Shortage of rims for Vesta! ZR investigation

Good afternoon, dear Zarulevites! I would like to suggest a relevant topic for an article. I am the owner of a Lada Vesta SW Cross, and now it is important for me to buy winter tires on rims. However, it turned out that AVTOVAZ used a non-standard disk with an offset of 43 and requires that only this be used in order to avoid loss of warranty. The official disc costs a cosmic 7.5 thousand, there is only one possible replacement - for 6.5 thousand, and even the manufacturer has only 1 (one) disc in stock (assume that there is no replacement). Thus, the factory imposes the purchase of its unique disc at a clearly inflated price. Why not bring this to the attention of the public and ask for comments from the plant? At the very least, the factory could allow other replacement options. Judging by the forums, people install 15th and 16th wheels, risking the warranty, because the imposed option is simply twice as expensive. With all respect, Andrew.

Dear Andrey! We tried to answer your questions from all possible positions.

Officially

Any manufacturer, not only AVTOVAZ, will require the use of only those tire and wheel sizes that are specified in the operating instructions. The car passed factory tests and certification on them. How it will behave on “shoes” with other parameters is unknown to the manufacturer, and he cannot take responsibility for such a replacement.

In the latest version of the Vesta operating instructions, comprehensive information about tires and wheels is given on p. 121.

In the latest version of the Vesta operating instructions, comprehensive information about tires and wheels is given on p. 121.

To confirm this, in general, obvious information, I nevertheless contacted the AVTOVAZ press service and called the Lada hotline incognito. Both sources were unanimous: on the Lada Vesta Cross sedan and station wagon, only 17-inch tires and wheels with the parameters specified in the operating instructions are allowed. Other options will be considered as a reason to refuse warranty repair of the chassis.

Vesta factory tires and wheels

* Speed ​​indices: T – up to 190 km/h, H – up to 210 km/h. Load capacity indices: 88–560 kg; 91–615 kg.

In September 2016, the “Operating Manual for LADA Vesta dated 09.09.16” was posted on the official website, in which an addition to Table 1 appeared (more about this):

AVTOVAZ response:

According to the information given in the vehicle's Operation Manual, the composition of the vehicle and its configuration are constantly updated; you can use all current standard sizes.

Sanctions

You can pay not only by refusing free repairs. If tires not approved by the factory are noticed by a traffic police inspector on the road, he has the right to draw up a report on the vehicle’s non-compliance with the requirements of the Technical Regulations, clause 5.1 of which states: “Vehicles must be equipped with tires in accordance with the vehicle manufacturers’ operational documentation.” And this is already a reason to terminate registration if the problem is not eliminated.

Wheel markings are usually applied to the inner surface. If you put the Vesta Cross on the same 17-inch wheels, but with different parameters of offset, width and diameter of the central hole, the inspector, of course, will not be able to assess compliance right on the road. But the other diameter is already obvious, and its marking on the tire will tell you.

The car on “seventeenth” wheels looks, of course, more beautiful, but practicality suffers.

The car on “seventeenth” wheels looks, of course, more beautiful, but practicality suffers.

A diameter other than the seventeenth will also put an end to the ability to honestly pass inspection. If you completely exaggerate, extremely unpleasant consequences can arise in the event of an accident with a serious outcome. After such cases, they often order a lot of examinations and find out all the details. Non-standard wheels will emerge, and who knows how the investigators will regard it. But this is a theory.

Caps for Vesta

Many car owners strive to ensure that their iron horse has a unique appearance. Not everyone has the opportunity to buy alloy tires, especially since high-quality models are not cheap, and alternative sizes will require different tires. In such a situation, it is optimal to put wheel caps on the wheels.

The main task is to improve the appearance. In addition to beauty, caps also perform a protective function, namely, they prevent dents, scratches and abrasions of the wheel rim.

Depending on the design, the cap can also keep excess dust off the brake pads, increasing their lifespan. As a rule, the cost of products is low. Usually the average price does not exceed 2,000–3,000 rubles for a set of 4 pieces.

Features of the caps

These accessories may vary in the shape of their profile (flat or convex). You can also buy metal options, but most often you can find plastic ones: more practical and inexpensive. By design, they can be closed or open, as well as in different colors.

Depending on the manufacturer, the caps may have different fastenings. There are models that are fixed with bolts. There are also those for which nylon clamps are sufficient. Plastic caps are much more popular than metal ones, because they are inexpensive, they are stronger and you don’t mind them. Their service life is not that long. The open shape of the caps does not hide corrosion well, but provides good cooling of the brakes.

The cost of products depends on various factors. The most acceptable option is a kit for installation on standard R15s; the original one will cost 1,500–2,000 rubles. Accordingly, the larger the radius, the higher the cost.

Installation of hoods

Any car owner can install them on Vesta with his own hands; there is nothing difficult about it. Before starting work, you need to clean the disk from dirt and corrosion. If necessary, it is necessary to correct irregularities and dents, if any.

There is a recess on the cap for the nipple for pumping air into the tires; it must be aligned with the valve on the wheel. Next, you should make sure that the metal ring on the inside is in the grooves of the latches (the ring ensures equal pressure around the circumference). All that remains is to place the cap on the disk and check the reliability. Additionally, you can use plastic clamps to secure the cap to the wheel more firmly: this prevents the accessory from flying out when driving, which is not uncommon.

Reality

Real life, as usual, has some differences. I called several official Lada dealers in Moscow and, introducing myself as the owner of a SW Cross station wagon, asked for advice on an alternative to the original 17-inch “shoes”. The answers were like carbon copies. The parts department managers saw no problem with installing 16-inch wheels and were willing to offer options.

