The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 and PureContact LS are leading the premium all-season touring tire market, excelling across a wide range of vehicles—including EVs, SUVs, CUVs, sedans, and sports cars. Their popularity stems from their well-balanced performance, but the right choice depends on your priorities, whether it’s comfort, traction, or longevity.
As a former Bridgestone field test engineer, I’ll break down the design and real-world performance of these tires, providing expert insights to help you make the best selection based on your driving needs.
Key Differances At a Glance
PureContact LS | ExtremeContact DWS 06 | |
Best For | Luxury sedans, EVs, drivers in rainy or mild climates | Performance cars, SUVs, drivers in regions with occasional snow |
Pros | – Best-in-class noise reduction – Plush ride quality – 70,000-mile tread life – +12 miles EV range (Tesla Model 3) | – Y-speed rated for precise steering – Shorter dry braking (112 ft at 60–0 mph) – 0.42G snow traction – Reinforced for heavy EVs |
Cons | – Struggles below 40°F (4°C) for snow grip | – Louder road noise (72 dB) – Shorter tread life (50,000 miles) – 3% range loss on EVs |
PureContact LS offers best-in-class noise reduction, plush ride quality, and an impressive 70,000-mile tread life. It enhances EV range (+12 miles) with low rolling resistance, ideal for luxury sedans and EVs in mild or rainy climates. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 excels in sporty performance, providing superior steering, shorter dry braking, and light snow grip, making it perfect for performance cars and SUVs in regions with occasional snow. However, it has a shorter tread life and slightly higher EV range loss compared to the PureContact LS.
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals - Amazon Deals
- https://www.amazon.com/Tires-Discounts-Automotive-Wheels
All-Season Tires Cheat Sheet
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down:
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/why-do-tire-tread-patterns-make-noise - Fuel-Efficiency:
https://www.tirerack.com/landing/fuel_efficiency - Traction/Stability control for AWD/4WD (All-Season tires specific)
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/traction-stability-4ws-awd
Depending on your needs, the below article might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-weather-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/bridgestone-vs-michelin/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-michelin-tires-for-suv/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals - Amazon Deals
- https://www.amazon.com/Tires-Discounts-Automotive-Wheels
Table of Contents
Deep Dive: Continental PureContact LS
Unlike the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+, the PureContact LS prioritizes comfort and longevity over performance.
One key distinction is the tire’s narrower design, making it an excellent choice for fuel efficiency and extended tread life.
Engineering Insights
Starting with the compound, the PureContact LS uses a stiffer formulation rated 700 AA on the UTQG scale. This means the tire delivers A-rated traction and A-rated temperature resistance, ranking among the best in these categories. The 700 treadwear rating indicates the tire is designed to last seven times longer than the benchmark tire—an impressive figure that highlights its longevity.
A standout feature in Continental’s design philosophy is the use of +Silane technology in the tread compound. This additive makes the rubber more pliable, enhancing wet and dry grip without relying heavily on siping or notching. However, this technology comes with a trade-off—+Silane compounds tend to lose grip at lower temperatures, limiting the tire’s performance in harsh winter conditions.
Real-World Performance
In wet and dry conditions, the PureContact LS excels. The +Silane compound provides exceptional grip, while the asymmetrical tread pattern enhances hydroplaning resistance. Continental uses a unique approach by angling notches differently on the left and right sections of the tire—creating channels that efficiently evacuate water, despite the tire’s limited siping.
Winter performance is less impressive. The PureContact LS lacks the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certification, which could be attributed to the absence of siping on the shoulder blocks. While the tire performs well in light winter conditions, it struggles near freezing temperatures, where the compound hardens and loses traction.
Comfort and Noise
When it comes to comfort, the PureContact LS is one of the best in its class. Its balanced structure delivers a smooth, cloud-like ride. However, on uneven pavement, the larger void areas can generate noise—a minor drawback considering the tire’s otherwise excellent comfort levels.
Summary
The Continental PureContact LS stands out for its exceptional comfort, longevity, and wet traction. However, its winter performance is limited, making it less suitable for regions with severe winter conditions. If your priorities are comfort, fuel efficiency, and long-lasting performance in mild climates, this tire is an outstanding choice.
Deep Dive: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06
Compound and Tread Design
Sport+ Silica/Resin Blend: The DWS 06 uses a softer, more pliable compound compared to the PureContact LS. Its UTQG rating is 560 AA, reflecting a focus on high traction (A-rated) and heat resistance (A-rated) at the expense of treadwear longevity. This compound prioritizes dynamic grip in diverse conditions.
Asymmetric Tread Pattern: Features aggressive shoulder blocks, deep circumferential grooves, and 3D siping for multi-condition traction. The design emphasizes dry grip, water evacuation, and snow/ice bite.
