Continental ExtremeContact DWS as a winter tire?
11-16-2017 | 11:11 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 154
From: PAC NW
I think I know the answer to my own question, but am going to ask anyway.
This is my first winter with my 997.2 C2. I’m using the 911 as my daily. I’m currently running Michigan Pilot Super Sports on the OEM 18” inch wheels (Carrera IVs). The PSSs obviously are a non-starter for winter driving. So, I went to Tirerack to buy some winter tires to mount on my 18s. Unfortunately, the only option offered is out of stock (Pirelli Sottozero Serie II). The next best option I could find was a set of Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06s. These are billed as ultra high performance all season, and according to Tireracks reviews have best in category snow performance.
I live in Denver, so get real - if infrequent - snow. I plan to continue to drive the 911 through the winter, but have a beater SUV for real inclement weather days. The main case for snow usage of the 911 is if I get caught at the office (~5 miles from home) or the airport (~15 miles from home) by an unexpected storm.
My question is, given my intended winter use of the 911, are the Conti’s sufficient as a winter tire?
This is my first winter with my 997.2 C2. I’m using the 911 as my daily. I’m currently running Michigan Pilot Super Sports on the OEM 18” inch wheels (Carrera IVs). The PSSs obviously are a non-starter for winter driving. So, I went to Tirerack to buy some winter tires to mount on my 18s. Unfortunately, the only option offered is out of stock (Pirelli Sottozero Serie II). The next best option I could find was a set of Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06s. These are billed as ultra high performance all season, and according to Tireracks reviews have best in category snow performance.
I live in Denver, so get real - if infrequent - snow. I plan to continue to drive the 911 through the winter, but have a beater SUV for real inclement weather days. The main case for snow usage of the 911 is if I get caught at the office (~5 miles from home) or the airport (~15 miles from home) by an unexpected storm.
My question is, given my intended winter use of the 911, are the Conti’s sufficient as a winter tire?
I wouldn't hesitate for a DWS as a "winter" tire, but if you are only going to use them in the winter, you might as well get real winter tires. If you are going to leave them on all year, then buy the best all-season you can find; that is, the highest performing all-season. Most people don't need an absolute top end summertime tire for daily driving. With that said, if you have a set of summers, then a set of all-seasons in the winter isn't going to give you much over a proper winter tire, unless you are going to leave them on till May and put them back on in September when temps cool a bit.
11-17-2017 | 12:44 AM
#17
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 115
Likes: 5
From: Vancouver, BC
I drive the DWS on my Mercedes Coupe RWD. I leave them on all year in the Vancouver Canada climate. They are a nice tire, but get sketchy in the rain when close to the wear bars.
I agree with above, that for a 2nd set, go with a winter tire. You should have better control in the rain and slush - and then be properly set up for snow.
I agree with above, that for a 2nd set, go with a winter tire. You should have better control in the rain and slush - and then be properly set up for snow.
11-19-2017 | 06:57 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 462
Likes: 7
From: Fort Collins, Colorado
Check your messages. I have a set of snows and wheels for sale in Fort Collins:
18x8" & 18"x10" Porsche Carrera 3 wheels 57 offset front, 58 back.
With Conti Wintercontact snow tires. 7/32" tread left in front and 4/32" in the rear. Includes lug bolts.
Wheels are used but in good shape, no curb rash. Rear tires probably have a season left in them, fronts are probably good for a couple more.
Prefer pick up in Fort Collins, CO $800 obo.
Thanks,
Mark
18x8" & 18"x10" Porsche Carrera 3 wheels 57 offset front, 58 back.
With Conti Wintercontact snow tires. 7/32" tread left in front and 4/32" in the rear. Includes lug bolts.
Wheels are used but in good shape, no curb rash. Rear tires probably have a season left in them, fronts are probably good for a couple more.
Prefer pick up in Fort Collins, CO $800 obo.
Thanks,
Mark
11-20-2017 | 12:30 PM
#20
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 466
Check your messages. I have a set of snows and wheels for sale in Fort Collins:
18x8" & 18"x10" Porsche Carrera 3 wheels 57 offset front, 58 back.
With Conti Wintercontact snow tires. 7/32" tread left in front and 4/32" in the rear. Includes lug bolts.
Wheels are used but in good shape, no curb rash. Rear tires probably have a season left in them, fronts are probably good for a couple more.
Prefer pick up in Fort Collins, CO $800 obo.
Thanks,
Mark
18x8" & 18"x10" Porsche Carrera 3 wheels 57 offset front, 58 back.
With Conti Wintercontact snow tires. 7/32" tread left in front and 4/32" in the rear. Includes lug bolts.
Wheels are used but in good shape, no curb rash. Rear tires probably have a season left in them, fronts are probably good for a couple more.
Prefer pick up in Fort Collins, CO $800 obo.
Thanks,
Mark
I'm interested, but didn't get your PM. Could you give it another shot? If it doesn't work again, I'll set-up a burner gmail account an post it here.
Thanks,
Craig
11-20-2017 | 04:13 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 462
Likes: 7
From: Fort Collins, Colorado
11-20-2017 | 05:51 PM
#22
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 210
From: Denver
I put a set of ExtremeContact DWS on my TTRS for some very snowy winters in St. Louis. They were great in cold, wet, snowy, and icy conditions. The only thing I didn't care for them for was summer. They just don't have the grip I was looking for and the sidewalls are a bit soft. I understand that Continental has improved the tire quite a bit since I put a set on the Audi. I would purchase another set for use in the fall, winter, and spring. But I wouldn't use them year around. I will say that they wore a bit quicker than I'd have liked. Otherwise they were pretty good for all seasons. Think I'm going to try some Michelin AS3+ on the 128i this winter.