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Continental Cross Contact LX Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
An all-season touring tire, the Continental Cross Contact LX tire is an excellent fit for those who drive SUVs, light trucks, and CUVs. It performs well on the highway but can also take you on occasional light off-road adventures. The tires come in several sizes, with different sizes having different UTQG ratings and mileage warranties. Find out what you need to know about the Continental Cross Contact LX tires to decide whether they’re the best option for you and your driving needs. We’ll also provide you with some money saving tips if you decide to purchase a set of these tires.
You can often find special deals online and get tires much cheaper than in a retail store. Discount Tire, for instance, offers a low price guarantee and installs tires for you at a nationwide network of shops. Of course, buying online isn’t for everyone. Ask local tire shops about deals they’re running if this is more your speed. It’s pretty common to see a buy 3, get 1 free deal.
Continental Cross Contact LX Tire Review
Continental Tire entered the North American tire market in 1987 with the purchase of General Tire, and strives to continue its tradition of innovation and making high-quality products that satisfy consumers. Continental is among one of the most recalled tire brands, with 40 recalls on its tires during the last five years, significantly higher than the 9.3 average for all tire brands (based on data from recallinfo.ustires.org).
If you’re looking for an all-season touring tire for your light truck, SUV, or crossover, you can find the Continental Cross Contact LX at several tire retailers, including Discount Tire. Although there have been three recalls on the Continental Cross Contact LX tires during the last five years, the tires work well for those who mainly drive on streets and highways and want a moderately priced tire.
These tires can handle wet and dry roads while offering decent traction in mildly snowy conditions. They’re all-season tires that won’t break the bank, so they appeal to those looking for a good deal. You can get the Continental Cross Contact LX tires in several sizes for many light trucks, SUVs, and CUVs. Just be aware of the recalls on these tires before you buy them.
Continental Cross Contact LX Tires Pros and Cons
| + PROS | + CONS |
| Offer a quiet ride | Can wear out quickly |
| Provide comfort as you travel | Not good for off-roading |
| Good grip on wet and dry roads | Warranty isn’t outstanding on some sizes |
| Brand has very high recall rate | |
| Limited sizes available |
Continental Cross Contact LX Tire Specs
The Continental Cross Contact LX tires offer the following:
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
| Treadwear Rating: | 520-680 | “The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down(…) Of current tires: 15% are rated below 200 |
| Traction Rating: | A | “Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”. Of current tires: 15% are rated “AA” |
| Temperature Rating: | B | “Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example, driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”. Of current tires: 62% are rated “A” |
| Specifications | ||
| Limited Treadwear Warranty: | up to 65,000 miles | Limited treadwear warranties provide coverage against premature wear due to manufacturing defects.
|
| Speed Rating: | S, T, V, and H | Speed rating indicates the speed the tires are rated to drive. |
| Top Speed: | up to 149 mph | Based on the V-speed rating |
| Tire Load Index: | 100-112 | See table below. |
| Max Load: | 2,469 lbs | Based on the maximum Tire Load Index of 112. |
Continental Cross Contact LX Tire Sizes Available
Choosing the right size tire is essential for safety and performance. The Continental Cross Contact LX tires come in various wheel diameter sizes from 16″ up to 18″. They’re compatible on vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Tahoe, and many more. This is not an exhaustive list of possible fitments. Check with your tire dealer to find out whether there’s a Continental Cross Contact LX tire that will work for your make and model.
Continental Cross Contact LX Performance
While the Continental Cross Contact LX tire can take on moderate trails, it works best on the pavement. Since it’s an all-season touring tire, you can use this tire year-round as long as your area doesn’t experience extreme snow and ice. It scored well in NHTSA’s UTQG ratings for traction, treadwear, and temperature. Here’s what the UTQG ratings mean for you:
- Treadwear rating of 520 to 680: This tire has a range of treadwear ratings depending on its load range. The SL load range has a rating of 680, while the XL load range has a rating of 520. Tires with these ratings offer treadwear that lasts in the midrange for all tires, with the highest treadwear rating being in the 800 range.
- Traction rating of “A”: Having an “A” traction rating means this tire has excellent stopping power, as “AA” is the highest rating in this category.
- Temperature rating of “B”: A temperature rating of “B” puts this tire in the middle for its ability to dissipate heat. The highest rating is “A,” and the lowest is “C.”
The Acoustic Alterra Technology of the Continental Cross Contact LX tire means less road noise and more comfort when you’re behind the wheel. The tire features an asymmetric tread pattern that combines with a tri-net silica compound to ensure you have the stopping power you need, and the traction to grip wet, dry, and even lightly snowy roads easily. These tires also have a flanged lower sidewall that helps prevent sidewall damage from curb bumps. To prevent hydroplaning, you can count on the interlocking sipes and three rows of independent central tread blocks to repel water.
Continental Cross Contact LX Warranty
Continental Cross Contact LX tires have a limited treadwear warranty, up to 65,000 miles. Mileage coverage for this warranty will depend on your tire size and ranges from 50,000 miles up to 65,000 miles. With this warranty, you’ll be eligible for prorated replacements if anything happens to your tires due to defects in manufacturing or materials within 2/32″ of usable tread. If you need to file a claim on this warranty, contact your tire retailers for further assistance.
Should You Buy Continental Cross Contact LX Tires?
You may enjoy the ride comfort and limited road noise that comes with driving on the Continental Cross Contact LX tires. These tires provide exceptional grip on road surfaces that are wet, dry, or lightly snowy. You can use these tires all year since they’re all-season tires as long as you don’t drive in extreme winter conditions. Of course, you’ll want to consider your geographic location and driving style when choosing the best tires for your vehicle.
