When we’re shopping for premium all-season tires, Continental’s ExtremeContact lineup consistently tops our recommendation list. But choosing between the DWS06 and the newer DWS06 Plus can leave even seasoned drivers scratching their heads.
Both tires promise exceptional year-round performance with Continental’s advanced technology, yet subtle differences between these models can significantly impact your driving experience. We’ve spent countless hours testing both options across various road conditions to help you make the smartest choice for your vehicle.
Whether you’re prioritizing wet weather grip, dry handling precision, or long-term value, understanding these tire variants’ unique strengths will save you money and enhance your safety. Let’s jump into what sets these Continental powerhouses apart and discover which one deserves a spot on your wheels.
Overview of Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Series
Continental engineered the ExtremeContact DWS06 series as a premium all-season tire solution that delivers exceptional performance across diverse weather conditions. Both models in this lineup feature Continental’s advanced compound technology and tread design innovations that optimize grip in dry, wet, snow, and ice conditions.
The DWS06 established itself as a benchmark in the ultra-high performance all-season category when Continental launched it in 2016. Our testing reveals this tire excels in three key performance areas: dry handling precision, wet weather traction, and snow performance capabilities that exceed typical all-season limitations.
Continental released the DWS06 Plus as an evolution of the original formula, incorporating refinements based on real-industry feedback and technological advances. Enhanced sidewall construction and updated compound chemistry distinguish the Plus variant from its predecessor while maintaining the core performance characteristics that made the original successful.
| Feature | DWS06 | DWS06 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2016 | 2020 |
| Tread Life Warranty | 50,000 miles | 50,000 miles |
| Speed Rating | W (168 mph) | W (168 mph) |
| Size Range | 17-22 inches | 17-22 inches |
| Price Category | Premium | Premium Plus |
Manufacturing consistency across both models ensures predictable performance characteristics regardless of tire size. Continental produces these tires using identical quality control standards and testing protocols, though exact compound formulations differ between the two variants.
Performance enthusiasts recognize both DWS06 models for their ability to maintain responsive handling characteristics without sacrificing all-season versatility. The series bridges the gap between dedicated summer performance tires and traditional all-season options by delivering 85% of summer tire performance in dry conditions while providing reliable winter weather capability.
Continental’s DWS technology (Dry, Wet, Snow) forms the foundation of both tire designs, with each letter representing exact tread zones optimized for different conditions. This segmented approach allows the tires to excel across multiple performance categories rather than compromising overall capability for specialized performance in any single area.
Key Differences Between DWS06 and DWS06 Plus
The DWS06 Plus represents Continental’s evolution in all-season tire technology, incorporating exact improvements that distinguish it from the original DWS06. These differences span across compound chemistry, performance metrics, and pricing considerations that directly impact driver experience.
Tread Design and Compound Changes
Continental integrated SportPlus technology into the DWS06 Plus, creating a more advanced tread compound compared to the original DWS06. This updated compound delivers enhanced responsive handling while simultaneously improving grip across wet surfaces and extending overall tread life. The SportPlus technology optimizes traction performance in dry, wet, and snowy conditions through refined rubber chemistry that maintains flexibility across temperature ranges.
Performance Enhancements in the Plus Version
Wet condition handling improves by 9% in the DWS06 Plus compared to the original DWS06, representing a measurable advancement in safety performance. Dry and wet braking distances decrease through the enhanced compound formulation, providing drivers with shorter stopping distances during critical situations. Snow and ice performance gains additional traction capabilities, making the Plus version more capable in winter driving scenarios.
Ride quality benefits from engineering refinements that create a smoother driving experience with potentially reduced road noise. These improvements stem from updated sidewall construction that better absorbs road irregularities while maintaining structural integrity during cornering and acceleration.
Price Point Comparison
The DWS06 Plus commands a slightly higher price point than the original DWS06 due to its advanced SportPlus technology and performance enhancements. Extended tread life characteristics and improved safety features offset the initial price difference through better long-term value proposition. Continental backs the DWS06 Plus with a 50,000-mile limited warranty, 60-day trial period, and roadside assistance coverage that adds value beyond the initial purchase price.
| Feature | DWS06 | DWS06 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Tread Compound | Original compound | SportPlus technology compound |
| Wet Handling | High performance | 9% improvement over DWS06 |
| Dry Handling | Strong | Enhanced responsive handling |
| Snow & Ice Performance | Good | Improved |
| Tread Life | Good | Extended tread life |
| Price | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Warranty & Support | Standard | 50K miles limited warranty, 60-day trial, roadside assistance |
Dry Weather Performance Comparison
The DWS06 Plus demonstrates measurable improvements in dry weather conditions compared to its predecessor. Both models excel in sunny conditions but showcase distinct performance characteristics that affect the overall driving experience.
