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Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
  • Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
  • Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Tire Rack Test

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The Winter Sottozero 3 is Pirelli's third generation Sottozero (Italian for below zero) Performance Winter / Snow tire developed for the drivers of premium, high performance vehicles who will face challenging wintertime road conditions as they drive their cars year-round. The Winter Sottozero 3 was developed with the philosophy that winter / snow tires must perform in a variety of unpredictable weather conditions. Designed to provide traction and handling in cool, cold, dry, wet and wintry conditions, Winter Sottozero 3 tires are designed not just as snow tires, but as seasonal tires suitable for the cold weather and freezing road conditions.

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3Winter Sottozero 3 tires use an innovative compound with specialized polymers that improve the tread rubber compound's mechanical, thermal and dynamic properties. The compound is molded into a directional pattern that features an enlarged contact patch comprised of arrow-shaped center blocks and more rounded shoulders to expel water and slush. High-density 3D sipe technology improves braking performance and snow-to-snow traction. The tire's internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped polyamide that enhances thermal stability and makes the tires less sensitive to road and air temperature changes.

Winter Sottozero 3 winter / snow tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

Install Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires in sets of four only.

Due to the traction capabilities of Winter Sottozero 3 tires, Pirelli recommends using them only in sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance.

Related Information: What is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF)?

Tire Rack Test Results Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Performance Winter Tires with the Right Balance of Performance (04:52)

Performance Winter / Snow tires, for sports car drivers in the lower snow belt, are designed to strike a more even balance between traction in winter's snow, slush and ice vs. handling/traction on clear roads.

Can the new Dunlop and Pirelli tires in the category go head-to-head with the favorites from Bridgestone and Michelin? We found out.

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

Ratings Charts & Reviews Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Tire Category: Performance Winter / Snow

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Good
95%
1.8M
8.0 - Good
9.0 - Excellent
9.0 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.0 Wet Traction
8.8 - Excellent
8.7 Corner Stability
8.9 Dry Traction
8.7 Steering Response
8.5 - Good
9.0 Light Snow Traction
8.4 Deep Snow Traction
8.0 Ice Traction
8.4 - Good
8.8 Ride Quality
8.0 Noise
7.8 - Good

Customers Say

User feedback reveals the Nitto NT555 G2 excels in dry traction, with many ratings in the 9-10 range highlighting confident grip and responsive handling. Wet traction also earns strong praise (7-10 scores), offering reliable performance in rainy conditions. Ride comfort receives consistent positive feedback, with smoothness and low noise noted as key strengths. Treadwear scores (7-10) indicate satisfactory longevity for a summer tire, though some mention rapid wear under aggressive driving. As an Ultra High Performance Summer tire, it delivers on its intended strengths, with customers emphasizing its balanced performance for spirited driving on dry and wet roads.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Customers Like:

104 customers mention "Wet Traction"

  • 89 positive
  • 15 negative

Most customers rate wet traction highly, with scores of 8-10 highlighting excellent grip and hydroplaning resistance. A few lower ratings note reduced heavy rain performance, but overall strong wet capability for summer use.

April 26, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Very confident on wet surfaces at high speeds haven't lost grip yet.

Love the tires. Very confident on wet surfaces at high speeds haven't lost grip yet.

Vehicle: 2020 Honda Civic Type R
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: CUDDEBACKVILLE, NY
Driving Style: Spirited
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April 27, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...these tires are very quiet, comfortable, and confidence inspiring in wet and dry...

For years I've tried different tires looking for a good performing track/street tire. Didn't at all enjoy the michelin ps4s, the RT660 was a phenomenal performer but was definitely not for street comfort, and with more street in mind I decided to try the NT555G2. these tires are very quiet, comfortable, and confidence inspiring in wet and dry. good buy for a spirited street / HPDE car.

Vehicle: 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited Sedan
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: CONCORD, NH
Driving Style: Spirited
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May 16, 2024

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

...great tire in the rain. I've raced these at PPIR (Colorado) twice in the rain. Virtually no spinning or hydroplane even though puddles...

Second set. Great at the drag strip. Surprising great tire in the rain. I’ve raced these at PPIR (Colorado) twice in the rain. Virtually no spinning or hydroplane even though puddles. Speeds were 90 on the banked oval and 60’s in the hairpin and SS’s .
On the street they are quiet and very smooth. Cold weather not recommended.

Vehicle: 2017 Ford Mustang Fastback GT
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: LITTLETON, CO
Driving Style: Spirited
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160 customers mention "Dry Traction"

  • 150 positive
  • 10 negative

Customers overwhelmingly rate the Nitto NT555 G2's dry traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. High marks highlight responsive handling and reliable grip, making it a standout choice for summer driving where dry performance is critical.

