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Introduction
Do you want performance tires that can handle both daily driving and high-speed track days without compromising? The Nitto NT05 tires might just fit the bill. These ultra-high-performance tires were designed to deliver grip, handling, and responsiveness for the performance enthusiast. Whether you’re headed to work or headed to the track, the NT05 tires have got you covered.
Made from a dual rubber compound with reinforced shoulder blocks, these tires stick to the road like glue. An asymmetric tread pattern and stiff sidewalls give you razor-sharp steering and cornering. Once warm, these tires deliver lap after lap of predictable handling for the ultimate thrill ride.
When it’s time to head home, the NT05 tires quiet down for a smooth, comfortable ride. While not the longest-lasting tires, the performance they deliver is worth it for any speed demon. If you want a tire that unleashes the full potential of your sports car or track toy, the Nitto NT05 should be at the top of your list. A track-tested tire for the street, the NT05s prove you can have the best of both worlds.
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Gallery & Scorecard
Nitto NT05
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Design | Features | Gallery | Our Score | Where to Buy
Design
Looking for track-ready performance in a street tire? The Nitto NT05 has you covered.
This tire was designed with performance in mind. Its asymmetric tread pattern provides responsive handling and grip for tearing up winding roads. Wide tread grooves and sipes give you plenty of surface area to stick to the road.
The NT05 uses a high-tensile steel belt to keep the contact patch – the part of the tire touching the road – uniform and stable even when cornering at high speeds. A rigid bead filler and spiral-wrapped nylon cap ply boost durability and high-speed capability.
With a maximum speed rating of 168 mph, the NT05 has the chops to handle serious performance driving. Dual steel belts and a high-grip compound mean you get race-ready responsiveness and control for the street. If you’re looking for a street tire to unleash your vehicle’s potential, the Nitto NT05 delivers.
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Features
The NT05 tires are built for performance. What does that mean for you?
- A rigid tread block design gives you maximum contact with the road. You'll feel glued to the pavement taking corners at high speeds.
- The compound is an ultra-high performance, so it stays pliable in warm weather but doesn’t get hard in the cold. You get predictability and grip no matter the conditions.
- Wide circumferential grooves channel water away quickly on wet roads. Hydroplaning won’t be an issue, even on the track.
- Staggered tread blocks reduce noise for a quiet, comfortable ride. When you want to open it up, the sound of the engine is all you’ll hear.
- High-density nylon construction is durable and impact resistant. Run after run, these tires hold up to the pounding from high-performance driving.
If you crave high-speed confidence and on-the-edge handling, the NT05 is the tire for you. Its max performance design and construction is ready to help you chase records on the track or just have a thrill on twisty back roads. Get ready to experience what your car can really do!
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Performance
When it comes to performance, the Nitto NT05 tire excels on the track. Its specialized tread pattern and compound were designed specifically for high-performance driving and track use.
Responsiveness
The NT05’s solid center rib and stiff sidewalls provide precise steering response and handling. You’ll feel connected to the road as the tire accurately translates what your vehicle is doing.
The cornering grip is also impressive thanks to the tire’s large, staggered tread blocks and wide, flat profile. On dry pavement, the NT05 sticks like glue, giving you the confidence to push into turns at higher speeds. Some drivers have even compared it to a racing slick.
For track enthusiasts and performance drivers, the Nitto NT05 is a great choice if you want a tire focused on responsiveness, grip, and speed. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a competitor that can match its performance on the track.
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Compatible Car Models
The Nitto NT05 tire is compatible with a variety of sports cars and performance vehicles.
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- Sports Cars: Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, Nissan GT-R, Subaru WRX STI
- Muscle Cars: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro
- Luxury Performance Sedans: BMW M3, Mercedes AMG models, Audi RS models
The Nitto NT05 tire provides extreme performance for drivers of high-powered sports cars, muscle cars, and performance sedans looking to maximize the capability of their vehicles. With a maximum speed rating of 186 mph, the NT05 tire can handle the demands of both track days and spirited street driving.
