Might Be What You Need
Written: Aug 13 '06
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Handling and Control: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Versatile performance on a broad range of touring and sports sedans, at a reasonable price
Cons: Not a "high" performance tire, but a performance tire
The Bottom Line: Versatile performance on a broad range of touring and sports sedans, and at a reasonable price
|
|
|
| donc230's Full Review: Continental Touring CH95 Passenger/Performance Tir... |
One Size Fits All?
The Continental Touring tire is an acceptable all-season performance tire that is designed to do everything acceptably. Not do it great or poorly, but it does it acceptably. They provide versatile performance on a broad range of touring and sports sedans, and at a reasonable price. This tire comes as standard equipment on a number of cars. Any time I have tried on a one size fits all garment I have found it to “sort of” fit. That is the reason for my “acceptably” qualifier. Not great or poor, but acceptable performance. That could be what you need.
Technological Details
A new compound technology reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while improving wet and snow traction. The triradial tread contour provides better wear, and resistance to hydroplaning and less noise. A jointless spiral cap delivers handling control at speed and better ride uniformity. All-season M&S rating provides promises traction in less than hospitable climates. The H-speed rating assures control at sustained legal (and other than legal) highway speeds. It is available in a wide range of sizes from 14" to 16" and profiles from 65 to 50.
And Other Details
Size: 195/65R15
Rim Diameter: 15
Series: 65
Load Index: 91H
Speed Rating: H (sustained speeds up to 130 mph)
My Unscientific Comparisons
My 1997 Mercedes Benz C230 sedan (review at: "http://www.epinions.com/content_128205885060" ) came with what I call construction grade (what the engineers who designed the car felt was an adequate quality component for the car’s intended use, kind of like the carpet found in rental homes) Michelin X, all season radial tires. The Continental Contacts were a step up in performance. Initial road holding and breaking were thankfully improved. Wet pavement performance increased to a very noticeable level. But, in the sprit of full disclosure, when Continentals reached the end of their useful life, replacing them with Bridgestone Potenza G009's (review at "http://www.epinions.com/content_247449292420" ) tires returned even more dramatic improvements. The tread patter is acceptable aggressive for most macho males, without causing performance envy in drivers of econo-box Hondas.
The Jaguar X-Type (review at "http://www.epinions.com/content_134122671748" ) that shares space in my garage is still equipped with the Continentals. Understanding that the fulltime all wheel drive sport technology designed into that car can make up for many shortfalls in rubber boots, it is still the performance car leader of our mini fleet. However, I do plan on doing a lot of research when it comes time to “retire.”
And It Can Snow
As happens most years, Holiday trips to Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri are on my calendar. Yes, it can snow heavily in the great Midwest. On a very few occasions the “traction control” warning light did light, but car control was always maintained. Lightly ice-glazed roads were an expected issue for the “German box,” but not any worse than should be expected.
Full-term Experience
After around 50,000 miles experience I will say that I did receive full value for my investment. Traction and wet performance did degrade at about the 30,000 mile point, but not to any degree that I would consider unsafe or unacceptable. Road noise was judged to be at a lower level than with the Michelin tires, but higher than with the Bridgestones. Performance on snow and ice was only lightly compromised, as was performance over standing water.
The Jaguar has only had around 24,000 miles pass under it, but there has been no degradation in any elements of performance.
Maintenance
Tire maintenance you may ask? Over the years and miles I have found that it pays dividends to invest a few minutes every so often in your tires. At least once a month I double check tire pressures, and rotate them every 6,000 miles (or about every six months). This anal attitude has returned predictably consistent performance and tread life.
Price
Taking advantage of special pricing at a local tire retailer, four tires were mounted and balanced for around $250.00 (US). This price included lifetime rotation and balance.
At The End of the Day
At the end of the day, purchasers need to feel that they have made a correct buying decision. They provide versatile performance on a broad range of touring and sports sedans, and at a reasonable price. That might be what you really need.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 250.00
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2008 Shopping.com, Inc.