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So I called Continental's customer support to ask what the difference is between the TrueContacts and the ControlContacts. The customer service rep was confused too and had to put me on hold to get more info. She said they are basically identical tires. ControlContacts are Discount Tire exclusive tires that Discount Tire asked them to make exclusively for them...kind of that "exclusive at" marketing strategy. She said I can get either of them and they'd be the same. The only thing to keep in mind would be in case I moved or was travelling and needed a new tire, I will only be able to find this tire at either Discount Tire or America's Tire.
I'm not sure an exclusive tire is necessarily a good thing as someone mentioned before. The TrueContacts are widely available should you have a flat in the boonies (a remote possibility for sure...).
I just put Defender XLTs on my wife's van. As far as I can tell they are the best all purpose tire with decent performance on slippery surfaces as well as dry. i did not want dedicated snow tires as the van has 223,000 miles and will not last long enough to justify the purchase of snow tires. We drove the van from near Detroit to Austin Texas and back for Christmas and the tires were terrific. Nice ride, nice performance. Definitely stop well even on wet roads. Aside form that trip, they performed well in mud and in the tiny bit of snow/ice we have had since buying them. However the van does pretty well in snow on any decent tires, it is very heavy.
they were very expensive ($777 for the set), but there was $220 in rebates, so they net out at a fairly reasonable price. .
Do you mind me asking what complaint you had to take to the corporate? You are right, I have also heard that Americas Tire is a sister company.
I had a set of BFGooodrich tires that were dry rotting two years into ownership. I went to two different Americas Tire and finally got a third one to call Michelin. Michelin warrantied the tires. I had a road hazard policy which they said wasn’t covering the tires since the manufacturer is covering the replacement. Then they proceeded to charge me for a whole new road hazard warranty and mounting and balancing on 7 tires. (Dually truck and the spare) I paid for it because arguing with a counter guy does no good when I tried explaining I shouldn’t pay for a new warranty and mounting as this wasn’t a warranty repair. I wasn’t about to just eat $380 bucks.
So I took it up with corporate which saw it my way. All I had to pay as the difference in the tire cost and tax which I had no issue paying. I’ve been a customer with America’s tire for 12-14 years I never had real issues except this time but they took care of it and I stayed a customer. Went back a few weeks later and bought a set of Michelin’s from them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eaton53
Who said anything about Michelin, other than the tire that was purchased got doesn't meet the OP's criteria?
Discount Tire is one of the largest sellers of tires in the country.
Continental is building a tire exclusively for them.
We were talking about Michelin’s so I assumed that was the tire you were referring to the tire line being made specifically for discount tire. I know a lot of places have their “in house” brand but is usually like a off the wall name.
So I compared the two tires closely again. TrueContact has a T rating and ControlContact has an H rating. I understand that an H rating means higher speed rating. Does this mean that ControlContact might have a rougher ride than the TrueContact?
Also, the weight and diameter are a bit different. ControlContact has a weight of 25 and diameter of 28 while TrueContact has a weight of 26 and a diameter of 29. What does that mean?
So I compared the two tires closely again. TrueContact has a T rating and ControlContact has an H rating. I understand that an H rating means higher speed rating. Does this mean that ControlContact might have a rougher ride than the TrueContact?
Also, the weight and diameter are a bit different. ControlContact has a weight of 25 and diameter of 28 while TrueContact has a weight of 26 and a diameter of 29. What does that mean?
Part of what gives a tire a higher speed rating, is a "stiffer" sidewall construction, which gives the tire greater stability at a higher speed. Therefore, the ride is somewhat stiffer, at lower speeds. However, consider that at higher speeds, the T rated tire could feel "floaty".
Speed rating has NOTHING to do with overall diameter (or width) of the tire. You must be looking at two different sizes, which, in turn, will also effect the weight of the tire.
Part of what gives a tire a higher speed rating, is a "stiffer" sidewall construction, which gives the tire greater stability at a higher speed. Therefore, the ride is somewhat stiffer, at lower speeds. However, consider that at higher speeds, the T rated tire could feel "floaty".
Speed rating has NOTHING to do with overall diameter (or width) of the tire. You must be looking at two different sizes, which, in turn, will also effect the weight of the tire.
They are the same size tires I was comparing. Does a heavier tire mean less fuel efficiency?
I have never driven over 70-75 mph. Do you think for me a T or H would matter much?
They are the same size tires I was comparing. Does a heavier tire mean less fuel efficiency?
I have never driven over 70-75 mph. Do you think for me a T or H would matter much?
When you say that, are you referring to the weight of the tire, or the overall diameter? If you mean the weight, then yes, the "H" rated tire might indeed be a tad heavier, due to the more robust sidewall construction. If you're referring to the OD of the tire, then it's impossible. Those numbers on the side of the tire, the 205, 235, 55, 60, etc, are DIRECT INDICATORS of the actual dimensions of the tire. Give or take a couple of TENTHS on an inch, a 225/55/17 tire, for example, will be the same in OD and width, no matter the brand or speed rating.
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