The Chevrolet Niva, which people affectionately shortened to “Shnivy,” has been produced from 2002 to the present. The presence of the famous American brand “Niva” in the name is due to the cooperation of GM and AvtoVAZ. True, in 2019, the Russian automaker bought a share in the joint venture from the Americans. Therefore, the Niva will soon be updated and will be produced as a LADA with a new factory index.
But let’s figure out what size wheels you have on your Chevrolet Niva and what options there are for replacement.
What kind of wheels does a Chevrolet Niva have from the factory?
Owners of Nivs received different wheels and tires in different configurations. So what kind of wheels does the Chevrolet Niva have from the factory?
Owners of fifteen-inch wheels received original tire sizes of 205/75 R15 and 205/70 R15. Owners of sixteen-inch wheels got size 215/65 R16.
Wheel bolt pattern Niva Chevrolet
The bolt pattern of Chevrolet Niva wheels is a parameter that is marked as PCD in the wheel markings. The bolt pattern of the Niva Chevrolet wheels is 5×139.7. These numbers marked PCD mean that the wheels on the Niva are mounted on 5 wheel bolts, and the distance between the centers of the holes for them is 139.7 mm. There is also information that in 2002, modifications of the Chevrolet Niva 1.7 and 1.8 i were fitted with wheels with a bolt pattern of 5×139 and an offset of ET 48. Please note that you cannot use wheels with a bolt pattern of 5/139 if you are prescribed to use 5 /139.7 !
Bolt pattern 5x139.7 on a cast wheel
Bolt pattern 5x139.7 on a stamped disc
The fact is that the difference in diameter of less than a millimeter is unnoticeable during installation - the disc will still sit on the hub studs. But when tightening the nuts, the wrong disc will not be properly secured. That is, the wheel can simply unscrew while driving! Therefore, carefully observe all parameters of the Niva Chevrolet wheel size.
Niva Chevrolet wheel size
What about other important disk parameters? If the diameter of the rims of your Niva Chevrolet wheel is 15 inches, then in addition to the PCD 5×139.7 bolt pattern, they have a width from 6J to 6.5J (in inches), an offset of 40 and a hub hole diameter of 98.5 mm. If you have 16-inch wheels, then they have a width from 6J to 7J, but other parameters are the same.
What is the original on the wheels of Niva owners? Judging by information from open sources, AvtoVAZ makes wheels independently. But the tires on the conveyor are most often supplied by the Altai Tire Plant. And in the tire rating they are not even in the top twenty...
Characteristics of alloy wheels for Chevrolet Niva
The wheel for the Chevrolet Niva weighs 29.7 kilograms. The disc itself reaches 11.4 kg. It turns out that the tire weighs 18.3 kilograms. The width of the wheel is 243-244 millimeters, and the height is 745-750 millimeters.
Important!
If, after purchasing the disk, it becomes clear that the centering rings do not match, you should not be upset, you just need to buy them in an additional required size.
For the Chevrolet Niva SUV, you need to buy wheels of such a size that the wheels do not touch the body, do not spoil the brake system, and their centering ring must coincide with the hub. In this case, you need to know the factory parameters of the machine in order to choose the right wheels.
Alternative wheels for Chevrolet Niva
Niva has always been popular among those car owners who love hunting, fishing and off-road driving. Often it is precisely these car enthusiasts who think about what wheels to put on a Chevrolet Niva in order to increase its capabilities, especially off-road. To do this, there are several methods that can be combined - install larger diameter wheels, install larger diameter tires, install tires with a more aggressive tread pattern.
So what wheels can be installed on a Chevrolet Niva? And which of them will fit into the car without making changes to the design, and which ones will you have to lift your Niva using spacers and possibly cut the wheel arches?
Taking into account the correspondence between the bolt pattern parameters and the diameter of the hub hole, the Niva Chevrolet P15 wheels can be replaced with rims of 16 or even 17 diameter. Which wheels to choose - steel, cast or forged - you decide for yourself. There are no restrictions or recommendations here. The main thing is that they match the size.
As for tires, in the operating instructions for the Chevrolet Niva, without altering the design, most of the wheel sizes become as noted in the table.
| Wheel/Tire Diameter | Tire size |
| R17 | 205/60 R17 |
| R17 | 215/60 R17 |
| R16 | 225/75 R16 |
| R16 | 215/65 R16 |
| R15 | 215/75 R15 |
| R15 | 205/70 R15 |
| R15 | 205/75 R15 |
Without altering the design, Chevrolet Niva owners install tires on their cars: 205/70 R15, 205/75 R15, 215/65 R16 and 215/75 R15. But with other models there may be nuances - the wheels may catch on the fender liners or other body parts. This is evidenced by reviews from car owners. And, by the way, the manufacturer recommends using 215/75 R15 tires only if you constantly drive off-road and prohibits accelerating on them above 90 km/h.
