Continental WinterContact SI Tire Review & Rating

The Continental WinterContact SI is the newest winter tire in the company’spopular Winter Contact series lineup and is set to replace the older ExtremeWinterContact tire. Continental engineers focused their main efforts with the SI (Snow & Ice) on improving effectiveness when braking over ice and increasing rolling resistance. The result is a significantly improved cold weather tire which is available in a wider range of sizes than its predecessor, and is suitable for all kinds of passenger vehicles, crossovers, and smaller SUVs.

The studless WinterContact SI utilizes PolarPlus technology that includes a proprietary tread compound which is capable of remaining pliable in colder temperatures and optimizing traction on roads covered in snow, slush, or rainwater. The tire’s directional tread design features a zig-zag sipe pattern and ridged grooves which increase its ability to bite into snow and ice while improving grip on wet roads.

Built into the tread is a convenient winter tread depth indicator which allows drivers to gauge its effectiveness in winter conditions based on the degree of tread wear. You’ll quickly know when 50% or more of the tread has been used, which lets you know that it’s getting close to losing its fullest traction capabilities.

Outside road noise on the WinterContact SI is not bad, and pretty much on par with what you would expect with a typical all-weather passenger tire. In fact it is considerably quieter than many other fully-featured winter tires. Ride comfort is equally as good, with a comparatively smooth ride for a cold weather tire.

Continental’s WinterContact SI is available in sizes ranging from 195/65R15 to 245/50R20, and has a T or H speed rating. The manufacturer offers a 30 day trial as well as a 90K mile tread wear warranty for members of Continental’s roadside assistance Total Confidence Plan.

Pros 

• PolarPlus Technology aids in providing excellent grip in ice, snow, and slush
• High performance handling in dry conditions
• An extended range of sizes for more vehicle compatibility

Cons

• Too new to know treadlife expectancy

Overall Thoughts

Continental appears to have vastly improved the feature set, winter effectiveness, and overall quality compared to their previous offering, the ExtremeWinterContact. While the tire is still very fresh on the market, all available data indicates that the WinterContact SI is an excellent winter tire, capable of providing additional driver safety and improved handling in cold weather environments. We rank it right up there with the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 in snow and ice traction.

At a price point similar to comparable tires on the market, the cost of this tire is reasonable for what you’re getting. It excels in most of the scenarios you’d expect a winter tire to perform in, and additional features like the winter tread depth indicator are a nice plus.

At this stage, treadlife is hard to gauge and we will update our review accordingly. We expect that as more information from owners becomes available, this tire will continue to be a great winter pick. Highly recommended.

Click Here For Current Continental Coupons

Click Here To Find Current Prices

What Vehicles Will The Continental WinterContact SI Fit?

Fits these vehicles and many others:

• Acura TL, CL, ILX
• Audi A4
• BMW 135i, 323i, 330i, 530i
• Chevrolet Cobalt, Malibu, Cruze, Impala, Sonic LTZ, Cavalier
• Dodge Neon, Grand Caravan, Avenger, Dart
• Ford Focus, Mustang GT, Taurus, Fusion, Flex
• Honda Civic, CR-V, Insight, Accord
• Hyundai Genesis, Sonata, Elantra
• Infiniti G35x
• Kia Optima, Rondo, Forte, Soul
• Lincoln MKZ
• Mazda6, 929, Mazda3, Mazda5
• Nissan Altima, Maxima, Versa, Leaf, Cube, Sentra
• Pontiac Vibe, Grand Am, Grand Prix, G5
• Scion xB
• Subaru Legacy, Impreza Outback
• Toyota Camry, Prius, RAV4, Avalon, Solara, Sienna, Corolla
• Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, Touareg, Beetle, Golf
• Volvo S60, V70

Tire Sizes

15″

195/65R15 95T BSW

16″

195/55R16 91H BSW
205/55R16 94H BSW
205/60R16 96H BSW
205/65R16 99H BSW
215/55R16 97H BSW
215/60R16 99H BSW

17″

205/50R17 93H BSW
215/45R17 91H BSW
215/55R17 98H BSW
225/45R17 94H BSW
225/50R17 98H BSW
225/55R17 101H BSW
235/45R17 97H BSW

18″

235/50R18 101H BSW
235/55R18 104H BSW
235/65R18 110H BSW
245/40R18 97H BSW
245/60R18 109H BSW

19″

235/55R19 105H BSW
255/50R19 107H BSW

20″

245/50R20 105H BSW

Price Range

Continental WinterContact SI prices range from approximately $93 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find The Lowest Prices On All Continental WinterContact SI Sizes

Warranty

Continental provides a limited tread warranty on the WinterContact SI. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for one-year or the first 2/32 inch of wear. Materials and workmanship are warranted for 6-years and include free replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

Also included is a one-year or first 2/32 inch road hazard warranty, as well as Continental’s 30-day customer satisfaction trial that allows you to exchange the tire if you are not completely satisfied.