The Continental ContiIceContact XTRM winter tire was developed by the German concern at the request of the Canadian company Groupe Touchette, one of the largest distributors of automotive tires in the country of maple leaves. It is offered in two versions - with and without studs. It is distinguished by improved traction properties on ice and snowy surfaces, an elastic tread at extremely low temperatures. Initially, it was developed for large SUVs and pickups of North American brands, but then the size range was expanded and covers the most popular tire sizes for passenger cars.
One of the key features of the tire is the use of TriStar studs. The product is distinguished by an aluminum rim, which reduces the weight of the tire, and the use of a steel head with an increased number of faces. In addition, the "proprietary" technology of stud mounting using glue is used, as a result of which a strong molecular-level bond is formed between the stud body and the compound. This allows you to save a large part of the metal "spikes" even with significant mileage. The tread accommodates 130 studs, which provides reliable traction on icy and rolled snow surfaces.
The tread pattern, unlike similar products of the German manufacturer for other markets, is made in a directional symmetrical design using a large number of small blocks. Their multidirectional numerous walls provide stable traction on snow. In turn, the saw-toothed lamellas cut into the blocks preserve the reliability of handling on wet and icy surfaces. It is worth highlighting the division of the pattern into functional areas, which is due to the desire to give the tire balanced driving qualities. The central part is distinguished by a more dense arrangement of blocks, which partially overlap each other, forming a virtually continuous and very wide longitudinal rib. This reduces rolling resistance, noise, and vibrations. In turn, the shoulder areas contain more massive elements. Large blocks with a trapezoidal profile provide intense braking and acceleration, course stability, and precise handling during maneuvering.
Key Features of Continental ContiIceContact XTRM
- improved traction on snowy surfaces due to the large number of blocks and the multidirectionality of their edges;
- TriStar studs provide reliable handling on icy and rolled snow surfaces;
- special rubber compound that preserves tread elasticity at extremely low temperatures