May 23, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.3 out of 5 Star Rating
4.3 out of 5

I'm very impressed with their performance in dry conditions. They provide excellent grip and feel stable even under aggressive driving...

I’m very impressed with their performance in dry conditions. They provide excellent grip and feel stable even under aggressive driving. Treadwear has been better than expected for a tire in this performance category, which is a big plus.

As for wet traction, it’s about average—not bad, but nothing I’d rely on in heavy rain. Personally, I avoid driving in the rain with these.

Vehicle: 2024 Nissan Z Sport
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross
Location: MECHANICSBURG, PA
Driving Style: Spirited
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April 02, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

I'm extremely happy with this purchase, the tires look, beautiful, I love the tread, and they handle incredibly around corners...

I'm extremely happy with this purchase, the tires look, beautiful, I love the tread, and they handle incredibly around corners. Everybody that sees them wants to get a set now!

Vehicle: 1993 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WELLSBORO, PA
Driving Style: Easy Going
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156 customers mention "Ride Quality"

  • 143 positive
  • 13 negative

Customers praise the Nitto NT555 G2's comfort, with most scoring 9s and 10s for ride quality and noise levels. High marks highlight a smooth, refined driving experience, aligning with its Ultra High Performance Summer focus on balanced dry and wet traction. A few 7s suggest minor variability, but overall satisfaction remains strong.

April 04, 2025 (Verified Purchase)

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...Smooth, quiet, traction for days, what a great set especially for the price...

Only has them for a short time, but coming from the stock, run flats, it's a night a day difference. Smooth, quiet, traction for days, what a great set especially for the price. And the mobile install option was fantastic, couldn't be happier.

Vehicle: 2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe 2SS
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: CYPRESS, TX
Driving Style: Average
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April 17, 2023

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...Balanced like glass, stick to the road like glue, quiet, & look great...

Surpassed all my expectations. Balanced like glass, stick to the road like glue, quiet, & look great. Will likely buy this same tire again on my other sporty SUVs

Vehicle: 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d Sport Activity Built On or After 10/10
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LAS VEGAS, NV
Driving Style: Spirited
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114 customers mention "Treadwear"

  • 106 positive
  • 8 negative

Most customers give treadwear 9s and 10s, highlighting excellent tread life for an Ultra High Performance Summer tire. Some 7-8 ratings note varied experiences, but overall satisfaction is strong in intended conditions.

October 01, 2023 (Verified Purchase)

4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

This is my 3rd set of Nitto 555 G2's. Fantastic tire and I have gotten more mileage out of them than the tread wear rating would suggest.

This is my 3rd set of Nitto 555 G2’s. Fantastic tire and I have gotten more mileage out of them than the tread wear rating would suggest.

Vehicle: 2007 Ford Mustang GT Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 80,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: FREEPORT, FL
Driving Style: Average
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January 25, 2024

4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...they have great tread wear and great handling and traction other than on ice or snow but these tires are not rated for that anyway.

I highly praise these tires I had to go up one size from a 235/45r18 to a 235/50r18 because they didn't have the 235/45r18 for my car but other than that they have great tread wear and great handling and traction other than on ice or snow but these tires are not rated for that anyway.

Vehicle: 2019 Ford Fusion FWD SE
Miles Driven on Tires: 80,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ELBA, AL
Driving Style: Average
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February 20, 2024

4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

I no longer experience wheel spin when accelerating no does the car under/over steer with throttle applications. I'm completely satisfied with my purchase.

I was interested in replacing the original tires as they did not respond well to steering input. After some research I decided on the Nitto 555G2 as the best selection. I no longer experience wheel spin when accelerating no does the car under/over steer with throttle applications. I’m completely satisfied with my purchase.

Vehicle: 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 255/40-19F 275/40-19R
Miles Driven on Tires: 975
Driving Conditions: Combined Off Road/Highway
Location: WOODLAND, WA
Driving Style: Spirited
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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

A Closer Look: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 (00:34)

Designed not just as snow tires, but as seasonal tires suitable for the cold weather and freezing road conditions. Find out what makes the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 do what it does for the drivers of high performance vehicles.

View All Winter Test Results

Performance Winter Tires with the Right Balance of Performance (04:52)

Performance Winter / Snow tires, for sports car drivers in the lower snow belt, are designed to strike a more even balance between traction in winter's snow, slush and ice vs. handling/traction on clear roads.

Can the new Dunlop and Pirelli tires in the category go head-to-head with the favorites from Bridgestone and Michelin? We found out.

Read the Full Test Report

View All Winter Test Results

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