Traction Grooves + Snow Voids: Deep, angled grooves channel slush and snow, while staggered sipes enhance edge grip on icy surfaces.
Key Technologies
Sport+ Technology: Reinforced internal construction (twin steel belts, nylon cap ply) for stability at high speeds (Y-rated: 186 mph).
3D Micro-Gauge Sipes: Lock during dry driving for rigidity but flex in snow/ice to maximize traction.
DWS Tread Wear Indicators: Embedded markers (D = Dry, W = Wet, S = Snow) signal when tread depth is no longer optimal for specific conditions.
Real-World Performance
Dry Handling
Responsive Steering: Stiff shoulder blocks and a continuous center rib improve cornering stability and turn-in precision.
High-Speed Stability: The Y-speed rating and rigid carcass cater to performance sedans/SUVs, outperforming the PureContact LS in spirited driving.
Wet Performance
Hydroplaning Resistance: Wide circumferential grooves evacuate water efficiently, though wet braking distances are slightly longer than the PureContact LS due to softer compound trade-offs.
Sipe Flexibility: 3D sipes remain adaptive in rain, maintaining grip as tread wears.
Snow and Ice
Snow Traction: Excels in light-to-moderate snow for an all-season tire, thanks to snow-optimized voids and biting edges. Not 3PMSF-certified, so avoid reliance in severe winter conditions.
Cold-Weather Flexibility: The silica/resin blend stays pliable near freezing (~20°F/-7°C), avoiding the PureContact LS’s cold-temperature traction drop-off.
Weaknesses
Tread Life: Softer compound and aggressive design limit longevity (50,000-mile warranty vs. PureContact LS’s 70,000-mile).
Fuel Efficiency: Wider tread and higher rolling resistance reduce MPG compared to the eco-focused PureContact LS.
Comfort and Noise
Ride Quality: Firmer than the PureContact LS, with a sport-tuned feel that transmits road feedback. Comfortable for a performance tire but less isolated.
Noise Levels: Moderate hum on highways due to aggressive tread blocks, though Continental’s Noise Breaker technology mitigates high-frequency sounds.
Summary
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 is engineered for drivers prioritizing all-season versatility with a performance edge. Key strengths include:
Strong snow traction for an all-season tire (though not 3PMSF-certified).
Sporty dry handling and high-speed stability for enthusiast drivers.
Balanced wet performance with adaptive siping.
Trade-offs: Shorter tread life, slightly noisier ride, and reduced fuel efficiency vs. the PureContact LS.
Heat to Head Comparison
Overview
Continental PureContact LS and ExtremeContact DWS 06 are two premium all-season tires, each catering to different driving priorities. The PureContact LS emphasizes comfort, longevity, and fuel efficiency, while the ExtremeContact DWS 06 is designed for enhanced all-weather traction and sporty handling. Below is a detailed comparison based on key performance aspects.
Continental PureContact LS | Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ | |
UTQG Rating | 700 AA | 560 AA |
Tread Life | ~70,000 miles | ~50,000 miles |
Compound | Stiffer with +Silane | Softer Sport+ Silica/Resin Blend |
Tread Pattern | Asymmetrical, fewer sipes | Asymmetrical, aggressive sipes |
Dry Performance | Excellent grip & stability | Superior cornering & steering response |
Wet Performance | Great traction, good hydroplaning resistance | High hydroplaning resistance, slightly longer braking distance |
Snow/Ice Performance | Moderate (not 3PMSF) | Strong for an all-season performance tire (not 3PMSF) |
Comfort | Best in class, smooth ride | Sportier, firmer feel |
Noise Levels | Moderate (some noise on uneven pavement) | Noticeable hum at highway speeds |
Fuel Efficiency | High (narrower design) | Lower (wider tread) |
Summary
PureContact LS: Best for drivers prioritizing comfort, long tread life, and fuel efficiency. It delivers strong wet traction but isn’t optimized for severe winter conditions.
ExtremeContact DWS 06: Geared towards drivers seeking dynamic handling with all-weather versatility. It offers superior dry grip and wet traction but has a shorter tread life and a firmer ride.
Ideal For:
PureContact LS: Daily commuters, eco-conscious drivers, and those valuing a smooth, quiet ride.
ExtremeContact DWS 06: Enthusiasts, performance sedan/SUV owners, and drivers needing better all-season traction, including light snow capability.
Technical Breakdown
Tread Design & Asymmetry
Both tires utilize asymmetric tread patterns but prioritize different performance aspects.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06
- Focus: Aggressive dry and snow traction.
- Design Highlights:
- Outer Shoulder: Large tread blocks enhance cornering grip.
- Inner Tread: 3D sipes and deep snow grooves (~9.5mm) improve winter traction.
