Ever felt that your car could perform better, be safer, or offer a smoother ride, but you can’t put your finger on what’s missing? The answer might be right under your nose—or rather, under your car. Choosing the right tire can make a world of difference, and it’s a decision you can’t afford to get wrong.
The Continental PureContact LS is an excellent all-season tire that performs admirably in a variety of conditions. While it ranks among some of the best in the market, there are a few alternatives that offer slightly better overall performance.
In this article, we will provide a thorough review of the Continental PureContact LS tire, evaluating its performance in various weather conditions, comfort and noise levels, and tread wear and longevity. We’ll also discuss user feedback, list the pros and cons, and offer a balanced view to help you determine if this tire is the right investment for your vehicle.
Continental PureContact LS
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
7.4 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 700
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.1 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.6 of 10
Description & Review
The Continental PureContact LS is a versatile Grand Touring All-Season tire, designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of vehicles, from sedans and coupes to small SUVs. Its main goal is to elevate your driving experience by offering reliable, consistent performance across a range of weather conditions—whether it’s dry, wet, or light snow.
This tire distinguishes itself with its temperature-activated functional polymers and asymmetric tread pattern. This unique combination provides multiple biting edges, enhancing the tire’s grip and handling in wet conditions and light snowfall.
One of its standout features is its Comfort Ride technology, which serves a dual purpose. First, it helps in maintaining consistent traction, regardless of the tire’s age or the amount of wear. Second, this technology contributes to more even tread wear over time, potentially extending the tire’s lifespan and offering better value for the consumer.
Additionally, the Continental PureContact LS is praised for its excellent cornering abilities and responsive steering, contributing to a more controlled and engaging driving experience. While it excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that its performance in heavy snow and icy conditions could be improved, and some users have reported slightly elevated noise levels at higher speeds.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
When it comes to dry conditions, the Continental PureContact LS excels:
- Dry Grip: The tire offers excellent grip, making it highly reliable for dry conditions.
- Responsiveness: The tire responds well to steering inputs, thanks to its high tip and double steel belts.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The tire also performs admirably in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: The tire’s design minimizes the risk of hydroplaning, offering a safer driving experience on wet roads.
- Wet Grip: While not as strong as its dry performance, the tire’s wet grip is commendable, making it a reliable choice during rainy seasons.
WINTER PERFORMANCE
The tire’s performance in winter conditions leaves room for improvement:
- Mild Snow Grip: The tire performs adequately in light snow but could be better.
- Heavy Snow and Ice Grip: In severe winter conditions, the tire’s performance is less than ideal, indicating a need for further refinement.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
- Comfort Level: The tire offers a comfortable ride, thanks to its Comfort Ride technology.
- Road Noise: While generally quiet, the tire could be quieter at higher speeds, according to some user reports.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
The Continental PureContact LS scores well in terms of tread wear and longevity. Its durable composition and advanced tread technology make it a long-lasting and cost-effective choice for the long term.
PROS
- Exceptional cornering abilities and dry grip
- Highly responsive steering
- Comfortable ride experience
- Durable tread life and longevity
CONS
- Adequate but not exceptional wet weather performance
- Subpar performance in heavy snow and icy conditions
- Slightly elevated noise levels at higher speeds
Continental PureContact LS Problems
While the Continental PureContact LS excels in many areas, it’s crucial to also discuss some of the potential weaknesses that users have pointed out.
Winter Performance:
One of the areas where the PureContact LS could improve is in severe winter conditions. While the tire provides decent traction on mild snow, its performance tends to decline in deeper snow and icy conditions. For those who often drive in harsh winter environments, this could be a significant drawback.
Noise Level:
Generally, the PureContact LS offers a comfortable ride, but some users have reported higher noise levels at elevated speeds. Although the noise isn’t overwhelmingly loud, it could be a concern for drivers sensitive to tire noise or those who frequently embark on long journeys.
Wet Performance:
The tire performs well in terms of hydroplaning resistance and wet grip, but some users have observed that it doesn’t excel in wet conditions as much as it does in dry ones. This could lead to a slightly compromised driving experience during heavy rainfall or on slippery roads.
Treadwear:
While the tire generally scores well for tread wear and longevity, there have been isolated reports of quicker-than-expected wear. It’s worth noting that many factors can influence tire wear, including driving style, vehicle condition, tire maintenance, and road types.
These potential concerns are important to consider but don’t necessarily overshadow the overall strong performance of the Continental PureContact LS. Balancing these potential downsides against its many strengths is key when considering your unique driving conditions and needs.
Continental PureContact LS Alternatives
While the Continental PureContact LS offers strong performance and durability, it’s worth noting that there are other all-season tires on the market that also perform well. Let’s explore three potential options:
Michelin CrossClimate 2
- Overall Rating: 9.1 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Scores 9.4 in both dry and wet conditions, indicating excellent traction and handling.
- Winter Weather Performance: Rated at 8.8, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers better winter performance than the PureContact LS.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: With scores of 8.9 and 9.1, this tire offers comparable comfort and arguably better tread longevity.
Read the review of the Michelin CrossClimate 2
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
- Overall Rating: 8.6 out of 10
- Dry and Wet Weather Performance: Ratings of 9.2 and 9.3 suggest reliable performance in both dry and wet conditions.
- Winter Weather Performance: At 9.1, the Bridgestone WeatherPeak offers significantly better winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Both comfort and tread wear are rated at 9.0, offering a balanced blend 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: Excellent scores of 9.3 and 9.1 indicate reliable grip and stability.
- Winter Weather Performance: With a rating of 8.3, the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 offers marginally better winter performance.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Both comfort and tread wear are rated at 9.1, indicating excellent comfort and durability.
Read the review of the Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3
While the Continental PureContact LS is a strong contender in the all-season tire category, these alternatives offer their own unique advantages, particularly in terms of winter performance and tread wear. Your final choice should balance these factors with your specific driving needs and preferences.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Continental PureContact LS stands as a strong choice in the all-season tire market, delivering a balanced performance in multiple areas. Its exceptional dry grip, cornering stability, and responsive steering make it a reliable option for a wide range of driving conditions. Additionally, its wet weather performance is more than satisfactory, adding to its versatility.
While the tire does have some limitations, particularly in handling heavy snow and icy conditions, and a slightly elevated noise level at higher speeds, it compensates for these with a high comfort level and durable tread life. Weighing these attributes against your specific driving needs is essential. The Continental PureContact LS could very well be the perfect fit for your vehicle, but it’s crucial to consider all factors to ensure you’re getting a tire that meets your specific requirements for safety, comfort, and performance.