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Dry Road Performance of Tires
When it comes to dry road performance, the NT05 tires shine. Their asymmetric tread pattern and stiff tread compound offer incredible handling and cornering grip on dry pavement.
The NT05s deliver ultra-responsive steering and crisp turn-in. Their stiff sidewalls and minimal tread squirm under hard cornering mean you'll feel connected to the road. The tires track precisely where you point them, inspiring confidence on twisty back roads.
For maximum performance on dry roads, the NT05 tires are hard to beat. Their track-bred design and construction translate directly to the street, giving you the handling and grip of a performance tire with the comfort of an ultra-high performance all-season. If you want a tire that delivers an authentic sports car feel on dry roads, the NT05 is the ticket.
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Snow Capabilities of Tires
The Nitto NT05 tires are high-performance summer tires, so snowy and icy conditions are not their forte. The soft rubber compound and a directional tread pattern that give these tires their handling prowess on warm, dry roads become a liability in cold weather.
On snow and ice, the NT05 tires will lose most of their grip and traction. Braking distances will increase significantly, and accelerating or cornering aggressively can easily lead to sliding and skidding. For the best snow performance, dedicated winter tires with a winter rubber compound and snow-gripping tread pattern are really the only suitable choice.
All in all, the Nitto NT05 tires are best enjoyed during the warmer months of the year. If you live in an area with harsh winters, winter tires are a must for safe driving on snow and ice. For occasional light snow, exercise caution and avoid sudden maneuvers. But whenever possible, leave the NT05s in the garage if there’s snow in the forecast.
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Comfort of Tires
The Nitto NT05 tires are designed primarily for performance, but that doesn’t mean they sacrifice comfort. The tires feature an asymmetric tread pattern with large, evenly spaced blocks that help reduce noise for a quiet, vibration-free ride. They're also constructed of a special rubber compound that remains pliable even in cold weather, absorbing road imperfections instead of transmitting them into the cabin.
While the NT05 tires may not cushion as much as a touring tire, many owners say they find the ride quality perfectly pleasant for everyday driving. The tires handle well over uneven, broken pavement without jostling occupants or causing the steering to wander. For high-performance tires, the NT05s do an admirable job balancing responsiveness and comfort. If you're looking for max comfort, you may want to consider a dedicated touring tire. But for a performance tire, the NT05 offers a surprisingly compliant ride.
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Noise of Tires
The Nitto NT05 is not a tire for those seeking peace and quiet. These high-performance tires are unapologetically loud, especially at higher speeds. The aggressive tread pattern that provides so much grip on the track also generates a good amount of noise on the highway. Some owners describe the NT05 as producing a “roar” at 60+ mph.
While the noise may be too much for some, for others it’s the soundtrack that accompanies the thrill of the NT05’s handling and cornering ability. If daily driving or long highway trips are in your plans, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of the NT05’s noise factor. For maximum performance, some excess volume may just come with the territory.
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Tread Wear of Tires
The Nitto NT05 tires are built for performance, not longevity. You can expect them to last between 10,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on factors like:
- Your driving style - Aggressive driving reduces tread life.
- Road conditions - Rough or abrasive roads wear down the tread faster.
- Tire rotation - Rotating the tires means even tread wear, extending lifespan.
- Tire pressure - Under-inflated tires overheat and wear out quicker.
While the NT05 tires won't last as long as standard road tires, the trade-off is a thrilling driving experience with incredible grip and handling. If you want a track-ready tire that will still get you to and from the track, the NT05 is a great choice. Just don't expect to get the same high mileage as you would from tires focused on longevity and durability.
For the performance-minded driver seeking ultimate responsiveness, the NT05 tires are worth sacrificing some tread life. When it's time for a replacement set, you know you've gotten the most out of some of the grippiest tires on the market.
