Overview
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is designed for drivers who demand all-season confidence without sacrificing spirited performance. Targeted at owners of sports sedans, coupes, and performance-oriented crossovers, this Ultra-High Performance (UHP) all-season tire aims to deliver impressive traction in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast seeking sharp handling or a daily commuter looking for year-round safety and comfort, the DWS 06 Plus is engineered to balance dynamic capability with practical reliability for a broad range of vehicles, including popular models like the BMW 3 Series, Honda Accord Sport, Audi A4, and Ford Mustang. This review focuses on two of its most common fitments: 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18.
Key Specs
| Type | Ultra-High Performance All-Season |
| Available sizes range | 16″–22″ rim diameters; 195/50ZR16 to 305/35ZR20 |
| Speed rating examples | W, Y |
| Load index examples | 91 (1356 lbs), 97 (1609 lbs) |
| Tread pattern | Asymmetric with high-void, silica-infused tread |
| Technology highlights | SportPlus+ Technology, QuickView Performance Indicators, X-Sipe design |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands out among all-season competitors for its crisp steering response and strong cornering grip. The asymmetric tread pattern and reinforced shoulder blocks contribute to predictable turn-in and composed handling, making spirited backroad drives enjoyable. Compared to dedicated summer tires, ultimate dry grip is a notch lower, but for an all-season, the DWS 06 Plus delivers above-average lateral stability and short stopping distances. Feedback through the wheel is precise, and high-speed stability on the highway remains reassuringly solid.
Performance: Wet
Wet braking and hydroplaning resistance are among the DWS 06 Plus’s strongest assets. The advanced silica-rich compound and deep circumferential grooves rapidly evacuate water, providing secure contact even during heavy downpours. In real-world wet braking, the tire inspires confidence, requiring noticeably less distance to stop versus many rivals in its class. Lateral grip remains high, and the tire resists sliding during abrupt maneuvers on slick surfaces. Aquaplaning is well controlled, with the tread design channeling water away efficiently. For drivers who regularly face rain-soaked roads, this tire stands out for its responsive feel and safety margin.
Performance: Snow & Ice
As an all-season UHP tire, the DWS 06 Plus is intended for occasional light snow and cold weather, not for severe winter conditions. The densely siped tread and flexible compound enable it to outperform most summer and traditional UHP all-seasons on light snow, providing usable traction for short commutes or unexpected flurries. Braking and acceleration on packed snow are competent for the segment, but deep snow or ice exposes the tire’s limits—dedicated winter tires remain far superior for those needs. The DWS 06 Plus is a reassuring choice for drivers in regions with infrequent or mild winter weather.
Comfort & Noise
Continental has engineered the DWS 06 Plus for daily usability, and it shows in its ride comfort. On smooth and moderately rough pavement, the tire absorbs impacts well, maintaining composure over expansion joints and potholes. Road noise is subdued for a UHP tire, with only a mild hum noticeable at highway speeds. Cabin intrusion is further reduced thanks to the tread’s variable pitch sequence. If your priorities include a quiet, comfortable ride alongside performance, the DWS 06 Plus strikes an admirable balance for the category.
Durability & Economy
Longevity and value are important for all-season tires, and the DWS 06 Plus delivers competitive wear characteristics. Continental rates the treadwear at 560 (UTQG: 560 AA A), which is impressive for a UHP tire. Real-world reports from US drivers indicate consistent tread life between 35,000 and 50,000 miles, depending on driving style and maintenance. The silica-infused compound also contributes to relatively low rolling resistance for the segment, helping to preserve fuel economy compared to older UHP designs. The tire’s even wear and clear QuickView indicators make it easy for owners to monitor remaining performance in various conditions.
Sizes & Alternatives
The DWS 06 Plus is available in a broad array of sizes, covering wheel diameters from 16 to 22 inches. Popular choices for enthusiasts and everyday drivers include:
- 225/45ZR17 (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Honda Accord Sport)
- 245/40ZR18 (Ford Mustang, Volkswagen GTI, Lexus IS)
- 235/40ZR18, 255/35ZR19, 275/40ZR20, and more
Key rivals in the North American market include:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+
The DWS 06 Plus is widely available through major retailers and tire shops across the US.
