
The Maruti 800 is more than just a car in India—it’s a symbol of affordable mobility that shaped generations. Introduced in the early 1980s, this compact hatchback became one of the most iconic vehicles on Indian roads. While it officially ceased production in 2014, you can still see many Maruti 800s all across the roads in all major cities and towns in India.
That’s how deeply ingrained this car is within the national psyche. Even today, many Maruti 800s continue to run reliably across cities, towns, and villages, thanks to their low maintenance costs and durability.
However, it is an old car (to put it mildly), and there can be no doubt about maintenance-related hassles regarding its many parts and components. Chief among them is, of course, the tyres. By which we mean, yes, driving a vehicle engineered for previous eras in modern congested roads can lead to some wear-and-tear for its tyres.
Hence, one of the most important aspects of keeping a Maruti 800 safe and efficient is choosing the right tyres. Tyres directly affect braking distance, ride comfort, fuel economy, and handling stability. Selecting the wrong size or poor-quality tyres can compromise both safety and performance.
Fortunately, the Maruti 800 has widespread tyre compatibility, with 17+ tyre models available from trusted brands such as Apollo, MRF, CEAT, Firestone, JK Tyre, Bridgestone, Maxxis, and Goodyear.
This guide covers everything you need to know:
- Correct tyre size & wheel specifications
- Recommended tyre pressure for different variants
- Price range and model comparisons
- Best tyre brands for different driving needs
- Buying tips, warranty, and installation advice
- Maintenance and upgrade options
- A dedicated FAQ section
By the end, you’ll know exactly which tyres suit your Maruti 800 best.
Understanding Tyre Size & Wheel Specifications
Decoding 145/70 R12
The Maruti 800 uses a standard tyre size of 145/70 R12. Let’s break this down:
- 145 → Tyre width in millimetres (145 mm)
- 70 → Aspect ratio (tyre height is 70% of the width)
- R → Radial construction (modern standard, more flexible and durable than bias-ply)
- 12 → Rim diameter in inches (12-inch wheels)
Both front and rear tyres on the Maruti 800 are 145/70 R12.
| Tyre Code | Description | Value |
| 145 | Width | 145 mm |
| 70 | Aspect Ratio | 70% |
| R | Construction | Radial |
| 12 | Rim Diameter | 12 inches
|
The Maruti 800 is equipped with 12-inch steel wheels and supports both tube-type and tubeless radial tyres).
- Radial tyres: Flexible sidewalls, better grip, fuel-efficient, longer lifespan.
- Bias-ply tyres: Older design, stiffer ride, less efficient.
For modern use, radial tubeless tyres are strongly recommended.
Recommended Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure ensures optimal grip, ride comfort, and mileage.
According to TyresDekho, the recommended Maruti 800 tyre pressure is 27 PSI (front & rear) across all variants. However, some sources suggest around 30 PSI. Always check the owner’s manual and adjust based on passenger load and road conditions.
| Variant | Front Tyre Pressure | Rear Tyre Pressure |
| Maruti 800 STD | 27 PSI | 27 PSI |
| Maruti 800 DX | 27 PSI | 27 PSI |
| Maruti 800 AC | 27 PSI | 27 PSI |
| Maruti 800 DUO | 27 PSI | 27 PSI |
For long highway drives or full passenger load, you can safely increase pressure slightly (e.g., 29–30 PSI).
Wheel Size & Bolt Pattern
The Maruti 800 comes with 12-inch steel rims. If you plan to replace wheels, it’s useful to know the bolt pattern (PCD) and centre bore:
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter): 100 mm x 4 (4 lug nuts)
- Centre Bore: ~60 mm (approx., check manufacturer specs)
When upgrading to alloy wheels, always ensure the PCD and offset match to avoid fitment issues.
Maruti 800 Tyre Price Range¶
Overall Price Range
Tyre prices for the Maruti 800 are quite affordable compared to modern hatchbacks. On average, you’ll spend ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per tyre.
- Budget tyres (Apollo, MRF) start at around ₹1,800.
- Premium tyres (Maxxis, Bridgestone) can go up to ₹4,000.
This makes tyre replacement for the Maruti 800 one of the cheapest in the market.
Price Table of Popular Tyre Models
Here’s a quick comparison of popular models available for the Maruti 800:
| Model | Price (Approx.) | Type |
| Apollo Amazer 4G Life | ₹3,070 | Tube |
| Firestone FR500 | ₹2,350 | Tubeless |
| MRF ZVTS | ₹2,795 | Tube |
| MRF ZVT | ₹2,092 | Tube |
| CEAT Milaze X3 | ₹2,530 | Tube |
| JK Ultima NXT | ₹2,668 | Tubeless |
| Bridgestone S322 | ₹2,880 | Tube |
Best Tyre Brands & Model Recommendations¶
Top Brands Overview
- CEAT → Long-lasting tyres, great for rough Indian roads.
- MRF → Superior grip and strong sidewalls, ideal for city roads.
- Apollo → Affordable pricing, widely available.
- JK Tyre → Balanced performance with tubeless options.
- Goodyear → Reliable traction and comfort.
- Firestone → Good wet grip, popular for daily commuting.
- Bridgestone → Premium comfort and durability.
Best Tyres for City Driving
For stop-and-go traffic and urban commutes, focus on grip and fuel efficiency.
- MRF ZVTS – Good traction, durable, economical.
- Firestone FR500 – Tubeless option, smooth city rides.
- CEAT Milaze X3 – Excellent tread life, reliable in wet conditions.
