Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Continental SecureContact AW: Bridgestone WeatherPeak has been one of the big names in the all-weather tire segment, but now Continental is entering the fight with its brand-new SecureContact AW. The question is simple: can Continental’s latest all-weather tire actually challenge Bridgestone, or is the WeatherPeak still the safer proven choice?
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Results : Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Continental SecureContact AW
The test results are based on Treadwell data from Discount Tire. The graph below compares the Bridgestone WeatherPeak vs Continental SecureContact AW across key performance categories.
For subjective evaluations, each point is treated as equivalent to a 5% difference. For example, if Tire A scores a 4 and Tire B scores a 3, Tire A is considered 5% better than Tire B in that category.
Wet
In wet braking, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is slightly better, stopping 1 foot shorter than the Continental SecureContact AW, which is a 1% advantage. But in wet handling, the SecureContact AW clearly fights back, scoring 1.0 point higher than the WeatherPeak, giving it a 5% advantage. Overall, the WeatherPeak has the tiny braking edge, but the SecureContact AW looks stronger when the road gets wet and twisty.
SecureContact AW :
- -1% Wet Braking
- +5% Wet Handling
Winter
In winter performance, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak has the advantage, scoring 0.5 points higher than the Continental SecureContact AW, which gives it a 2.5% advantage. Overall, the WeatherPeak looks slightly stronger for winter confidence, while the SecureContact AW stays close but does not quite match it here.
SecureContact AW :
- -2.5% Snow
Mileage
In mileage, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak has a clear advantage, lasting 9,000 miles longer than the Continental SecureContact AW. Based on the comparison, the SecureContact AW has a 30% lower mileage rating. Overall, the WeatherPeak looks much stronger for long-term value, while the SecureContact AW falls behind in tread life.
SecureContact AW :
- -30% Mileage (Median)
Dry
In dry braking, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is slightly better, stopping 2 feet shorter than the Continental SecureContact AW, which is a 1% advantage. But in dry handling, the SecureContact AW performs better, scoring 0.5 points higher than the WeatherPeak, giving it a 2.5% advantage. Overall, the WeatherPeak has a small braking edge, while the SecureContact AW feels slightly stronger in dry handling.
SecureContact AW :
- -1% Dry Braking
- +2.5% Dry Handling
Noise Vibration & Harshness (NVH)
In ride refinement, the Continental SecureContact AW has the clear advantage. For quiet ride, it scores 1.5 points higher than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, giving it a 7.5% advantage. For ride comfort, the SecureContact AW is also better, scoring 0.5 points higher, which is a 2.5% advantage. Overall, the SecureContact AW looks noticeably more refined and comfortable, while the WeatherPeak falls behind in daily driving comfort.
SecureContact AW :
- +7.5% Quiet Ride
- +2.5% Comfort
Fuel Consumption
In fuel efficiency, the Continental SecureContact AW has the advantage, scoring 1.0 point higher than the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, giving it a 5% advantage. Overall, the SecureContact AW looks more efficient, while the WeatherPeak gives up some ground here.
SecureContact AW :
- +5% Fuel Efficiency
Price
For price, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is the cheaper tire at $181, while the Continental SecureContact AW costs $188. That makes the SecureContact AW $7 more expensive, or about 4% higher in price. Overall, the WeatherPeak has the better price advantage, while the SecureContact AW needs to justify its extra cost with stronger handling, comfort, and efficiency.
Tire size: 215/55R17
- WeatherPeak : $181
- SecureContact AW : $188
Difference: +4% more expensive for SecureContact AW
Conclusion:
From a tire expert point of view, I would say the Bridgestone WeatherPeak is still the stronger value choice if you care about winter performance, mileage, dry braking, wet braking, and a slightly lower price. But the Continental SecureContact AW makes a very strong case as the newer all-weather tire, with better wet handling, dry handling, quiet ride, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Overall, I would pick the WeatherPeak for long-term ownership confidence, but the SecureContact AW is the more refined and sharper-feeling tire.
Dr Edwin Pang