2005 Acura sat at an interesting point in the brand’s history, balancing luxury-sedan refinement with the sharp handling and high-rev character that had helped define Acura in the U.S. market. That year’s range stretched from the flagship RL and sport-minded TL and TSX to the compact RSX and the exotic NSX, so tire sizing was far from uniform across the lineup. These five models use eight distinct radial sizes, with differences driven by model, wheel diameter, and in the NSX’s case, a staggered front-and-rear setup. Before choosing a tire for 2005 Acura vehicles, the first step is confirming the exact model and the wheel diameter already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2005 Acura
Eight tire sizes are used across 2005 Acura vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. Since every size here is a radial but rim diameters span 16, 17, and 18 inches, the real decision starts with confirming the correct model and wheel diameter before narrowing down the right tire. Understanding that distinction first saves time and helps ensure the right match.
215/40R17 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. This size is specific to the Acura NSX and serves as part of that model’s staggered tire setup. Confirm the exact front or rear position before moving ahead, since the NSX does not use the same size at all four corners.
Year(s): 2005|Fit(s): NSX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
255/40R17 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Vredestein in blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product between W (112 mph) and Y (186+ mph). This size is specific to the Acura NSX and suits buyers who need the wider half of the car’s staggered setup while keeping an era-appropriate high-performance radial format.
245/50R17 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. It is specific to the Acura RL within the 2005 lineup. Buyers should match this size to the RL’s luxury-sedan use case rather than assuming interchangeability with the lower-profile 17-inch sizes used on other 2005 Acura models.
Year(s): 2005|Fit(s): RSX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
205/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 16-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich and Michelin in blackwall form, and tube status varies by product since at least one version is marked TL. This size is specific to the Acura RSX and is the one to choose when the car retains its 16-inch wheel fitment rather than the alternate 17-inch setup.
Year(s): 2005|Fit(s): RSX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
215/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, with W-rated options carrying a 112 mph speed ceiling. This size is specific to the Acura RSX and fits cars using the 17-inch wheel package rather than the 16-inch alternative.
Year(s): 2005|Fit(s): TL|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
235/45R17 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 45-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form, with W-rated products carrying a 112 mph speed ceiling. This size is specific to the Acura TL and is the correct choice for cars using the 17-inch wheel setup rather than the 18-inch alternative.
Year(s): 2005|Fit(s): TL|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18 in
235/40R18 is a metric radial size with a 235-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form, with speed ratings that vary by product between W (112 mph) and Y (186+ mph). This size is specific to the Acura TL and suits cars already equipped with the larger 18-inch wheel package.
Year(s): 2005|Fit(s): TSX|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17 in
215/50R17 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 17-inch wheel. It is available from BFGoodrich in blackwall form, with W-rated options carrying a 112 mph speed ceiling. This size is specific to the Acura TSX and is the right fit for buyers preserving the car’s original 17-inch wheel diameter.
Five Acura models are covered for 2005, and tire size varies across the lineup rather than carrying over from one model to the next. That matters because a buyer cannot stop at year and make alone; the correct choice depends on the specific model, and in some cases on which wheel package the car has. Select a model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
2005 Acura NSX
The 2005 Acura NSX remained Acura’s halo sports car, combining mid-engine layout, aluminum-intensive engineering, and everyday usability in a way few exotics matched. Its tires mount on 17-inch wheels, but the car uses a staggered setup with different front and rear sizes, so position matters as much as model identification.
The 2005 Acura RL represented Acura’s flagship sedan, emphasizing technology, comfort, and all-weather confidence in a more upscale package. Its tire fitment mounts on 17-inch wheels and uses one model-specific size rather than sharing with the sportier Acura coupes and sedans.
The 2005 Acura RSX carried Acura’s sporty compact coupe role, with a lighter, more agile character than the larger sedans in the range. RSX tires mount on either 16-inch or 17-inch wheels depending on the setup, so confirming the wheel diameter is essential before choosing a tire.
The 2005 Acura TL was one of the brand’s defining sport sedans, known for blending strong V6 power with a more athletic feel than a traditional luxury four-door. Its tires mount on either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, and the larger wheel package uses a lower-profile version of the same basic width class.
The 2005 Acura TSX filled Acura’s compact sport-sedan slot, offering a more European-flavored balance of handling and refinement than the larger TL. Its fitment mounts on 17-inch wheels and uses a single model-specific tire size within the 2005 Acura lineup.
