Continental WinterContact SI review
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What is it?
The Continental WinterContact SI is a snow tire designed for exclusive winter use on a wide range of vehicles, including crossovers, coupes, sedans, and minivans. The WinterContact SI replaces the ExtremeWinterContact in the Continental winter tire lineup. For a tire manufacturer that makes such excellent performance all season tires uniquely capable of handling winter conditions (see the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06), Continental has yet to really break through with a prominent snow tire. The ExtremeWinterContact certainly didn't lack use and popularity, but in some circles Continental is not considered a snow tire authority quite like Bridgestone (Blizzak), Michelin, or Dunlop. Indications are that the Continental WinterContact SI could be the winter tire that really puts Continental on the map in the category. |
Continental WinterContact SI |
WinterContact SI strengths and weaknesses?
Data indicates that the WinterContact SI is particularly capable when it comes to snow condition acceleration. It's also very good at getting moving on ice.
While winter condition (snow & ice) acceleration is standout, braking in those same conditions is perhaps not quite as outstanding, at least according to one authoritative group test (detailed below). Snow and ice braking isn't by any means a deficiency, but the best data available shows snow and ice braking slightly, but measurably behind some of the best winter tire competition.
That said, the WinterContact SI has no real weaknesses, and we'd be splitting hairs to establish a truly meaningful performance disadvantage for the WinterContact SI relative to the top tier snow tire competition.
On top of solid objective performance, the WinterContact SI is a communicative snow tire, and recovers traction quickly and efficiently. What this means is that the WinterContact SI doesn't lose traction without warning, and it permits the driver to immediately make the necessary correction to bring it quickly back in line. This "feel" characteristic is hard to quantify, but competent winter drivers will recognize it immediately when present.
Bottom line: the WinterContact SI offers top tier winter driving performance and instills confidence in the driver in adverse winter road conditions.
Data indicates that the WinterContact SI is particularly capable when it comes to snow condition acceleration. It's also very good at getting moving on ice.
While winter condition (snow & ice) acceleration is standout, braking in those same conditions is perhaps not quite as outstanding, at least according to one authoritative group test (detailed below). Snow and ice braking isn't by any means a deficiency, but the best data available shows snow and ice braking slightly, but measurably behind some of the best winter tire competition.
That said, the WinterContact SI has no real weaknesses, and we'd be splitting hairs to establish a truly meaningful performance disadvantage for the WinterContact SI relative to the top tier snow tire competition.
On top of solid objective performance, the WinterContact SI is a communicative snow tire, and recovers traction quickly and efficiently. What this means is that the WinterContact SI doesn't lose traction without warning, and it permits the driver to immediately make the necessary correction to bring it quickly back in line. This "feel" characteristic is hard to quantify, but competent winter drivers will recognize it immediately when present.
Bottom line: the WinterContact SI offers top tier winter driving performance and instills confidence in the driver in adverse winter road conditions.
How does the WinterContact SI compare?
In a Car and Driver magazine snow tire group test, the WinterContact SI finished third out of six tires tested. It logged the second quickest snowcross lap time, which is an excellent indication of how the WinterContact SI capably manages dynamic and varied wintry conditions (as drivers encounter in real world winter driving conditions). The objective performance differential between the WinterContact SI and the top two finishers (the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and Nokian) was only marginal (the WinterContact SI lost ground on snow & ice braking), and from a subjective perspective the drivers had positive impressions of the WinterContact SI.
In an initial Tire Rack comparison test, the WinterContact SI proved a match for the excellent Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 in an ice driving test. The WinterContact SI matched the Blizzak in both ice acceleration time and ice braking distances.
While the handling rating from Continental is equal for both the WinterContact SI and the outgoing ExtremeWinterContact, the WinterContact SI tread design looks to us to be more conducive to dry road handling. This was a performance area where the ExtremeWinterContact was somewhat lacking, so an advance in dry road handling should further elevate the WinterContact SI relative to the rest of the winter tire field.
Now two winters after arriving on the market, the WinterContact SI has been overwhelmingly well-received by seasoned winter drivers. The overall TireBuyer.com WinterContact SI rating is 4.5/5, and mostly positive feedback is coming into other online tire outlets as well.
In a Car and Driver magazine snow tire group test, the WinterContact SI finished third out of six tires tested. It logged the second quickest snowcross lap time, which is an excellent indication of how the WinterContact SI capably manages dynamic and varied wintry conditions (as drivers encounter in real world winter driving conditions). The objective performance differential between the WinterContact SI and the top two finishers (the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and Nokian) was only marginal (the WinterContact SI lost ground on snow & ice braking), and from a subjective perspective the drivers had positive impressions of the WinterContact SI.
In an initial Tire Rack comparison test, the WinterContact SI proved a match for the excellent Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 in an ice driving test. The WinterContact SI matched the Blizzak in both ice acceleration time and ice braking distances.
While the handling rating from Continental is equal for both the WinterContact SI and the outgoing ExtremeWinterContact, the WinterContact SI tread design looks to us to be more conducive to dry road handling. This was a performance area where the ExtremeWinterContact was somewhat lacking, so an advance in dry road handling should further elevate the WinterContact SI relative to the rest of the winter tire field.
Now two winters after arriving on the market, the WinterContact SI has been overwhelmingly well-received by seasoned winter drivers. The overall TireBuyer.com WinterContact SI rating is 4.5/5, and mostly positive feedback is coming into other online tire outlets as well.
Some use restrictions may apply.
WinterContact SI Warranty?
- Treadlife Warranty: None
- Uniformity Warranty: 1 year, first 2/32" of wear
- Treadlife Warranty: None
- Uniformity Warranty: 1 year, first 2/32" of wear
Anything else to know?
We recommend that prospective WinterContact SI buyers cross shop the Continental WinterContact SI with the aforementioned Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3. However, it's worth noting up front that the WinterContact SI is more affordable than the Bridgestone and Michelin alternatives by some margin.
The Continental WinterContact SI offers superb capability with winter at its worst. It's one of the more communicative and confidence-inspiring snow tires on the market. And it's affordable to boot.
The WinterContact SI is a winter tire definitely deserving of your consideration, and we think bound for widespread recognition in the coming winters.
Canadian Tire found the WinterContact SI best in class for winter 2016-2017 in snow braking and snow handling -- see the video below.
Remember to install the WinterContact SI and all winter tires in sets of four only, or you'll be dealing with a potentially hazardous handling imbalance.
For additional snow tire information and options, visit our snow tires site section.
Last updated March 2018.
Before you buy...
Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.
We recommend that prospective WinterContact SI buyers cross shop the Continental WinterContact SI with the aforementioned Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3. However, it's worth noting up front that the WinterContact SI is more affordable than the Bridgestone and Michelin alternatives by some margin.
The Continental WinterContact SI offers superb capability with winter at its worst. It's one of the more communicative and confidence-inspiring snow tires on the market. And it's affordable to boot.
The WinterContact SI is a winter tire definitely deserving of your consideration, and we think bound for widespread recognition in the coming winters.
Canadian Tire found the WinterContact SI best in class for winter 2016-2017 in snow braking and snow handling -- see the video below.
Remember to install the WinterContact SI and all winter tires in sets of four only, or you'll be dealing with a potentially hazardous handling imbalance.
For additional snow tire information and options, visit our snow tires site section.
Last updated March 2018.
Before you buy...
Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.
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