Top Tire Review

Continental PureContact LS vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus (wear included !)

Dr Edwin Pang
Continental PureContact LS vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 plusContinental PureContact LS vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus

Continental PureContact LS vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus: The world of automotive tires is characterized by fierce competition and continuous innovation. Among the top players in this industry, Continental Tires has successfully distinguished itself with a range of impressive tire models. Two of its notable creations include the Continental PureContact LS and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus.

The Continental PureContact LS, launched in 2018, is a Mud + Snow (M+S) all-season tire designed with a keen emphasis on longevity. This tire is notable for its long tread life, promising excellent mileage and value for money. It leverages EcoPlus Technology to enhance treadwear, improve fuel efficiency, and offer a smooth, comfortable ride. Key features such as its ComfortRide Technology and Traction Grooves make it an attractive choice for drivers who seek durability and dependable all-season performance.

On the other hand, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, unveiled in 2021, is designed to satisfy drivers who crave ultra-high performance without sacrificing all-season traction. Its SportPlus Technology allows for precise handling, enhanced grip on wet roads, and extended tread life. Moreover, it offers impressive snow traction courtesy of its X-Sipe technology and Traction Grooves, along with excellent hydroplaning resistance with its QuickView Indicators.

While each of these tires is tailored to meet distinct needs, they do share common grounds in terms of tire sizes. Both models cover an extensive range of sizes, with several overlaps. This includes common passenger car and SUV sizes, which provides users with the flexibility to choose a model that best suits their driving style and requirements. However, it’s important to note that while the PureContact LS puts more emphasis on mileage and lifespan, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus leans toward enhancing performance without sacrificing all-season capabilities.

Results

Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare these two products directly, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Consumer Report has tested both tires, allowing us to use their ratings to assess the performance of each. Please note that Consumer Report’s rating system uses a maximum score of 5, with a 5/5 rating representing the best possible achievement.

The graph above shows the comparison between Continental PureContact LS vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus based on the relevant performance category. The tire size of interest for the test for PureContact LS is a 215/55R17 which is a common tire size for Honda HR-V. While the tire size of interest for ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus test is 225/40R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A3 Sedan. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information.

Dry

In terms of dry braking performance, there is a distinct difference between the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus.

Dry Braking :

The Continental PureContact LS earns a rating of 4 out of 5 for dry braking. This rating signifies that the tire provides a commendable performance, ensuring a consistent and reliable braking response in dry conditions. This is largely due to its unique tread compound and design, which contribute to overall traction and stopping power on dry roads. Contrastingly, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus excels in this area, achieving a perfect score of 5 out of 5. This superior rating highlights the tire’s exceptional performance under dry braking conditions. The tire’s sophisticated design and advanced SportPlus Technology provide precise control and shorter stopping distances on dry surfaces, thereby enhancing the safety and confidence of drivers.

While both tires perform admirably, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus takes the lead in dry braking performance, making it a more suitable choice for drivers who frequently drive in dry conditions and prioritize responsive, reliable braking. However, it’s worth noting that the PureContact LS still provides a solid performance that will meet and exceed the expectations of most drivers.

Wet

Comparing the wet performance of the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, we see that each tire has its respective strengths across different aspects.

Wet Braking:

For wet braking, both tires exhibit commendable performance with a rating of 4 out of 5. This signifies their capability to deliver reliable and consistent braking response in wet conditions. The Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus make use of innovative tread designs and compounds that ensure adequate traction, even on slick surfaces.

Wet Handling :

In the realm of wet handling, the PureContact LS outperforms the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus with a perfect score of 5 out of 5. This means the PureContact LS excels in providing control and responsiveness in wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter wet roads. Despite a slightly lower score of 4 out of 5, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus still offers a commendable level of wet handling performance, ensuring a confident and secure driving experience.

Hydroplaning :

When it comes to hydroplaning resistance, the roles are reversed. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus scores a perfect 5 out of 5, demonstrating superior performance in resisting hydroplaning thanks to its unique tread design and QuickView Indicators. On the other hand, the PureContact LS scores a respectable 4 out of 5, which still represents a strong ability to maintain traction and control when confronted with standing water.