Twenty-two products are available across eight tire sizes for 2005 Acura vehicles. 255/40R17 comes in four BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Vredestein radial blackwall choices; 205/55R16 has four BFGoodrich and Michelin radial blackwalls; 215/45R17, 235/45R17, 235/40R18, and 215/50R17 are covered by three to four radial blackwall options each. Confirm the exact size first, since speed ratings and tube markings can vary within a size.
These FAQs focus on the model-by-model tire differences across 2005 Acura vehicles, from NSX staggered sizing to RSX and TL wheel-package changes. They also cover available brands, blackwall product choices, setup details, and long-term care for low-mileage enthusiast cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2005 Acura vehicles?
2005 Acura vehicles use eight different tire sizes across five models. The NSX uses 215/40R17 and 255/40R17, the RL uses 245/50R17, the RSX uses either 205/55R16 or 215/45R17, the TL uses either 235/45R17 or 235/40R18, and the TSX uses 215/50R17. Rim diameters across the range are 16, 17, and 18 inches, so there is no single Acura-wide fitment for the year.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose correctly. Start by identifying the exact model, then confirm whether the car still has its original wheel diameter or an alternate factory wheel package. On the NSX, also verify front versus rear position because the car uses a staggered setup. Once those basics are settled, you can narrow the choice to the correct size and then compare available tire series within that fitment.
What does 215/40R17 mean on a 2005 Acura tire?
On a 2005 Acura, 215/40R17 is a metric radial size. The 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. Within the 2005 Acura lineup, that size belongs to the NSX and forms one half of its staggered fitment.
Modern metric sizes like this are straightforward once you know the sequence, but they still need to be matched carefully to the wheel and the axle position. A 215/40R17 is not interchangeable with the NSX’s wider companion size, and it is not a universal 17-inch Acura fitment either. If the car has been modified over the years, compare the current wheel and existing tire markings before choosing a replacement.
Do all 2005 Acura models use the same tire size?
No, 2005 Acura models do not share one common tire size. The year includes eight sizes spread across the NSX, RL, RSX, TL, and TSX, with several models offering one size and the RSX and TL each using two possible fitments depending on wheel package. The NSX is the most specialized because it uses different sizes front and rear.
That variation matters in practical terms because an Acura owner who knows only the year and make can still end up looking at the wrong tire. A TL owner, for example, must distinguish between the 17-inch and 18-inch setup, while an RSX owner must confirm whether the car wears 16-inch or 17-inch wheels. Matching by model first keeps the search accurate and prevents confusion between similar-looking low-profile sizes.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2005 Acura tires?
2005 Acura tire applications here are covered in blackwall form across the available sizes. That includes the NSX rear 255/40R17, RSX sizes 205/55R16 and 215/45R17, TL sizes 235/45R17 and 235/40R18, and TSX size 215/50R17. The overall look is consistent with the modern sport-luxury character Acura used across much of the 2005 lineup.
For most owners, that keeps the visual decision simple because you can focus on the correct size and tire series instead of choosing between multiple sidewall treatments. Blackwall styling suits stock and mildly upgraded 2005 Acura vehicles alike, especially on the RSX, TL, and NSX where a clean contemporary appearance is usually the goal. If appearance matters as much as handling, compare product photos closely so the sidewall lettering and tread style fit the look you want.
What brands make tires for 2005 Acura vehicles?
BFGoodrich covers the broadest range of 2005 Acura sizes, including 205/55R16, 215/45R17, 235/45R17, 235/40R18, 215/50R17, and 255/40R17. Nitto appears in 235/45R17, 235/40R18, and 255/40R17, Michelin appears in 205/55R16, and Vredestein appears in 255/40R17. Brand choice depends on the exact size because not every maker appears in every fitment.
That makes it useful to identify your size before deciding on a brand preference. An RSX owner on 205/55R16 has a different brand mix than a TL owner on 235/40R18 or an NSX owner needing 255/40R17. Once you narrow to the correct size, compare speed rating, load capacity where stated, and rim-width compatibility rather than assuming a favorite brand automatically covers every 2005 Acura application.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 and Nitto NT555 G2 for the 2005 Acura?
