Best Reviewed
Snow Tires
- Best winter tire Michelin X-Ice Xi2 *Est. $100
- Budget snow tire General Altimax Arctic *Est. $80
- Studded snow tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 *Est. $140
- Mild-winter performance tire Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 *Est. $155
- SUV/Light truck winter tire Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 *Est. $130
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Continental ContiWinterContact TS810
- Excellent on wet and dry pavement
- Adequate on snow and ice
- Good for cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks
- Some competitors are better on snow and ice
- High rolling resistance can mean lower gas mileage
For mild climates, where winter days are likely to be rainy or dry, experts recommend the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810. This performance winter tire consistently impresses testers on wet and dry roads, showing more agility than top-ranked traditional winter tires such as the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $100). Reviewers say the TS810 holds its own on ice and snow, although it doesn't measure up to traditional winter tires -- or to some other performance winter tires that are geared more toward ice and snow, including the Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 (*Est. $100), Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D (*Est. $105), or Dunlop Grandtrek WT M2 for SUVs and light trucks (*Est. $225). The TS810 also has a high rolling resistance, which can translate into lower gas mileage.
ConsumerReports.org conducts objective, thorough tests of the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810, but you must be a subscriber to read the report. Tests at Sweden's Auto Motor & Sport are just as rigorous, but they are available only for a fee -- and only in Swedish. A Google translation gives a choppy but understandable rendition of the German winter tire comparison tests at Auto Zeitung. John Mahler of the Toronto Star lists the TS810 among his top winter tire picks, but he provides no specific test data. Consumers rate the TS810 at TireRack.com, where results are displayed in easy-to-read charts.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org tests the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 in comparison with other performance winter tires. Experts rate the tires' abilities on snow and ice, braking on dry and wet pavement, handling, hydroplaning, ride comfort and noise.
Review: Winter Tires, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. Motor
Several Scandinavian publications, including this Norwegian magazine, joined to sponsor a comprehensive test of 20 winter tires. The tires are rated for their performance on snowy, icy, wet and dry roads. The ContiWinterContact TS810 finishes mid-pack, but is cited for its performance and handling on asphalt.
Review: Testing of Winter Tires 2008, Jukka Antila and Rune Korsvoll
3. Auto Motor & SportDetails/Subscribe
Experts at this Swedish magazine rank the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 against other studless snow tires, based on the tires' performance in a joint test with Motor magazine. The TS810 is a top performer on wet and dry pavement, but its ice traction lags behind the competition.
Review: 2007 Winter Tire Test, Martin Stršm, Oct. 9, 2008
4. Auto Zeitung
This article is in German, but a Google translation provides the gist of the test results. Editors rank nine performance tires based on how well they handle snowy, wet and dry roads. The Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 stands out for its breaking performance on wet and dry pavement, but its stopping distances in the snow are much longer.
Review: Winter Tires In Size 225/45R17, Editors of Auto Zeitung
5. Wheels.ca
The Toronto Star's tire expert names the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 to his list of top winter tires. Pros and cons are listed for each of the 14 tires picked. The TS810 is lauded for its ability to get through deep snow, but it's expensive and not as good on icy surfaces.
Review: John Mahler's Top Winter Tires, John Mahler, Nov. 7, 2008
6. Tire Rack
The Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 had accumulated 60 consumer ratings at this retail site when we checked. Its numeric scores ("excellent" across the board) are accompanied by narrative reviews, and the whole package gives good insight into the TS810's real-world performance. A link leads to a chart where the TS810 is ranked alongside other winter tires, based again on consumer ratings.
Review: Continental Tire ContiWinterContact TS810, Contributors to TireRack.com
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