As the weather turns here in the north east and temps are in the 70's I find the relatively new Conti DWS tire to be better than I thought they would be. They are very smooth and quiet on all of my local roads and is the feel that I was looking for. So now we'll have to watch how the wear goes. Enjoy the summer.

 

Any reason you get the DWS tires for a summer ride vs the DW tires? I have the conti DW on the XJR and quite like them. If it is just a summer car, any reason for the DWS? I figure one of the first changes is to be rid of the dunlops.

 

DWS is a harder compound. I would like to get the DW with a DWS compound, that would suit my actual needs better.

 

Wouldn't DW with DWS compound = DWS?
Different tread pattern? Something?

 

No real reason other then I drive 3 out of the 4 seasons here in the NE. So there is a possibility that I could hit maybe a little snow in the fall so I thought the DWS was a good combo. Also the reviews seemed to be as good and better then the DW . Last was in the NE here they usually have the DWS in stock and the DW needed to be ordered. I got caught with a non-repairable nail in my rear Dunlops so I replaced both rears first last year and just replaced the fronts.

 

Very different, DW has solid longitudinal grooves like an older F1 tire for the center section. The outer tread blocks are designed to remove water. The DWS has tiny squarer less flowing outer tread blocks designed to slash into slush and snow. They make for a lower performing tire in wet/dry. The DWS compound will still grip in early morning cold temperatures where I live, the DW will be crap without some tire warmup exercises before hitting the road.

 

Tervuren, thanks for explaining the difference. I have the DWS on my Genesis, and so far the "DWS" wear indicator is still showing after 25k mi. I use snow tires on this car in the winter, but went with the S version for treadwear. I now echo your sentiments in desiring the DW tread with the S version compound that would allow me to drive the XKR a little later into the NJ season. I tried the stock Dunlops last year in some 35 degree weather, and traction was unsafe.

 

I gotta admit in my 50+ years of driving I don't believe I had ever been in a position where I out drove my tires. So unless you track the car or drive in a reckless fashion the buss words related to extreme performance is only a marketing scheme. I drove the Autobahn where speed rating were key but in the pot holed roads in the NE the need for speed is diminished. Liking nice or exotic cars for me is more of style and enjoyment which nets out having a quiet and smooth riding tire. I'll wait to see how they wear and at some point if there is a quieter or smoother brand then that would be the next buy. All of the golf courses are within 25 miles from my home so I enjoy my exotic golf cart needed to get there. Enjoy the ride.