Tires: Continental ExtremeContact DWS

[Bakken]

Hey everybody,

I picked up my P5 back in late September, 2009. It came with the Kumho Ecsta ASX, but they've obviously seen better days. Now after a few good snowfalls in the Minneapolis area, I'm starting to really fear for my safety with those things on my car. They really can't handle any sort of measurable snowfall, and don't even get me started on the traction on ice... My dad has a 2003 Protege sedan and he has the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S on his car and really likes them. I'm having a hard time justifying the cost of those though. I was also not particularly impressed with their snow traction when I drove his car a few weeks ago (the tires are only about 1 year old and he does not drive hard at all). I've been doing some looking around online and found the Continental ExtremeContact DWS. Looks to have much better snow grip, but they're supposed to be a little less responsive during spirited driving and the sidewall is said to be fairly thin. Does anybody have any experience with the ExtremeContacts and would be willing to give me their 2 cents? I'm not a particularly aggressive driver. I just need something that will keep me out of the snow banks in winter and give me reasonable performance during the other 3 seasons.

I'm aware that the best situation would be to have a set of summer tires and a set of winter tires, but being a full-time student who's getting married in 5 months, I just can't swing the cost of 2 sets of wheels and tires right now.

Thanks
(p5black)

 

[u812many73]

I'm running the continental ContiExtremeContacts in size 215/40/17. I know their not exactly the same, but they are in the same family, UHPAS, and the DWS have better ratings on tire rack. I live in Florida though, so I can't give you an opinion as far as the snow goes, but from a summer aspect (that's the only season we have) they are great. The car handles the best it ever has, I'm sure that mostly has to do with the size I'm running though. They are a quiet tire, and the treadwear seems to be fairly good as well.

Hope that will help you somewhat.

 

[Bakken]

Awesome. That helps me with what I'm most concerned about. Everything I've read says the winter traction is great. I'm just a little more worried about the thin sidewalls and how they affect performance/reliability. Thanks!

 

[Bakken]

Anybody else with first hand experience? Just to clarify, I'm running 100% stock right now.

 

[raserx]

Dude, do yourself a favor and get winter tires. If you go with a "Performance Winter" tire, they are H-rated and you can leave them on the car until your situation changes. I have used performance-winter tires year round a few times in the past and I can tell you the performance tradeoff is only noticeable at 9/10ths driving. However, the difference in the snow is huge. You'll be much safer and feel totally confident with the winters. I have Michelin Primacy Alpins on the stock wheels right now and I'd have no problem leaving them on for the other seasons. Same goes for the Pirelli Snowsports I had on my Mustang. Just my 2 cents after 30 years of driving.

 

[ProtoType5]

Full set of Snow tires would be the best, but a new set of All-seasons would at least improve your traction for this year.

My advice would be to at least do that...and before you slide into something a little less forgiving than a snow-bank.

All-seasons and safe driving and you shouldn't be in too much trouble, unless you drive in 3+ inches of freshie..

 

[Bakken]

Thanks for the input everybody. Coming from an '89 Cadillac Coupe DeVille that could plow through any snow, it's been a bit of an adjustment driving a much lighter car. I'm going to look into those performance winter tires. Sounds intriguing...(shady) I'll let you know what I decide.

More recommendations always welcome.

 

[MaxPower]

No first-hand experience, but the Continental ContiExtremeContacts were tested in Consumer Reports a year or so ago. They were average for performance, but excellent for snow (comparable to their control snow tire!), rolling resistance (figure +1-2mpg), and treadlife. Given that they're UHP tires, I'm sure they'll have enough performance for a mildly spirited driver.

 

[winston3x]

pretty nice review here:

http://www.europeancarweb.com/tech/epcp_0907_continental_extreme_contact_car_gear/index.html

 

[Bakken]

Awesome. Thanks again! I'm probably going to give them a shot. I'll probably have them put on late next week or early the week after. Got some money coming in so I won't have to charge them. I'll let everybody know how they turn out.