Imagine you’re standing in a tire shop, faced with a decision between the General G-MAX AS-05 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus. This article is your guide through that choice, shedding light on the performance, comfort, and value each option brings to the road.
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus offers superior wet and dry performance, better comfort, and noise levels, but at a higher price. The General G-MAX AS-05 provides solid all-around performance with a focus on value.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the nuances of the General G-MAX AS-05 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus tires, comparing their strengths and weaknesses in various conditions to help you decide which tire is the right companion for your vehicle. Additionally, we’ll explore other competitive options in the high-performance all-season tire category to give you a comprehensive understanding of the market.
General G-MAX AS-05
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
8.7 of 10
Winter Weather
7.0 of 10
Tread Wear
8.3 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.3 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 500
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 55,000 miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.6 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.7 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.1 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 6.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.4 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.5 of 10
Road Noise: 8.1 of 10
Alright, let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty of the General G-MAX AS-05. This tire is like a Swiss Army knife for your car, aiming to be good at everything without costing an arm and a leg. It’s designed for drivers who want performance without sacrificing their kids’ college fund. So, let’s break down what makes this tire tick and where it might just annoy you a bit.
Performance Breakdown
Wet Performance
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 8.6 – Decent, but don’t expect to part the Red Sea. It’ll keep you steady in a drizzle, but in a downpour, you might want to ease off the gas.
- Wet Traction: 8.8 – It’s got grip when things get slick, but it’s not Spider-Man. Drive smart when it’s wet outside.
Dry Performance
- Corner Stability: 8.9 – It holds its ground in corners. Not quite a ballerina, but it won’t have you hugging the guardrails either.
- Dry Traction: 9.1 – Here’s where it shines. It grips the road like it owes it money, giving you confidence on those sunny days.
- Steering Response: 8.9 – Responsive, but it’s not telepathic. Expect a solid connection with the road, but it won’t read your mind.
Winter Performance
- Light Snow Traction: 7.7 – It can handle a light dusting of snow, but if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, consider a set of winter tires.
- Deep Snow Traction: 6.8 & Ice Traction: 6.4 – Let’s be real; if you’re plowing through deep snow and ice, this tire might leave you cold. It’s about as enthusiastic as a cat in water.
Comfort
- Ride Quality: 8.5 – It’s comfy enough for most, but don’t expect it to smooth out those potholes like a magic carpet.
- Noise: 8.1 – Whisper quiet it ain’t, but it’s not going to drown out your 80s rock playlist either.
Treadwear
- Treadwear: 8.3 – It’s got longevity, kinda like that old pair of jeans you can’t seem to throw away. It’ll last, but don’t expect it to be immortal.
Pros
- Great dry traction; it sticks to the road nicely.
- A solid all-rounder for the price; it’s like getting steak dinner taste on a burger budget.
- Respectable comfort and ride quality, making those long drives a bit less of a chore.
Cons
- Winter performance leaves a bit to be desired. It’s not the tire you want for a snowball fight.
- It’s a bit noisy. You might find yourself turning up the radio to compensate.
- Wet performance could be better. It’s like that friend who’s fun to be around but can’t handle their drink.
In a nutshell, the General G-MAX AS-05 is a jack-of-all-trades tire. It’s perfect for the driver who wants a bit of everything without breaking the bank. Just remember, it’s not a superhero tire. It has its kryptonite, especially when it comes to ice and deep snow. If you’re living in an area where winter means a light jacket, this could be your tire. But if you’re more familiar with snowmen than sandcastles, you might want to look elsewhere or consider an additional set of winter tires.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
7.6 of 10
Tread Wear
8.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 560
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 50,000 miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
Next up, let’s talk about the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus. This tire is like the reliable friend who always shows up when you call. It’s designed for those who don’t just drive for the sake of it but see each trip as an adventure, whether it’s to the office or across the country. Let’s break down its strengths and areas where it might leave you wanting more.
