The DWS supposedly has longer tread life but the DW has better grip. What do you guys who live in areas that don't snow run?

 

Like someone else said in another thread... this seems to be solely what YOU want. A personal preference.

I'm sure plenty run summer tires and others run all-seasons, even though they never plan on encountering snow.

For myself, if I never saw snow, then the question would be, tread life vs grip. And the truth is, I did run this comparison when I thought about running one set of tires for summer and then another for winter.

My decision? Sure, the DW had more grip... but its shorter tread life meant I couldn't really justify all the time and effort in running two sets of tires every year.

But like already said... personal preference.

 

Remember, summer tires aren't all just about snow. They are about Temperatures. If you plan on going anywhere during a cold spell where the temps could drop to freezing or you might get snow, get the DWS, if not, get the DW. Also, do you think you'll be pushing the DWS past its traction/grip limits? if not, get the DWS as you get the longer life of the DWS, the Traction/grip that you desire, and you have the option to go into the mountains for skiing or just for a drive in less than warm months.

I run two sets of tires and still chose High performance All Seasons instead of summers. Gives me flexibility on when I want to change over to my snows.

~SB

 

DW's work decently until about 37F. this is what i usually run in non-snow colder months on my other car.

The DWS, on my '12 GE, works well even at 25F (and below). your choice.

 

i suppose the question turns into:
Do you need maximum performance out of your car? Are you an aggressive driver-as well as wanting to pay a little extra for it (in terms of lower longevity)
Do you not have another sports car or other outlet for higher speed ation?
(DW)

Or is your intention that the purpose of this vehicle is flexibility and capability and getting you from one place to another safely and confidently. (DWS)

 

I also live in the Bay Area and had the same thinking and got tires that don't handle snow at all.

Now I regret it because if you want to go East at all past Sac October-March it's probably a good idea to have tires that can handle some snow. Definitely will try out the DWS next time for tires, I like my daily to be able to do anything anytime.

 

i drive my GE pretty hard at times and the DWS keeps the car planted very well along with the swift springs.

i think it's a winning combo for dd's and really dont need any more sticky power.

 

I won't push my hankooks past their limits and I doubt most people will surpass the DWS limitations... so the DWS is likely better for most people wanting the Conti's

~SB

 

How old are you?

I am programmed for DWS. Similarity of performance under all conditions is more important to me than max in any one condition.

Which one has best hydroplaning performance?

 

The DWs get pretty hard when it gets even slightly cold out. I'm having a hard time powering out of turns in low 40 degree temps. They are also mushy. Not sure if the DWS is the same. I still love them. Comfy and grippy.

 

On my second set of DW. Great tires in dry and wet! Decent wear as well. No tread noise, ever!

 

ETF, why did you choose H&R springs versus the others that are out there? I noitce that quite a few people go for the Swift springs.

Your bumper sticker is fantastic. Where did you get it?

 

I have DWS's (2nd set) on my Rex and just regular Kumho AS's on my Fit. Quite happy with them both... Different cars driven differently...

 

Has anyone experienced "bubbling" in the sidewall of these Continental tires? I have owned 4 different sets on Continentals and bubbled the sidewalls on 4 different vehicles (all with pothole impacts).

Many of the customer reviews for many Continental tires at Tire Rack all support weak sidewalls. Not sure if this is the case with the ExtremeContact DW tire or ExtremeContact DWS tire, but prior experiences sure do not make me found of Continental's tire offerings.

Anyone having weak sidewall issues with these tires?

 

@Sloppy_Snood - With the Fit yes. With Contis' no. Well potholes, speed and low sidewalls don't get along very well and the itty-bitty Fit tires are prone to that. Right front tire for me (Goodyear or Goodrich, can't remember).

 

No bubbles in the sidewall for me!