Alloys and Tyres for my Zen

Hi All

I have a Zen 2003, Euro 2. I am thinking of changing tyres and buying alloy wheels too.

Currenlty tyre size is default one 145. My query is that should i go for regular 12 inch alloy along with 145 size tyre. Can i upgrade to 13 inch alloys and 165 size. I hope it doesn't effect the car. Regarding Tyres i am thinking of Bridgestone Turanza.

Please suggest me for Alloys.

it is most ideal to go for a 12 Inch alloy as the difference in the performance and looks will not be great. 12 inch & 13 Inch Look the same when seen from a distance. 

I would have asked you to go for a 13 Inch alloy incase you had a new car. Getting Mods done on a old car can affect the other installed spares which means more trouble in the pipeline.

My suggestion would be to go for a nice looking 12" alloys and the tyre i recommend would be Michelin XM1. Rubber compound of Bridgestone is hard when compared to Michelin which can give a little beating on your comfort. The cost between a Michelin & Bridgestone would not be much.

Speed Kills But Nothing Else Keeps Me More "Alive"

Thanks Joel

I have got one more query Standard Size of tyre is 145. Can i go for 155/165.

Its a Zen Lx. Moving to 155/165 won't make the steering heavier?

Surely. That should not affect the dynamics. 165 is also good. It is the width of the tyre. So if you go for 155/165 the tyres that you will buy will be wider that the one that is currently on the car. While it is good to go for a wider tyre, the fuel efficiency will be marginally affected. It could be by 1kmpl or so. Again depends of your driving style and conditions.

Speed Kills But Nothing Else Keeps Me More "Alive"

Aman, Kyon yaar buddhi ghodi ko laal lagaam pehna rahe ho?

Alloys are cosmetic, for most part. And you are not going to change anything else of the car.

Sooner or later you are going to change the car, why not keep the money for beautifying that car? These alloys will go with the car, and you will lose much on depreciation of these alloys, as buyers do not care much for extras the previous owner puts on.

If you are not facing serious problems due to the small and narrow tyres, I would suggest you let them be. At the max, go up to 155 or 165 section on the same rims, with aspect ratio adjusted accordingly.

buy maruti A star black rims for 2000 rupees for a new set of 4. put 155/70 R13 tyres.

155/70 R13 apolle accerlere tyres are god at 2400/tyre.

155/70 R13 michelin XM1 tyres will cost you 2700/tyre.

your car will improve a lot in handling. have fun.!!

Nicely said Krishna..

@Aman are you going to continue with this car for more than 2 years then go for those alloys and tyres. If the rims are not "out" completely you can stick with them and use new tyre.. Do as krishna said since it's practical.

Cursing a flat Tyre won't fix it :)

Wishing you a very Happy New Year 2011. Thank you for sharing this useful info.I really appreciate in best manner u have shared this info. My query pertains to same . Have Zen 2002 Model LX.The original tyres 145/80/12 and needs Tyre replacemnt required and I need smooth Handling (dont have Power Stering) and better grip on road . So my question are

1. I was looking for 12' or 13 " nd I was really confused  -but saw ur reply in which u mention 12' otherwise it will may hamper other areas - am buying Neo Wheels Alloy if something better then these please suggest some other brand - 

2. Should I go  for 145/80/12 - Bridgestone or 155/70/12 - Michelin

3.Have seen 155/70/12 Michelin its very good and more wider - my only worry is that Steering shud not get Hard and the height of car shud not get low bcas of 155/70/12 -  Please answer bth part its very imp

Thanks once again .Please reply/call at earliest

Sarabjeet - 9811286464

please dont do the mistake of buying 155/70 R12, those tyres are for upgrading a maruti 800 and not at all recommended for alto or a zen. your car will loose ride height, already the zen is very low.

i would suggest stick to michelin 145/80 R12 they cost 2.2k/ tyre with stock rims and source good looking wheel caps.

if your moving to 13 inch then think of alloys and buy 155/70 R13 michelin for your zen they cost about 2.8k/tyre.

(please note,you'll hardly find any difference in handling of your car, on 145/80 R12 XM1+ your car will be more comfortable inside and you'll gain half km mileage because of michelin tyres)

Dear Nash/Joel .....Wishing you a very Happy New Year and season greetings

I really appreciate and thankful  to you for giving me wonderful advise , Iwill not buy 155/70/12 for sure. Please help me with other two query now

1. 12 ' Stock (original) Rims Or 12 ' Alloy Rims and which tubeless tyres (bridgestone or michelin) 145/80/12

2. 13' Alloy Rim (this i have to buy as origninal rims are of 12') and  Bridgestone or Michelin tyres 155/70/13.

Best regards

Sarabjeet