Looking for a tire that can handle the twists and turns of life? Discover why the Continental ProContact TX might just be the rubber soulmate your vehicle has been waiting for.
The Continental ProContact TX is an all-season Grand Touring tire known for its exceptional dry grip, responsive steering, and comfortable ride. However, it has room for improvement in heavy snow and icy conditions.
In this article, we’ll delve into the key features, performance metrics, and potential drawbacks of the Continental ProContact TX. We’ll also compare it with other all-season tire alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Continental ProContact TX
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.0 of 10
Winter Weather
6.1 of 10
Tread Wear
7.5 of 10
Dry Weather
8.5 of 10
Ride Comfort
7.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 540
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles (S- & T-Rated)
6 Years / 55,000 Miles (H-Rated)
6 Years / 45,000 Miles (V-Rated)
6 Years / 40,000 Miles (W-Rated)
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.0 of 10
Cornering: 8.5 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.6 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.5 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 6.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 5.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 5.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.1 of 10
Road Noise: 7.7 of 10
Description & Review
The Continental ProContact TX is a top-tier Grand Touring All-Season tire, meticulously engineered to meet the demands of performance-oriented sedans and sporty coupes. This tire is not just a piece of rubber that connects your car to the road; it’s a sophisticated piece of engineering designed to enhance your overall driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, this tire aims to provide a seamless blend of comfort and performance, making it a popular choice for both original equipment (OE) and as a replacement tire.
One of the most compelling aspects of the ProContact TX is its year-round versatility. Engineered to deliver reliable performance across all seasons, this tire is a true all-rounder. It offers a balanced mix of dry, wet, and light snow traction, making it a go-to choice for drivers who experience a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Its all-season capabilities mean you don’t have to switch tires when the seasons change, offering convenience and cost savings.
Another remarkable feature is its focus on driving comfort. The ProContact TX is not just about raw performance; it’s also about how that performance feels to the driver and passengers. The tire is designed to minimize road noise and vibrations, offering a smooth, quiet ride that enhances the luxury and comfort of any vehicle it’s fitted on. This focus on comfort doesn’t come at the expense of performance, making it a well-rounded option for those who demand the best of both worlds.
Lastly, the tire is also noted for its fuel efficiency. In an era where every drop of fuel counts, the ProContact TX is engineered to reduce rolling resistance, thereby improving fuel economy. This is not just good for your wallet, but it’s also beneficial for the environment, making the tire a responsible choice for the eco-conscious driver.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
In dry conditions, the Continental ProContact TX shines:
- Dry Grip: With a Dry Grip rating of 8.6, this tire provides exceptional traction, making it a dependable choice for dry weather driving.
- Responsiveness: Scoring an 8.5 in Responsiveness, the tire is quick to react to steering inputs, thanks to its advanced construction and double steel belts.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The tire also demonstrates strong capabilities in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: With a Hydroplaning rating of 8.0, the tire’s design effectively reduces the likelihood of hydroplaning, ensuring a safer journey on wet surfaces.
- Wet Grip: Although not as stellar as its dry performance, the tire still scores an 8.0 in Wet Grip, making it a trustworthy option during rainy weather.
WINTER PERFORMANCE
There’s room for improvement when it comes to winter conditions:
- Mild Snow Grip: With a Mild Snow Grip rating of 6.9, the tire offers acceptable performance in light snow but has room for enhancement.
- Heavy Snow and Ice Grip: Scoring only 5.8 and 5.5 in Heavy Snow and Ice Grip respectively, the tire could benefit from further development for severe winter conditions.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
- Comfort Level: Boasting a Comfort Level rating of 8.1, the tire provides a smooth and comfortable ride, courtesy of its Comfort Ride technology.
- Road Noise: While the tire generally offers a quiet experience, it has a Road Noise rating of 7.7, indicating that it could be quieter at elevated speeds.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
The Continental ProContact TX performs admirably in terms of tread wear and longevity. Its robust construction and innovative tread design contribute to its durability, making it a cost-effective and long-lasting option for various driving conditions.