For 2005 Acura fitments where both appear, such as 235/45R17, 235/40R18, and 255/40R17, both are radial blackwall performance tires with W speed ratings in common sizes. The Nitto NT555 G2 carries stated load figures of 1,609 pounds at 50 psi in 235/45R17, 1,521 pounds at 50 psi in 235/40R18, and 1,653 pounds at 50 psi in 255/40R17. The BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 in those same sizes shows 1,477 pounds at 51 psi for 235/45R17 and 255/40R17, and 1,356 pounds at 51 psi for 235/40R18 where load figures are present.
The practical takeaway is to compare the exact size rather than the brand name alone. In these Acura applications, rim-width ranges are also close but not identical, so wheel width should be checked against the specific tire you plan to run. If you are choosing between the two for an NSX or TL, line up the tire’s load information, speed marking, and wheel-width compatibility first, then weigh tread style and brand preference after the fitment details are settled.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2005 Acura tires require?
Several 2005 Acura sizes have clear rim-width ranges. The NSX rear 255/40R17 fits 8.5 to 10.0-inch rims, the RSX 205/55R16 fits 5.5 to 7.5-inch rims, the RSX 215/45R17 fits 7.0 to 8.0-inch rims, the TL 235/45R17 fits 7.5 to 9.0-inch rims, the TL 235/40R18 fits 8.0 to 9.5-inch rims, and the TSX 215/50R17 fits 6.0 to 7.5-inch rims.
Those ranges matter because the same rim diameter does not guarantee the same wheel width. A 17-inch Acura wheel from one model may not suit another model’s tire size, even though both use 17-inch tires. Before replacing tires on a car with aftermarket wheels, verify the wheel width stamped on the wheel or measured directly. That step is especially important on the NSX and TL, where wider tires call for wider approved wheel ranges.
Do 2005 Acura tires require inner tubes?
2005 Acura tire applications here are radial products, and tube marking can vary by size and product. The 205/55R16 size includes at least one tire marked TL, which identifies a tubeless application. Other sizes are presented as modern radial fitments without a tube-type marking, so the important point is to confirm the exact sidewall marking of the tire you choose rather than assuming every product is marked the same way.
In practice, most 2005 Acura owners will be working with modern tubeless wheel-and-tire combinations, but the safest approach is still to match the tire’s marking to the wheel being used. If the car has original wheels, that is usually straightforward. If it has aftermarket wheels or has sat for years, inspect the wheel condition, valve stems, and sealing surfaces at the same time so the tire and wheel function as a complete system.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2005 Acura when the tires are fitted?
A 2005 Acura should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Keep the tires properly inflated, avoid prolonged contact with standing moisture, and move the car periodically so one section of the tread and sidewall does not carry the load for months at a time. Because these are all radial applications, they generally tolerate storage better than older bias-ply designs, but age and environment still matter.
Owners storing an NSX, RSX, TL, RL, or TSX for the season should think about the tire as part of the car’s preservation plan, not just a wear item. Clean the tires gently, leave petroleum-based dressings off them, and consider using jack stands or tire cradles if the car will sit for a very long period. Good storage habits preserve ride quality, reduce flat spotting, and help prevent sidewall aging from becoming the first issue you discover in spring.
How long do tires on a 2005 Acura typically last?
On a 2005 Acura, tire age is usually more important than mileage, especially on lower-use enthusiast cars. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they are about five to seven years old and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement threshold even if tread depth still looks acceptable. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the starting point for that timeline.
That is especially relevant for cars like the NSX or weekend-driven RSX and TL examples that may cover few miles each year. Low mileage can make an old tire look healthy when the rubber has already hardened or begun to crack. If you are unsure how old the tires are, check the date code before putting weight on tread appearance alone. A fresher tire is often a better decision than squeezing extra seasons out of one that has simply aged out.
How often should tires on a 2005 Acura be inspected?
Tires on a 2005 Acura should be inspected before every drive and more carefully before any long trip or spirited weekend outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, and any sign that the tire has been driven underinflated. Pressure should be checked when cold, and any tire that has been losing air deserves closer attention before the car goes back on the road.
A quick walk-around catches many problems early, especially on cars that are driven occasionally rather than daily. On an NSX with staggered fitment, make sure the front and rear tires are both wearing evenly and remain in the correct positions. On sedans and coupes, also look at the inner shoulder area, where alignment wear can hide from casual view. Regular inspection is a simple habit that helps protect the tire, the wheel, and the driving experience.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2005 Acura NSX?
