Continental Sport Contact 2 Tire Review Pros and Cons
The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires are summer tires designed for high-performance sports cars. With durable materials and a unique tread pattern, these tires improve cornering, steering, and braking power during summer driving. Find out everything you need to know about these tires in this Continental Sport Contact 2 tire guide to help you decide if they’re right for you. We’ll also provide you with some money saving tips if you decide to purchase a set of these tires.
Quick savings tip: 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-three-get-one-free deal.
Continental Sport Contact 2 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).
The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires were designed for high-performance vehicles. These tires are exclusive for summer driving conditions with sports cars and luxury vehicles. It is not ideal for larger SUVs or pickup trucks. While Continental has had a higher than average number of recalls, there have been no recalls on this particular tire model in the last five years.
Continental Sport Contact 2 tires are ideal for regular commuting and high-speed summer performance. These tires typically cost more than others and aren’t designed for winter driving. If you plan to drive your vehicle during the winter, you’ll also want to invest in a set of good winter or all-season tires.
Continental Sport Contact 2 Tire Pros and Cons
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+ PROS
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+ CONS
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Wider tire design offers more contact and traction
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Some customers report that performance decreases with mileage
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Designed for optimal comfort and smooth driving
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More expensive than other tire options
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Extremely durable tread compound improves steering and cornering
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Not suitable for winter driving conditions
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Wide circumferential grooves built into the tires help avoid hydroplaning on wet roads
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Won’t fit SUVs or trucks
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| Received highest traction rating |
May wear down faster than other tires
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| Brand has higher than average recall rate |
Continental Sport Contact 2 Tire Specs
The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires offer the following:
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Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG):
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280
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“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 |
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AA
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“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” |
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A
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“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” |
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Specifications:
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No Treadwear Warranty Available from Manufacturer
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Limited Treadwear warranties provide coverage against premature wear due to manufacturing defects. | |
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W, and Y
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W- and Y- speed rated tires are suitable for sports cars, coupes, and sedans. | |
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up to 186 mph
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Based on a speed rating of Y. | |
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91-103
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See max load below. | |
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1,929 pounds
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Based on the maximum tire load index of 103. |
Continental Sport Contact 2 Tire Sizes Available
Choosing the right size tire is essential for safety and performance. The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires come in various wheel diameter sizes from 17″ up to 20″. They’re compatible on vehicles such as the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi TT, Nissan Sentra, Jaguars, Porsches, 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 Sport Contact 2 tire that will work for your make and model.
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Tire Sizes Available: |
Continental Sport Contact 2 Performance
The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires are designed for summer-only use, but they offer excellent performance on wet and dry roads. Enhanced agility provides great traction when cornering and braking. When compared to other summer-only tires, the Sport Contact 2 scored relatively well on UTQG rated by NHTSA for traction, treadwear, and temperature.
Here is what the UTQG ratings mean for tire performance:
- Treadwear rating of 280 – This tire has a lower-than-average treadwear rating, as only 25% of tires tested have a rating between 201-300. Only 15% of tires tested have a worse treadwear rating of less than 15%. However, this is expected since these tires are designed for summer use only.
- Traction rating of “AA” – These tires are better-than-average for traction, as only 15% of tires tested earned a “AA” rating, which is the best rating possible.
- Temperature rating of “A” – An “A” rating is the highest possible rating and means these tires are good quality and less likely to blow out on the highway, and 62% of tires tested received an “A” rating.
The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires have a unique tread design that consists of asymmetrical patterns for maximum traction. Circumferential tread strips are stiff and durable, helping with steering and cornering. These tires are also designed using a bionic silica compound with both flexible and firm materials for ultimate traction and handling performance. The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires also feature a bionic contour, meaning more of the tire is in contact with the road, offering better braking power on wet and dry roads.
Continental Sport Contact 2 Warranty
Like, many summer performance tires, the Continental Sport Contact 2 tire does not come with a treadwear warranty. Although it does come with Continental’s Total Confidence standard warranty, which includes a 60-day satisfaction guarantee trial and three-year roadside assistance. For additional peace of mind, consider adding Discount Tire’s Certificate Coverage.
Should You Buy Continental Sport Contact 2 Tires?
If you’re looking for a set of tires that offer exceptional traction and high performance, the Continental Sport Contact 2 may be right for you. These tires have an ultra-high-performance tread that improves cornering, steering, and braking power. Of course, it’s important to consider your location and driving style when choosing the best tires.
The Continental Sport Contact 2 tires aren’t for SUVs or trucks. These summer tires are also not suitable for winter driving or freezing temperatures. You may need to swap out your tires between seasons if you live in an area with even a mild winter.
Where To Purchase Continental Sport Contact 2 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 Sport Contact 2 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 even more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and they have a huge selection. Their Low Price Guarantee promises to offer you the best deal and they’ll also install your new tires at one of their 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.
Of course, buying tires online isn’t for everyone. 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 Sport Contact 2 Tire Customer Reviews
Reviews for Continental Sport Contact 2 tires are mixed. Some drivers claim that they offer exceptional performance and comfort. Although these tires come at a higher price, the good braking power and steering capability make them worth it.
The biggest complaint about Continental Sport Contact 2 tires is that customers report that the tread wears out fast. They also claim that performance steadily decreases as you put more miles on them. Continental also has a higher-than-average recall number, so it’s important to check if your tires are added to the list regularly.
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.
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
About Us. About the company | Continental tires. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.continental-tires.com/car/about-us
Continental tires. About us | Continental tires. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.continental-tires.com/car/about-us/continental-tires
Discount tire: Tires and wheels for sale: Online & in-person. Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/continental-sport-contact-2
Goodyear. (2020, November 12). Tire speed rating. Goodyear.com. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/learn/tire-basics/tire-speed-rating
Goodyear. (2022, January 12). Tire load index & chart. Goodyear.com. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/learn/tire-basics/tire-load-index#:~:text=Tire%20load%20index%20is%20an,greater%20its%20load%20carrying%20capacity.
Personal. What is UTQG | Continental tires. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.continental-tires.com/ca/en/b2c/tire-knowledge/what-is-utqg.html
Speed ratings. Find Answers. (2021, April 13). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://continentaltire.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/532/~/speed-ratings
Tire markings. Decoding the markings on the tire sidewall| Continental tires. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.continental-tires.com/car/tire-knowledge/tire-basics/tire-markings
Tire recall lookup: U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. Tire Recall Lookup | U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://recallinfo.ustires.org/TireRecallSearch/ListRecalls/60
Tires. NHTSA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/tires
Total confidence plan. Truck Tires, SUV Tires, Commercial Tires & More. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://continentaltire.com/warranty
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