The Mahindra Thar stands as one of India’s most rugged and iconic off-road SUVs. Known for its bold design, powerful engine, and unmatched 4×4 capability, the Thar thrives on tough terrains, but its performance heavily depends on choosing the right Thar tyres.
Whether you’re cruising through city streets or tackling rocky mountain trails, using the right tyre type, size, and pressure is critical for safety, performance, and comfort.
Mahindra Thar Tyre Overview
The new-generation Mahindra Thar (launched in 2020 and updated since) comes with factory-fitted tubeless radial tyres on alloy or steel wheels, depending on the variant. These tyres are engineered for dual-purpose driving: smooth on-road travel and aggressive off-road grip.
The Mahindra Thar tyres offer:
- Smooth on-road travel
- Off-road grip
- Enhanced performance
- Comfortable ride
Standard Factory-Fitted Tyres
The Mahindra Thar is factory fitted with CEAT CZAR AT tyres in two sizes: 255/65 R18 and 245/75 R16. These are all-terrain tyres, which can be used for both on-road and off-road driving. The Mahindra Thar tyre configurations vary between base and top-end models in the following ways:
- Base variants (AX): 245/75 R16
- Top variants (LX): 255/65 R18
Importance of Manufacturer-Recommended Tyre Types
Adhering to manufacturer-recommended tyre specifications ensures:
- High load-bearing capacity
- Excellent traction on uneven terrain
- Durable sidewalls for off-roading
- Optimised for fuel efficiency and comfort on highways
Mahindra Thar Tyre Size by Variant
The Mahindra Thar tyre size tends to differ based on the variant. Here’s the complete specification chart:
| Variant | Tyre Size | Wheel Size | Tyre Type |
| AX | 245/75 R16 | 16-inch steel wheels | Tubeless radial |
| LX | 255/65 R18 | 18-inch alloy wheels | Tubeless radial |
| Earth Edition | 255/65 R18 | 18-inch alloy wheels | Tubeless radial |
Understanding Tyre Size Format
The Thar tyre sizes are denoted as Width/Profile/Rim Diameter (e.g., 255/65 R18):
- 255 – Tyre width in millimetres
- 65 – Aspect ratio (sidewall height as % of width)
- R18 – Radial construction, 18-inch rim diameter
Impact of Tyre (Wheel) Size
- Grip and Stability
Wider tyres, such as 245 and 255 mm, enhance road grip and improve vehicle stability, especially on rough terrain.
- Comfortable Ride
Higher aspect ratios (e.g., 65) absorb bumps better, leading to a smoother driving experience.
- Fuel Efficiency
Lower rim sizes (16 inches) offer lower rolling resistance, which helps maximise mileage without compromising performance.
Mahindra Thar Tyre Pressure (Recommended PSI)
The suggested Mahindra Thar tyre pressure is 34 PSI. Check out the table below to find out the required air pressure for loaded and unloaded conditions:
| Tyre Type | Recommended Pressure (PSI) |
| Front Tyres (without load) | 34 PSI |
| Rear Tyres (without load) | 34 PSI |
| Front Tyres (with load) | 34 PSI |
| Rear Tyres (with load) | 34 PSI |
Cold vs. Hot Tyre Pressure Check
- Cold Tyre Pressure
Measure when the car has been stationary for at least 3 hours or driven less than 2 km.
- Hot Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure increases by 3-5 PSI during driving; measure after driving for more than 10 minutes.
Why Correct Tyre Pressure Matters?
Following the recommended PSI helps in the following ways:
- Improves Fuel Efficiency: Proper tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance, enhancing mileage.
- Enhances Safety: Helps maintain better road grip and shortens braking distance.
- Increases Tyre Life: Prevents uneven wear, extending tyre lifespan.
- Boosts Ride Comfort: Ensures smoother and more stable driving, on-road or off-road.
- Protects Suspension: Reduces impact on suspension components by evenly distributing load.
- Prevents Blowouts: Minimises the risk of tyre failure, especially during long drives.
Mahindra Thar Tyre Price in India
Check out the Mahindra Thar tyre price for various brands in the table below:
| Brand | Tyre Size | Average Price Range (per tyre) |
MRF Tyres | 245/75 R16 (Wanderer) | ₹8,500 – ₹10,500 |
| 255/65 R18 (Steel Brace) | ₹12,000 – ₹14,000 | |
Bridgestone Tyres | 245/75 R16 (Dueler H/T) | ₹11,000 – ₹13,500 |
| 255/65 R18 (Dueler A/T) | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 | |
Michelin Tyres | 245/75 R16 (LTX Force) | ₹14,000 – ₹16,000 |
| 255/65 R18 (Primacy SUV) | ₹18,000 – ₹20,000 | |
Yokohama Tyres | 245/75 R16 (Geolander A/T) | ₹9,500 – ₹13,500 |
| 255/65 R18 (Geolander M/T) | ₹13,000 – ₹16,500 | |
CEAT Tyres | 245/75 R16 (CZAR) | ₹8,000 – ₹11,000 |
| 255/65 R18 (CZAR) | ₹10,000 – ₹14,000 |
Dealer vs. Online Pricing Comparison
Mahindra Thar tyre prices differ between authorised dealers and online websites. The table below discusses both of their pros and cons:
| Purchase Option | Pros | Cons |
| Authorised dealers | Professional installation Warranty support | 5-10% costlier than online dealers |
| Online Platforms | Reduced pricingHome delivery | Warranty termsExtra installation charges |
Full Set Replacement vs Single Tyre Cost
Price variations for a full set of Thar tyre replacement and a single tyre are as follows:
- Single Tyre Cost: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000
- Full Set Replacement (4 tyres): ₹32,000 – ₹80,000
Best Tyre Brands for Mahindra Thar
The table below compares the top Mahindra Thar tyre brands based on performance, longevity, and off-road capability:
| Tyre Type | Premium Choice | Value-for-Money Choice |
| Performance-Oriented Tyres | Michelin LTX Force Wet and dry gripHigh-speed stability and comfort | MRF Wanderer A/TOff-road traction and durabilityAffordable |
| Long-Lasting Tyres | Bridgestone Dueler H/T 689 Comfortable ride with extended tread lifeReduced road noise | CEAT Czar H/TSecure grip on highwaysAffordable |
| Light Off-Road Capable Tyres | Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015Off-road prowess and on-road comfortGrip on challenging terrains | CEAT Czar A/TImpressive off-road capabilitiesOn-road performanceRobust |
Features to Look for in Thar Tyres
- Wet Grip: Ensuring optimal traction during monsoons and wet conditions is vital. Tyres like the CEAT CrossDrive AT are designed with deep grooves and an aggressive tread pattern to provide superior grip on slippery surfaces, thus preventing hydroplaning.