Pros:
- Better braking in city traffic
- Affordable pricing
- Fuel-efficient designs
Cons:
- Higher road noise than premium tyres
- Limited high-speed stability
Best Tyres for Highway & Mixed Use
For long drives and highway runs, look for comfort and stability at speed.
- JK Ultima NXT – Tubeless, stable, balanced ride.
- Bridgestone S322 – Premium comfort, low noise, reliable performance.
User reviews highlight better cornering stability and smoother rides on highways with these models.
Choosing Tube vs Tubeless
Tubeless Tyres:
- Safer in case of punctures (air escapes slowly).
- Better mileage and handling.
- Easier to repair.
Tube-Type Tyres:
- Cheaper upfront.
- More prone to sudden flats.
- Suitable for older rims.
Examples:
- Tubeless → Firestone FR500, JK Ultima NXT.
- Tube → MRF ZVTS, Apollo Amazer 4G Life.
Buying & Fitting – Where to Purchase and What to Look For
Online vs Offline Purchase
Online portals (TyresDekho, Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)
- Easy comparison by brand, price, size, and speed rating.
- Home delivery or partner workshops.
- Discounts and seasonal offers.
Offline dealers
- Professional fitting, balancing, and alignment.
- Instant availability.
- Negotiable pricing.
Best strategy: research online, buy offline if you prefer fitting support, or choose an online store that includes doorstep installation.
Warranty & After‑Sales Service
- MRF, CEAT, Apollo → 5-year standard warranty.
- Bridgestone, Firestone → 3–5 years depending on model.
- Maxxis → Limited warranty, check dealer terms.
Always buy from authorised dealers to avoid counterfeit products.
Installation & Balancing
When fitting new tyres:
- Remove old tyres and check wheel rims.
- Install new tyres with proper torque on bolts.
- Perform wheel balancing (avoids vibration).
- Do wheel alignment for straight steering and even wear.
Budget an extra ₹400–₹800 for balancing and alignment services.
Maintenance Tips & Tyre Care for Maruti 800
To maximise tyre life:
- Maintain correct pressure: 27 PSI (check monthly).
- Rotate tyres every 5,000 km for even wear.
- Check tread depth: Replace when below 1.6 mm.
- Inspect tyres regularly for cracks, bulges, and punctures.
- Avoid overloading – small cars like the 800 are sensitive to extra weight.
- Wheel alignment & balancing: Do every 10,000 km or after a pothole hit.
Example tyre rotation pattern (for a 4-tyre setup):
- Front left → Rear left
- Front right → Rear right
Upgrading & Alternate Tyre Sizes
Possible Upgrades (145/80 R12 or 155/70 R12)
Some Maruti 800 owners upgrade to 145/80 R12 or 155/70 R12 for:
- Wider tread → more stability.
- Better grip on highways.
- Enhanced ride comfort.
Caution:
- Speedometer readings may vary.
- Slight drop in fuel efficiency.
- Risk of tyre rubbing if wheel well clearance is tight.
Always consult a tyre expert before upgrading.
12‑Inch Tyres & Alloy Wheels
For those who want a visual upgrade:
- Choose 12-inch alloy wheels with the correct PCD (100 mm x 4).
- Check offset & centre bore compatibility.
- Popular aftermarket brands: Neo Wheels, Plati, Aura.
Avoid cheap, unbranded alloys—they may crack under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the tyre size of Maruti 800?
145/70 R12 for both front and rear (tyres.cardekho.com).
2. How much does a Maruti 800 tyre cost?
A.₹2,000 – ₹3,000 on average (tyres.cardekho.com).
3. What is the recommended tyre pressure?
27 PSI (front & rear); some sources suggest ~30 PSI (tyres.cardekho.com).
4. Which is the best tyre brand for Maruti 800?
MRF, CEAT, Apollo, JK Tyre, Goodyear, Firestone (tyres.cardekho.com).
5. Can I use tubeless tyres on a Maruti 800?
Yes; the car supports both tube-type and tubeless tyres (tyres.cardekho.com).
6. What is the wheel size of Maruti 800?
12-inch steel rims (tyres.cardekho.com).
7. Are there different tyre sizes for Alto 800?
Yes; Alto 800 usually uses 145/80 R12. Always confirm your model before buying (tyres.cardekho.com).
8. Is MRF ZVTS a good option?
Yes; priced at ₹2,795, it offers strong grip and durability for city roads (tyres.cardekho.com).
Conclusion
The Maruti 800, India’s beloved compact hatchback, runs on 145/70 R12 tyres mounted on 12-inch wheels (tyres.cardekho.com). With a recommended pressure of 27 PSI, these tyres deliver the right balance of safety, comfort, and economy.
The price range is very affordable—₹2,000–₹3,000 per tyre—with multiple models available from top brands like MRF, CEAT, Apollo, JK Tyre, Firestone, and Bridgestone. Whether you choose tube-type for budget use or tubeless for modern safety, the market offers excellent choices.
Key takeaways:
- Stick to the recommended size (145/70 R12).
- Maintain correct tyre pressure (27 PSI).
- Rotate, align, and inspect tyres regularly.
- Compare models by driving needs (city vs highway).
- Consider tubeless upgrades for safety and convenience.
Choosing the right tyres not only extends the life of your Maruti 800 but also ensures safe, efficient, and enjoyable drives—keeping this iconic car running smoothly for years to come. Looking for more useful auto-maintenance tips? Keep on following Ecozaar.
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Tanushree (Author)
Tanushree is a dynamic business strategist with a knack for driving innovation in startups, especially in Fintech and Edtech. With 9 years of work-ex, an IT engineer from MIT Pune, & a MBA from IIM Bangalore (Marketing & Business Strategy), she’s got the mix of analytical and creative problem-solving.
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