Tire Review: Continental Pure Contacts

[tr7driver]

I'm still on the fence.

 

I have a set of the Goodyear 18 inch LS2's to replace before winter. The Pirelli's and Contintntal's are about $75 more each than replacement LS2's. With Gas at $2-$3 its hard for me to justify the extra expense on better MPG. Our roads are so bad here that I don't think i'd ever get the miles on the higher priced tires one would expect. I didn't care much for the Goodyears but at $300 savings, I might be able to like them for another 40K miles.

[md13ffhguy]

I believe Ford used Michelin Energy Saver A/S for the 17" and the 18" wheels used the Goodyear LS2. Both my 2013 and 2014 cars have 17" wheels with Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires. I've been very pleased with performance and tread wear.

[keybman]

Turns out that the Continentals have since been discontinued, and there's a large price difference for the Michelins, so it looks like I'm going with the Pirellis. I'll let y'all know how that turns out.

[keybman]

1st impression - What a difference in the ride! The Pirellis are very smooth, way quieter than the previous Michelins. Even passengers noticed the "softer ride" as it glided over the road this weekend. I definitely appreciate the difference.

 

MPG-wise - it is taking a definite hit. Don't know if there is a "break-in" time for tires, but MPG hung out around 44. This morning, my commute yielded 46mpg, where I would have normally expected 52-54mpg.

 

Not complaining about MPG in the 40s, though. I will certainly take a smoother, quieter ride with a 70K warranty in exchange for a few MPGs.

 

Summary - so far, so good. :)

[compnurd]

I have the pure contacts also and am not thrilled with the treadwear. Reading around now this seems to be a common problem I have 23k on them and they are down to 4/32 and 6/32 already I am hoping to just now get through the winter Costco has a good deal on the Bridgestone eco plus. Had the alignment checked also at ford at last oil change and it is good. For some reason these are wearing from out to in. (4/32 on outer and 6/32 inner). Same across all 4 tires

[mwr]

For some reason these are wearing from out to in. (4/32 on outer and 6/32 inner). Same across all 4 tires

I was told today by a tire guy that low tire pressures will cause that.

[compnurd]

I could see that.. I am pretty good at keeping them at 32PSI... I know i corner too fast which could also explain the wear pattern and it being so even.. still pisses me off though with the wearing so fast

[devinron]

I would choose Michelin. They are a little pricey but wear and grip well.

[md13ffhguy]

Turns out that the Continentals have since been discontinued, and there's a large price difference for the Michelins, so it looks like I'm going with the Pirellis. I'll let y'all know how that turns out.

Not true about the Continentals. They are still available and current according to Continental and all of the online tire sites.

[keybman]

Not true about the Continentals. They are still available and current according to Continental and all of the online tire sites.

 

Glad to hear they are back. It is good to have options. :)

 

I have since been told that it is common to discontinue a series of tires to let the national inventory clear out, before reintroducing an updated version. This apparently happened to these Continentals this past fall. Unfortunately at the time, I did not have the luxury to wait for the tire to be reintroduced, as i was not willing to push the 75K I had on the OEM tires.

 

And as for the Pirellis? Still love the smoother, quieter ride. There was a definitive trade-off with the MPGs though. Achieving low 40s now as opposed to hi 40s.

[md13ffhguy]

I'm going with the Continentals. I've had such good success with my OEM tires, that I kind of think I should stick with them, but I save about $200 with the PureContacts... We'll see.

[mmarreco]

I have recently switched from the OEM Michelins to Continental PureContacts in 17". However I immediately experienced a drop in MPG from an average of 40 to 36 now. Has anyone else had a similar outcome, is the MPG expected to improve or have I made a bad choice not getting Michelins?

[mmarreco]

I'm going with the Continentals. I've had such good success with my OEM tires, that I kind of think I should stick with them, but I save about $200 with the PureContacts... We'll see.

 

My gas consumption has been worse by 4MPG with the Continentals. Over 60K miles at $2.5/gallon it amounts to $420 extra fuel expense. Something to think about.

[md13ffhguy]

 

My gas consumption has been worse by 4MPG with the Continentals. Over 60K miles at $2.5/gallon it amounts to $420 extra fuel expense. Something to think about.

Well, I'll just have to see what happens. Tires have been bought and shipped, and installation is tomorrow morning. I'll keep y'all updated.

[smr2112]

Just to be clear... Are some of you guys saying the OEM Goodyear LS-2 (mine FFH Hy Titanium) actually tires did better than the Conti PureContacts?

No you said OEM Michelins - what tire was that exactly and what model did it come on? Were they LLR?

 

My mileage went up 3-4 mpgs with the Continentals and overall great wet grip and braking. I inflated to 38 without issue

other than a nail once and then a sidewall bubble from a deep pothole. Which Tirerack's warranty paid for fully - amazing.

 

Just want to make sure we are talking about the same tire. md13ffhguy I think you'll be very happy with them.

[mwr]

My mileage went up 3-4 mpgs with the Continentals and overall great wet grip and braking.

Compared to what OEM tire?

[md13ffhguy]

Compared to what OEM tire?

Just to be clear... Are some of you guys saying the OEM Goodyear LS-2 (mine FFH Hy Titanium) actually tires did better than the Conti PureContacts?

He has 18" (Titanium), so Goodyear was OEM. Mine are 17", so Michelin OEM.

[md13ffhguy]

My mileage went up 3-4 mpgs with the Continentals and overall great wet grip and braking. I inflated to 38 without issue

[...]

Just want to make sure we are talking about the same tire. md13ffhguy I think you'll be very happy with them.

I'm thinking I'll see a slight decline in MPG going from Michelin to Continental. Time will tell. First impression is they ride nice. Edited April 1, 2017 by md13ffhguy

[compnurd]

I am in the process of starting a warranty claim with Continental on the Purecontacts Only 27k and down to 3/32. My Rep at tirebuyer told me this is becoming a common issue with these wearing very fast..... Looking at going with the Ecopia 422 plus next as they are going to cut me a deal due to the issues.. I would like to try the Pirellis but they dont carry them