New Continental Extreme Contact DWS or Mich Pilot A/S Plus?
09-26-2009, 10:41 PM
#41
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Hey there Turgonut.. how's it going for you?
I saw this lighter weight and thought that was a good thing in terms of less unsprung weight and less mass to be turned by the engine. But then I pulled up this tire on Conti's website yesterday and noticed they say it weighs 25.4 pounds! So either they or TireRack has this wrong.
While I am always interested in hearing what others have to say about tires they have installed, I suspect the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus is about as good as it gets for the TL, and in particular the manual version. I just completed a nearly 1200 mile trip last week and these tires were superb. Quiet, sure-footed, and very predictable with excellent turn-in and response, the Pilots are probably as good as it gets for this car. The only downside is lower fuel economy.
I saw this lighter weight and thought that was a good thing in terms of less unsprung weight and less mass to be turned by the engine. But then I pulled up this tire on Conti's website yesterday and noticed they say it weighs 25.4 pounds! So either they or TireRack has this wrong.
While I am always interested in hearing what others have to say about tires they have installed, I suspect the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus is about as good as it gets for the TL, and in particular the manual version. I just completed a nearly 1200 mile trip last week and these tires were superb. Quiet, sure-footed, and very predictable with excellent turn-in and response, the Pilots are probably as good as it gets for this car. The only downside is lower fuel economy.
09-26-2009, 10:52 PM
#42
Also having really clean tires helps alot. The degreaser helped. I just sprayed a third coat of the Mequires tire foam and it seemed to stick better and more evenly this time. Hardly even any splotches. And it is more shiny than the gel side. But three coats is alot of $$ and time. It still might sling off too. We'll see. Tommorrow is a sunny day so I'll go for a ride and let you know.
BTW I just checked and I did not have the Tire Wet. It was B.M. Engine Cleaner and Shine. Ya'll have no idea how many cleaners I have in the garage.
You're right. They each say different. Someone has to be wrong. I did call Tirerack to check the weight on this tire before I bought them because they say it's @22lbs. They told me they weigh every tire themselves before they put the # on their website.
BTW I just checked and I did not have the Tire Wet. It was B.M. Engine Cleaner and Shine. Ya'll have no idea how many cleaners I have in the garage.
I saw this lighter weight and thought that was a good thing in terms of less unsprung weight and less mass to be turned by the engine. But then I pulled up this tire on Conti's website yesterday and noticed they say it weighs 25.4 pounds! So either they or TireRack has this wrong.
09-27-2009, 09:03 AM
#43
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The Pilots A/S Plus are a good tire, however the MPG loss hurts. I have them on the 760, it's easy to get them to loose grip, but I lost 1.5MPG over the old Kumho's I had, and it was a whole lot harder to get them to loose grip even when worn down. I've been eying those new pirelli's that have come out though...
Which Pirelli's are you referring to?
09-27-2009, 11:32 AM
#44
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Also having really clean tires helps alot. The degreaser helped. I just sprayed a third coat of the Mequires tire foam and it seemed to stick better and more evenly this time. Hardly even any splotches. And it is more shiny than the gel side. But three coats is alot of $$ and time. It still might sling off too. We'll see. Tommorrow is a sunny day so I'll go for a ride and let you know.
BTW I just checked and I did not have the Tire Wet. It was B.M. Engine Cleaner and Shine. Ya'll have no idea how many cleaners I have in the garage.
....
BTW I just checked and I did not have the Tire Wet. It was B.M. Engine Cleaner and Shine. Ya'll have no idea how many cleaners I have in the garage.
....
How long have you had the tires? Do you think it's Mold Release compound or something similar; something that will wear off (or scrub off) with some time?
Some new tires are coming out with compounds or additives of some sort to keep a "like new" look longer. Maybe Conti's doing this and that's what is interfering with the tire dressing?
09-27-2009, 11:51 AM
#45
How long have you had the tires? Do you think it's Mold Release compound or something similar; something that will wear off (or scrub off) with some time?
Some new tires are coming out with compounds or additives of some sort to keep a "like new" look longer. Maybe Conti's doing this and that's what is interfering with the tire dressing?
Some new tires are coming out with compounds or additives of some sort to keep a "like new" look longer. Maybe Conti's doing this and that's what is interfering with the tire dressing?
09-28-2009, 03:29 PM
#46
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$173 for the Mich is a pretty good price for that line of tire.
Looks like the Mich is better balanced all around, but did get it's ass kicked in the wet by the Conti.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=119
Conti is very new (ever newer than Mich Plus) so it's hard to say if it will live up to it's potential. The GY F1 AS absolutely did NOT.
At $113 per tire, I'd be very tempted to try them out.
