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Can't choose which tires to buy for my Touareg...

19K views 41 replies 30 participants last post by  catalystgod  
#1 ·
Hello,

PLEASE help me to choose between these 2 tires. Size are 275/45 19
Car : Touareg 2009 V6

1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS

2. Michelin Latitude Tour HP

I will be using these tires during the SUMMER ONLY, so please do not consider snow driving in your recommendations.

My main criterias are
1 : Mileage
2 : Comfort (ONLY summer driving)

High speed driving is NOT a criteria for me.

From what I've heard so far, the continental seems better rated for speed/performance, while the Michelin seems better rated for mileage... But the Michelin cost is 200$ more than the Continental (1600$ vs 1400$) here in Canada... (both price include tax and installation)

Does the additional 200$ for the Michelin worth the expense??

Thank you everyone who can help me choose which tire I should buy.
 
#2 ·
General Grabber UHPs if you can get them. Quieter and more comfortable.
 
#5 ·
Compare them on Tire Rack's comparison chart. You can see how they stack up regarding mileage, grip in wet, cornering, loudness, etc. I did that when I needed 20" tires and went with the Conti's. I was more interested in road noise and mileage expectations as compared to other things. I also run them only in summer but where I live we can get early snow in the fall or a late storm in the spring. Spring being so early this year I put them on already knowing that we may get snow in April. With the DWS's I don't have to worry about it or use up my winter tread on dry roads. In my 20" size theDWS's had a great rating and decent price. I did not compare what tires were available in the 19"size but I'm sure you have more choices than I did.
 
#6 ·
I've got the DWS..they are amazing...a perfect match for the Treg. I don't like Michelins in general..they are overpriced, and not because they are high quality, they are overpriced because most of their plants are in France, and they are a French company which means that they have bloated socialist salaries and benefits to pay. (sorry for the politics)
 
#7 ·
Out of your 2 choices I would recommend the Continental's (and DW if summer only). I had the DW's on my GTi, and DWS on my wifes A4. I know it is hard to compare these cars to the Treg, but I was pretty impressed with them. The performance is there, but they are quiet and comfy- and a great value. I only have had them on for about 12k, and no signs of wear at all.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Philberg,
Continentals on your list are all-season extra performance tires, while Michelins are rated all-season touring. The DWS beat HP by most parameters other than tread life. I would definitely go with DWS – the name and extra 5k miles of thread life are not worth $200. Just curious…If, as you said, you’re looking to buy tires for summer driving only, why won’t you try high performance summer tires instead of all-season tires?

P.S. The only Michelin I had luck with is their X-ice winter tires bought for my wife’s 2012 Beetle last December. Other than that I’ve never had good luck with Michelin – thus my opinion is stained with prejudice. Interesting fact is that my girl’s Beetle mentioned above has Continental summer performance tires (put them on a couple of days ago) – and they are great!
 
#11 · (Edited)
I just ordered a set of Cooper Zeon LTZ 255/55 19's to replace my aging Continental DWS tires. I wanted to go with something a little more aggresive this go around.

I got about 30k out of my DWS's. For summer-only use, I would take them over the Michelin's. Contrary to a lot of others, I found the DWS's performance in snow and on ice somewhat disappointing here in Minnesnowta. I realize I am in the minority with that experience based on a lot of the reviews. However, the DWS's are quiet, visually appealing, and handle dry & wet pavement with aplomb.
 
#12 ·
I agree DWS as excellent in everything but snow...they are OK in a pinch (ie: light snowfall) but if you live in the snowbelt you need dedicated snowtires for winters regardless. Otherwise its a perfect 3 season + the odd snow dusting tire. IMO.

I've got Cooper ATRs on my F250, a bit loud but a good aggressive grippy tire in muddy conditions.
 
#13 ·
jltrdavis: I'm so jealous you got 30k out of your DWS's. Mine are down to 2/32nds with only about 17kmi on them.

I had bought them through discount tire direct, when I called them to see what tires they suggest I buy to replace the DWS's he said the only tire in my size (19's) he recommend would be the DWS again. Maybe round #2 will be better luck for me. haha
 
#21 ·
Just got to 32K on my original Continental 4x4 275/45R19. TOUAREG is a 2008, mostly city driving, 5-6 times a year drive to Southern California to visit my daughter at school. I figure the tires have maybe 3 months left. The roads here are probably some of the hottest in the country.

I like the tires, but should I go with buying tires for summer driving only, no snow here. Should I get high performance summer tires instead of all-season tires. Would Continental DWS be good for here in this sand pit. Or should I stay with the 4x4's that came with the TOUAREG. I really don't need all season tires. I really need an answer soon.

Sorry to beat a dead horse.
Thanks guys,
Mark
 
#23 ·
Many people think they are quieter with a more compliant ride too.

I did when I fitted them to my old T1.
 
#25 ·
I have two sets of 275/45/19 Michelin 4 x 4 Diamaris. I use 17" wheels in the winter. I just did a search, and they are $20/tire less (i.e., $341/tire at MICHELIN® 4X4 Diamaris 275/45R19 Y Tires | Summer Performance Tire for Cars) than the Latitude Tour HP, and have a higher, 186 mph speed index. I asked the dealer who sold me the Michelins about the Continental tires you mentioned, and he told me that he had complaints about the DWS' diminished tread life. He also commented that the Michelin's are expensive. Hard to have it both ways.

A Treg weighs over 2-1/2 tons, so considering it costs some bucks to mount and balance tires, an extra season of use might be worth paying a little more up front.
 
#28 ·
Just bought the Continue DWSs...the OEM 4x4s made it 24K. The TireRack guy raved about them in the wet, quite, tread life, and braking department.
 
#29 ·
DWS

I've just changed my first set of DWSs for another. Whilst a great tire, they only lasted me 20K! They all wore on the outside of the tire. My Treg is a 2004 V8 full suspension. My car seems to eat through tires! I was told by Toscalito Tires that European cars have their wheels set differently to all others - I found this a little far fetched.
 
#32 ·
I've just changed my first set of DWSs for another. Whilst a great tire, they only lasted me 20K! They all wore on the outside of the tire. My Treg is a 2004 V8 full suspension. My car seems to eat through tires! I was told by Toscalito Tires that European cars have their wheels set differently to all others - I found this a little far fetched.
It is generally true that Euro makers have the camber set more aggressively for better handling, they just about all do it. That being said, eating thru tires at 18-20K is like eating thru tires on a 911. Is the alignment and camber setting on your car set correctly? You can also have them set To not be so aggressive, you may give up a little handling but should get better tire wear.