The maximum speed of the car according to the passport is 140 km/h. This means that when choosing tires, you can focus on the speed indices N (140 km/h), P (150 km/h) and Q (160 km/h). It is pointless to install higher-speed tires, and it is unsafe to install lower-speed tires. Although in the operating manual the manufacturer recommends tires up to T (190 km/h) and H (210 km/h) indexes. Apparently, with a reserve.
As for the load index, choose for yourself based on the range of tires and the operating conditions of the vehicle. Standard options are indexes from 95 to 100, which corresponds to 690-800 kilograms of load per tire.
Maximum Niva Chevrolet wheels
What are the maximum Niva Chevrolet wheels that can be installed on this car? Judging by reviews on popular sites and forums, Niv owners manage to install wheels up to a diameter of 35 inches. True, for this you need to use spacers to increase ground clearance and raise the car. And also trim the fender liners and wheel arches.
Dimensions
Castings are very popular; due to their main characteristics, they are optimally suited for the car. Unlike conventional ones, their price is slightly higher, but at the same time they are quite durable and resistant to corrosion. The size of the wheels on the Chevy Niva depends on your choice, and as a rule, from the factory they have a 15 radius. The wheel size should also be suitable. The positive aspects of casting are that, thanks to its light weight, Niva 4x4 quickly gains momentum, and their braking distance, unlike conventional ones, is reduced. Another important parameter is that in hot weather, thanks to small holes around the entire circle, the brake system is blown and, accordingly, cooled. Models with expensive equipment may already come with cast aluminum wheels.
Winter tires for Chevrolet Niva
What winter wheels can be installed on a Chevrolet Niva? If we talk about wheels, it is a common practice to change tires to steel wheels in winter. They are the cheapest and it is not so bad to kill them in winter, when they are affected by aggressive road reagents.
The best wheels for the Chevrolet Niva for the winter are presented in the table. Please note that the price of wheels for a Chevrolet Niva may vary depending on the season. Prices also differ for different standard sizes - we have listed only a few of them.
| Model | Standard size | Cost, rub |
| Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 | 215/65 R16 | 4555 |
| Hankook Tire i*pike RW11 | 205/75 R15 | 4890 |
| GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV | 205/70 R15 | 6160 |
| Nokian Tires Nordman 7 SUV | 205/70 R15 | 4070 |
| Amtel NordMaster ST-310 | 205/70/15 | 3180 |
| Viatti Bosco Nordico V-523 | 215/65 R16 | 3000 |
| Kama Euro 131 | 205/70 R15 | 3965 |
Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
Nokian Tires Nordman 7 SUV
Parameters of standard nuts
It is important to remember: the nuts on wheel rims are made in a special way and differ from ordinary ones. This is evidenced by the special carving. Its metric differs significantly from the standard one. Nivas use nuts with a diameter of 12 mm and a pitch of 1.25 mm. Moreover, standard turns have a similar pitch, 1.75 mm. Thanks to a small step, the reliability of such a connection significantly increases. Due to this parameter, the self-tightening effect is realized.
Samples of nuts for Niva car wheels
This is why it is not recommended to use nuts that were not originally intended for installation on a vehicle. Since larger coils are not suitable. At the factory, the nuts are made so wide that when you screw them onto the stud, it comes out on the other side. The inner part is made in the form of a regular cone.
Using a conical connection to the disk allows you to solve two problems simultaneously:
- the hole must be centered;
- there is a good connection between the plane of the wheel rim and the hub.
All nuts are divided into two main categories:
- closed type;
- open type.
Closed ones do not imply the passage of the hub through. In turn, open ones require a through hole. The closed type is usually used only on Niva Chevrolet, as well as on the VAZ-21213.
Standard factory nuts are installed under a regular 19 mm wheel wrench. Moreover, some, non-standard and manufactured by third-party manufacturers, can be made on a 21 mm turnkey basis. Their size is up to 30 mm. Standard factory-produced nuts are carbon steel. They are equipped with a chrome plated and differ in the shape of the head.
All-season tires for Chevrolet Niva
When can you install all-season tires on your car? In two cases. First, your region should have mild winters without much rainfall. Secondly, if you do not have the opportunity to buy separately winter and summer tires.
Sometimes “mud” tires for Chevrolet Niva are also classified as all-season tires. But this is not entirely correct. Yes, such tires are adapted for all-season use, but they are primarily designed for harsh off-road conditions and will not be as effective on asphalt. The selection of such tires is a very individual matter, and they are most often produced by manufacturers specializing in such tires.