PROS
- Outstanding Cornering and Dry Traction
- Quick and Accurate Steering Response
- Smooth and Cozy Ride Quality
- Long-Lasting Tread Durability
CONS
- Satisfactory Wet Weather Handling
- Limited Traction in Severe Winter Conditions
- Moderate Road Noise at Elevated Speeds
Continental ProContact TX Problems
While the Continental ProContact TX excels in various aspects, it’s important to also address some of the potential shortcomings that have been noted by users.
WINTER PERFORMANCE
One area where the ProContact TX could see improvement is in its performance under severe winter conditions. Although the tire offers reasonable traction in light snow, as evidenced by its Mild Snow Grip rating of 6.9, it falls short in heavy snow and icy conditions, with ratings of 5.8 and 5.5 respectively. For drivers who frequently encounter harsh winter conditions, this could be a significant downside.
NOISE LEVEL
In general, the ProContact TX provides a comfortable driving experience, boasting a Comfort Level rating of 8.1. However, some users have reported experiencing elevated noise levels at higher speeds, which is reflected in its Road Noise rating of 7.7. While the noise isn’t excessively loud, it may be a concern for those sensitive to tire noise or for those who often go on long drives.
WET PERFORMANCE
The tire has commendable hydroplaning resistance and wet grip, scoring an 8.0 in both categories. However, some users have noted that its wet performance isn’t as exceptional as its dry performance. This could result in a slightly less confident driving experience during heavy rain or on slick roads.
TREADWEAR:
Generally, the ProContact TX is praised for its tread durability and longevity. However, there have been isolated instances where users reported quicker-than-expected tread wear. It’s important to remember that various factors can affect tire wear, such as driving habits, the condition of the vehicle, regular tire maintenance, and the types of roads traveled.
These potential issues are worth considering but don’t necessarily negate the overall strong performance of the Continental ProContact TX. Weighing these possible drawbacks against its numerous strengths is crucial when evaluating the tire based on your specific driving conditions and requirements.
Continental ProContact TX Alternatives
While the Continental ProContact TX is a robust performer with a focus on durability and all-season capability, it’s worth considering other all-season tires that also offer strong performance. Below are three potential alternatives:
MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE 2
- Overall Rating: 9.1 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Exceptional ratings of 9.4 in both dry and wet conditions point to superior traction and handling.
- Winter Weather Performance: With a score of 8.8, this tire outperforms the ProContact TX in winter conditions.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Scoring 8.9 and 9.1 respectively, this tire offers a ride comfort level and tread longevity that are arguably superior.
Read the review of the Michelin CrossClimate 2
BRIDGESTONE WEATHERPEAK
- Overall Rating: 8.6 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: With scores of 9.2 and 9.3, this tire offers reliable performance in both dry and wet conditions.
- Winter Weather Performance: Rated at 9.1, it significantly outshines the ProContact TX in winter conditions.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Both metrics score a 9.0, indicating a well-balanced combination of comfort and durability.
Read the review of the Bridgestone WeatherPeak
PIRELLI P7 AS PLUS 3
- Overall Rating: 8.6 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Impressive scores of 9.3 and 9.1 suggest excellent grip and stability.
- Winter Weather Performance: With a rating of 8.3, this tire offers slightly better winter performance compared to the ProContact TX.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Both comfort and tread wear score a 9.1, showcasing excellent levels of comfort and durability.
Read the review of the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3
While the Continental ProContact TX remains a strong option in the all-season tire market, these alternatives present their own unique strengths, especially in the areas of winter performance and tread longevity. Your final selection should weigh these factors against your specific driving conditions and preferences.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Continental ProContact TX emerges as a formidable contender in the all-season tire landscape, offering a well-rounded performance across various metrics. Its standout dry grip, exceptional cornering capabilities, and quick steering responsiveness make it a versatile choice for diverse driving scenarios. Moreover, its performance in wet conditions is commendable, adding another layer to its adaptability.
While the tire does exhibit certain limitations, such as its less-than-ideal performance in heavy snow and icy conditions, and moderate noise levels at higher speeds, it balances these drawbacks with a high level of ride comfort and long-lasting tread durability. Evaluating these characteristics in the context of your specific driving conditions is crucial. The Continental ProContact TX could very well be an excellent match for your vehicle, but it’s important to weigh all factors to ensure you’re selecting a tire that aligns with your unique needs for safety, comfort, and overall performance.
