Continental ControlContact Sport SRS review

Owners of sporty sedans and coupes now get an additional option for an ultra-high-performance tire with all-season traction. Continental’s ControlContact Sport SRS tire comes with a slightly lower price than the closest competition, yet it manages to last just as long and provide even better performance.

That’s why our team made this Continental ControlContact Sport SRS review to help you figure out if it’s the best tire for your car. It’s also a stylish tire with a black sidewall and features high responsiveness to add up to a genuine sporty driving sensation.

Why you can trust REREV’s tire reviews: Our automotive expert researchers analyze tire specs, customer feedbacks and reviews from credible sources. This thorough analysis provides accurate information about tire performance, helping you make the best choice. Find out more about how we evaluate tires.

Key technologies

To make this tire stand out from the crowd, Continental utilized some superb features and technological solutions. Some of the main ones include the advanced tread compound and variable grooves.

• Advanced Tread Compound: The tread compound of ControlContact Sport SRS tires includes added silane in the polymer, which makes the tire more pliable in the winter and on wet roads. On top of that, it’s a “wear-resistant” material due to the even wear it entices, so it helps the tire last longer.
• Variable Grooves: The ControlContact Sport SRS tire also comes with variable grooves with a unique pattern on the center rib. Because of this, the tires are suitable for all-season traction even at higher speeds as the grooves lead the water away in all directions.

Safety features

The tires also utilize safety features that are unique to this model. The center rib contains lateral grooves and they work together with deep circumferential grooves in leading the water away. This prevents hydroplaning, which is when your vehicle loses road grip under a layer of water.

On top of that, ControlContact Sport SRS tires also utilize wider shoulder blocks and deep sipes that spread across them. Because of this, you get an additional set of biting edges, and wide shoulder blocks add up to driving stability in the corners. As a result, the ControlContact Sport SRS brings you advanced high-speed steering, as it suits an ultra-high-performance tire.

Speed ratings

Knowing the speed rating of a tire is especially important when it comes to high-performance tires like these. You can find the speed rating on the tire’s sidewall, usually as a final letter in the sequence of numbers starting with the tire’s size.

So, a mark like 205/45 ZR17 88W would mean that the “W” is a speed rating of a tire. The speed rating is set by testing the tire to its limits at a certain driving speed, so it’s the highest recommended driving speed. When it comes to ratings of ControlContact Sport SRS tires, “W”-rated tires can be driven up to 168 mph, while “Y”-rated tires can endure speeds up to 186 mph.

Treadwear and durability

Having a highly durable tire that’s also a capable performer isn’t a combination that usually works. Naturally, high-performance tires last a lot less than all-season touring tires, so the same goes for ControlContact Sport SRS.

However, among UHP tires, this tire rates quite well, having in mind it should last about 50,000 miles. Most ultra-high-performance tires last 40,000 miles or even less, and this one comes in trims with a “Y” speed rating which is the highest possible. A durable tread compound makes it all possible, and you can rest assured that these tires will serve you well for at least 3 years.

Maintenance indicators

In terms of maintenance, these tires come with a treadwear gauge set between the tread blocks. It’s designed to be visible when aligned with the final 2/32″ of tread and it informs you it’s time to change the tires with a new set.

Other maintenance indicators include checking tire pressure to see if it’s at a recommended level for your vehicle model. Continental ControlContact Sport SRS tires can’t give you proper performance if your tires are under-inflated, and it also results in uneven wear.

Wet traction performance

Continental ControlContact Sport SRS tires are ready for action even on wet roads. With an “X”-shaped groove design on the center rib, and deep grooves between the shoulder blocks, there’s no fear of sliding or losing control of your vehicle.

Even with high-speed driving on a wet road, there just isn’t a reason to feel insecure with these tires mounted. There’s also deep siping all across the tires, including the shoulder blocks for safer wet cornering and better grip on slippery roads.

Dry traction performance

The performance of these sporty tires on dry roads is on par with the speed rating. It’s simply joyful to drive at a higher speed when you know that the tire is firmly gripping the road. Steering precision is at the highest possible level due to reinforced and large shoulder blocks.

On top of that, the center rib is extremely wide, which also widens the rubber footprint on the road. This is especially important for a performance tire on dry roads and hot temperatures. So, you’ll be able to enjoy a bit of high-spirited driving on the highway, within the speed limit of course. These tires can even be used for track driving due to their traction properties.

Snow traction performance

Continental’s ControlContact Sport SRS tire is an all-season tire, but its snow traction is fairly lower than wet and dry road grip. Of course, all performance tires are a bit less useful in the snow, but the compound material is surprisingly pliable in colder weather for this tire category.

Also, there are a lot of biting edges created by deep sipes all across the tread blocks, which makes the tire even more pliable in the winter. Overall, it’s useful enough for an inch of snow due to harsh winter weather on public roads, but you shouldn’t risk parking your car in deep snow with these tires.

Off-road traction performance

When it comes to off-road traction, ControlContact Sport SRS tires just aren’t capable of tackling this type of terrain. They are primarily built for highway and track driving, and the tread blocks are optimized accordingly. However, driving off the road could hurt the tread pattern necessary for high-speed stability and cornering.

The sidewall just isn’t strong enough, and biting edges aren’t aggressive enough to tackle the wilderness. The bottom line is – don’t risk driving your car off the road with these high-performance beauties, and enjoy their efficiency solely on the road.

Noise and comfort

These aren’t grand touring tires, but their driving comfort is impressive for the UHP tire category. It’s all thanks to the cushion between the steel belt construction and the tread blocks. Continental uses this technique to lower the influence of road bumps and translated vibrations into the cabin.

As a result, you get fairly refined driving at a higher speed, and it’s just what you are looking to get out of this type of tire. Noises are a bit higher at lower speeds, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. The driving comfort is further improved with inner construction that relies on a polyester cord wrapped around the steel belts. As a result, you get a comfy ride with a stable and firm grip on the road.

Competitors and alternatives

The competition is quite high in the ultra-high-performance category of tires suitable for driving all season long. Continental is trying to offer an affordable solution, and these are the main rivals that present a worthy alternative to ControlContact Sport SRS:

• Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4
• Bridgestone Potenza RE980 A/S Plus

Price range

The price of these tires makes one of the most important indicators for potential buyers. Luckily, Continental offers ControlContact Sport SRS tires starting at $125 for a single 17″ tire. The price varies based on the size and trim, so the most expensive variant is a “Y”-rated 21″ tire that costs around $280.

However, you might be able to use discount coupons and rebates to grab these beauties as absolute steel under the price.

Warranty

The warranty package makes one of the best things about this tire, as it’s backed up by a limited treadwear warranty of 50,000 miles. On top of that, you can also count on Continental’s materials and workmanship warranty with a free replacement during the first 2/32″ of the tread.

This is especially convenient since not all the UHP tires come with such extensive warranty packages to give you a piece of mind when driving.

Our take

In the end, this Continental ControlContact Sport SRS review hopefully answers all of your questions about the tire’s overall quality. Should you buy one for your sport sedan or coupe? Absolutely, as the warranty package and estimated mileage surpass that of many competitors.

Also, you’ll be able to get a refined sensation in the cabin at higher speed, which is a delight as you’ll only hear your engine’s roar instead of bothersome road vibrations.