Performance Breakdown
Wet Performance
- Hydroplaning Resistance: 9.0 – It’s like water off a duck’s back. This tire cuts through puddles with ease, keeping you firmly on the road.
- Wet Traction: 9.1 – It grips wet roads tightly, reducing the white-knuckle driving experience during a storm.
Dry Performance
- Corner Stability: 9.2 – It’s nimble around corners, giving you confidence to take them a bit more spiritedly.
- Dry Traction: 9.4 – This is where it excels, gripping the road like a stubborn toddler to a toy. It makes dry driving a joy.
- Steering Response: 9.2 – Sharp and responsive, this tire listens to your inputs like a good conversation partner.
Winter Performance
- Light Snow Traction: 8.2 – It manages light snow quite well, allowing you to navigate winter roads with more assurance.
- Deep Snow Traction: 7.5 & Ice Traction: 7.1 – While better than some, it’s not a polar bear on ice. Caution is advised in deeper snow and ice.
Comfort
- Ride Quality: 9.0 – It offers a smooth ride, ironing out most road imperfections for a comfortable drive.
- Noise: 8.7 – Quieter than a librarian, this tire keeps road noise to a minimum, enhancing your driving experience.
Treadwear
- Treadwear: 8.5 – It’s built to last, offering a good balance between performance and longevity.
Pros
- Superior wet and dry traction; this tire clings to the road in most conditions.
- Quiet and comfortable, making it ideal for both short commutes and long road trips.
- Strong performance across the board, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.
Cons
- Winter performance, particularly on ice and deep snow, could be improved. It’s not a dedicated winter tire, after all.
- While tread life is good, aggressive drivers might find it wears quicker than expected.
- It comes at a premium. You’re paying for top-notch performance, so it might not fit everyone’s budget.
In summary, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is like the versatile athlete who can play multiple sports well. It’s ideal for drivers who demand high performance in wet and dry conditions but also value comfort and noise reduction. While it’s not invincible in the face of winter’s worst, it holds its own better than many. If you’re willing to invest in quality and don’t mind keeping an eye on tread wear, this tire might just be your next best road companion. Just remember, for hardcore winter conditions, you might still want to consider a dedicated set of winter tires.
Comparative Analysis
When you’re at the crossroads of choosing between the General G-MAX AS-05 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, it’s like deciding between a reliable everyday car and a high-performance sports car; both have their place, depending on what you’re looking for. Let’s put these two tire contenders side by side to see where they shine and where they might fall short.
Wet and Dry Performance
Both tires offer commendable wet and dry traction, but the Continental pulls ahead slightly, especially on wet surfaces. Its ability to resist hydroplaning and maintain grip in rainy conditions gives it a leg up. On dry roads, both tires perform admirably, but the Continental again edges out with slightly better traction and corner stability, offering a bit more confidence for spirited driving.
- Winner for Wet Performance: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
- Winner for Dry Performance: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (but it’s a close call)
Winter Performance
Here’s where things get a bit dicey. Neither tire is a winter champion, but they’re not supposed to be. They’re all-season tires, after all. However, the Continental offers slightly better performance in light snow conditions, which could be the deciding factor for drivers in areas that see occasional snowfall. For serious snow and ice, neither tire is a substitute for a dedicated winter tire.
- Winner for Winter Performance: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (by a small margin)
Comfort and Noise
Comfort is king for daily drivers, and both tires aim to please. The Continental offers a smoother ride with less noise, making those long commutes a bit more bearable. The General isn’t far behind, though; it just can’t quite match the Continental’s level of refinement in this area.
- Winner for Comfort and Noise: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Treadwear and Longevity
Treadwear is crucial for getting the most bang for your buck. Both tires offer good longevity, but the General’s slightly lower treadwear rating might mean it wears down a bit faster, especially under aggressive driving. However, it’s also typically priced more affordably than the Continental, which may offset the faster wear for budget-conscious drivers.