In summary, both tires have their own unique strengths in wet conditions. The PureContact LS leads in wet handling, while the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus excels in hydroplaning resistance. Both tires perform equally well in wet braking, ensuring a safe and controlled driving experience during rainy weather.

Snow

The Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus are both versatile all-season tires, demonstrating their capability to perform in light snow conditions despite not carrying the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. This symbol is generally assigned to tires that have been proven to attain a certain level of performance in severe snow conditions. However, even without this certification, both these Continental models offer reliable traction on snowy roads.

Snow Traction:

In terms of snow traction, both tires score an impressive 4 out of 5. The PureContact LS utilizes Continental’s Traction Grooves technology, which helps improve grip in low traction conditions such as light snow. Similarly, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus employs its unique X-Sipe technology and Traction Grooves to enhance snow performance.

This rating illustrates that both models offer good traction in snowy conditions, despite their focus on being all-season tires. They can manage light snow conditions, making them practical options for drivers who live in regions where severe winters are not common but occasional light snow can be expected. However, it’s important to note that for severe winter conditions, dedicated winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol would be the recommended choice.

Ice

When evaluating the ice braking performance of the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, we see a noticeable distinction.

Ice Braking:

The Continental PureContact LS scores a 3 out of 5 for ice braking. This suggests that while it’s capable of providing an adequate level of traction on icy surfaces, it doesn’t offer the same performance as a dedicated winter tire would. Still, for an all-season tire, the PureContact LS demonstrates a reasonable capacity to handle icy conditions, primarily due to its tread design and the innovative compounds used.

On the other hand, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus outperforms the PureContact LS in this area, scoring an impressive 4 out of 5. This implies that the tire is capable of providing better braking performance on icy surfaces compared to the PureContact LS. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus benefits from its innovative X-Sipe technology and Traction Grooves, which help improve grip and reduce stopping distances on icy roads.

In summary, while both tires show some capability to handle icy conditions, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus delivers superior ice braking performance. However, it’s essential to remember that for optimal safety and control in severe winter conditions, especially on ice, dedicated winter tires are usually the best choice.

Mileage (real actual test !)

The Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus indeed impress with their tread life results. They prove to be high-value propositions when considering the mileage-to-cost ratio, outpacing many of their competitors.

The Continental PureContact LS, with its focus on longevity, has been tested and delivers a remarkable 75,000 miles. This impressive tread life result can be attributed to its EcoPlus Technology, which enhances treadwear and contributes to improved fuel efficiency. For drivers seeking value, this extended mileage means lower cost per mile over the life of the tire.

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, on the other hand, has a tested tread life of 60,000 miles. While this figure is lower than that of the PureContact LS, it is still quite impressive, especially considering that the DWS 06 Plus is in the ultra-high performance all-season segment, where tread life often takes a backseat to performance. Its balanced focus on durability and performance ensures good value for each mile driven.

In comparison to the wider market, both these Continental models are at the top range in terms of mileage, offering a compelling value proposition. They provide drivers with the dual benefit of extended tread life and excellent performance, thereby reducing the cost per mile over their lifespan. This aligns with Continental’s commitment to delivering high-quality, value-packed tires that don’t compromise on safety or performance.

Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)

When comparing ride comfort and noise levels between the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, both tires show strengths in different areas.

Ride Comfort :

In terms of ride comfort, both the PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus score a 3 out of 5. This rating suggests that both models provide a satisfactory level of comfort, successfully mitigating most road vibrations and ensuring a relatively smooth ride. Whether it’s the PureContact LS with its ComfortRide Technology or the DWS 06 Plus with its SportPlus Technology, both tires offer a comfortable ride quality that would suit most drivers’ expectations.

Noise :

However, when it comes to noise levels, the PureContact LS edges out the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus. Scoring a 4 out of 5, the PureContact LS ensures a quieter driving experience, reducing tire noise on various road surfaces. This is primarily due to its advanced tread design and EcoPlus technology that aid in minimizing road noise.