- Noise Reduction: For a quieter and more comfortable ride, consider tyres equipped with noise-reducing technologies. For instance, CEAT’s Cactus Algorithm Technology is implemented in their CrossDrive AT tyres to minimize road noise.
- Tread Warranty: A longer tread warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the tyre’s durability. CEAT offers a warranty of up to 6 years from the date of manufacture or until the tread wears down to the tread wear indicators, whichever comes first.
Mahindra Thar Spare Tyre Details
The Thar comes with a full-size spare tyre. Its key specifications include:
- Spare Tyre Size: 255/65 R18
- Type: Full-size spare tyre, matching the primary tyres.
- Material: Steel wheel
- Speed Limit: Maximum 80 km/h
- Distance Limit: Maximum 80 km recommended
The compact spare is intended for temporary use; replace it with a standard tyre promptly.
How to Know When to Replace Mahindra Thar Tyres?
Watch for these critical indicators to know the ideal time to replace Mahindra Thar tyres:
- Tread Wear: If the tread depth is <1.6 mm or fails the coin test.
- Sidewall Cracks/Bulges: Indicates compromised structure.
- Uneven Wear Patterns: Suggests poor alignment or suspension issues.
- Mileage Threshold: Replace every 50,000 km or 5 years (whichever is earlier).
- Off-Road Damage: Check regularly for cuts, embedded objects, or bruises.
Tyre Maintenance Tips for Mahindra Thar Owners
Keep your Thar tyres in peak condition with the following professional maintenance tips:
- Rotate Tyres: Every 10,000 km (cross-rotation pattern).
- Wheel Alignment & Balancing: Every 6 months or after off-road use.
- Monthly Pressure Check: Maintain 34 PSI based on usage.
- Clean Tyres After Off-Roading: Remove mud and gravel stuck in the tread.
- Inspect Before Long Drives: Look for uneven wear or sidewall damage.
Can You Upgrade Mahindra Thar Tyres?
Tyre upsize is common for aesthetics and performance, but always stay within tolerable limits to avoid issues.
Pros of Upsizing
- Aggressive off-road stance
- Improved grip on rough surfaces
- Better ground clearance
Cons of Upsizing
- Slightly reduced fuel efficiency
- Risk of speedometer error
- Might void warranty if outside OEM range
Ideal Upsize Options
- 245/75 R16 to 265/70 R16 or 265/75 R16
- 255/65 R18 to 265/60 R18 or 275/60 R18
Use a tyre upsize calculator to ensure less than ±3% variation in overall diameter.
The Mahindra Thar’s tyres are an integral part of the SUV’s legendary go-anywhere capability. Whether you’re conquering deserts, mountain trails, or just hitting the highways, choosing the right tyre size, pressure, and brand will drastically enhance your Thar’s safety, performance, and durability.
FAQs About Mahindra Thar Tyres
Q. What is the Mahindra Thar tyre size?
The Mahindra Thar comes with two tyre size options: 245/75 R16 for AX variants and 255/65 R18 for LX variants, suitable for both off-road and highway driving.
Q. What is the tyre pressure for the Mahindra Thar?
The recommended Mahindra Thar tyre pressure is 34 PSI under normal load and heavy load for the front and rear tyres.
Q. Can I upgrade the Thar to 19-inch tyres?
Yes, you can upgrade the Mahindra Thar to 19-inch tyres, but ensure proper wheel alignment, suspension compatibility, and speedometer recalibration to maintain performance, safety, and warranty compliance.
Q. How much does a Mahindra Thar tyre cost?
The cost of Mahindra Thar tyres in India varies based on tyre size, brand, and purchase source. For the 245/75 R16 size, prices typically range from ₹5,699 to ₹6,829 per tyre, while the 255/65 R18 size ranges from ₹6,146 to ₹12,000 per tyre.
Q. Which is the best tyre brand for the Mahindra Thar?
The best tyre brands for the Mahindra Thar include Michelin for highway comfort, CEAT and MRF for affordability and durability, and Apollo or Yokohama for superior all-terrain off-road performance.
Q. How long do Mahindra Thar tyres last?
Mahindra Thar tyres typically last between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions, tyre brand, and maintenance habits like rotation, alignment, and maintaining proper tyre pressure regularly.
