EXTREMECONTACT DWS
Abbreviated for Dry, Wet and Snow, we tested the DWS on both wet and dry conditions. The DWS tire features new chamfered edges, giving the tire more surface area to grip the road in turns for improved dry performance. As the tire blocks shift in a corner, the chamfered edges come into play and maintain the tire’s footprint. The groove curvature was also improved to disperse water on wet pavement, while snow traction is an added feature thanks to the tire’s ability to collect snow in the tread blocks and create unique snow-on-snow grip.
The tires also have a neat DWS logo stamped into the trad blocks. When new, all three letters can be seen. But as they wear, the S (for snow) will eventually disappear, meaning there’s not enough tread to effectively work in winter. Then the W (for wet) will gradually wear away, meaning the tires lack insufficient tread depth to channel water. Finally, the S (for summer) lettering will remain until the tires are worn to unsafe levels. This simple inspection system, also employed on the ExtremeContact DW, allows you to check your tire wear with a simple glance.
With all this technology, the all-season DWS was engineered perform well tire.
Pushing the DWS to the max in a RWD BMW 328i, a FWD Mazda 3 and a RWD Mustang GT, we were impressed with the tire on both wet and dry surfaces. We also found the tires ran quieter than some of its close competitors.
In a tire test, we push the cars harder than we’d dare on public roads, yet the tires provided tremendous grip, results in no spins or embarrassing cone-killing incidents.
The best way to describe the DWS is that they give you added confidence. Tackling long sweepers or slaloms at speed, they provided incredible security. And when we pushed too hard, traction was quickly restored in a totally predictable manner.
The DWS tire has a UTQG rating of 540 A A (meaning they’ll be long-lasting) and come in 16-24” sizes with aspect ratios of 25-55.