On the other hand, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus scores a 3 out of 5 on noise, indicating a slightly higher noise level in comparison. Despite this, the tire’s noise level is still within acceptable limits for an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, making it suitable for drivers prioritizing performance over noise reduction. In conclusion, while both tires provide a decent level of ride comfort, the PureContact LS provides a quieter ride, which may enhance the overall driving experience for those sensitive to road noise.

Rolling Resistance

When assessing the rolling resistance of the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, we find a substantial difference between these two tire models.

Rolling Resistance :

The Continental PureContact LS achieves a decent score of 3 out of 5 for rolling resistance. This indicates that it provides a reasonable level of fuel efficiency, thanks to its EcoPlus technology which reduces energy loss as the tire rolls. For drivers conscious of fuel economy, the PureContact LS represents a good balance between performance, comfort, and efficiency.

Conversely, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus falls behind in this regard, scoring just 1 out of 5. This lower score illustrates a typical trade-off found in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) all-season tire segment, where rolling resistance tends to be higher. In the pursuit of superior grip, handling, and performance across a range of conditions, these tires often use rubber compounds and tread designs that result in increased rolling resistance, which can adversely affect fuel efficiency.

This points out a significant “weakness” of UHP all-season tires. Despite their excellent performance and handling characteristics, they may not be the best choice for drivers who prioritize fuel economy. Instead, these tires are more suited to those who prioritize handling and performance above fuel efficiency. It’s crucial for consumers to consider their specific needs and driving style when choosing between these different types of tires.

Price

Comparing the prices of the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus in the 225/45R17 size, there’s an interesting discovery. Despite being in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) category, which often commands higher prices due to superior performance characteristics, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus comes in at a lower price point of $158 per tire. On the other hand, the Continental PureContact LS, which focuses on mileage and longevity, is priced higher at $180 per tire. This could be due to the advanced EcoPlus Technology that enhances treadwear and fuel efficiency, contributing to the overall value proposition of this tire over its lifespan.

It’s a common expectation that UHP tires would typically be more expensive due to their performance-oriented design and features. However, in this case, Continental seems to have found a way to offer the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at a more competitive price point. This may make the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus an appealing option for drivers seeking performance-oriented all-season tires that don’t break the bank. However, it’s important for consumers to consider not just the upfront cost of the tire but also other factors such as longevity, fuel efficiency, and performance capabilities that contribute to the overall value and cost over time. Despite the initial price difference, both tires offer top-tier performance and value in their respective categories, making them excellent choices based on individual driving needs and preferences.

Tire size: 225/45R17

PureContact LS: $180

ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus : $158

Difference: -14% more cheaper for ExtremeContact DWS 06 plus.

Summary

In summary, the Continental PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus are both remarkable all-season tires from Continental Tires, each excelling in different areas and designed for specific driver needs. The PureContact LS, introduced in 2018, is a Mud + Snow (M+S) all-season tire with a strong emphasis on mileage and lifespan, boasting a tested tread life of 75,000 miles. It offers solid dry and wet braking performance, excels in wet handling, and provides competent traction in light snow and on icy roads. Despite not being a dedicated winter tire, it handles winter conditions reasonably well. With its ComfortRide Technology, it ensures a comfortable and relatively quiet ride. It also demonstrates fair fuel efficiency with a 3 out of 5 score for rolling resistance. Priced at $180 for the 225/45R17 size, it represents a long-term value proposition.

On the other hand, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, launched in 2021, falls within the ultra-high performance all-season segment. While it has a slightly shorter tested tread life of 60,000 miles compared to the PureContact LS, it provides superior dry braking performance, equal wet braking, and better hydroplaning resistance. Its performance on ice and light snow matches the PureContact LS. However, it does exhibit a higher rolling resistance, which may impact fuel economy. The DWS 06 Plus offers the same ride comfort as the PureContact LS but may produce slightly more noise. Notably, it is less expensive at $158 for the same 225/45R17 size.

In conclusion, both the PureContact LS and the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus offer excellent performance in their respective categories. While the PureContact LS excels in longevity and fuel efficiency, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus shines in performance, illustrating the trade-offs between these different types of tires. Drivers should make their selection based on their unique driving conditions, performance requirements, and budget considerations.


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