Looking for an all-season tire that doesn’t quit when the weather turns? You need a true ultra-high performance option. This Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ review puts their latest tire through its paces. We tested it in dry, wet, and even light winter conditions to see if it lives up to the hype. The goal is simple: to give you the real-world facts you need to decide.
Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ Review
Continental calls the Control Contact Sport SRS+ its “ultimate ultra-high performance all-season tire.” That’s a big promise. It’s designed for sports cars, coupes, and performance sedans. The tire aims to blend sharp dry handling with reliable wet and light snow traction. We mounted a set on a test vehicle for several weeks. Our findings cover everything from road noise to treadwear.
First Impressions & Tread Design
Unboxing these tires, the tread pattern is aggressive. It looks like a summer tire at first glance. Continental uses a high-grip polymer in the tread compound. This helps it stay flexible in colder temps. The asymmetric tread design has large outer blocks for cornering. The inner grooves are wide to channel water away.
The sidewall is also stiff, which is typical for this class. This contributes to quick steering response. You’ll notice the tire looks serious right out of the gate. It’s clear Continental is targeting drivers who want a sporty feel year-round.
Dry Performance Testing
On dry pavement, the Sport SRS+ shines. Grip levels are very high for an all-season tire. Cornering is confident with minimal squirm. The steering feel is direct and communicative. You get good feedback through the wheel.
- Braking distances were short and consistent.
- Acceleration traction, even with powerful cars, felt secure.
- The tire remains stable during high-speed cruising on the highway.
It doesn’t quite match the极限 grip of a max-performance summer tire. But for an all-season, it’s near the top of its class. The balance between comfort and performance here is excellent.
Wet & Hydroplaning Resistance
Wet weather is where many all-season tires falter. Not this one. The Continental Sport SRS+ has impressive wet grip. We tested in heavy rain and on soaked roads. The tires inspire confidence.
Resistance to hydroplaning is a strong point. The wide circumferential grooves effectively push water out. Braking in the wet felt surprisingly strong. There was no sudden loss of traction during our maneuvers. This is a major safety benefit for year-round drivers.
Light Snow & Cold Weather Traction
This tire carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. That means it’s rated for severe snow service. We tested in light, slushy snow. The tire provided adequate traction for cautious driving.
It’s important to have realistic expectations. This is not a dedicated winter tire. In deeper snow or on ice, a dedicated winter tire will be far superior. But for occasional light snow and cold, dry roads, it performs well. The tread compound does stay pliable as temperatures drop.
Comfort and Noise Levels
Ride comfort is good for a UHP all-season tire. It absorbs small bumps and cracks better than some rivals. Road noise is present but not intrusive. At highway speeds, there’s a mild hum, but it doesn’t require raising your voice.
- Impact harshness over potholes is controlled.
- Cabin noise is acceptable for long trips.
- The comfort level is a nice surprise given the sporty focus.
Some drivers might find the ride a bit firm, especially on sport suspensions. But overall, Continental managed a good compromise.
Treadwear and Longevity
Our long-term test is ongoing, but initial wear seems even. The treadwear warranty is for 50,000 miles. This is strong for the ultra-high performance all-season category. Many competitors offer less.
Proper alignment and rotation are key to reaching that mileage. The tire uses Continental’s EcoPlus Technology which aims to reduce rolling resistance. This can help with fuel economy and extending tread life. We’ll update this review as we accumulate more miles.
Compared to the Competition
How does it stack up? The Sport SRS+ goes head-to-head with tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate.
- Dry Handling: Very close to the Michelin, with a slight edge in steering feel.
- Wet Performance: Matches or exceeds both competitors in our tests.
- Snow Traction: Similar to the Goodyear, both have the 3PMSF rating.
- Comfort: Quieter than the Goodyear, on par with the Michelin.
The value proposition is good, often coming in at a slightly lower price point than the Michelin. It’s a compelling alternative that dosen’t sacrifice performance.
Who Should Buy This Tire?
The Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ is ideal for a specific driver. It’s perfect if you own a performance vehicle and face mild winters. You want strong dry and wet handling with the ability to handle occasional snow. You also value a decent treadwear warranty.
It might not be the best choice if you face heavy, frequent snow. A dedicated winter/summer setup would be safer. It’s also not for drivers who prioritize a super soft, quiet ride above all else.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
After extensive testing, the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ earns high marks. It delivers excellent dry and wet performance for an all-season tire. The light snow capability is a usefull bonus for many climates. Comfort and noise levels are better than expected.
The main strengths are it’s balanced performance and strong warranty. The weaknesses are minimal but include a firmer ride and limited deep snow traction. Overall, it’s one of the best ultra-high performance all-season tires you can buy right now. It provides peace of mind without giving up the fun of driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Continental Control Contact Sport SRS+ good in snow?
It’s good in light snow and slush thanks to its 3PMSF rating. For severe winter conditions, dedicated snow tires are always recommended for maximum safety.
How does the Sport SRS+ compare to the older ExtremeContact DWS06?
The Sport SRS+ is it’s successor. It generally offers improved wet braking and slightly sharper dry handling. The tread pattern is also updated for better hydroplaning resistance.
What is the treadlife warranty?
Continental offers a 50,000 mile limited treadwear warranty on the Control Contact Sport SRS+. This is a strong offering in it’s category.
Are these tires noisy?
They are reasonably quiet for a performance tire. You’ll hear some road noise, but it’s not excessive or bothersome for most drivers on most surfaces.
Can I use these tires year-round?
Yes, that’s the design purpose. They are intended as a true four-season ultra-high performance tire for drivers in regions with mild to moderate winters.