- Winner for Treadwear and Longevity: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (with consideration for budget)
Price and Value
Price is a significant factor for many drivers. The General G-MAX AS-05 typically comes in at a lower price point than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, making it an attractive option for those looking to balance performance with cost. If you’re willing to pay more for the slight performance edge, the Continental is the way to go. However, for a solid all-rounder that’s kinder to your wallet, the General is a strong contender.
- Winner for Price and Value: General G-MAX AS-05
Making the Choice
Choosing between these two tires comes down to what’s most important to you. If you prioritize top-notch performance in wet and dry conditions and don’t mind paying a premium for it, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is your tire. It’s a high performer that offers a comfortable, quiet ride with decent longevity.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tire that delivers solid performance across the board without breaking the bank, the General G-MAX AS-05 is a compelling choice. It offers good performance in most conditions and represents great value for the price.
Remember, the best tire for you depends on your specific driving needs, preferences, and budget. Consider what you value most in a tire, and choose accordingly.
Other Competitors in the Market
While the General G-MAX AS-05 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus are standout options in the high performance all-season tire category, the road doesn’t end with them. There’s a whole convoy of competitors vying for your attention, each with its own set of features and benefits. Let’s cruise through some of the other notable tires in this category, looking at what they bring to the table and how they stack up.
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect
The Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect is like the dark horse of high-performance all-season tires. It offers a compelling blend of wet and dry performance, with scores that are hard to ignore.
- Wet Performance: Excellent, with great hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Performance: Impressive, offering solid corner stability, dry traction, and steering response.
- Winter Performance: Decent, but like most in this category, it’s not a winter warrior.
- Comfort: Very good, with a focus on providing a smooth and relatively quiet ride.
- Treadwear: Strong, indicating a tire that’s built to last.
Vredestein Hypertrac All Season
A lesser-known contender, the Vredestein Hypertrac All Season, punches above its weight class, delivering reliable performance across various conditions.
- Wet Performance: Solid, ensuring confidence in the rain.
- Dry Performance: Good, with dependable traction and stability.
- Winter Performance: It’s in the mix, but don’t expect miracles on ice and deep snow.
- Comfort: Prioritized, with efforts to minimize noise and maximize ride quality.
- Treadwear: Respectable, offering a good compromise between durability and performance.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is like the seasoned veteran in the group, bringing years of tire technology and innovation to the forefront.
- Wet Performance: Strong, with a focus on reducing hydroplaning and improving grip.
- Dry Performance: Robust, providing excellent traction and cornering prowess.
- Winter Performance: It tries, but it’s not the first pick for a blizzard.
- Comfort: It aims to please, with a design that reduces road noise and smooths out bumps.
- Treadwear: Good, though aggressive drivers might find they wear quicker than some competitors.
Choosing Among the Competitors
When considering these other tires alongside the General G-MAX AS-05 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, the decision becomes more complex but also more tailored to your specific needs.
- For Wet and Dry Performance Aficionados: The Pirelli might be your best bet, offering top-tier performance in these conditions.
- For the Value-Seeking Driver: The Vredestein offers a great mix of performance and comfort at a competitive price point.
- For Those Seeking a Balance: The Bridgestone strikes a balance between high-end performance and practical considerations like treadwear and comfort.
The right choice for you depends on your driving conditions, performance expectations, budget constraints, and brand preferences. Each tire has its realm where it shines, and understanding your priorities will guide you to the perfect match. Remember, the best tire is the one that meets your specific needs while offering the performance and safety you expect.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
- General Product Page
- Continental Product Page
- Ultra high performance all-season consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tire depends on understanding your specific needs, driving conditions, and budget constraints. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands out for its performance in wet and dry conditions, offering a comfortable, quieter ride but at a premium.
The General G-MAX AS-05, while not matching the Continental’s peak performance, delivers solid, reliable performance across a range of conditions at a more affordable price point.
Remember, the best tire for you is the one that meets your unique driving needs while offering the best combination of performance, comfort, and value.
Good luck and happy motoring.