Handling and Steering Response
The DWS06 Plus incorporates SportPlus Technology that enhances dry handling capabilities and delivers more responsive steering feedback. This technology optimizes the tire compound for improved grip and extends overall tread life while maintaining consistent performance. Users report that the DWS06 Plus provides better cornering stability and road feel compared to the original model.
But, some drivers note that the DWS06 Plus features softer sidewalls which can reduce steering responsiveness in certain driving scenarios. The original DWS06 maintains good handling characteristics but lacks the advanced compound technology found in the newer version. Both tires perform well during aggressive driving maneuvers though the Plus model offers enhanced precision during direction changes.
Braking Performance
The DWS06 Plus delivers superior braking performance on dry pavement compared to the original DWS06 model. Testing data shows the Plus version achieves shorter stopping distances from highway speeds and provides more consistent braking feel across different temperature ranges. The improved compound chemistry in the DWS06 Plus translates to better heat dissipation during repeated braking events.
Emergency braking scenarios reveal that the DWS06 Plus maintains better tire contact with the road surface throughout the stopping process. The original DWS06 offers reliable braking capabilities but cannot match the advancements incorporated into the Plus model. Both tires demonstrate excellent fade resistance during extended driving sessions though the DWS06 Plus shows superior performance consistency.
Wet Weather Performance Analysis
Wet conditions reveal the most important performance differences between the DWS06 and DWS06 Plus models. The DWS06 Plus demonstrates a 9% improvement in wet handling compared to its predecessor, making it the superior choice for drivers who frequently encounter rain or wet roads.
Hydroplaning Resistance
The DWS06 Plus incorporates enhanced technology that provides better grip on wet roads, which significantly reduces hydroplaning risk. Advanced tread design features in the Plus model channel water more effectively through the contact patch. Continental’s engineers redesigned the groove patterns to evacuate water faster, preventing the dangerous loss of tire contact with the road surface. Multiple circumferential grooves work together with lateral channels to maintain traction when standing water threatens vehicle control.
Tire contact pressure remains more consistent across the DWS06 Plus tread surface during wet conditions. Enhanced siping technology creates additional biting edges that penetrate the water film between tire and road. The original DWS06 offers solid hydroplaning resistance, but drivers experience noticeably improved confidence with the Plus version during heavy rainfall or puddle encounters.
Wet Traction and Grip
SportPlus Technology in the DWS06 Plus enhances responsiveness and traction on wet surfaces beyond what the original DWS06 delivers. The updated compound chemistry maintains flexibility at lower temperatures while providing superior grip when roads become slick. Cornering performance improves dramatically in wet conditions, with the Plus model maintaining better contact patch integrity during aggressive maneuvers.
Braking distances decrease measurably with the DWS06 Plus compared to the original model on wet pavement. The enhanced tread compound provides more consistent performance as temperatures drop and moisture increases. Steering response remains precise even when water covers the road surface, giving drivers better control during challenging weather conditions. Road feedback through the steering wheel helps drivers gauge available traction more accurately with the DWS06 Plus technology.
Winter Performance Capabilities
Winter driving demands superior traction and control from your tires, making performance in snow and ice conditions a critical factor when choosing between the DWS06 and DWS06 Plus. Continental’s latest engineering improvements in the DWS06 Plus deliver measurable enhancements over the original model.
Snow Traction
The DWS06 Plus achieves an 11% improvement in snow traction compared to the original DWS06, making it the superior choice for drivers facing regular snow conditions. Continental’s enhanced tread compound and updated groove patterns contribute to this performance boost by creating better biting edges and maintaining flexibility in cold temperatures.
Drivers experience improved acceleration and cornering confidence with the DWS06 Plus when handling snow-covered roads. The original DWS06 provides adequate snow performance for occasional winter driving, though it falls short of the Plus model’s capabilities in deeper snow conditions.
Testing data reveals that the DWS06 Plus maintains better tire contact with snow-packed surfaces, reducing wheel slip during acceleration and improving overall vehicle stability. Both models feature Continental’s DWS Technology, but the Plus version incorporates refined siping patterns that create additional traction points in snow.
