Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Size, Price & Recommended Pressure: Detailed Guide
- 1Standard sizes are 145/80 R12 (Alto 800) or 145/80 R13 (New Alto K10)
- 2Recommended pressure is 30 PSI for Alto 800 and 32-35 PSI for Alto K10
- 3Prices range from ₹2,200 for budget brands to ₹4,500 for premium options
- Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Size by Variant & Generation
- Understanding Tyre Size Format
- Maruti Suzuki Alto Recommended Tyre Pressure (PSI)
- Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Price in India & Best Brands
- Upsizing Guide: Can You Upgrade Alto Tyres?
- Maruti Suzuki Alto Spare Tyre Details
- How to Know When to Replace Your Tyres?
- Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Alto is India's most loved hatchback, and its tyre setup is all about efficiency and low ownership cost. Unlike bigger cars that focus on wide contact patches for grip, the Alto uses narrow, tall tyres to minimise rolling resistance and maximise fuel mileage.
A key insight for owners is the difference between the Maruti Alto 800 tyre size and the newer Alto K10 tyre size. While the 800cc model rides on smaller 12-inch wheels (145/80 R12), the new K10 has upgraded to 13-inch wheels (145/80 R13) to handle the peppier engine. Owners often ignore the Maruti Alto tyre pressure, but keeping it at 30-32 PSI is critical. A drop of just 5 PSI can drastically increase steering heaviness in non-power steering models and reduce mileage by up to 2-3 km/l.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Size by Variant & Generation
Maruti has kept things simple. You won't find complicated alloy wheel sizes here; it is almost exclusively steel wheels designed for durability.
Current Generation: New Alto K10 (2022 – Present)
The new K10 uses a larger wheel than the Alto 800, improving stability at highway speeds.
| Variant | Tyre Size (Front/Rear) | Wheel Type |
| Std, LXi | 145/80 R13 | Steel Wheels |
| VXi, VXi+ | 145/80 R13 | Steel Wheels with Wheel Covers |
Previous Generation: Alto 800 (2012 – 2023)
The classic Alto 800 uses the smaller 12-inch rim, which is cheaper to replace but less stable above 80 km/h.
| Variant | Tyre Size (Front/Rear) | Wheel Type |
| Std, LXi | 145/80 R12 | Steel Wheels |
| VXi, VXi+ | 145/80 R12 | Steel Wheels |
Old Generation: Alto K10 (2010 – 2020)
Older generation models came with 13-inch wheels but with different profile, so if you are inspecting a Used Maruti Alto, check the sidewall markings carefully as they differ from the current Alto K10 specs.
| Variant | Tyre Size (Front/Rear) | Wheel Type |
| LXi, VXi | 155/65 R13 | Steel Wheels |
Tyre Size Comparison: Maruti Alto vs Competitors
| Car Model | Tyre Size Range |
|---|---|
| Maruti Alto K10 | 145/80 R13 |
| Maruti S-Presso | 145/80 R13 – 165/70 R14 |
| Renault Kwid | 165/70 R14 |
| Maruti Wagon R | 155/80 R13 – 165/70 R14 |
The Alto K10 sticks to a strictly functional 13-inch size, which is great for efficiency but lacks the wider stance found on newer micro-SUVs. If you prefer a taller seating position with larger 14-inch wheels, you should check out the Maruti S-Presso tyre size. For a broader understanding of how rim diameter affects ride quality, refer to our complete guide on car tyre air pressure.
Understanding Tyre Size Format
For the Alto 800's 145/80 R12, here is the breakdown:
- 145: The tyre is only 145mm wide. This narrow profile cuts through water easily but offers limited dry grip.
- 80: The sidewall height is 80% of the width. This tall cushion protects the small rim from bending on potholes.
- R12: Fits a small 12-inch rim.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Recommended Tyre Pressure (PSI)
Maintaining the correct Maruti Alto tyre pressure is vital because small tyres rotate more times per kilometre, generating more heat.
| Model & Condition | Front Pressure | Rear Pressure | Insight |
| Alto 800 (City) | 30 PSI | 30 PSI | Standard pressure for comfortable ride |
| Alto 800 (Highway) | 32 PSI | 32 PSI | Slightly higher pressure reduces heat buildup |
| Alto K10 (Normal) | 32 PSI | 32 PSI | Optimised for the heavier 1.0L engine |
| Alto K10 (Loaded) | 35 PSI | 35 PSI | Essential when carrying 4-5 passengers |
Pro Tip: If you drive a CNG variant, always keep the rear tyre pressure 2-3 PSI higher (around 32-34 PSI) to support the extra weight of the cylinder in the boot.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Tyre Price in India & Best Brands
The Maruti Alto tyre price is one of the lowest in the market, making replacement very affordable.
| Category | Price Range (Per Tyre) | Brand Examples |
| Budget | ₹2,200 – ₹2,600 | JK Tyre Ultima, CEAT Milaze X3 |
| Mid-Range | ₹2,700 – ₹3,200 | Apollo Amazer 4G, MRF ZVTS |
| Premium | ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 | Bridgestone B290, Michelin Energy XM2 |
Best Tyre Brands for Maruti Suzuki Alto
Since the Alto is a city car, you need tyres that last long and handle rough roads.
| Driving Style | Recommended Brand | Key Benefit |
| City & Potholes | CEAT Milaze X3 | Marketing as the 1 Lakh km tyre; extremely durable. |
| High Mileage | Apollo Amazer 4G | Low rolling resistance helps you get that extra km/l. |
| Highway Safety | Bridgestone B290 | Better grip than stock tyres, especially in wet conditions. |
| Taxi / Rough Use | JK Tyre Ultima | Hard compound that resists stone cuts; very cheap to buy. |
Ultimately, whether you prioritise silence or durability, sticking to one of the best tyre brands in India ensures you are investing in proven safety standards and technology.
Upsizing Guide: Can You Upgrade Alto Tyres?
Alto owners often want wider tyres for better stability.
- Safe Upsize (Alto 800): Move from 145/80 R12 to 155/70 R12. It fits on the same rim and offers a slightly better grip.
- Safe Upsize (Alto K10): Move from 145/80 R13 to 155/65 R13.
- Caution: Do not install 13-inch wheels on an Alto 800. The wheel arches are too small, and the tyre will scrape against the body when turning or going over bumps.
Maruti Suzuki Alto Spare Tyre Details
Maruti provides a practical solution for the spare tyre.
- Location: Under the boot floor mat.
- Type: Always a Steel Wheel, identical in size to the other four tyres (e.g., 12-inch for Alto 800).
- Note: Unlike premium cars, the Alto does not use a space saver. You get a full-size spare, so you can drive normally after a puncture without a speed limit restriction.
How to Know When to Replace Your Tyres?
- Uneven Wear: Since the Alto is front-wheel drive, the front tyres wear out much faster. Rotate them to the rear every 5,000 km.
- Sidewall Bulges: Hitting a pothole at speed with small 12-inch wheels often damages the sidewall. If you see a lump, change the tyre immediately.
- Hard Rubber: If your Alto is driven less but parked in the sun, the tyres might crack within 4-5 years. Replace them to avoid blowouts.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Alto is a champion of low-cost motoring. Stick to the standard 145/80 R12 or R13 size to keep your maintenance costs down. Brands like CEAT and Apollo offer the best value for money. Remember, maintaining 30-32 PSI is the easiest way to ensure your Alto continues to deliver its legendary fuel efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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