Continental IceContact Extreme (XTRM)

TIRECRAFT is pleased to announce that the Continental IceContact Extreme (XTRM) tires will be added to our 2022 lineup for the upcoming winter season! This is a studded and non-studded premium winter tire made for passenger cars, with unique features such as efficient groove network, connected center rib and siping, stud retention technology and more. The Continental IceContact XTRM’s are designed to last through Canadas’ harsh winters, with outstanding grip on snow and ice and the ability to handle slushy roads. There is also reduced tread noise levels, allowing for a more comfortable ride which will keep you and your passengers feeling safe and sound at all times.

This product is offered with or without studs, is perfect for winter driving, and contains a highly structured design that counts nine side elements, providing better grip thanks to the many grooves it has. The IceContact XTRM is also a great option for electric cars, providing greater driving stability and is made available in sizes designed for all sorts of models.

Why Choose the Continental IceContact Extreme (XTRM)?

These high grade tires have outstanding wet grip, perform well in wet conditions, with performance graded from class A to class E. The higher grade means short braking distance on wet roads. This product also has reduced rolling resistance levels, contributing to lower CO2 emissions and thus saving fuel.  Your Continental tires come with the extended warranty, along with 3 year roadside assistance and a 60 day trial to test your new product. Finally, you are guaranteed quality. Continental products provide safety, confidence and reassurance, with top-quality German engineering.

The IceContact XTRM has enhanced grip, responsive handling, and ultra-high performance which handles freezing rain, snow, slush and ice. This premium winter tire also fits a large range of vehicles, such as subcompact to full size cars, crossovers, as well as sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks. This makes the product widely universal and can be meant for practically anyone.

What is the Total Confidence Plan?

The Total Confidence Plan provides an industry-leading warranty after purchasing a Continental tire. This includes 3 years of roadside assistance, a complimentary tire change or towing up to 250 kilometers in case of a flat tire. It also offers road hazard coverage, customer satisfaction trial and emergency trip interruption coverage.

What is the IceContact XTRM made of?

There are many components inside this IceContact Extreme (XTRM) tire that make it unique. Tristar cleats, produced by Tikka in Finland exclusively for Continental, allows for stronger grip on ice in all directions compared to the standard, round cleats seen on most winter tires. It is made of lightweight aluminum, 11mm long, and a stud head design promoting better lateral grip on ice compared to directional studs. Tires come in over 91 sizes, from 15-through 22-inch diameters, covering almost everything from A3’s to 911s.

The IceContact XTRM includes 11-millimeter aluminum studs. Compared to standard, “steel spikes”, the studs guarantee more traction from all directions, while helping reduce road wear. In specific, the stud retention technology uses a coating that is proven to be four times stronger and more durable, allowing the IceContact XTRM to contact 5% more of the icy road.

Design of the IceContact XTRM

The Continental IceContact Extreme (XTRM) has a V-shaped tread pattern, with 9 lateral elements. The pockets and ridges in the sidewall provide traction in deep snow, and the lateral grooves to remove slush and water are wider on the outside than in the middle. Considering Canadian temperatures tend to fluctuate heavily, this tire will assure 100% safety even on the worst of days.

On the studded tire, each stud is surrounded by an ‘ice reservoir’ to help maintain performance. XTRM also uses aluminum stud bodies and a TriStar head. Studs receive a chemical coating before insertion, then a chemical bond between the stud body and the surrounding tire compound starts to form. This stud retention represents the 5% more grip on the ice, as mentioned by Continental.

A computer analysis determined that there should be 130 studs within the tread. Each of them being surrounded by a crushed ice reservoir. This helps balance the number of stud rows with the lowest possible tire-road noise.

Please note that studded tires are banned in Southern Ontario, but remain legal in many parts of Canada. Studs help your vehicle receive more traction when it comes to braking, as opposed to what traditional rubber can. Still, they can also cause damage to roadside services and have less grip on asphalt than  non-studded tires do.

The IceContact XTRM is perfect for performance-oriented cars, made specifically for our unique Canadian market. This will benefit all users and guarantee consumer satisfaction. To learn more about the Continental IceContact XTRM, call your local TIRECRAFT dealer today. Our experienced technicians and service advisors will be pleased to help you with your needs!

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