When asked directly, “What about the guarantee?” were put out and switched to the appropriate specialist. And already from the warranty technician there was a predictable answer: the wheels will fit, but showing up with them at the service station will be a reason to refuse free suspension repairs. However, everyone made it clear that this would not necessarily happen. Would you take their word for it?

The paradox: with excellent geometric cross-country ability, good suspension and electronics tuning, the Vesta Cross is limited on bad asphalt and beyond by the size of the tires.

The paradox: with excellent geometric cross-country ability, good suspension and electronics tuning, the Vesta Cross is limited on bad asphalt and beyond by the size of the tires.

Of course, you can schedule maintenance trips during the season when your Vesta is wearing factory wheels. But the very fact that dealers match sizes that are not approved by the factory is outrageous. Someone will buy them without asking any questions! And then, to his surprise, the same technical center will receive a refusal of warranty.

What does the size of tires and wheels affect?

If you are going to buy winter tires for Lada Vesta , then try to choose narrower tires. These tires will create more pressure on the road surface and improve traction. Remember that wide tires are more sensitive to ruts in winter. And low-profile tires make the ride less comfortable, because... transfer even the smallest holes to the body.

The smaller the unsprung masses

(this includes a lot of tires and wheels), the better the car will hold the road and accelerate faster. For example, if you put wheels on a car that are 2 kg lighter each, then acceleration to 100 km/h will be reduced by 0.2 seconds.

Attention! Installing larger wheels may lead to problems with ABS and ESP calibration (the systems may not work correctly).

Buy rims for Lada Vesta at the lowest prices

possible with us.

What wheels and tires did you choose for the Lada Vesta? What are the pros and cons of such a replacement? Participate in the survey, leave feedback and ask questions. Let us remind you that in this article we determine the real fuel consumption of this car.

Keywords: Lada Vesta wheels | Lada Vesta tires

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About standard disks

Two types can be installed on Vesta: stamped and cast. Standard size recommended by the manufacturer: R15 and R16. Each type has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

Stamped

This is the most affordable option. They are called stamped because they are made by stamping using standard molds of several types. Externally, they may vary in size and design. One of the main advantages of stamped discs is not only their low price, but also their resistance to minor mechanical impacts: scratches, impacts, etc.

Stamped R15s are provided as a factory option as standard. The tire size is 175/70 R15. Choose stampings both from an official dealer and in many specialized stores.

Vesta alloy wheels

They are made from special alloys based on aluminum plus additives for rigidity and strength (strontium, titanium, magnesium). The manufacturing process for alloy wheels involves high pressure to produce a durable design. The final shape is achieved on a high-tech milling machine. The higher cost of alloy wheels is due to the complexity of production. Casting is lightweight, but the products are less resistant to mechanical damage.

Depending on the configuration, the Lada Vesta can be equipped with two cast and stamped wheels of different sizes:

Unlike stamped wheels, alloy wheels come in a variety of designs.

Casting can be ordered as a separate option for any configuration or purchased in specialized stores. If for stamped ones you need to pay no more than 2,500 rubles (on average 1,500), then the cost of alloy wheels starts from 3,000 (R15) and 4,000 rubles. (R16) for one copy. Depending on the manufacturer, the cost can increase several times.

Features of standard tires

Lada Vesta SV base assemblies come from the factory with Belshina tires, which:

• designed specifically for this car model;
• have high quality parameters;
• are products under the ART Motion brand. This, by the way, is not just a brand, but a sign that these stingrays undergo a series of tests for compliance with European standards.

In basic Vesta assemblies, these tires come with steel stamped wheels 6J15ET504x10060.1, where:

• rim width in inches – 6J;
• in inches, the mounting diameters of the slopes are 15;
• disc offset – ET50 or 50 mm;
• PCD or bolt pattern parameters (4 bolt holes, symmetrically located on a 100 mm circle) – 4x100;
• diameter in mm of the hole DIA for the hub is 60.1.

Lada Vesta wheels in luxury trim levels

Another wheel configuration option for Vesta is 16-inch wheels, which are installed in trim levels above Classic. The wheels are produced by the same K&K company and have the following markings: K&K Ptalomey 16 6X16 4X100 DIA 60 ET 50. Of course, the resistance of larger diameter wheels to bumps and holes is an order of magnitude higher - this is due to the fact that at the moment of passing over unevenness the radius of the wheel is simply prevents you from falling into the same bump that a smaller diameter wheel would fall into. In addition, thanks to the large radius, the vehicle's stability on the road increases. And, of course, do not forget about such an advantage as appearance - large wheels noticeably elevate your car in every sense.

Purpose and features

First of all, the rim allows the car to move on the road because it holds the rubber tire. In addition, they can serve as an additional decoration for the appearance. The tire does not fly off thanks to the ring protrusion. It cannot be too heavy and must meet the geometric requirements that are imposed during production.

Wheels affect handling and overall dynamics.

If you choose different wheel sizes for the Lada Vesta, you can change the operating parameters of the car. Firstly, a larger diameter has a positive effect on the quality of vehicle control and trajectory retention. On the other hand, there is a feeling of discomfort when moving over uneven surfaces. Secondly, a wider one will make driving more comfortable, but will increase fuel consumption. Thirdly, control also depends on the choice of tire size: the wider, the better. However, the wider the tire, the higher the fuel consumption, and also the resistance to aquaplaning decreases and the noise level increases.