So I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on a set of 215/45-17 Conti ExtremeContact DWS's for my 2007 MINI, and I'm wondering if Discount Tire's Road Hazard Replacement is worth it (TireRack doesn't offer road hazard on these particular tires).

I have had zero damage/bubbling/etc. problems with my OEM 205/45-17 Conti ContiProContact run-flats over ~32K miles, and I've hit several bone-crunching potholes (Seattle streets...).

I'm wondering if the softer sidewalls of the ExtremeContacts will make sidewall damage even less likely (since they'll have more "give"), or was it the super-stiff sidewalls of the run-flats that has saved them and therefore the Road Hazard Replacement should really be considered a necessity on the ExtremeContacts...

Thanks,
Rich

 

First time I noticed that Tirerack does not offer any hazard protection on any Continental tires. Not sure why that is but it surely makes me wonder.

Bubbling is much more common problem on runflats than non RFTs. Non RFT are generally better especially if you have them properly inflated. The higher performance non RFTs, such as in the extreme performance category, have stiffer sidewalls.

I generally do not like continentals but since the DWS are new, I have not tried them. They seem to wear out quickly but do have decent grip.

 

Thanks, slinger.

Considering the mileage I've gotten out of my ContiProContacts (and I could probably push them to 37-38K if I didn't mind complete loss of wet traction...), I'm willing to take the chance on the DWS's (especially considering the price).

Also, TireRack's test (and a few of the end-user reviews on their site) indicates that they have excellent wet traction, and here in the Pacific Northwest, that's a very nice thing to have.

 

I was looking at getting these same tires actually. I mostly need wet traction for summer rains in FL. But last year on the NC Mountain trip I got caught in freak cold and snow with what equates to summer tires.

Anyone have these same tires? I've seen the reviews but would like to know about personal experiences. I think they're fairly new.

 

I suspect I may be the first , but regardless, I'll definitely report my experiences with them after about 500 miles.

slinger's observations are helpful, and I am definitely leaning towards ordering through TireRack and using one of their recommended installers instead of Discount (who weren't my first choice anyway as they were never able to properly balance either set of tires they put on my Honda Civic (factory tires were perfect), and those were just 185/65-14's!)

 

I would not worry about sidewall damage from potholes, especially with the 45 series tire that you plan. I have used 40 series 215s on my 2003 MCS and my 2006 MCS for a combined 100,000 miles. I have hit many holes and railroad crossings with no sidewall problems.

In 30 years of driving on low profile tires, the only sidewall problem I have had was from running over a metal bar that cut the sidewall.

 

Continental provides road hazard coverage for 1 year or the 1st 2/32nds on most of their tires!

Alex