Overview
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is an ultra-high performance (UHP) all-season tire designed for drivers who want impressive handling, grip, and road feel year-round. Targeted at owners of sports sedans, sporty coupes, and performance-oriented crossovers, the DWS 06 Plus promises summer tire-like agility with the added versatility to handle wet conditions and light snow. Available in popular sizes such as 225/45R17 and 245/40R18, this tire aims to bridge the gap between dedicated summer performance and all-season practicality for enthusiast drivers and everyday commuters alike.
Key Specs
| Type | Ultra-High Performance All-Season |
| Available sizes range | 16″ to 22″ rim diameter, widths 205–315 mm |
| Speed rating examples | W (168 mph), Y (186 mph), V (149 mph) |
| Load index examples | 91 (1356 lbs), 95 (1521 lbs), 100 (1764 lbs) |
| Tread pattern | Asymmetric with high-density siping, wide circumferential grooves |
| Technology highlights | SportPlus Technology, silica-enriched compound, QuickView indicators |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the DWS 06 Plus stands out among all-season competitors, delivering crisp steering response and solid cornering grip. The tire’s asymmetric tread and reinforced shoulders give it the confidence of a summer tire, especially in spirited driving. Turn-in is sharp, and mid-corner stability inspires trust at higher speeds. Braking distances are competitive for the segment, with progressive feedback through the wheel. Compared to traditional all-seasons, it resists understeer and sidewall flex better, though a true summer tire will still have the edge in outright maximum grip and track-day abuse. For daily driving and the occasional backroad blast, the DWS 06 Plus is among the best in class for dry performance.
Performance: Wet
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus maintains high levels of confidence when the roads turn slick. Its high-silica compound and sweeping channels efficiently evacuate water, greatly reducing the risk of hydroplaning—even at highway speeds. Wet traction is strong, with progressive breakaway characteristics that are predictable for drivers pushing the limits. In wet braking, the tire’s stopping distances are impressively short compared to direct rivals, aided by the abundance of biting edges from the dense siping. Whether navigating heavy rain or damp urban streets, the DWS 06 Plus delivers security and athleticism that few UHP all-seasons can match.
Performance: Snow & Ice
As an all-season tire, the DWS 06 Plus is engineered to handle occasional light snow and cold temperatures. The intricate siping and specialized compound provide useful traction in fresh snow, allowing for controlled starts and stops in 1–2 inches of accumulation. Lateral grip in corners is reasonable for the category, and the tire resists packing with slush. On ice, performance is more limited—like most all-season UHP tires, it can struggle with hard-packed surfaces and slick conditions. Drivers in regions with frequent or heavy snow will want to consider a dedicated winter tire, but for occasional winter events, the DWS 06 Plus is a standout among all-season UHP options.
Comfort & Noise
Despite its performance focus, the DWS 06 Plus delivers a ride that is both composed and comfortable. The sidewall features moderate compliance, absorbing bumps and road irregularities better than the stiffer summer-only alternatives. Road noise is well controlled for a UHP tire; at highway speeds, only a subtle hum is audible, with no harsh tones or droning. Over rougher surfaces, the advanced tread design helps minimize impact harshness, making it a viable choice for commuters and long-distance drivers seeking a balance between excitement and refinement.
Durability & Economy
Continental has engineered the DWS 06 Plus for impressive tread life within its segment. The tire carries a UTQG rating of 560 AA A (in many sizes), which is robust for a UHP all-season. Real-world wear is typically consistent, provided the car’s alignment is maintained—owners often report 35,000–50,000 miles depending on driving style. Rolling resistance is moderate; the silica compound aids in fuel efficiency, but performance tires in this class will generally trail standard touring all-seasons for outright economy. The tire’s QuickView indicators (built-in tread wear markers) are a practical touch, helping drivers monitor remaining tread and performance in specific conditions.
Sizes & Alternatives
The DWS 06 Plus is available in a wide array of sizes, covering everything from compact sedans to sporty crossovers and muscle cars. Popular fitments include:
- 225/45R17
- 235/40R18
- 245/40R18
- 255/35R19
- 275/40R20
Key competitors in the UHP all-season class include:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- General G-MAX AS-05
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Class-leading dry and wet grip for an all-season
- Predictable, responsive handling
- Good snow traction for a UHP tire
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Strong treadwear warranty and built-in tread wear indicators
Cons
- Falls short of dedicated summer tires in ultimate grip
- Ice traction is only adequate—true winter tires are better for harsh climates
- Fuel economy slightly lower than standard touring all-seasons
- Price point is higher than some mainstream alternatives
Verdict
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus sets a high bar for ultra-high performance all-season tires, excelling in dry and wet handling while offering genuine year-round versatility. Its ability to deliver sharp, athletic dynamics without sacrificing comfort or tread life makes it a top choice for drivers who demand more from their tires—whether for spirited commutes, long road trips, or the occasional snowstorm. While those living in areas with frequent heavy snow or ice should still consider a dedicated winter tire, the DWS 06 Plus is one of the most well-rounded UHP all-seasons available in the US today. If you want true multi-season performance without major trade-offs in comfort or durability, this tire should be at the top of your list.
With the available range going up to 22 inches, do you notice much performance loss or gain with the wider 315 mm sizes compared to the narrower options?
Wider 315 mm sizes generally offer better traction and cornering grip, especially on dry pavement, thanks to the larger contact patch. However, you might notice a slightly harsher ride and increased road noise compared to narrower options. Fuel efficiency could also decrease a little. Overall, wider sizes enhance performance but may trade off some comfort and efficiency.
For someone living in an area with frequent light snow, would you recommend the DWS 06 Plus over a dedicated winter tire, or are there any compromises to consider?
The DWS 06 Plus performs well in light snow for an all-season tire, offering good traction and safety. However, it won’t match the grip or braking performance of a dedicated winter tire in colder conditions or heavier snow. If you regularly drive in snow and icy weather, a dedicated winter tire is the safer choice, but for occasional light snow, the DWS 06 Plus is a strong option.
How do the QuickView indicators work in real-world use on the DWS 06 Plus, and are they actually helpful when deciding on tire rotation or replacement?
The QuickView indicators on the DWS 06 Plus are molded into the tread and show the letters D, W, and S for Dry, Wet, and Snow traction. As the tire wears, these letters disappear, making it easy to see what performance remains. This is very helpful for deciding when to rotate your tires or consider replacement, as you can monitor traction loss at a glance.
Can you explain more about how the QuickView indicators work on the DWS 06 Plus? Do they actually help you figure out when to switch the tires for winter?
The QuickView indicators on the DWS 06 Plus are molded letters (D, W, and S) on the tread. ‘D’ stands for Dry, ‘W’ for Wet, and ‘S’ for Snow. As the tread wears down, the letters disappear in order—when ‘S’ is gone, snow traction is reduced; once ‘W’ disappears, wet traction drops. This system gives you a visual cue for when the tire may no longer perform optimally in winter conditions, so you can consider switching to dedicated winter tires.