Tyre Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 ยท Vehicle Maintenance
Navigating Zambian roads requires good rubber. Whether you need standard passenger car tyres for city driving or rugged All-Terrain (AT) tyres for a 4x4, compare estimated prices across major retailers like Tyre King and Autoworld below.
Passenger Car Tyres
Prices for common sedans and hatchbacks (e.g., Toyota Vitz, Corolla, Allion). Prices depend heavily on the brand (budget vs premium).
175/65 R14 (Small Cars like Vitz/Fit)
ZMK 850 โ 1,300
Budget brands (Triangle, Linglong) vs Premium (Dunlop)
185/65 R15 (Sedans like Corolla/Allion)
ZMK 1,000 โ 1,600
Most common passenger car size.
205/55 R16 (Larger Sedans/Wagons)
ZMK 1,300 โ 2,000
Goodyear, Maxxis, or budget alternatives.
225/45 R17 (Sporty Sedans)
ZMK 1,800 โ 3,000
Premium brands dominate this size.
SUV, Double Cab & 4x4 Tyres
These tyres are larger, thicker, and significantly more expensive. For vehicles like the Toyota Hilux, Prado, and Ford Ranger, All-Terrain (AT) tyres are the most popular choice in Zambia.
| Tyre Size & Vehicle Type | Estimated Price (Per Tyre) |
|---|---|
| 215/65 R16 (Compact SUVs like Rav4/X-Trail) Highway Terrain (HT) | ZMK 1,800 โ 2,500 |
| 265/65 R17 (Hilux / Fortuner / Prado) All-Terrain (AT) tires highly recommended. | ZMK 2,800 โ 4,500 |
| 265/60 R18 (Modern Double Cabs / SUVs) Premium All-Terrain (Cooper, BFGoodrich, Maxxis) | ZMK 3,000 โ 4,800 |
| 285/75 R16 (Off-Road Modified 4x4s) Mud Terrain (MT) specialist tires. | ZMK 3,800 โ 6,000 |
Wheel Alignment & Balancing Services
When you buy new tyres, balancing is usually free, but alignment is charged separately. Poor alignment will destroy new tyres very quickly on potholed roads.
Wheel Alignment (Passenger Car)
Recommended every 10,000km or when buying new tyres.
ZMK 250 โ 400
Wheel Alignment (4x4 / SUV)
Complex suspension setups cost more.
ZMK 350 โ 500
Wheel Balancing (Per Wheel)
Usually included free when you buy new tyres.
ZMK 50 โ 80
Puncture Repair
Standard plug repair.
ZMK 30 โ 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tyre brand in Zambia?
For sheer durability on Zambian roads, Maxxis, Dunlop, and Goodyear are highly respected mid-to-premium tier brands. For heavy 4x4 use, BFGoodrich and Cooper Tires are considered the gold standard. For budget buyers, Chinese brands like Triangle, Linglong, and Goodride offer excellent value for money.
How much are Hilux tyres in Zambia?
The popular Toyota Hilux (and similar double cabs like the Ford Ranger) usually takes 265/65 R17 or 265/60 R18 tyres. A decent set of All-Terrain (AT) tyres for a Hilux will cost between ZMK 2,800 and ZMK 4,800 per tyre in 2026, depending on whether you choose a tier-2 brand or premium.
Should I buy second-hand (ex-Japan) tyres?
While second-hand "ex-Japan" tyres are cheap (often ZMK 300 - 500), they are generally not recommended for high-way driving. The rubber has often degraded, they may have hidden structural damage, and they offer poor grip in the wet. It is much safer to buy a brand new budget Chinese tyre than a used premium tyre.
Where are the best places to buy tyres in Lusaka?
Tyre King, Autoworld, and BestDrive are the most prominent and trusted retail chains in Zambia, offering warranties and professional fitting services. For cheaper wholesale prices, you can check independent dealers along Lumumba Road.