Looks like the Mich is better balanced all around, but did get it's ass kicked in the wet by the Conti.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=119
Conti is very new (ever newer than Mich Plus) so it's hard to say if it will live up to it's potential. The GY F1 AS absolutely did NOT.
At $113 per tire, I'd be very tempted to try them out.
09-28-2009, 09:07 PM
#47
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I RETURNED MY DWS for Pilots!
I put the DWS on my tl and i couldn't take corners near as fast as my worn out Pilot HMKX4 or whatever the stock tires are. They were quiet but are more for a Buick. I ended up taking them back to the shop and paying extra for the Pilot Sport plus and I LOVE these tires. A little rougher and just a little noisier than the DWS but in the rain these Pilot's can't be beat! The Much stiffer sidewall does not bounce the car around or track funny in long sweeping curves, and they have audible warning waaay before the loss of traction, I"m actually afraid to push these to the breaking point on most roads. Michelin Pilot Sport is well worth the extra money if you take onramps or twisties like I do, totally makes the TL handle the way it should, along with little stiffer sway bars and a neuspeed supercup kit.
09-29-2009, 08:27 AM
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09-29-2009, 08:30 AM
#50
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I put the DWS on my tl and i couldn't take corners near as fast as my worn out Pilot HMKX4 or whatever the stock tires are. They were quiet but are more for a Buick. I ended up taking them back to the shop and paying extra for the Pilot Sport plus and I LOVE these tires. A little rougher and just a little noisier than the DWS but in the rain these Pilot's can't be beat! The Much stiffer sidewall does not bounce the car around or track funny in long sweeping curves, and they have audible warning waaay before the loss of traction, I"m actually afraid to push these to the breaking point on most roads. Michelin Pilot Sport is well worth the extra money if you take onramps or twisties like I do, totally makes the TL handle the way it should, along with little stiffer sway bars and a neuspeed supercup kit.
I do agree that the pilots are a nice tire for the TL and do appreciate your feedback/opinion.
09-29-2009, 09:42 AM
#51
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09-29-2009, 10:11 AM
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09-29-2009, 12:39 PM
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got my DWS's today from tirerack...will get them installed this weekend probably and see how they are.
Is there a market for MXM's of the same size with about 5-6/32's of tread left (on 2 of them). The other 2 are 2/32. Was hoping to throw them up on ebay and recoup about 25% of my new tire purchase.
Is there a market for MXM's of the same size with about 5-6/32's of tread left (on 2 of them). The other 2 are 2/32. Was hoping to throw them up on ebay and recoup about 25% of my new tire purchase.
09-29-2009, 01:14 PM
#56
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got my DWS's today from tirerack...will get them installed this weekend probably and see how they are.
Is there a market for MXM's of the same size with about 5-6/32's of tread left (on 2 of them). The other 2 are 2/32. Was hoping to throw them up on ebay and recoup about 25% of my new tire purchase.
Is there a market for MXM's of the same size with about 5-6/32's of tread left (on 2 of them). The other 2 are 2/32. Was hoping to throw them up on ebay and recoup about 25% of my new tire purchase.
09-29-2009, 01:16 PM
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BTW, I apply tire dressing with a sponge and have not noticed anything different with the DWS's compared to any other tires.
09-29-2009, 08:57 PM
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The DWS stands for "Dry, Wet, Snow." The tires also have DWS printed on the tire that serve as tread wear indicators. When DWS is visible, it is safe for all conditions. When the S is worn off (DW_), it is only safe for dry and wet weather, not snow. When the W wears off (D__), it is only safe for dry weather.
10-06-2009, 08:37 PM
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well i just put a set of DWS on my 05. i drive 50K+ miles a year for work and dont race or anything so i thought i would try them out. No complaints after 500 miles. havent tried to shine them yet so i cant comment on that.
10-07-2009, 07:39 AM
#65
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How many miles do you have on your 05 if you drive 50k miles a year you are probably close to 200k right? Having any problems with it did you get the timing belt done yet?
10-08-2009, 08:01 PM
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oh and the tires performed great on my 1000K road trip this week. no complaints. i just hope they hold up better then the BFGs
10-09-2009, 08:36 AM
#67
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very cool I just drove 50 miles on them today no complaints yet! first thing i noticed was it was quite. will update later after I drive on them more.
10-21-2009, 08:45 AM
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anymore feedback on these tires? I've been very pleased (1k miles on them so far) with them with the only complaint being that they do get flat spots after sitting. Anyone else have this issue? I'm running 18", so this may not help things.
