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Summer tire Summer High Performance tires Updated May 2026

Continental ExtremeContact DW review

The Continental ExtremeContact DW is widely regarded for its exceptional wet and dry grip, making it a strong performer for highway cruising and daily driving. However, the tire is frequently criticized for its soft sidewall construction, which compromises steering precision and handling responsiveness, alongside concerns regarding rapid tread wear and structural durability.

Relative score
77/100
tests + owners
Owner reviews
73/100
7 reviews
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

73%
Would buy again 50%
Dry
Overall dry
93%
Corner stability
58%
Dry traction
92%
Steering response
67%
Wet
Overall wet
91%
Hydroplaning resistance
92%
Wet traction
90%
Snow & ice
Light snow
89%
Heavy snow
88%
Comfort
Overall comfort
83%
Ride comfort
94%
Noise
Overall noise
88%
Treadwear
Overall treadwear
60%
Handling
Overall handling
63%
Off-road
Overall off-road
87%
Dirt
91%
Sand
86%
Mud
83%
Rock
86%
From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 7 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

The Continental ExtremeContact DW is widely regarded for its exceptional wet and dry grip, making it a strong performer for highway cruising and daily driving. However, the tire is frequently criticized for its soft sidewall construction, which compromises steering precision and handling responsiveness, alongside concerns regarding rapid tread wear and structural durability.

Pros

  • Exceptional wet and dry traction
  • High levels of stability and comfort during highway driving
  • Confident performance in summer conditions

Cons

  • Soft sidewalls leading to vague steering feel and handling
  • Rapid tread wear and short service life
  • Susceptibility to sidewall damage and bubbles from road hazards
  • Increased road noise levels

Worth knowing

  • Drivers of sporty hatchbacks like the Golf GTI reported that the soft sidewalls negatively impacted the vehicle's intended handling characteristics.
  • Users noted that the tire's lack of structural rigidity often necessitates running higher-than-recommended tire pressures to improve steering feedback.
Where to buy

Continental ExtremeContact DW specs & sizes

Prices vary by size, so each one links out separately.

Specifications
Tread depth10/32″
UTQG340 A A
SidewallBlackwall
Max pressure51 psi
SizeRetailer
245/35 R21 Amazon

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Head-to-head

Continental ExtremeContact DW compared

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