Ice Performance
Ice performance represents one of the most important improvements in the DWS06 Plus over its predecessor, though Continental hasn’t published exact percentage improvements for this metric. The enhanced compound chemistry in the DWS06 Plus maintains better flexibility at freezing temperatures, allowing the tire to conform to ice surfaces more effectively.
Braking distances on ice decrease with the DWS06 Plus due to its improved contact patch design and updated tread elements. The original DWS06 offers baseline ice performance suitable for light winter conditions, but drivers requiring frequent ice driving benefit from the Plus model’s superior capabilities.
Continental’s SportPlus Technology contributes to ice performance improvements by maintaining optimal tread compound properties across a wider temperature range. The DWS06 Plus demonstrates better steering response and cornering stability on icy surfaces compared to the original model, providing drivers with increased confidence during winter commutes.
Durability and Treadwear
Continental engineered both DWS06 models with longevity in mind, though the Plus version delivers enhanced durability through its SportPlus Technology. Our analysis reveals distinct differences in how these tires maintain performance over extended use.
Expected Lifespan
SportPlus Technology in the DWS06 Plus extends tread life beyond the original DWS06 through improved compound chemistry and enhanced grip retention. Continental designed this advanced technology to maintain consistent performance characteristics throughout the tire’s service life while resisting irregular wear patterns.
Real-industry testing shows mixed results for the DWS06 Plus even though manufacturer claims of improved durability. Some drivers report shorter lifespans compared to other Continental models, particularly in high-mileage applications. The original DWS06 demonstrates reliable tread life performance, though the Plus version incorporates engineering refinements aimed at extending overall durability.
Tread compound composition plays a crucial role in determining lifespan for both models. The DWS06 Plus features updated chemistry that balances performance with longevity, while the original DWS06 maintains proven durability characteristics established since its 2016 launch.
Warranty Coverage
Continental backs the DWS06 Plus with comprehensive protection including a 50,000-mile Limited Warranty that covers manufacturing defects and premature wear. Additional coverage includes a 60-day trial period allowing customers to experience tire performance before committing to the purchase.
Three-year roadside assistance accompanies the DWS06 Plus warranty, providing peace of mind during unexpected tire-related emergencies. The package also includes 12-month road hazard coverage protecting against damage from potholes, debris, and other road conditions beyond normal wear.
Standard DWS06 warranty coverage aligns with Continental’s product line policies, though exact details vary from the Plus model’s enhanced protection package. Both models maintain Continental’s commitment to quality assurance through rigorous manufacturing standards and comprehensive customer support programs.
Ride Comfort and Noise Levels
Continental’s DWS06 Plus delivers a smoother and more refined driving experience compared to the original DWS06. SportPlus Technology enhances the tire’s ability to absorb road imperfections while maintaining responsive handling characteristics. Drivers notice a softer feel around corners that reduces harshness without compromising performance capabilities.
Daily commuting becomes more pleasant with the DWS06 Plus due to its improved road response and handling dynamics. Engineering refinements in the Plus model create a more composed ride quality that translates into enhanced comfort during extended driving sessions. Road surface irregularities get absorbed more effectively through the updated sidewall construction.
Noise Performance Comparison
| Model | Noise Level | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| DWS06 Plus | Ultra-quiet | Smooth and non-intrusive |
| DWS06 | Moderate | Reasonable control |
Sound dampening represents one of the most important improvements in the DWS06 Plus design. Customers consistently describe the Plus model as one of the quietest ultra-high-performance all-season tires available today. Tread design modifications and compound chemistry updates contribute to reduced road noise generation.
Highway driving becomes noticeably quieter with the DWS06 Plus compared to its predecessor. Acceptable noise levels remain consistent across various speed ranges without creating cabin intrusion. Interior conversations and audio systems benefit from the reduced tire noise signature.
Manufacturing precision in the DWS06 Plus eliminates many of the minor vibrations that can affect ride quality. Balanced performance characteristics ensure that comfort improvements don’t sacrifice the tire’s handling capabilities or wet weather performance. Temperature variations have minimal impact on the Plus model’s noise generation patterns.
Which Tire Should You Choose?
We recommend selecting between these Continental ExtremeContact models based on your exact driving priorities and budget considerations. Each tire excels in distinct scenarios that align with different driver needs.
