Continental Tires: Buyers Guide and Low Pricing on all Models
Continental AG, founded in 1871 in Hanover, Germany, is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, ranking behind only Bridgestone and Michelin. They specialize in high technology, precision engineering, and safety-focused tire designs for global markets.
Company Legacy & Technological Leadership
- Founded in 1871, Continental began as a rubber company in Germany. It launched grooved vehicle tires in 1904 and detachable wheel tires in 1905.
- Continental is now a global automotive supplier beyond tires—including electronics and braking systems. It’s a DAX-listed German company, partly owned by the Schaeffler Group.
- In April 2025, Continental announced it will discontinue agricultural tires by the end of 2025, focusing on commercial specialty segments like material handling and port operations.
Continental Tire Portfolio & Applications
Passenger & SUV Tires
- CrossContact LX Sport: A premium touring tire for SUVs with ContiSilent, ContiSeal, and run-flat options. Offers responsive handling, excellent wet braking, and low road noise.
- 4x4Contact: Designed for 4×4 use with quiet ride and reliable snow performance—but many users report needing replacement under 30,000 miles.
Performance & ExtremeContact Series
- ExtremeContact Force S: A street-and-track performance tire featuring stiff sidewalls for precise handling and exceptional wet grip according to user reports.
Real User Feedback Highlights
Opinions vary widely:
“Continental does make great tires though … many generations … really happy with them.” — Reddit user appreciating longevity.
“I’ve always had better luck with Michelin. Continentals have … gotten extremely loud when they start wearing down.” — Another Reddit voice.
“They are a great tire overall … only weak on wet rock slabs.” — Mountain biking user praising wear life.
“With Continental I had 3 blow outs … YES THEY ARE TRASH.” — Strong negative feedback from a Tesla owner.
Get up to $200 back on Continental Tires
Brand Comparison: Continental vs. Competitors
| Feature | Continental Tires | Michelin | Goodyear | Bridgestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Continental AG (independent) | Michelin (owns e.g. BFGoodrich) | Independent | Independent |
| Founded | 1871, Hanover, Germany | 1889, Clermont‑Ferrand, France | 1898, Akron, Ohio (Goodyear) | 1931, Kurume, Japan |
| Best For | Precision, wet grip, quiet highway ride | Comfort, longevity, wet/snow grip | All‑season balance, highway durability | Innovation, EV-sustainable tech |
| Popular Models | CrossContact, 4x4Contact, ExtremeContact | Pilot Sport 4S, Defender T+H | Assurance Fuel Max, Eagle F1 | Turanza AllSeason 6, Ecopia Enliten |
| Pricing | Mid‑range to premium | Premium | Mid‑range to premium | Mid‑range to premium |
| Wet & Snow Grip | Excellent (touring and performance lines) | Superior overall | Very good | Excellent |
| Ride Comfort & Noise | Quiet, refined touring comfort | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Wear Life | Moderate to long (some reports poor longevity on specific lines) | High (60‑75K mi warranty common) | Reliable mid‑long wear | Strong, EV‑oriented durability |
Summary: Continental excels in wet braking, highway comfort, and steering response. Some models might wear faster or get noisy toward end of life, per user reports.
Who Should Choose Continental Tires?
Best for:
- Drivers prioritizing safety, wet grip, and quiet highway handling
- Buyers who value German-engineered precision and ride refinement
- Users of performance and touring models needing responsive wet braking
Watch out if:
- You primarily drive in extreme off-road or heavy snow conditions (other brands may perform better)
- You have experienced noise or durability issues on aging Continental tires
Common FAQs
Q: Is Continental second to Bridgestone or Michelin?
A: Continental is generally ranked as the third-largest tire brand globally, after Bridgestone and Michelin.
Q: Do Continental tires last?
A: Many users report solid lifespan, though models like 4x4Contact may wear before 30K miles, while performance lines often outlast expectations.
Q: Are Continental tires noisy over time?
A: Some users report increasing road noise and flat-spotting as tread wears, especially on sensitive models.
Final Thoughts
Continental offers a compelling mix of long-standing German engineering, refined ride quality, and excellent wet-weather performance. They’re ideal for those wanting precision steering, low noise, and safety features. That said, for ultra off-road durability or EV-focused efficiency you might look into Bridgestone or Michelin depending on your priorities.