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When it comes to motor tires, many people would go for Michelin because it already has the name. While it is inarguable that Michelin produces top-quality tires, there are other premium tire brands that manufacture reliable tires for different types of vehicles, and Continental tires is one of them.
Continental tires are direct alternatives to Michelin tires; they typically have longer tread life and are more affordable than Michelin tires. While both Continental and Michelin tires perform well on wet tracks, Michelin tires offers more balance and traction.
In this Continental tires vs Michelin tires comparison; we’d consider the overall performance of all tire models from these brands.
What are Continental Tires?
Continental Tire is a German tire manufacturing brand based in Hanover, Germany. The brand focuses on producing eco-friendly tires that deliver good performance on dry, wet, and snowy roads. Tires from this brand are sold globally, and they are considered “premium” tires.
The Continental Tire brand is the fourth-largest tire manufacturer worldwide. Continental tires are also produced in the United States, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where the brand has its US headquarters.
Whether you’re looking for a new set of tires for your SUV, truck, van, limo, or other car types, Continental Tire has a series you can buy.
Furthermore, the brand produces OE tires for top auto brands like Tesla, Audi, and Porsche. Generally, Continental tires are rated to have longer tread life than their alternatives within specific price ranges.
What are Michelin Tires?
Michelin is a French multinational tire manufacturer founded in May 1889. The company’s headquarters is located in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Michelin tires are generally regarded as the best in the market. They deliver very good performance (handling, grip, and balance) on wet, dry, and snowy tracks.
Just like Continental tires, Michelin has different tire series/ranges for different car types. Also, the brand manufactures both seasonal and all-season tires. It is the second-largest tire manufacturer in the world behind Bridgestone; Michelin is “larger” than Goodyear and Continental tires combined.
Continental Tires Vs Michelin Tires
The table below contains information about the overall average performance of all tire models from Michelin and Continental, respectively.
| Tire Brand | Continental | Michelin |
| All-season tires | Yes | Yes |
| All-terrain tires | Yes | Yes |
| Wet performance score | 82% | 85% |
| Dry performance score | 84% | 82% |
| Tread Life Rating | Up to 70,000 | Up to 80,000 for specific models |
| Road Noise | Low | Low |
| Overall performance | 83% | 83.5% |
1. Wet Performance
Both Continental tires and Michelin tires perform well on wet tracks. They grip well and deliver good traction. However, Michelin tires are better because they offer more balance and traction.
Michelin tires can drive throw snowy and muddy roads without losing balance. They outperform tires from other brands when it comes to performance on wet roads. Continental tires are good on wet tracks – but not as good as Michelin.
2. Dry Performance
Continental tires offer the best performance on dry roads than any other tire from other brands.
Continental also makes its summer tires using a dedicated rubber compound that delivers excellent grip and handling on dry roads. On the other hand, Michelin tires aren’t “flop” on dry roads; they drive well on dry roads too.
3. Features and Technology
Both Michelin and Continental uses patented technologies to manufacture their various tire designs. Michelin tires are built with EverTread technology, Acoustic technology, and Puncture-proof Tire System to reduce wear and tear.
On the other hand, Continental tires are made with ContiSense technology for improved performance and ContiSilent noise-reducing technology for quieter road noise.
4. Tire Variety
Continental tires make different types of tires for different car types, but the brand focuses more on tires for passenger cars and SUVs.
Michelin also manufactures different types of tires for different vehicle types. Thence, both manufacturers have a variety of tire series so you can find the particular type of tire you need to buy.
5. Comfort and Road Noise
No one would love to have a set of tires that make a lot of noise while driving. However, interestingly, Continental tires and Michelin tires have low noise ratings. Michelin uses its exclusive Acoustic Technology to reduce road acoustics by 20%.
Continental tires are actually among the quietest on roads. They are made with ContiSilent noise-reducing technology, which uses an inner tire absorber to reduce road noise up to 9db.
In terms of comfort, Michelin tires are made with Helio+ technology to help improve grip and traction slippy roads while Continental tires are made with ContiSense to deliver lower rolling resistance and higher grip on all road types.
6. Manufacturer Warranty
Continental Tire backs its tires more than any other tire manufacturing company worldwide. Hence, Continental tires are poised to have the best manufacturer warranties on the market. Michelin also offers a warranty, but it’s not as flexible and longer than Continental’s offers.
Conclusion
Summarily, Continental tires vs Michelin tires comparison doesn’t show many differences. Choosing between these two brands is mainly based on preference because both companies produce premium tires for various types of vehicles.
However, Michelin tires are slightly better on wet roads than Continental tires. Well, Continental tires are quieter on all road types, thanks to ContiSense technology. Both Michelin and Continental tires are pretty expensive, but they are worth the price, anyways.
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