Continental WinterContact TS 870 Review: Your Shield Against Winter’s Wrath

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The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a studless winter tire designed for cars, crossovers, and minivans. It provides reliable traction and handling on snow, ice, and cold weather conditions. Continental engineered this tire with advanced winter compound and tread technologies to excel in the harshest winter environments.

The TS 870 features Continental’s latest winter tread compound molded into a directional tread design with thousands of gripping edges. The specialized compound remains pliable in freezing temperatures for enhanced traction. The directional tread pattern effectively evacuates snow, slush, and water from the footprint for improved grip.

Continental incorporates two key technologies into the TS 870. Their +Silica compound blends silica with advanced polymers for high traction on ice. Their TractionGrip design uses interlocking tread blocks with high-density 3D edges to bite into snow. Together, these technologies provide the tire’s impressive winter performance.

The TS 870 is studdable for even more traction on ice. It fits a wide range of cars, crossovers, SUVs, and minivans from brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, Subaru, and more. With its winter-focused design, the TS 870 delivers superior grip and control when you need it most.

Tread Design and Compound

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 features an advanced tread design engineered specifically for superior traction on snow and ice. The directional tread pattern is characterized by deep, interlocking sipes and biting edges that provide enhanced grip and evacuation of slush and snow.

The tire’s tread compound is formulated with a high silica content and advanced polymer technology, allowing it to remain pliable in freezing temperatures. This flexible compound helps the tread blocks conform to the road surface, maximizing contact patch and bite. Additionally, the compound incorporates special traction resins that improve grip on icy surfaces.

The tire’s sipe density is remarkably high, with thousands of thin slits cut across the tread blocks. These sipes act as additional biting edges, improving traction on snow and ice. As the tire wears, new sipes are exposed, maintaining excellent grip throughout the tire’s life.

Furthermore, the tread design features wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that enhance snow evacuation, preventing packed snow from building up and reducing traction. Overall, the combination of the advanced tread pattern, specialized compound, and high sipe density work together to provide exceptional grip and handling in the harshest winter conditions.

Snow and Ice Traction

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 excels in winter driving conditions, providing impressive snow and ice traction. This tire’s directional tread pattern features deep, interlocking sipes and grooves that bite into snow for enhanced grip and acceleration. The specialized winter compound remains pliable in freezing temperatures, allowing the tire to conform to icy surfaces for maximum contact and braking power.

In real-world testing, the TS 870 demonstrated exceptional snow traction, with short braking distances and confident handling during lane changes and emergency maneuvers. On sheer ice, the tire’s micro-stud technology and high silica content in the compound work together to provide reassuring levels of grip and control. Even in the most challenging winter conditions, the TS 870 inspires confidence behind the wheel.

Acceleration from a standstill on snow-covered roads is impressive, with minimal wheel spin or loss of traction. The tire’s aggressive tread design claws through deep snow with ease, providing reliable forward motion and stability. Whether navigating unplowed streets or tackling steep, icy inclines, the TS 870 delivers the winter performance drivers demand from a dedicated snow tire.

Dry and Wet Road Performance

While the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is engineered primarily for winter conditions, it still delivers respectable dry and wet road performance. On dry pavement, the tire exhibits predictable and responsive handling, with decent cornering grip for a winter tire. Braking distances are reasonable, though not quite as short as a dedicated summer performance tire.

In wet conditions, the deep grooves and biting edges help evacuate water and maintain traction. Hydroplaning resistance is good, though the soft winter compound can struggle to find grip on extremely slick surfaces. Overall wet traction is more than adequate for a winter tire, giving drivers confidence in rainy conditions.

Compared to summer or all-season tires optimized for dry and wet performance, the WinterContact TS 870 understandably falls a bit short. The winter-focused compound and tread pattern trade some dry/wet grip for superior snow and ice capabilities. However, the tradeoff in dry/wet performance is relatively small compared to other dedicated winter tires. Drivers can expect safe handling in normal dry and wet conditions, with only moderate compromises versus seasonal summer or all-season rubber.

Ride Comfort and Noise Levels

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 strikes an impressive balance between winter traction and ride comfort. On dry and wet roads, the tire soaks up bumps and irregularities with ease, providing a plush, well-damped ride quality. Road noise is also well-controlled, with only a moderate hum entering the cabin at highway speeds.

However, like most dedicated winter tires, the TS 870 does exhibit some increased stiffness and road noise when driving over rough, frozen surfaces or packed snow and ice. The stiffer tread blocks and high silica compound help maximize traction in these conditions but can create some noticeable impact harshness. Cabin noise levels also increase slightly compared to an all-season or summer tire.

Overall, the TS 870 manages to deliver a surprisingly smooth, quiet ride for a winter tire. While not as plush as a touring all-season, it strikes a nice balance that makes it a comfortable choice for daily driving in cold weather conditions without compromising winter grip. Road noise is noticeable but not excessive or intrusive at normal driving speeds.

Wear Life and Treadwear Warranty

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is designed to provide reliable traction and performance throughout its usable tread life. With its advanced silica-enhanced tread compound and optimized tread design, this winter tire can deliver impressive wear characteristics.

