When a tire manufacturer releases a model with the same name as its predecessor, it speaks to its success. This is exactly what happened with the summer passenger tire Continental ContiEcoContact EP3, whose name was almost entirely borrowed from the previous model, which managed to prove itself on the best side not only for domestic but also for foreign car owners.
Asymmetric tread pattern with multiple gripping edges
Like most other summer passenger tires from this German manufacturer, the Continental ContiEcoContact EP3 model was equipped with a practically "signature" asymmetric tread pattern. Its distinctive feature is the reduced number of individual functional zones, which are represented by only four longitudinal ribs. Nevertheless, this did not prevent the German specialists from equipping it with a large number of transverse gripping edges, a significant part of which is located in the shoulder areas. Due to this, the tire was able to demonstrate high braking efficiency, especially on wet asphalt.
Central longitudinal rib with notches
One of the central longitudinal ribs, located on the outer side of the tread, has an original structure. First of all, it is divided by a water-conducting groove into two unequal parts, the side surfaces of which have numerous transverse notches. Such a design provides the tire with excellent directional stability when moving not only in a straight line but also when passing turns, especially in rainy conditions.
Closed design of the shoulder area on the outer side of the tread
The shoulder area, located on the outer side of the tread pattern, solves exactly the same problems. It consists of many powerful rectangular blocks, the arrangement and shape of which provide increased deformation resistance in the transverse direction.
Excellent resistance to aquaplaning
Among other undeniable advantages of this model, one cannot fail to mention its high resistance to aquaplaning, which it demonstrates even when driving at very high speeds. It is provided by the thoughtful design of the drainage system, the main components of which are three longitudinal grooves. They are arranged in such a way as to quickly and efficiently remove water from the contact patch, which leaves the tread through many lateral grooves located in the shoulder areas.
Main features of the Continental ContiEcoContact EP3 tire
- short braking distance, thanks to the many transverse gripping edges, most of which are concentrated in the shoulder areas of the tread;
- very long service life and excellent fuel economy are ensured by the high resistance of the carcass to dynamic deformation, four wide longitudinal ribs, as well as a special composition of the rubber mixture;
- excellent grip on wet roads due to the increased silica content in the rubber mixture, multiple gripping edges in the shoulder areas.