See the table for several popular all-season tires.
| Model | Standard size | Cost, rub |
| Maxxis AT-771 | 205/70 R15 | 3920 |
| Goodyear Wrangler HP | 215/65 R16 | 4980 |
| Kama 232 | 205/70 R15 | 3200 |
Maxxis AT-771
Goodyear Wrangler HP
Designation R
Chevrolet Niva 15 wheels have a radius from the factory, where R- denotes a radial tire, and 15 is the diameter in inches. The tire size for Niva 2121 is an important characteristic, but you also need to know what the bolt pattern on the Niva is on the disc. You will have to take a larger tire size for the field. The diameter of the holes with which they are attached to the hubs is 5 pieces. The wheel also has a certain width and the larger it is, the greater the offset it will have. On the one hand, the longer the reach, the better, since the Niva 21213 will perform better off-road, but on the other hand, the bearings will wear out quickly.
Below is a table with the main parameters:
Summer tires for Chevrolet Niva
Which summer wheels on Chevrolet Niva do car owners choose? We have shown several options in the table below. But the range is very wide and everyone chooses according to their taste and budget. We also remind you that in summer it is important to monitor the level of tire pressure, which can change depending on the temperature. Excessive or insufficient pressure leads to accelerated tire wear. The choice of the desired pressure level is also influenced by the vehicle load. Don't forget to take this into account and keep an eye on your tire pressure to ensure your tires last longer.
| Model | Standard size | Cost, rub |
| Continental CrossContact ATR | 205/70 R15 | 5870 |
| Nokian Tires Nordman SX2 | 205/70 R15 | 4740 |
| MICHELIN Latitude Cross | 215/65 R16 | 6760 |
| Viatti Bosco A/T V-237 | 205/75 R15 | 3570 |
| KAMA EURO-214 | 215/65 R16 | 3680 |
MICHELIN Latitude Cross
Nokian Tires Nordman SX2
Maximum and minimum possible parameters of non-standard disks
Due to the design features of the body and wheel arches, it is possible to install wheels of various modifications. Many owners want to install models with a larger diameter than are available. The maximum permissible wheel parameters for which it is not necessary to use an angle grinder to modify the body:
- profile width, mm – 215;
- profile height, mm – 75.
The maximum permissible overhang is 35. When installing a profile with a width of more than 215 mm, the arches will have to be cut in any case. In turn, the minimum permissible offset is 58. These are the wheels that are installed on cars directly at the factory. The optimal solution is considered to be parameter 40-45. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with all the installation details in advance. This way you can avoid wiping. You can see the characteristics in special photos.
Properly selected wheels and tires are the key to stable vehicle behavior on the road. It is important to familiarize yourself with the factory settings in advance.
What tire sizes does the manufacturer recommend to install?
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. Reading time: 6 minutes
The Russian SUV "Niva Chevrolet" has won the love of domestic motorists due to its comfort, convenience, unpretentiousness and good cross-country ability. The article will talk about the features of choosing wheels and tires on a Niva Chevrolet.
All-season tires are installed on the Chevrolet Niva at the discretion of the owner. They differ from other types in their tread. The inner side of an all-season tire is used for driving on loose snow, and the outer side removes water from the tire contact patch. The standard size of all-season tires suitable for this domestic SUV is 205/75 R15.
These tires are perfect for the following situations:
- The region has fairly mild winters with stable above-zero temperatures.
- The car owner's budget is limited for the purchase of both winter and summer tires.
- It is not possible to store two sets of winter and summer tires.
All-season tires also have their disadvantages:
- high noise;
- increased fuel consumption;
- dynamic characteristics are reduced;
- increased wear.
Of the all-season tire models of this size, the following are suitable for the Chevrolet Niva:
- The Maxxis AT-771 features an aggressive tread design that provides excellent traction. The tires have a zigzag sidewall that improves handling on dry and wet surfaces.
- The Goodyear Wrangler HP is a high-performance 4x4 hard-road tire. They show excellent handling on the road.
- "Kama-Euro 228" have good directional stability when driving on highways and dirt roads, as well as high wear rates and low rolling resistance.
- Forward Safari 540 from the Altai Tire Plant is a radial tire, tubeless, with a metal cord in the belt. The tires have an all-terrain tread pattern and are designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h. They have increased maneuverability on soft soils.
All-season tires
All-season tires are used by many RVers year-round, and most car owners keep all-season tires as a spare at all times. In regions with mild winters without snow or frost, drivers make do with an all-season vehicle all year round.
For off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with M/T tires. It is not suitable for asphalt due to high noise, poor handling and rapid wear, but it is perfect for dirt, country roads, fields, and swamps. This tire is made from special rubber and is very soft.
Off-road tires
To choose the right summer tires for an SUV, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations. The tire size must correspond to the size recommended by the manufacturer.
An important parameter when choosing summer tires for a Chevrolet Niva is the speed index. Since the Chevrolet Niva has a maximum speed of 140 km/h, tires marked M and N are suitable.
