Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus Review [2023 Updated]

By Tire Expert, Josh Boyd

The Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is marketed as a premium all-season tire, geared toward exhibiting superior ride comfort, and heightened fuel efficiency.

Continental also stipulates that their use of a proprietary tread compound guarantees a much quieter ride than similar tires offered by the competition.

Offered exclusively at Discount Tire, the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is offered at a moderate price point, when compared to performance tires of a similar grade.

Let’s get into this review.

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Pros

Cons

Ratings

4.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

4.0

3.0

4.5

Wet Traction:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Dry Traction:

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Snow Traction:

★★★★★ 3.0/5

Ride Comfort:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Ride Handling:

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Ride Noise:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Hydroplaning:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Tread Life:

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Value For $$$:

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Traction - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

One of the strongest cases for the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus relates to the tire’s substantial tractive ability. The ControlContact Tour A/S Plus offers a high degree of traction under a wide array of road conditions, including those that are less than favorable in nature. This not only proves effective at preventing wheel slip but also reduces braking distances as well.

Much of the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus tractive ability comes courtesy of a strategically-engineered tread compound, complete with Tg-F polymers and specialty silane additives. The refined composition of this tread compound provides excellent adhesion to road surfaces, thereby preventing traction loss during moderately-spirited driving.

However, it is worth mentioning that the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus somewhat lacks, in terms of winter weather performance. Though the tire’s traction under such circumstances is still suitable to a certain degree, the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is far from a dedicated winter tire, by design. Nonetheless, I still feel that this tire is more than deserving of a 4-star traction rating.

Traction Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Ride Comfort - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

Continental has not been shy when advertising the heightened level of comfort associated with the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus. The manufacturer specifically mentions this characteristic as a highlight of the tire’s design. Astoundingly, it appears as if Continental has delivered on its claims, as the majority of consumer response in this category has been favorable.

This improved ride comfort is made possible through Continental´s use of a newly designed Comfort Band, which lies between its steel belts. This Comfort Band serves as an integrated damper of sorts, cushioning excess vibration that would otherwise be transmitted to a vehicle´s chassis. As a result, you are far less apt to feel every hump, bump, or imperfection in the road.

The use of the Continental ControlContact ́ s Comfort Band is also complemented by the tire ́s carefully-engineered tread patch, which was designed with the notion of enhanced ride comfort front and center. This tread minimizes tire harmonics and cuts annoying vibration to a significant degree. This, in turn, nets the Tour A/S Plus a 4-star rating in this category.

Ride Comfort Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Ride Handling - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

Continental Tire has also been quick to claim that the ControlContact A/S Plus exhibits a superb degree of handling prowess, making it much more than a simple highway tire. This is a claim that has been largely substantiated by consumers across the country. This is relatively impressive, considering that such characteristics are not typically attributed to standard touring tires.

The ControlContact A/S Plus´ handling capabilities should come as no surprise, considering Continental´s use of aggressive biting edges within its tread pattern, the likes of which are usually reserved for high-performance tires. This should provide consumers with peace of mind, knowing that they will be fully capable of navigating any twists or turns that lie ahead.

However, it is worth pointing out that the ControlContact A/S Plus is not intended for use on high-horsepower applications, as it is engineered to meet the needs of those with standard sedans, minivans, and crossovers. Those that are intent on power driving might get better use out of the Continental TrueContact Tour or ControlContact Sport or ExtremeContact tires.

Ride Handling Rating: 3.5/5

★★★★★ 3.5/5

Ride Noise - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

The Continental ControlContact A/S Plus is advertised as being notably quiet in operation, producing little to no road noise at all. Again, it appears as if Continental was honest in their assessment of the new A/S tires, as the bulk of consumers has seconded this notion. Simply put, road noise complaints regarding the ControlContact A/S Plus have been non-existent.

This level of noise suppression comes courtesy of Continental´s integrated comfort band, which significantly reduces both noise and vibration, thereby taking the harshness out of one´s daily commute. Any noise that remains is largely stifled to the point of being a non-issue, even when cruising at the upper echelons of highway speed.

Another common denominator in Continental´s mission to eliminate excess road noise is the ControlContact A/S Plus ́ expertly engineered tread patch, which provides excellent adhesion, while also reducing noise-producing friction for a quiet ride. For this reason, we feel that the ControlContact A/S Tour Plus is deserving of a 4-star rating, in regards to overall road noise.

Ride Noise Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Hydroplaning - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

The Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus offers a slightly higher degree of protection against hydroplaning than the average new tire offered within this price tier. This promotes an enhanced level of safety, as well as ample peace of mind for consumers who wish to commute without worry, no matter the weather conditions at hand.