It’s important to note that these tires tend to wear out quickly, and they don’t dissipate heat as well as similar brands. They’re also not the least expensive tire you can get, and because they last a shorter length of time compared to some competitors, they may not be the best value. Furthermore, Continental does have a reputation for its higher than average recall rate.
Where To Purchase Continental Cross Contact LX Tires
Buying a new set of tires is a big investment you’ll want to take seriously to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle at the right price.
You might think buying tires online sounds like a hassle, but it can actually save you time and money. Online retailers offer a wide selection of brands, including Continental Cross Contact LX tires, at low prices. They also make it easy to find tires that fit your vehicle. Simply enter your make and model to find the right size tires and start comparing pricing from various online sellers. Don’t forget to calculate installation into your cost, which generally ranges from $15 to $45 per tire depending on the shop you choose.
If you want even less hassle and more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and it has a huge selection. Its Low Price Guarantee promises you the best deal. Discount Tire will also install your new tires at one of its many store locations. All you have to do is purchase online and set up an appointment for installation — no shipping fees or heavy boxes. Discount Tires’ tire installation typically costs $20 to $27 per tire. This allows you to enjoy the savings of online tire shopping while receiving customer service in-store, all from one company.
If you’re more comfortable buying from your local shop, do your research online so you have a good idea of the tire you want, then ask your local tire or repair shop about current promotions. It’s fairly common to find buy 3, get 1 free deals. Keep in mind, however, that local stores may not have your size or the particular tire make and model you want in stock.
If you simply want the cheapest tires and are less concerned about longevity, check your local area for used tire retailers. Just keep in mind that these tires won’t come with the same warranties as a brand-new set of tires. It’s also advised to replace at least two tires at the same time with a matching set for even wear.
Continental Cross Contact LX Tire Customer Reviews
What many people love about the Continental Cross Contact LX tire is that it provides a smooth, quiet ride. Drivers also say that it has good traction and can even do well when roads are wet or slippery due to snow. Its cornering and steering capabilities are also highly rated among consumers. The feature that some drivers don’t like about these tires is that they seem to wear out quickly. Continental has had quite a few tire recalls, which is something to be aware of before you buy.
It’s important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. Different tires are designed using varying technologies that lead to unique traction and handling abilities. Tires are also designed to fit vehicles’ specific makes, models, and trim levels. Once you find the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs, it’s also crucial to keep up with routine maintenance, including tire rotations.
The FIXD scanner and app help you track your vehicle’s most important maintenance and upkeep needs, including tire life. Purchase the sensor and download the app to keep your vehicle and its tires in their best working condition.
For more tire article reviews, you can visit our review directory page.
FAQs:
Do I Need New Tires?
Tires generally need to be replaced when they fall under 3 mm of tread. Tread depth can be easily tested with a penny. If you have the FIXD app, after measuring the tread depth, the app will be sure to remind you when an upcoming tire replacement may be necessary.
How Do I Pick The Right Tires for My Vehicle?
There is more to picking tires than just a brand name. You should take into consideration how you use the tires, what conditions you’ll be driving in, what your budget is, and what tires fit your vehicle. If you’d like an in-depth guide, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Car Tires (2023), and if you’d like a bit more information on how to find your tire size, check out our article on How to Find Your Tire Size.
Where Should I Buy Tires to Save Money on My Purchase?
Many consumers purchase tires at a local shop or online. Purchasing online can help you get the most bang for your buck. Although the process can seem confusing, in reality, purchasing tires online is no more difficult than purchasing locally. Purchasing online means you’ll also get the tires you’re wanting rather than just what the local shop has in stock.
When purchasing online you can have the tires shipped to a shop in your area and installed on-site. It’s not much different from purchasing locally in terms of the process, and the price is generally lower because of the level of competition to win your business online and the lower overhead costs of the online retailers.
Our first pick is Discount Tire. It is nationwide, price competitive, has excellent in-store customer service, and skilled installation. In California it is also known as America’s Tire.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Right Tires for My Vehicle When Purchasing Online?
Just like purchasing at a local shop, you’ll want to make sure the tires you purchase meet your driving needs. Make sure the tire is able to handle your local weather conditions, is built for the type of driving you intend to do (commuting / racing / off-roading), has a good warranty, and fits your vehicle. All-season tires are typically a safe bet for most vehicles whose drivers intend only to commute, and there are several brands with great warranties. The most crucial and final step is to check your tire size. If you cannot verify the tire size you’re purchasing, don’t bother, an incorrect size cannot be adjusted to fit your wheels. This is an unlikely problem as most major online retailers like Discount Tire will list the size of your tire front and center on the product page. Keep in mind that if you no longer have the original wheels your vehicle rolled out of the factory with, you will need to buy a size that fits your non-OEM wheels. If you need help finding your tire size take a look at our instructions for finding your tire size or use Discount Tires’ “Shop by Vehicle” search located on their homepage if you have OEM wheels.
Sources:
Continental Cross Contact LX, Discount Tire, 2023, https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/continental-cross-contact-lx. Retrieved on 8 Feb. 2023
Continental ContiCrossContact LX, Tire Reviews, 2022, https://www.tire-reviews.com/Tire/Continental/ContiCrossContact-LX.htm. Retrieved on 8 Feb. 2023
Crosscontact LX, Tire Rack.com, 2023, https://www.tirerack.com/tires/continental-crosscontact-lx. Retrieved on 8 Feb. 2023
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association Tire Recalls, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, 2023, https://recallinfo.ustires.org/TireRecallSearch/ListRecalls/60. Retrieved on 8 Feb. 2023
Continental AG, Wikipedia, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_AG. Retrieved on 8 Feb. 2023
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