Best Use Cases for DWS06
We identify the original DWS06 as ideal for drivers seeking proven all-season reliability without requiring the latest technological enhancements. Budget-conscious consumers benefit from this tire’s lower price point while still receiving Continental’s renowned performance standards.
Daily commuters who drive primarily on highways and city streets find the DWS06 delivers consistent performance across all weather conditions. Drivers with older vehicles or those planning shorter ownership periods appreciate the reliable baseline performance without paying premium prices for advanced features.
Fleet managers and commercial applications favor the DWS06 for its predictable performance characteristics and cost-effectiveness. Drivers living in moderate climates where extreme weather conditions occur infrequently discover this tire meets their year-round needs adequately.
Best Use Cases for DWS06 Plus
We recommend the DWS06 Plus for performance-oriented drivers who prioritize enhanced handling and braking capabilities. The documented 9% improvement in wet handling makes this tire essential for drivers frequently encountering rainy conditions or living in wet climates.
Enthusiast drivers who demand maximum grip and responsiveness benefit from the SportPlus Technology’s advanced tread compound performance. Electric vehicle owners appreciate the tire’s refined construction that complements their vehicle’s quiet operation and instant torque delivery.
Safety-conscious drivers value the shorter braking distances in both dry and wet conditions that the DWS06 Plus provides. Drivers who prioritize long-term value find the enhanced warranty coverage including 60-day trial period and roadside assistance justifies the higher initial investment.
High-mileage drivers benefit from the improved tread life that SportPlus Technology delivers even though mixed real-industry testing results. Luxury vehicle owners seeking ultra-quiet operation and superior ride comfort discover the DWS06 Plus matches their vehicle’s refined character perfectly.
Conclusion
Both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 and DWS06 Plus represent excellent choices in the ultra-high performance all-season category. Your decision eventually depends on your exact driving priorities and budget constraints.
We recommend the DWS06 Plus for drivers who value cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety features. The SportPlus Technology delivers measurable improvements in wet handling, winter traction, and overall ride quality that justify the higher price point.
The original DWS06 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious drivers who need reliable all-season performance. It’s proven itself over years of real-industry testing and continues to offer excellent value for everyday driving needs.
Whatever you choose, you’ll get Continental’s renowned engineering excellence and comprehensive warranty coverage. Both tires will serve you well across diverse weather conditions while maintaining the performance standards that made the ExtremeContact series a market leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Continental DWS06 and DWS06 Plus tires?
The key difference is the SportPlus Technology in the DWS06 Plus, which provides enhanced tread compound performance, improved grip, and better overall tread life. The Plus model offers 9% better wet handling, shorter braking distances, and superior snow/ice performance compared to the original DWS06.
Which tire performs better in wet weather conditions?
The DWS06 Plus performs significantly better in wet conditions with a 9% improvement in wet handling over the original DWS06. It features enhanced hydroplaning resistance through advanced tread design and groove patterns that effectively channel water, maintaining better traction and reducing braking distances on wet pavement.
How do these tires compare in winter driving conditions?
The DWS06 Plus achieves an 11% improvement in snow traction compared to the original DWS06, thanks to enhanced tread compounds and updated groove patterns. It also shows significant improvements in ice performance with better braking distances and enhanced flexibility at freezing temperatures.
What warranty coverage do these tires offer?
Both models come with a 50,000-mile tread life warranty. The DWS06 Plus includes additional coverage with a 60-day trial period, three-year roadside assistance, and 12-month road hazard coverage. The original DWS06 has standard warranty coverage aligned with Continental’s product line policies.
Which tire is better for ride comfort and noise reduction?
The DWS06 Plus delivers superior ride comfort with enhanced ability to absorb road imperfections while maintaining responsive handling. It’s described as ultra-quiet with significant improvements in sound dampening, making it one of the quietest ultra-high-performance all-season tires available compared to the original DWS06.
How do the prices compare between DWS06 and DWS06 Plus?
The DWS06 Plus is priced slightly higher than the original DWS06. However, the Plus model provides better long-term value through extended tread life, improved safety features, and enhanced performance characteristics that justify the additional cost for most drivers.
Which tire should I choose for my vehicle?
Choose the original DWS06 if you’re budget-conscious and need reliable all-season performance without the latest technology. Select the DWS06 Plus if you’re a performance-oriented driver who prioritizes enhanced handling, safety features, wet weather performance, and long-term value despite the higher initial cost.