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding wet braking and hydroplaning resistance
- Sharp, responsive handling for an all-season tire
- Comfortable, quiet ride for the category
- Good treadwear for a UHP tire (UTQG 560 AA A)
- Wide range of sizes for sports sedans, coupes, and crossovers
- Clear tread wear indicators for easy monitoring
- Not a substitute for true winter tires on ice or deep snow
- Ultimate dry grip is below max-performance summer tires
- Price can be higher than some rivals
- Stiffer ride on rough urban pavement versus grand-touring all-seasons
Verdict
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands at the leading edge of ultra-high performance all-season tires. Its wet performance, particularly in braking and aquaplaning resistance, makes it a standout for drivers prioritizing safety and control in unpredictable weather. Coupled with precise dry handling and a comfortable ride, it suits both enthusiasts and everyday commuters who drive spiritedly or value a composed, confident feel year-round. While it cannot match a true winter tire in severe snow or ice, it’s a smart pick for those in temperate climates or as a three-season solution in colder regions. If you demand a tire that delivers real performance and peace of mind, and your winter weather is moderate, the DWS 06 Plus is well worth considering—especially in popular sizes like 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18.
Is there a noticeable difference in ride comfort or noise levels between the two fitments reviewed (225/45ZR17 vs 245/40ZR18), especially for daily commuting?
Between the 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18 fitments, the 17-inch (225/45ZR17) generally offers a slightly softer ride and lower noise due to its higher sidewall, making it a bit more comfortable for daily commuting. The 18-inch (245/40ZR18) may feel firmer and transmit more road noise, but the difference is subtle unless driving on rougher surfaces.
You mention the DWS 06 Plus offers strong wet traction thanks to its silica-infused tread. How does this compound hold up in terms of treadwear if most of my driving is in hot, dry conditions?
The silica-infused compound in the DWS 06 Plus is designed to balance wet traction and treadwear, but consistently hot, dry conditions can accelerate treadwear a bit compared to mild climates. However, the tire still performs well and wears evenly for its category, so you should see good longevity as long as you maintain proper tire pressure and rotation.
For someone with a performance crossover primarily used in a mild climate, would you recommend going with the 245/40ZR18 size for stability, or does it compromise ride quality or fuel economy?
A 245/40ZR18 tire will boost stability and cornering grip, which is great for a performance crossover. However, compared to a narrower or taller sidewall size, you might notice a slightly firmer ride and a small reduction in fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance. If sporty handling is your priority, it’s a good choice; otherwise, consider your comfort and fuel needs.
For someone primarily commuting but planning a road trip through some light snow, does the silica-infused tread provide enough confidence or would a dedicated winter tire still be much safer?
The silica-infused tread on the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus does improve grip in light snow compared to typical all-season tires, making it a solid choice for occasional winter conditions. However, if your trip involves consistently icy or deep snow roads, a dedicated winter tire will offer noticeably better traction and safety. For light snow on well-maintained roads, the DWS 06 Plus should serve you well.
Are there any budget-friendly alternatives for a parent who’s not driving a sports car but wants good safety in rain and some snow?
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with good safety in rain and some snow, consider all-season touring tires like the General Altimax RT43 or the Cooper CS5 Grand Touring. These are designed for everyday driving, provide reliable wet and light snow traction, and tend to be less expensive than ultra-high performance models.
I see the DWS 06 Plus features QuickView Performance Indicators. Can a beginner like me easily check tire wear using those, or would I need special tools?
You can easily check the QuickView Performance Indicators without any special tools. These markings are built right into the tread and let you see at a glance how much performance remains for dry, wet, and snow conditions. Just look at the indicators—when a word disappears, that type of performance is reduced.
For someone who drives a BMW 3 Series but encounters occasional light snow, will these offer enough traction or should I still consider switching to true winter tires?
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus offers good traction in light snow for an all-season tire, making it suitable for occasional wintry conditions. However, if you often face packed snow or icy roads during winter, true winter tires are recommended for optimal safety and grip.
Is there a big price jump for the 245/40ZR18 size compared to the 225/45ZR17, and are both sizes equally easy to find at most tire shops?
The 245/40ZR18 size is typically more expensive than the 225/45ZR17, mainly due to its larger diameter and wider tread. The price difference varies by retailer but can be significant. As for availability, both sizes are fairly common, but the 225/45ZR17 may be a bit easier to find since it’s used on more vehicles.
How does the DWS 06 Plus handle road noise and comfort over rough pavement compared to other UHP all-season tires, especially for customers using them for daily commuting?
