: 1.8…2/2…2.2 (front/rear) bar.
Operating a vehicle in different climatic conditions also affects the recommended level of tire pressure. For winter it should be 2/2.2 bar, for summer - 2.1...2.2/2.2...2.3 bar. This applies to standard tires.
Information about what pressure should be maintained can be found not only in the instructions for the vehicle, but also on the door pillar (on the plate).
The table below clearly demonstrates what pressure should be provided in the tires of the Lada Kalina station wagon and other modifications of this family, as well as other characteristics of the wheels of these cars.
What non-standard sizes can be supplied?
Non-standard sizes of winter and summer tires are acceptable on the Lada Kalina, if you choose them correctly among the entire range provided. At the moment, manufacturers have tried to expand the boundaries of their offerings in order to prove themselves to potential customers. The following options for non-standard winter and summer tires are distinguished:
- The R16 is a large diameter wheel, which raises the car's suspension slightly, resulting in a soft and smooth ride.
- Small radii are an opportunity to lower the vehicle, while emphasizing its practicality, but it is not recommended to use the car at such a low “landing” in impassable terrain, since there is a possibility of damage to the front and rear bumpers.
Summer tires differ from winter tires in that they remain stable on the track, despite the increased temperature of the surface, which heats up the rubber and can cause it to stick to the surface. In winter, it is important to ensure good grip on slippery roads, while preventing the car from skidding on a poorly cleaned road surface.
Tire options for Lada Kalina
Every car owner must understand that in order to operate his iron horse in winter and summer, he must have different sets of tires. This is explained by the different compositions of the mixtures used for the production of winter and summer tires, which determines their characteristics at different temperatures.
There are a lot of tire options for Kalina available today. When choosing a model, you need to focus on the operating characteristics of the vehicle and the condition of the roads.
Kama tires were most often installed at the factory. When selecting new ones, you can also consider this brand, however, both foreign and domestic manufacturers offer more interesting options.
Summer tires
The range of tires for summer use is wide, you can choose an option to suit every taste and budget.
TUNGA ZODIAK 2
If the cost of tires is an important factor, we recommend paying attention to these summer tires. They were released relatively recently (in 2022). During the development, it was the difficult Russian operating conditions that were taken into account. Three stiffening ribs, tread features and the composition of the outer layer increase the reliability of the wheels. However, judging by consumer reviews, tires behave poorly when braking on wet asphalt.
Continental Conti Premium Contact 5
If you figure out which tires are suitable for Lada Kalina when operating in the summer, this option seems very worthy. The rubber has a short braking distance on both dry and wet road surfaces, low rolling resistance, and a good service life. An acceptable level of driving comfort on these tires and excellent car handling are noted by car enthusiasts.
Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Economy, excellent handling, excellent grip on various types of road surfaces are the characteristics of these tires. The name itself implies the possibility of using rubber for extreme driving. Poor resistance to aquaplaning causes complaints.
Winter tires
Depending on the conditions under which you plan to operate the car in winter, the type of tire is selected. For driving on icy roads, it is recommended to consider studded tires. If you plan to travel on cleared roads, Velcro is quite suitable.
Kleber Kapnor 5
The tires produced (by Michelin) for quite a long time are still popular. The location of the studs provides good grip on icy surfaces. But both on dry roads and when driving in slushy snow, the tires are characterized by decent cross-country ability, handling and directional stability. The spikes hold quite firmly. Among the shortcomings, the model is excessively noisy. If you need to decide which winter tires are best for the Lada Kalina, it is recommended to pay attention to these winter tires.
Gislaved Nord Frost 5
The tread pattern, the features of the studs, the patented composition of the rubber mixture for the tread - all this allows the wheels to perform excellently when braking (on dry and wet roads), and provides excellent grip on icy and snowy surfaces. The model is characterized by decent directional stability, high wear resistance and an acceptable level of comfort. Among the disadvantages, we can note the increased fuel consumption of a car equipped with this tire, as well as a high percentage of studs flying out.
Nokian Nordman 4
Soft and fairly quiet studded tires show good driving performance when driving on snow. It also holds up well on wet roads and icy surfaces. The studs are widely distributed, which increases traction efficiency and reduces noise levels (the latter is also ensured by the presence of an elastic pad under the stud). As a disadvantage, we can note the rather weak fastening of the spikes.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
Velcro also performs well in extreme conditions. It copes well with slush and snowdrifts and handles well on wet roads. The rubber has a low noise level and good durability, and copes well with aquaplaning. The model is one of the best non-studded ones.
Those who live in a region with warm winters can be advised to install all-season tires. For example, the Matador MPS125 Variant All Weather would be a good option. Decent directional stability, behavior on wet and dry road surfaces and noise levels, as well as ease of balancing characterize these tires. The model's service life is about 80 thousand km. Along with the advantages, there is increased fuel consumption and a fairly high price (for domestic products).
There are many tire options for different seasons. Each Lada Kalina owner can choose the one that suits him, depending on his financial capabilities and operating conditions of the car.
Ideal tires for VAZ Kalina Station Wagon 2007-2013 (I) – 1.6i (8 class)
We strongly advise you to choose tires from the list recommended by the manufacturer. Incorrect selection of the standard size can increase the load on the bearings and suspension, resulting in breakdown and subsequent expensive repairs. In addition, the comfort, safety and life of both the driver and passengers depend on the choice of tires.
Our catalog contains tires for VAZ Kalina Station Wagon 2007-2013 (I) – 1.6i (8 class) of all main types:
- Summer. For dry and wet roads in the summer season.
- All-season. An intermediate option, suitable for driving in both winter and summer.
Winter. Studded and Velcro, with a unique tread pattern and lugs that guarantee stability in snow and ice.
If you are not sure that these tires for VAZ Kalina Station Wagon 2007-2013 (I) – 1.6i (8cl.) meet your requirements, or require special operating conditions, please contact our managers before purchasing. They will definitely select an option that will satisfy your needs 100%.
conclusions
When selecting tires and wheels for Lada Kalina, all parameters should be taken into account. For proper installation, wheels with the appropriate size and bolt pattern are first selected, and only tires for them are selected. On the contrary, it will be much more difficult to search. Replacing wheels and tires is easy in a garage or tire shop. After installing new parts, an alignment should be done to prevent increased wear.
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Lada Kalina is the first car of the Russian concern AvtoVAZ, produced in 2 generations over 14 years, from 2004 to 2022, and had an appearance close to Western competitors in this class of compact cars. In terms of the cost of the basic equipment, Kalina was always ahead of its European competitors. The high reliability of this Lada made it possible to operate it for 8-10 years, which led to the need to replace worn parts, and the main ones were always the wheels.