10-21-2009, 04:14 PM
#69
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10-21-2009, 07:18 PM
#70
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I didnt come across this thread till just now, my GS300 needed tires so I had a set of these installed on the 17th, so far so good. I never knew tires would make such a huge difference, I used to run 245s on the stock 17" wheels (kumhos) but switched back to 235s and it made a huge difference. Car steers much better now and gone is the floaty feeling that the 245s use to give.
I bought the tires due to their price, millage warranty (as I drive close to 40k miles a year) and being that they are made for all season usage.
10-22-2009, 05:54 PM
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Slightly off-topic, but how much are people finding the charges for having these tires put on? It seems all of us get them online, and I just shopped around and paid 79 at Wal-Mart said and done - which seemed like a lot. Apparently the TPMS is a pain in the ass, too? Anyone have prices they paid? I shopped around and got anywhere from 79 to 125
10-22-2009, 08:34 PM
#72
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OK I have drove almost 1000 miles and love them, PROS: they are quite , handles great, and they cut through the water like butter just amazing wet traction. Cons: Gas millage on the mid has gone from 28 to 25. But I am trying to figure out if this is because of the larger size 245 not sure any opinions on this? Also the car feels like a new car again when I drive it. Also the shine seems to be going on better now that I have washed them several times so not an issue.
10-23-2009, 04:38 AM
#73
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Slightly off-topic, but how much are people finding the charges for having these tires put on? It seems all of us get them online, and I just shopped around and paid 79 at Wal-Mart said and done - which seemed like a lot. Apparently the TPMS is a pain in the ass, too? Anyone have prices they paid? I shopped around and got anywhere from 79 to 125
Mounting and balancing never is an issue if you buy the tires from the installer, makes sense as they mark up the tires to an astronomically high price compared to online prices, for instance the local town fair tire sells the same AWS for $188 that tire rack lists for $122.
There is another catch, especially with town fair tire, if they price match the internet competitor then they charge you $25 per tire for mounting balancing (which is free if you buy the tires at full retail from them) and also will not give you discounted price on wheel alignment.
On a pertinent note, I am in love with these tires
Even though it has rained all summer long, it hasn't rained since I had these installed hence I cant comment on wet traction but so far I love the ride comfort, handling and most importantly road noise (or the lack there of).
10-23-2009, 11:00 AM
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Slightly off-topic, but how much are people finding the charges for having these tires put on? It seems all of us get them online, and I just shopped around and paid 79 at Wal-Mart said and done - which seemed like a lot. Apparently the TPMS is a pain in the ass, too? Anyone have prices they paid? I shopped around and got anywhere from 79 to 125
Example Pricing
60 Series and higher $15.95
50-55 Series $15.95
40-45 Series $24.95
35 Series and lower $29.95
Naturally these rates vary from place to place
10-23-2009, 11:11 PM
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I just bought a set of A-Spec Ebony Black wheels. I have done a bunch of research on-line on tires, TireRack and other blogs/forums. My brother also had the prior generation ContiExtreme (which the DWS are replacing) on his Saab 9-5 Aero. He would have put them on his Audi S4 but they don't meet the required load rating for the Audi. I am probably going to try a set of the DWS and see how they do in the winter in the hopes that I can avoid buying a set of winter tires to mount on the 17" stock rims.
10-26-2009, 08:05 AM
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So none of you are experiencing "flat Spots" ? Unless I've got something else going on with my car (which I may), the flat spot issue is my only complaint with these tires. I'm runnng 245/40/18.
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10-28-2009, 01:43 PM
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I noticed some slight flat spotting yesturday but the car wasnt moved for a 5 days. I saw on tire rack yesturday that the stock DWS size was down to 118 or so. I had my tires installed at discount tire for $60.
12-22-2009, 09:31 AM
#79
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I just ordered a set of continental Extreme Contact DWS from tirerack they should be here sometime after X-Mas, By the looks of it and all the research i have done it sounds like there a pretty good tire.
I'll post some thoughts after i get the tires and have them broken in.
As far as the problem with shining the tires up, I have read and heard that alot of manufactures put somekind of oil on the outside and inside of the tire to prevent them from sticking to the molds in production. Heres a link to tirerack.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=5
It may take some time for it to wear off.
I'll post some thoughts after i get the tires and have them broken in.
As far as the problem with shining the tires up, I have read and heard that alot of manufactures put somekind of oil on the outside and inside of the tire to prevent them from sticking to the molds in production. Heres a link to tirerack.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=5
It may take some time for it to wear off.
12-22-2009, 03:39 PM
#80
i put the continental dws my car last sunday and i drove to va threw the winter storm and i didn't get stuck at all.....i was passing bimmers and mercerdes with much more expensive tires and a couple of other tl's on i 95 with no problem..... the steering response could be better but over all grip is awesome.....