In terms of expected tread life, the TS 870 is rated to deliver around 50,000 to 60,000 miles of use under normal driving conditions. However, it’s important to note that actual tread life can vary depending on factors such as driving habits, vehicle weight, road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.

To back up their confidence in the tire’s durability, Continental offers a generous 60,000-mile treadwear warranty on the WinterContact TS 870. This warranty coverage provides added peace of mind for consumers, as it protects against premature wear and ensures a certain level of tread life.

If the tire wears out evenly across the tread surface before reaching the specified 60,000-mile mark, Continental will replace the tire on a pro-rated basis, provided that the tire has been properly maintained and used under normal driving conditions.

Overall, the combination of advanced tread compound technology and a substantial treadwear warranty demonstrates Continental’s commitment to delivering a winter tire that not only excels in winter performance but also provides long-lasting value for drivers.

Pricing and Value

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a premium winter tire, and as such, it commands a higher price point compared to some budget-focused alternatives. However, its performance capabilities and quality engineering justify the added investment for drivers seeking a truly capable and safe winter tire.

Retail pricing for the TS 870 can vary depending on the size and your location, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $250 per tire for popular passenger car and crossover sizes. For instance, a 215/60R16 size might cost around $150 per tire, while a larger 245/50R20 could be closer to $250 each.

When compared to rivals like the Michelin X-Ice Snow, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, the TS 870 is competitively priced and often falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of cost. Its performance capabilities and overall value proposition make it a compelling choice, especially for drivers seeking a blend of winter grip, handling, and ride comfort.

While not the most affordable option on the market, the TS 870 delivers a excellent balance of performance and value, making it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize safety and capability in harsh winter conditions. Continental’s reputation for quality engineering and its treadwear warranty further bolster the value proposition of this premium winter tire.

Compared to Other Winter Tires

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 holds its own against top competitors in the winter tire category. When stacked up against tires like the Michelin X-Ice Xi3, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, the TS 870 demonstrates impressive performance across a range of winter conditions.

In terms of snow and ice traction, the TS 870 is on par with the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, which are widely regarded as leaders in this area. The TS 870’s advanced tread compound and aggressive siping provide exceptional grip on slippery surfaces, allowing for confident handling and braking in the harshest winter weather.

On dry and wet roads, the TS 870 outperforms the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, offering a more refined and responsive driving experience. The tire’s solid center rib and optimized tread pattern contribute to improved stability and cornering ability, even when the temperatures rise above freezing.

While the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 may have a slight edge in terms of overall winter performance, the TS 870 is more affordable and offers a better balance between winter capabilities and all-season versatility. Additionally, the TS 870’s treadwear warranty is competitive with other premium winter tires, ensuring long-lasting performance and value.

Overall, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a top contender in the winter tire market, combining exceptional winter traction with respectable dry and wet road manners. Its well-rounded performance and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a reliable and capable winter tire solution.

Best Applications and Vehicle Types

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a versatile winter tire suitable for a wide range of vehicle types and driving applications. Its well-rounded performance characteristics make it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a balance of winter traction, handling, and ride comfort.

For passenger cars and crossovers, the TS 870 delivers reliable performance in various winter conditions. Its advanced tread compound and directional tread pattern provide excellent grip on snow and ice, ensuring safe and controlled driving. Additionally, the tire’s handling capabilities on dry and wet roads are impressive, making it a great all-around option for daily commuting and occasional highway driving.

Compact SUVs and light trucks can also benefit from the TS 870’s capabilities. Its reinforced construction and sturdy tread design provide the necessary traction and stability for navigating snowy and icy surfaces, while still offering a comfortable ride and responsive handling on cleared roads.

For drivers who frequently encounter challenging winter conditions, such as heavy snowfall or icy roads, the TS 870 is an ideal choice. Its superior snow and ice traction, combined with its ability to handle slush and standing water, make it a reliable companion for tackling the harshest winter environments.

Overall, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is well-suited for drivers seeking a dependable winter tire that delivers excellent performance across a range of conditions, vehicle types, and driving scenarios. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a winter road trip, this tire can provide the confidence and control you need to navigate the winter months safely and comfortably.

Summary and Recommendations

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is an excellent winter tire that delivers exceptional traction on snow and ice while maintaining respectable dry and wet road performance. Its advanced tread compound and intricate siping design provide impressive grip in the harshest winter conditions, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience.

For drivers who prioritize winter safety and want a tire that excels in severe cold weather, the TS 870 is an outstanding choice. Its ability to tackle deep snow, slush, and icy surfaces is truly remarkable, making it an ideal option for those living in regions with harsh winters.

However, it’s important to note that the TS 870’s exceptional winter performance comes at the cost of slightly shorter tread life compared to some competitors. While the treadwear warranty is decent, those looking for maximum tread longevity may want to consider alternative options.

Overall, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a top-tier winter tire that delivers exceptional performance in its intended environment. It’s an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize winter safety and traction over tread life, particularly those living in areas with frequent snowfall and icy conditions. If you demand the best winter driving experience and are willing to invest in a premium tire, the TS 870 should be at the top of your list.