Yokohama A349A tires are perfect. They have an improved drainage system, which is achieved thanks to longitudinal drainage grooves and transverse grooves located in the shoulder area. This tire model is characterized by excellent stability, including when driving on rough terrain or mud. Tread blocks assembled in even stripes provide acoustic comfort. The price per unit starts from 5,000 rubles*.
Often, the Chevrolet Niva is equipped with the domestic model of two-ply Kama Euro 129 tires. They have an asymmetric tread pattern. This rubber is quite wear-resistant, excellent road grip and good resistance to aquaplaning are also noted. The price per unit is 1500-2000 rubles*.
Summer tires for Niva Chevrolet
The choice of wheels and tires for the Chevrolet Niva should be taken with full responsibility - after all, the correct choice will determine how the car will behave on the road in the future and what driving performance it shows. The correct choice of tires, taking into account all the nuances, will give the car owner real pleasure from driving the car.
*Prices are current as of February 2022.
Service station experts recommend installing tires on a Chevrolet Niva strictly according to the season, thereby eliminating universal, all-season tires. When operating a machine in high positive or negative temperatures, the rubber composition changes its properties, thereby deteriorating the technical characteristics.
Before purchasing tires for a Chevrolet Niva yourself, get advice from specialists regarding the compatibility of tires with your car model.
The choice of tires is a real problem for most Chevrolet Niva owners due to the fact that the “range of sizes” is limited. Driving for a long time on tires with inappropriate sizes leads to decreased vehicle control and emergency situations.
| Wheel disks | Tires |
| L, LG, GL 15 6Jx15 ET45 | 205/75R15 |
| GLC, LE, LE 16 6.5Jx16 ET44 | 205/70R15, 215/65R16 |
And also interesting: Buy a lambda probe for a Chevrolet Niva.
The abbreviation stands for as follows:
- wheel rim width;
- surface diameter;
- reach length;
- tire width;
- height in percent;
- diameter of the metal rim.
The higher the disc is installed on the car, the greater the risk of skidding and reduced control efficiency. At the same time, excessively low wheels also negatively affect ground clearance, lower ground clearance, and limit the vehicle’s maneuverability.
Each tire manufacturer determines the pressure for tires individually, based on their technical indicators and characteristics. Exact data is always indicated in the vehicle's operating manual.
| Name | Atmospheres (Bar) |
| Front (summer) | 2.1 |
| Rear (summer) | 1.9 |
| Front when fully loaded | 2.4 |
| Rear at full load | 2.8 |
| Winter (front/rear) | 2.2 / 2.1 |
The most popular winter tires:
- Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S - the tread consists of Velcro, which provides maximum traction on wet asphalt and loose snow. The maximum temperature of use is 25°C. The critical point is -35°. The average cost in online catalogs is from 8,500 rubles.
- Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 - balanced price-quality ratio. The tire provides good traction on loose snow and ice at sub-zero temperatures. Average price from 7,000 rubles.
- Dunlop Winter Sport 5 is a soft compound rubber that is not susceptible to hardening when the temperature drops. The price of one tire is from 5,500 rubles.
- Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is a popular model among car enthusiasts in the CIS, including the Russian Federation. Good quality, technical specifications at an affordable price. The service life before replacement exceeds 60 - 70 thousand km. mileage The average price by region is from 5,000 rubles.
- Nokian WR D4 is an economical option for most car owners. High-quality grip, long service life, affordable price from 2900 rubles.
Summer tires for Chevrolet Niva:
- Goodyear Ecient is a high-quality tire at a premium price from a European manufacturer. The tire warms up within a few seconds, providing the widest possible contact patch with the road surface. Rubber guarantees grip, control, cornering, and a minimum percentage of skidding at medium and high speeds. Average price from 5000 rubles.
- Grip Performance is a budget option from a European brand. Better than standard tires in terms of technical characteristics, acceptable for use in urban conditions. Price from 5500 rubles.
- Hankook Ventus Prime3 K125 is also a budget model with a price starting from 6,000 rubles. Above average quality at an affordable price.
- Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT2 is a tire with unidirectional tread, which ensures high handling and minimal vehicle roll when cornering, regardless of weather conditions and temperature conditions. Average cost from 5200 rubles.
- Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT (size R16) - tires are similar to the previous ones, except that the tread pattern is asymmetrical. Price from 5100 rubles.
- Pirelli P7 Cinturato Blue - long service life is the main highlight of the rubber. The average service life exceeds 65,000 km before replacement. Average price from 5500 rubles.
Service station specialists strongly recommend changing tires strictly according to the seasons, and to a lesser extent using universal, all-season tires. The operating temperature range is several degrees lower than seasonal tires, resulting in reduced vehicle controllability.