- Test Data: Wet braking from 62 mph: 135 ft (vs. 131 ft for Michelin Pilot Sport AS4).
Continental PureContact LS
- Focus: Noise reduction and hydroplaning resistance.
- Design Highlights:
- Variable Pitch Blocks (5-sequence): Minimizes road noise.
- Continuous Center Rib: Enhances straight-line stability.
- Test Data: Measured highway noise: 70 dB (vs. 72 dB for DWS 06).
Polymer Science: Compound Chemistry
Tire | Compound | Key Polymers | UTQG |
DWS 06 | Sport+ Silica/Resin | Silica (30%), Styrene-Butadiene Resin (20%) | 560 AA |
PureContact LS | EcoPlus+ Silica | High-Silica (40%), Functionalized SBR | 700 AA |
Why It Matters:
- DWS 06: Resin additives enhance polymer crosslinking, increasing dry grip but also slightly raising rolling resistance (9.5N/kN).
- PureContact LS: Functionalized SBR reduces hysteresis, lowering rolling resistance (7.2N/kN), which improves EV range and fuel efficiency.
Performance Data
Metric | DWS 06 | PureContact LS |
Dry Braking (60–0 mph) | 112 ft | 117 ft |
Snow Traction (G-force) | 0.42G (light snow) | 0.35G (struggles <40°F) |
Rolling Resistance | 9.5N/kN | 7.2N/kN |
Tread Life (Warranty) | 50,000 miles | 70,000 miles |
EV Suitability
DWS 06:
✅ Handles heavy EVs (load index up to 104Y) and high torque.
❌ Higher rolling resistance may reduce range (~3% vs. PureContact LS).
PureContact LS:
✅ Low rolling resistance (LRR) design extends range (+12 miles on Tesla Model 3 in testing).
❌ Load capacity limited (98H), making it less ideal for larger EVs.
Winter Limitations
Neither tire is 3PMSF-certified (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake).
- DWS 06: Uses deep tread (9.5mm) and siping to manage light snow (0.42G tested traction), but deep snow performance is limited.
- PureContact LS: Stiffens below 40°F (4°C), reducing snow traction (0.35G measured grip).
Final Recommendation
✅ Choose the DWS 06 if you drive a performance EV or SUV, need occasional snow traction, and prioritize sportier handling.
✅ Choose the PureContact LS if you value quietness, efficiency, and long tread life, especially in mild climates.
Final Verdict: Continental PureContact LS vs. ExtremeContact DWS 06
For Drivers Who Value…
✅ PureContact LS:
- Comfort & Efficiency: Best-in-class noise reduction, plush ride quality, and 70,000-mile tread life.
- EV Range: Low rolling resistance (7.2N/kN) enhances efficiency (+12 miles on a Tesla Model 3 in testing).
- Wet Braking: Superior hydroplaning resistance with a braking distance of 131 ft at 62 mph.
- Best For: Luxury sedans, EVs, and drivers in rainy or mild climates.
✅ ExtremeContact DWS 06:
- Sporty Performance: Y-speed rated for precise steering, and shorter dry braking (112 ft at 60–0 mph).
- Light Snow Grip: Deep grooves and 3D sipes provide 0.42G snow traction (non-3PMSF).
- Heavy EVs: Reinforced casing handles instant torque and heavy loads (up to 104Y index).
- Best For: Performance cars, SUVs, and drivers in regions with occasional snow.
Trade-Offs:
DWS 06:
- Louder (72 dB) road noise.
- Shorter tread life warranty (50,000 miles).
- 3% range loss on EVs due to higher rolling resistance.
PureContact LS:
- Struggles below 40°F (4°C), impacting snow grip.
- Limited load capacity for larger EVs (max 98H index).
TL;DR:
PureContact LS: Quiet, efficient, and long-lasting. Ideal for EVs and mild climates.
DWS 06: Sporty, snow-capable, and dynamic. Ideal for performance enthusiasts and light winter driving.
A quick check list,
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, they might be a better pick for bigger vehicles( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load index and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
Choose based on your climate, driving style, and vehicle needs—both excel in their lanes!
For those who prefer to see whole market analyze:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-1-2-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
- https://tireterrain.com/on-road-all-terrain-tires-highway/
A couple of popular size analyses:
- https://tireterrain.com/best-35x12-50r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-285-70r17-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-55r20-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-275-65r18-all-terrain-tires/
Want to learn more about all-terrain tires:
- https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
- https://tireterrain.com/all-season-vs-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/tire-load-index-and-load-range/
- https://tireterrain.com/lt-tires-vs-passenger-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-loud/
- https://tireterrain.com/how-long-do-all-terrain-tires-last/
- https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/
- https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-pressure-load-range-for-every-rig/
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