All new tires, including our...
All new tires, including our Nitto Invos, have an alignment mark that should be lined up with the valve stem. This usually allows for the use of less weight when balancing the wheels.
The traction grade is based on a tire's straight-line wet performance on a specified test surface. The rating is determined by installing the test tire on a skid trailer. This trailer is then pulled behind a truck at a constant 40 mph over wet asphalt and concrete. The brakes are briefly locked, and sensors measure the tire's braking g-force.
| Traction Grade | Asphalt G-Force | Concrete G-Force |
| AA | Above 0.54 | Above 0.40 |
| A | Above 0.47 | Above 0.35 |
| B | Above 0.38 | Above 0.26 |
| C | Less than 0.38 | Less than 0.26 |
The temperature grade indicates the amount of heat that is generated or dissipated by the tire. If the tire is incapable of dissipating heat effectively, its ability to run at high speeds is reduced. This rating is determined by placing a spinning tire against a large metal drum, creating friction. Sensors then measure the heat generated by the tire both during and after the drum phase. Every tire sold in the United States must be capable of earning a "C" rating, which indicates its ability to withstand 85 mph speeds without failing.
A good wheel balance will...
A good wheel balance will help prevent vibration through the steering wheel at speed. Once again, you'll need to make sure ahead of time that the shop's machinery won't damage your rims.
| Temperature Grade | Speed |
| A | Over 115 mph |
| B | Between 100 and 115 mph |
| C | Between 85 and 100 mph |
After educating ourselves on tire specifics and looking at several different performance-oriented street-tire options, we decided to utilize the Nitto Invo. We felt the Invo--sized 245/40ZR18 up front and 285/35ZR19 in the rear--would make an ideal complement for the car's existing upgrades and deliver the best possible balance of all-weather performance and ride comfort.
Nitto used state-of-the-art computer engineering to produce a unique tread design that's said to be both aggressive enough for track use and quiet enough for everyday driving. Now that our C5 is back on the road, we'll be putting those claims to the test in the weeks ahead.
 We recommend stick-on wheel...  We recommend stick-on wheel weights. If you are balancing a used wheel, the surface must be cleaned in order for the weights to stick. |  The unique tread design of...  The unique tread design of the Nitto Invo (right) makes for an extraordinarily capable performance tire that can be used every day, regardless of weather. As you can see, our old tires were getting near the wear bars. |  The installed wheels and tires...  The installed wheels and tires fit perfectly and look amazing. Even better, the new Nittos keep our C5 glued to the road. In our case, that's no small accomplishment. |