8.3
TOTAL SCORE
Our Score
Nitto NT05 is a high-performance tire designed for sports cars and provides exceptional handling, traction, and cornering stability on dry roads. However, it may not perform well in wet conditions and winter weather.
PROS
- Outstanding dry traction
- Precise steering response
- Good cornering stability
- Handles well at high speeds
- Low road noise
CONS
- Limited use in winter weather
- Not suitable for all-season driving
Nitto NT05
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Customer Reviews
See what actual NT05 owners are saying:
The NT05 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its outstanding performance and handling at an affordable price. Owners seeking maximum performance from their sports cars or muscle cars are thrilled with how the NT05 transforms the driving experience. For the performance enthusiast on a budget, the NT05 is a top choice.
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Warranty
Nitto provides a workmanship and materials warranty to the original purchaser for the NT05. This covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread. Nitto will replace the tire at no charge if a defect in workmanship or materials results in tire failure during normal and intended use.
While wear-related issues won't be covered under the warranty, you can expect a strong performance from these tires for many miles when properly maintained and used for their intended purpose. The NT05 is designed to handle high-performance driving, but following the recommended tire pressures and avoiding excessive cornering speeds will help maximize tread life. For the best experience, have the NT05 installed by a reputable shop that properly balances the tires.
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Maintenance and Care
Check your NT05 tire pressure at least once a month to ensure maximum performance and tread life. The recommended PSI levels are listed in your owner’s manual or the placard located in the driver’s side door jamb or fuel door. Under-inflated tires can reduce handling and braking, lower fuel economy, and accelerate tread wear.
For the best performance, rotate the NT05 tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Front tires typically wear faster than rear tires, so rotation helps tires wear more evenly. Follow the rotation pattern in your owner’s manual.
Unbalanced tires can cause vibration and uneven tread wear. Have your NT05 tires balanced when rotated or if you notice vibration at normal driving speeds.
Check your NT05 tire treads monthly for signs of uneven or excessive wear, as well as any damage. The tread grooves should be at least 1/16 of an inch deep for safe driving. Uneven tread wear can indicate alignment or balance issues and should be checked by a mechanic.
Proper wheel alignment is essential for the maximum performance and handling of the NT05 tires. Have your alignment checked at least once a year or if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side. Misalignment can cause uneven and rapid tread wear.
Never exceed the maximum load rating listed on the NT05 tire placard or in your owner’s manual. Overloading your tires can cause damage, reduce handling and braking, and accelerate wear.
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Conclusion Overall
Looking for a high-performance tire that works on and off the track? Check out the Nitto NT05. This max-performance summer tire provides superior grip, handling, and acceleration for sports and muscle cars. It's also reasonably priced, offering excellent dry traction, wet performance, and tread life.
The Nitto NT05 is the perfect tire for speed enthusiasts looking for a better blend of performance and price. Whether you're hitting the track or heading out for a weekend drive, this tire won't disappoint. So why wait? Unleash the full potential of the Nitto NT05 and experience optimal grip, handling, and acceleration for your car today.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Nitto NT05 Tires Answered by Experts
NT05 tires are designed to provide maximum performance, but some performance loss is inevitable over years of use. High-performance tires like the NT05 typically last 3-5 years, depending on how often you drive and the conditions. To maintain grip and handling, it's best to replace NT05 tires after 4-5 years.
NT05 tires can work for daily driving, but they are track-focused tires, so expect some trade-offs. They handle well and grip tightly, but the soft rubber compounds mean less tread life, more road noise, and less comfort. For most daily driving, a high-performance all-season tire may be a better choice. Use NT05 tires if you value performance and handling above all else for your daily drives.
The soft, grippy rubber compounds and asymmetric tread pattern of NT05 tires are designed for high performance, not quiet operation. Squealing, chirping and other noises are common, especially when cornering at higher speeds, braking firmly, or accelerating rapidly. The noises are normal and will not damage the tires, but can be annoying for daily driving. If noise is a concern, choose a tire with a harder, less aggressive rubber compound.