A 2005 Acura NSX was a modern high-performance car from the factory, so radial construction is the appropriate original-era tire type. Within the 2005 Acura range, the NSX uses a staggered 17-inch setup with 215/40R17 and 255/40R17 rather than one uniform size at all four corners. That front-and-rear split is central to the car’s fitment identity and should be preserved unless a specialist-guided wheel and tire package is being built.
Owners seeking authenticity should focus first on keeping the correct size relationship and modern blackwall appearance rather than chasing a brand assumption. Acura performance models of this era were not judged by whitewall styling or vintage construction cues, so the key is preserving the proper dimensional layout and wheel diameter. If you are preparing a particularly original car for marque judging, confirm market-specific details with an Acura or NSX specialist before finalizing the exact tire choice.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2005 Acura?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 2005 Acura, especially if the event values factory-correct presentation. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts will notice incorrect wheel diameter, an obviously wrong aspect ratio, or a missing staggered setup on an NSX. On 2005 cars, the right modern radial size and an appropriate blackwall look are usually more important than trying to mimic an earlier-era restoration style.
For a show-focused RSX, TL, TSX, RL, or NSX, the safest path is to keep the car on the size tied to its original wheel package and avoid dramatic plus-sizing that changes the proportions. A tire can be mechanically usable and still look wrong for a preserved or judged car. Event standards vary, so if authenticity is the top priority, consult the organizing club or model-specific community before making a final selection.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 2005 Acura?
On 2005 Acura sizes where both appear, the g-Force Comp-2 A/S and g-Force Phenom T/A are both radial blackwall performance options from BFGoodrich. In 205/55R16, the Phenom T/A shows a 94W service description with a 1,477-pound load figure at 50 psi, while the Comp-2 A/S appears as 91W. In 235/40R18, the Phenom T/A shows a 95Y service description and 1,521 pounds at 50 psi, while the Comp-2 A/S appears as 95W XL.
Those differences mean the comparison should be made size by size rather than by product name alone. Some Acura owners will focus on speed symbol or load figure, while others may simply need the tire that best suits their wheel width and intended road use. If you are sorting between the two for an RSX or TL, compare the exact service description and wheel compatibility for your size first, then use tread pattern and series preference as the tie-breaker.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2005 Acura tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the available 2005 Acura tires are modern radial designs intended for normal road use, and the speed symbols that appear include W and Y. W-rated tires carry a 168 mph ceiling, while Y-rated tires are rated for 186+ mph. Those figures are far beyond ordinary highway speeds, and on cars like the RL, TSX, RSX, TL, and even the NSX, the car’s overall condition, alignment, suspension, and braking system are just as important as the tire rating itself.
Highway safety depends on using the correct size, keeping the tires in good condition, and maintaining proper inflation more than on chasing the highest speed symbol available. A fresh W-rated tire in the proper fitment is usually a far better real-world choice than an aged tire with a higher rating. Before regular highway use, inspect the date code, verify there are no cracks or impact injuries, and make sure the car tracks straight without vibration.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2005 Acura tires?
Inflation pressure for a 2005 Acura should begin with the factory recommendation for the exact model and tire size, usually found on the car’s placard or in the owner’s manual. Where tire ratings are stated, examples include 255/40R17 at up to 50 or 51 psi depending on product, 205/55R16 at up to 50 or 51 psi, 215/45R17 at up to 50 or 51 psi, 235/45R17 at up to 50 or 51 psi, 235/40R18 at up to 50 or 51 psi, and 215/50R17 at up to 50 psi or 50 to 51 psi depending on product.
Those figures are maximum load-and-pressure references for the tire, not automatic daily-use settings for every 2005 Acura application. The right running pressure depends on the specific car, the exact axle loads, and the tire fitted to it. Keep the factory placard and the tire manufacturer’s sidewall information in mind together, and avoid transferring a pressure habit from one Acura model or size to another just because the wheel diameter looks similar.
What should I check before taking a 2005 Acura on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2005 Acura, inspect all four tires for cracking, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and proper cold inflation. Check the spare as well if the car has one, and make sure valve stems are intact and not dry or split. On an NSX, confirm that the staggered front and rear sizes are still installed in the proper positions and that no one has mismatched the pair during past service.
That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-trip check on any twenty-year-old performance or luxury vehicle. Look at fluid levels, brakes, battery condition, and the overall state of the suspension while you are preparing the car. A sound set of tires can only do its job if the rest of the car is equally ready for the drive. Catching a small issue in the garage is far easier than dealing with it miles from home.
