AVERAGE CUSTOMER RATINGS
- Refined on-road performance
- Rugged off-road capabilities
- Year-round traction in wet, dry, and wintry conditions, including snow
- Long tread life
- Resistant to uneven wear
- More expensive than a standard highway tire
- Doesn’t offer the winter weather capabilities of a true snow tire
- Brand has higher than average recall rate
- Not intended for smaller vehicles
Continental Terrain Contact A/T Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T is an all-terrain tire designed for pickup trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and crossovers. This tire delivers refined on-road performance and rugged off-road capabilities. It can handle dry, wet, and wintry conditions, although it may not deliver the capabilities of a true snow tire necessary for heavier snowfall. 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 3, get 1 free deal.
Continental Terrain Contact A/T 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).
Continental Terrain Contact A/T tires are available at most major tire retailers and automotive shops, such as Discount Tire. These tires are designed for pickup trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and crossover vehicles. In the last five years, there have been no recalls for the Continental Terrain Contact A/T.
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T is an excellent option for regular commutes, road trips, and off-road adventures. That’s because the tire delivers exceptional wet-road and dry-road performance and has exceptional off-road capabilities. If you’re looking for a dependable year-round tire, you can’t go wrong with the Continental Terrain Contact A/T.
Continental Terrain Contact A/T Tires Pros and Cons
+ PROS | + CONS |
|---|---|
Refined on-road performance | More expensive than a standard highway tire |
Rugged off-road capabilities | Doesn’t offer the winter weather capabilities of a true snow tire |
Year-round traction in wet, dry, and wintry conditions, including snow | Brand has higher than average recall rate |
Long tread life | Not intended for smaller vehicles |
Resistant to uneven wear |
Continental Terrain Contact A/T Tire Specs
The following specifications are based on actual road use conducted by the manufacturer and analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | ||
|---|---|---|
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 25% are rated 201 – 300 32% are rated 301 – 400 20% are rated 401 – 500 6% are rated 501 – 600 2% are rated above 600″ | |
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” 77% are rated “A” 7% are rated “B” Only 4 lines of tires are rated “C”” | |
A | “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” 34% are rated “B” 4% are rated “C”” |
Specifications: | ||
|---|---|---|
60,000 miles | A limited treadwear warranty provides coverage against premature wear due to manufacturing defects. | |
S, T, V, and H | Tires with these speed ratings are suitable for a wide range of vehicle types | |
up to 149mph | Based on the V-speed rating. | |
99-126 | See Below. | |
3,748 lbs. | Based on the maximum Tire Load Index of 126 |
Continental Terrain Contact A/T Tire Sizes Available
Choosing the right size tire is essential for safety and performance. The Continental TerrainContact A/T tire comes in various wheel diameter sizes from 16″ up to 22″. They’re compatible on vehicles such as the Ford Bronco, Nissan Armada, and Jeep Wrangler. This is not an exhaustive list of possible fitments. Check with your tire dealer to find out whether there’s a Continental TerrainContact A/T tire that will work for your make and model.
Tire Sizes Available: |
|---|
Continental Terrain Contact A/T Performance
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T tire is an all-season, all-terrain tire that performs well on the road and the trail. Although it’s not a true winter tire, it can easily take on light snow and rain. The Terrain Contact A/T scored well in NHTSA’s UTQG ratings for treadwear, traction, and temperature. Key performance stats for Continental Terrain Contact A/T tires include:
- Treadwear rating of 680: A rating of 680 puts these tires in the top 2% of tires with the longest tread life.
- Traction rating of “A”: Having an “A” traction rating means this tire has excellent stopping power.
- Temperature rating of “A”: An A rating puts them in a category with 62% of current tires and is the highest temperature rating a tire can receive, which means they can withstand high temperatures for a longer period of time and are more resistant to heat-induced blowouts
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T tire’s key features include:
- Continental’s + Silane enhanced all-season compound, which extends tread life and increases grip on wet surfaces.
- An open tread pattern that improves off-road traction.
- Stable tread blocks team up with a closed-shoulder design to help the tire resist uneven wear.
- Full-depth sipes and edge-of-the-block traction grooves maximize all-season traction.
- Two high-tensile steel belts with a spirally-wound polyamide reinforcement supported by a two-ply casing strengthen the tire and make it more durable.
Continental Terrain Contact A/T Warranty
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T comes with a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. With this treadwear 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. Continental also offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee trial. If you need to file a claim on this warranty, contact your tire retailers for further assistance.
Should You Buy Continental Terrain Contact A/T Tires?
Continental Terrain Contact A/T tires are an excellent option if you drive a truck or SUV, and want a reliable all-season tire. In addition to its all-season, on-road, and off-road capabilities, the Continental Terrain Contact A/T comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty to protect your investment. Of course, you’ll want to factor in your location and driving habits when choosing the best tires.
While Continental Terrain Contact A/T tire can take on light snow, it does not have the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol that indicates it has been tested for winter weather. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, you might want to consider a true winter tire.
Where to Purchase Continental Terrain Contact A/T 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 Terrain Contact A/T, 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 Terrain Contact A/T Tire Customer Reviews
The Continental Terrain Contact A/T has an average rating of 4.7 out of five stars on the Discount Tire site, with 94% of verified purchasers recommending this tire. Reviews mention that they are quiet and smooth and have good wet road traction, although one reviewer mentions that they are difficult to balance. Reviews on the Tire Rack site note that the Continental Terrain Contact A/T rides well on highways and holds up well on off-road adventures. On the Continental site, reviewers mention that they’ve noticed improved handling after installing Continental Terrain Contact A/T tires on their vehicles.
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:
“TerrainContact A/T.” Continental Tire, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, https://continentaltire.com/tires/terraincontact-at.
“Continental Terrain Contact A/T.” Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person, The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/continental-terrain-contact-a-t.
“Continental TerrainContact A/T.” Tire Rack, https://www.tirerack.com/tires/continental-terraincontact-a-t.
“Continental TerrainContact A/T H & V Speed Rated I__169191.” NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, https://www.nhtsa.gov/tire/Continental/TerrainContact%252520A%25252FT/H%252520%252526%252520V%252520speed%252520rated/i__169191.
“Continental TerrainContact A/T Lt 285/70R17 121/118s E (10 Ply) .” Priority Tire, https://www.prioritytire.com/continental-terraincontact-a-t-lt-285-70r17-121-118s-e-10-ply-at-all-terrain-tire/.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
