Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Guide: Size, Price & Recommended Pressure

The Maruti Suzuki Alto is a well-known hatchback, featuring a compact form factor, high fuel efficiency, and an affordable starting price. Apart from the car’s reliable engine and spacious interior, an essential factor that contributes to the driving experience is its tyres. 

The Alto’s tyres contribute significantly to safety, comfort, and mileage. Thus, choosing the right tyres for your car is crucial for optimal performance. 

Read on to learn about the recommended Maruti Suzuki Alto tyre size, ideal tyre pressure, price ranges and upgrade options. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Overview

One of the best-selling compact cars in India, the Maruti Suzuki Alto features high-quality tyres, facilitating superb handling, optimum braking power and a safe driving experience. Most Maruti Suzuki variants use the usual tyre size, 145/80 R12.

Maruti Suzuki Alto tyres deliver:

• Balanced grip
• Better city driving experience
• Durability
• Efficient functioning
• Reduced road noise

Standard Factory-Fitted Tyres

Based on the variant, the Maruti Suzuki Alto comes installed with the following standard factory-fitted tyres:

1. Petrol Variant: The Petrol variant, like Alto K10, comes with JK tyres or MRF tyres. 
2. Diesel Variant: It has reinforced tyres to handle higher torque.

Differences in Tyre Configuration

Tyre configuration for base and top-end models is as follows:

1. Base Variants (Alto Std): It features economy tyres of CEAT or Apollo. 
2. Top Variants (Alto K10 AGS): They come with premium brands like Bridgestone or Michelin.

Importance of Manufacturer-Recommended Tyre Types

Following the Maruti Suzuki Alto tyre specifications ensures: 

• Safety: An accurate and correct tyre size guarantees improved braking and safety.
• Mileage: Precise rolling resistance conserves fuel.
• Warranty: Fitting manufacturer-recommended tyres ensures warranty cover.

Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Size by Variant

The recommended Maruti Alto tyre size based on the variant is as follows: 

Variant	Tyre Size	Wheel Size	Tyre Type
Alto 800 Std	145/80 R12	12-inch	Tubeless Radial
Alto K10 LXI	145/80 R12	12-inch	Tubeless Radial
Alto K10 VXI	145/80 R12	12-inch	Tubeless Radial
Alto K10 AGS	145/80 R12	12-inch	Tubeless Radial

Understanding Tyre Size Format

The tyre size is written in the format 145/80 R12, where the components refer to:

• 145: Width (in mm)
• 80: Aspect ratio (profile)
• R12: Rim diameter (in inches) 

Impact of Tyre (Wheel) Size

1. Grip and Stability

The 145 mm width of Maruti Suzuki Alto tyres ensures optimal grip for city drives. Narrower tyres perform well in wet conditions. 

2. Comfortable Ride

The 80% aspect ratio means taller sidewalls, which absorb bumps better than low-profile tyres, offering a comfortable driving experience. 

3. Fuel Efficiency

The lightweight 12-inch wheels ensure better mileage. Rolling resistance optimises fuel consumption. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Pressure (Recommended PSI)

The suggested Maruti Suzuki Alto tyre pressure range is between 30 and 34 PSI. Check out the table below for the accurate tyre pressure recommended under usual driving and loading conditions:

Tyre Type	Recommended Pressure
Front Tyres (normal load)	30 PSI
Rear Tyres (normal load)	32 PSI
Front Tyres (with load)	32 PSI
Rear Tyres (with load)	34 PSI

Cold vs. Hot Tyre Pressure Check

1. Cold Tyre Pressure

Check the cold tyre pressure when the Maruti Suzuki Alto tyres have not been driven for at least three hours or less than 2 kilometres. 

2. Hot Tyre Pressure

To check the hot tyre pressure, use a pressure gauge to measure the pressure of each Maruti Suzuki Alto tyre after they have cooled down.  

Why Correct Tyre Pressure Matters?

Accurate tyre pressure matters for the following reasons:

1. Longer Tyre Life: Under-inflated tyres wear prematurely, and over-inflated tyres cause centre wear. 
2. Smooth Ride: Balanced pressure reduces vibrations. 
3. Fuel Efficiency: Under-inflated tyres raise rolling resistance, and more fuel is needed to keep up the speed.

Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Price in India

Maruti Suzuki Alto tyre prices vary depending on the brand, size, and purchase channel. Follow these price variations for the best decision:

Brand	Tyre Size	Average Price Range (per tyre)
Generic	145/80 R12	₹2,500 – ₹5,500
MRF Tyres	145/80 R12 (ZLX)	₹2,600 – ₹3,200
Bridgestone Tyres	145/80 R12 (B250)	₹3,500 – ₹4,200
Michelin Tyres	145/80 R12 (Energy XM2+)	₹4,800 – ₹5,500
Yokohama Tyres	145/80 R12 (BluEarth-A)	₹3,800 – ₹4,500
CEAT Tyres	145/80 R12 (Milaze)	₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Dealer vs Online Pricing Comparison

Prices differ between authorised dealers and online websites. The table below discusses both of their pros and cons:

Purchase Option	Pros	Cons
Authorised dealers (Maruti ASC)	Genuine products Free fitting	10-15% costlier than online dealers
Online (TyreDekho, Flipkart, Amazon)	20% lower price Home fitting	Warranty terms

Full Set Replacement vs Single Tyre Cost

Price variations for full set Alto tyre replacement and single tyre are as follows:

1. Single Tyre Cost: ₹2,500 – ₹5,500
2. Full Set Replacement (4 tyres): ₹10,000 – ₹22,000
3. Additional Cost: Alignment cost (post-installation) is between ₹300 and ₹600. Valve replacement costs ₹100 per tyre. 

Best Tyre Brands for Maruti Suzuki Alto

Choosing the right Maruti Suzuki Alto tyre impacts safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The table below presents a detailed breakdown of the top tyre brands for the Maruti Suzuki Alto:

Tyre Type	Premium Choice	Value-for-Money Choice
Performance-Oriented Tyres	Michelin Energy XM2+ Excellent wet gripLow rolling resistancePuncture resistance	Bridgestone B250 Stable at high speedLow noiseAffordable
Long-Lasting Tyres	Yokohama BluEarth-A 3-year tread warrantyEco-friendly designw	MRF ZLX 60,000 km lifespanAffordable

Features to Look for in Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyres

1. Wet Grip: It helps in preventing hydroplaning. Michelin is the best in braking tests. 
2. Noise Reduction: Tyres with reduced noise make way for a comfortable driving experience. Bridgestone B250 is the quietest tyre. 
3. Tread Warranty: Yokohama offers a 3-year tread warranty, protecting against premature wear due to manufacturing defects.

Maruti Suzuki Alto Spare Tyre Details

The Maruti Suzuki Alto comes with a compact temporary spare tyre of T-type, which has the following characteristics:

• Spare Tyre Size: 80/90 R16 (smaller than the standard)
• Purpose: Emergency use only, not suggested for long-distance travel.
• Speed limit: Maximum 80 km/h
• Usage Duration: Less than 100 km. 

Maruti Suzuki recommends using the spare tyre only temporarily. To improve your driving experience, promptly repair or replace the damaged tyre. 

How to Know When to Replace Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyres?

Replacing the Maruti Suzuki Alto tyres immediately ensures safety and better performance. Here are some replacement signs to look out for:

1. Bald tread and worn-out grooves
2. Sidewall cracks or bulges
3. Longer braking distance 
4. Vibrations while driving
5. Place a ₹5 coin in the tread. If the outer band is seen, you must replace the tyre.
6. 3 to 4 years or 40,000 to 50,000 km, whichever comes first.

Tyre Maintenance Tips for Maruti Suzuki Alto Owners

Regular servicing and good tyre maintenance guarantee safety, performance, and enhanced functioning.  Adhere to the following vital tips for tyre maintenance:

1. Periodic Rotation:  Rotate tyres every 8,000 kilometres to ensure regular wear.
2. Maintain Correct Pressure:  Inspect the tyre pressure every month and adjust it to 30/32/34 PSI, depending upon the load. 
3. Wheel Alignment: Check alignment every 10,000 kilometres or after running over potholes.
4. Spare Tyre Check: Keep the spare tyre at 60 PSI and check the pressure every three months.

Can You Upgrade Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyres?

Maruti Suzuki Alto comes with the standard 145/80 R12 tyres, but cautious upsizing within limits is possible.

Pros of Upsizing

1. Better high speed 
2. Improved cornering grip
3. Enhanced appearance

Cons of Upsizing

1. Reduced fuel economy (1-2 kmpl drop)
2. Heavier steering wheel 
3. May void warranty 

Ideal Upsize Options

1. 155/70 R12 (minimal impact on odometer)
2. 155/65 R13 (requires 13-inch wheels)

Never exceed 3% overall diameter difference and maintain proper speed rating (at least T-rated for 190 kmph). Always consult a tyre expert and stay within the manufacturer’s recommended tolerance limits. 

Tyres are crucial in keeping the Maruti Suzuki Alto safe, comfortable, and performing optimally. To maintain improved fuel economy and stability, it is always advisable to have tyres that satisfy the manufacturer’s requirements.

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