The DWS 06 Plus is well-regarded for its quiet ride and impressive comfort, even on rough pavement. Compared to many other ultra-high-performance all-season tires, it reduces road noise and absorbs bumps effectively, making it a solid choice for daily commuters who want both sporty handling and a smooth, comfortable drive.
My teen is starting to drive our family car, and safety in rain is a big concern. Does the silica compound in these really make a difference in wet braking for less experienced drivers?
The silica compound in the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus does improve wet braking by enhancing grip and reducing stopping distances, even on slippery roads. This can provide an extra margin of safety for less experienced drivers, helping the tires maintain better contact and control in rainy conditions.
I noticed the article mentions SportPlus+ Technology and X-Sipe design. How do these features impact tread life or long-term durability for daily commuters?
SportPlus+ Technology enhances tread life by improving wear resistance and maintaining consistent performance over time, which is especially valuable for daily commuting. The X-Sipe design helps the tire adapt to various road conditions, reducing uneven wear and extending overall durability. Together, these features contribute to longer-lasting tires and reliable daily use.
I’m interested in the 225/45ZR17 size for my Accord Sport. Does the SportPlus+ Technology actually make a noticeable difference in everyday commuting comfort versus other Continental options?
SportPlus+ Technology in the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is designed to enhance both handling and ride comfort. For daily commuting, you’ll likely notice a smoother feel over bumps and better grip compared to some older Continental models. While it’s still a performance tire, most drivers report a noticeable improvement in comfort and road noise over previous versions or other UHP all-season options.
Does the DWS 06 Plus maintain its sharp steering and cornering grip as it wears down, or do you notice those handling qualities taper off compared to when they’re new?
You may notice a slight decrease in steering sharpness and cornering grip as the DWS 06 Plus wears down, especially when the tread becomes significantly shallower. However, many users report that the tire retains much of its confident handling well into its lifespan, provided it’s properly maintained and rotated.
For a daily driver like a Honda Accord Sport, how long can I realistically expect these tires to last with regular commuting and occasional spirited driving?
With regular commuting and some spirited driving on your Honda Accord Sport, you can typically expect the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus tires to last between 35,000 and 50,000 miles. Actual mileage depends on factors like driving habits, road conditions, and proper maintenance such as tire rotations and correct air pressure.
With the technology like SportPlus+ and QuickView Indicators, do you find these features actually useful in daily driving, or are they more of a marketing thing?
SportPlus+ technology does enhance grip and handling, especially in varied weather, so that’s tangible in daily driving. The QuickView Indicators are practical too—they make it easy to check tread wear and alignment at a glance, which helps with regular maintenance. Both features offer real benefits beyond just marketing.
For someone living in an area with frequent light snow but occasional heavy storms, would these tires still be a safe choice, or should I look into a dedicated winter set?
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus handles light snow quite well for an all-season tire, but if you regularly face heavy snow or icy conditions, a dedicated winter tire will offer much better traction and safety during those storms. For mostly light snow with rare heavy events, you might get by with the DWS 06 Plus, but winter tires are the safer bet in tough conditions.
Are there any notable differences in handling or treadwear between the 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18 sizes that a buyer should know about?
Between the 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18 sizes, you’ll notice that the 245/40ZR18 offers a slightly wider contact patch, which can provide more grip and stability, especially in cornering. However, treadwear differences are minimal and mainly depend on driving style. The wider 245s may also lead to a firmer ride and slightly more road noise compared to the 225s.
I saw the DWS 06 Plus is rated for light snow, but how well does it actually handle in winter compared to a dedicated snow tire? I drive a Honda Accord Sport and want something safe year-round but don’t want to swap tires.
The DWS 06 Plus performs better in light snow than most all-season tires, offering decent grip and control for winter commutes. However, it’s still not on par with a dedicated snow tire, especially in deep snow or icy conditions. For year-round convenience without swapping tires, it’s a solid choice, but true winter tires will always be safer in harsh winter weather.
Are there any trade-offs when choosing the 245/40ZR18 size for daily driving, like fuel economy or tire wear, compared to the narrower 225/45ZR17?
Choosing the 245/40ZR18 size instead of the narrower 225/45ZR17 can lead to a slight decrease in fuel economy, since wider tires generally create more rolling resistance. You may also notice a marginally firmer ride and potentially faster tire wear if your driving style is aggressive. However, the wider size typically offers better grip and handling.