Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 18000 Miles on Tires
January 27, 2012

I've seen good and bad reviews on these tires, but after 18,000-plus miles, I have nothing but good things to say about these tires. I had purchased this vehicle with four Yokohama W4S tires that were probably about 75% worn, and the difference was unbelievable. I didn't even realize how loud the Yokohamas were until the first time I drove with the Continentals on. MAN ARE THEY QUIET!!! Much more comfortable ride too. Dry performance it excellent. I've found other people's complaint that the sidewalls are soft under hard cornering not to be the case for my set. Wet performance is also excellent. I hardly notice that the pavement's wet driving with them in the rain. Snow performance is very good, though probably not quite as good as a dedicated winter tire. We haven't had that much snow in Southeastern Wisconsin yet this season, but the few times we have they've done very well. They even helped me avoid an accident a week ago during a pretty bad snow storm. I was pleasantly surprised by their performance having to make an evasive maneuver (swerving left to avoid someone turning left in front of me, then getting back to the right to avoid hitting someone head on).

I've rotated them twice so far, and the wear (if any) is very minimal and very evenly distributed. They are a nice-looking tire as well. On Volkswagen Long Beach wheels, they protect the rim by sticking out a bit to help avoid curbing the rims. Use a little Wesley's Bleach White & scrub them clean and put some tire shine on them and they look gorgeous. Do make sure that the place that mounts them notices the little words "OUTSIDE" and "INSIDE" on the sidewalls. Mine didn't initially and I had four tires mounted the wrong way. They were happy to correct that though once I got them home and noticed that.

All in all, a very good all-around tire at a reasonable price. I will most likely be purchasing them again, though it looks like it won't be for another few years if they keep wearing like this.