This increased wet road performance is achieved through the use of specialty full-depth sipes, designed to funnel water away from the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus´ tread patch. This level of protection against adverse weather conditions is further enhanced, through the manufacturer´s use of highly-pronounced traction grooves, staggered across the tire´s surface.

While you would not want to drive without caution, in the midst of a heavy downpour, the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus does allow you to drive with a heightened level of confidence. With this in mind, the prevailing thought is that this tire should take home a 3.5-star rating in the area of hydroplaning resistance.

Hydroplaning Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Tread Life - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

Continental has leaned heavily upon the notion of extended tread life when marketing the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus, even boasting of the tire´s extensive treadwear warranty. By all accounts, it seems as if these claims are relatively justified. Many consumers report driving for more than 20,000 miles on a set of A/S Plus tires, without much in the way of noticeable wear.

Consumers have Continental´s EcoPlus Technology and proprietary tread compound to thank for this increased longevity, as well as a reported increase in fuel economy. Simply put, this level of tread heartiness did not materialize out of thin air, as Continental spent a number of years perfecting this unique technology, through a volley of rigorous tests.

Continental also stands behind its claims, backing each ControlContact Tour A/S plus tire with an unprecedented treadwear warranty of up to 80,000. This presents a win-win scenario for consumers, who will either get their money’s worth out of the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus or will be given pro-rated replacement tires at a significantly reduced price.

Tread Life Rating: 4.5/5

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Value For Money - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

If you are in search of the cheapest tires on the market, then there are likely better options than the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus. However, if you are seeking a quality tire, rich in unique features, that can still be purchased without taking out a loan, then these particular tires are worthy of your attention. You will be sure to make the most out of each dollar that is spent.

The ControlContact Tour A/S Plus provides remarkable traction at a reasonable price, while also standing the test of time (and miles). Even more remarkable, is the fact that these tires accomplish this without sacrificing anything in regards to ride comfort or noise production. This is quite impressive in light of the cost associated with many tires of similar construction.

There are a number of tires, such as many produced by Michelin, that showcase a wealth of the same characteristics exhibited by the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus. However, few if any are offered in absence of an exorbitant retail price. Continental obviously aimed to present a quality product at a fair price and succeeded mightily in doing so.

Value For Money Rating: 4.0/5

★★★★★ 4.0/5

Final Verdict - Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus

The Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is fairly impressive overall. This tire exhibits almost any favorable characteristic that consumers could ask for, at a price that is considerably less than the majority of touring tires currently offered. Furthermore, the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus comes backed by one of the industry’s most comprehensive warranties.

First and foremost, the Continental ControlContact Plus showcases a remarkable degree of traction, even in the midst of less than ideal weather. This tire is designed to resist hydroplaning, thanks to the use of a set of full-depth sipes, and adheres without fail to most any road surface. The A/S Plus even performs decently in light snow, though driving in deep snow is best avoided.

In terms of overall comfort and ride quality, the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is one of the best tires currently available, especially at its specified retail price. This tire utilizes a unique Comfort Band, which is placed between the A/S Plus ́ belts, that is intended to dampen vibration at its source.

The Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus also shines brightly, in terms of effective treadwear life. This tire resists treadwear to a significant degree, thereby benefiting from a greatly extended service life. ControlContact Tour A/S Plus tires are even covered by a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 total miles.

If you are currently seeking a quality replacement tire for a sedan, crossover, or minivan, the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is more than worthy of your consideration. There is little negative to say about this premium touring tire, as the ControlContact Tour A/S Plus appears to come good on all of Continental´s lofty claims.

Meet Your Tire Expert

Josh Boyd

With 6 ASE Certifications between the passenger car/light truck and medium/heavy truck test series, Josh has 10+ years of experience working with cars and trucks.

Tire Recall Information

Recall information for the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is coming soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Continental Tires Ride Rough?

Though some tires within every manufacturer´s portfolio ride rougher than others, the Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is known for its silky smooth ride characteristics. This tire´s proprietary tread compound resists vibration transfer to a significant degree, thereby minimizing driver discomfort at any speed.

Is Continental A Premium Tire?

Tires manufactured by Continental are typically marketed within the industry´s premium sector and are engineered to meet the needs of even the most demanding of consumers. A number of the company´s tires have even been used as original equipment on a host of new vehicles, including those produced by Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Audi, and Porsche.

Is Continental Contact A Good Tire?

The Continental ControlContact Tour A/S Plus is known for its superior quality and reasonable retail price. This tire utilizes a proprietary tread compound, which produces a significant degree of traction, while simultaneously resisting premature treadwear. The ControlContact Tour A/S Plus has also gained substantial notoriety for its remarkably smooth ride.