The Extreme Contact DWS06 Plus is a summer performance tire designed for sports cars and sedans that need grip in wet and dry conditions
The Extreme Contact DWS06 Plus is Continental's all-season performance tire built for drivers who want responsive handling and shorter stopping distances without sacrificing everyday usability. It's engineered for sports sedans, coupes, and performance-oriented compact cars — not for trucks, SUVs, or vehicles that see snow regularly. The tire prioritizes wet braking and cornering over winter traction, which means it performs best in climates where temperatures stay above freezing most of the year.
This tire sits in the premium segment, priced higher than standard all-season options but lower than pure track-focused rubber. You'll find it on new cars from manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi, and it's available as an aftermarket replacement through tire retailers. The DWS06 Plus replaced the original DWS06 in 2019, with improvements to wet grip and tread life.
Key Takeaways
- The DWS06 Plus excels in wet braking and cornering but is not designed for snow or ice, so it's best suited to mild climates or drivers who switch tires seasonally.
- Tread life typically ranges from 40,000 to 50,000 miles depending on driving style, alignment, and road surface, which is shorter than standard all-season tires.
- The tire comes in sizes for vehicles with 17-inch to 20-inch wheels, so you must match your car's wheel diameter and load rating before purchasing.
- Wet braking performance is one of the tire's strongest points — independent tests show it stops shorter than most competing all-season performance tires in rain.
- Noise and comfort are acceptable for a performance tire but noticeably firmer than comfort-focused all-season options, especially on rough pavement.
What the tire is designed to do well
The DWS06 Plus was built to stop quickly on wet roads and hold a line through corners without sliding. Continental's testing shows it reduces wet braking distance compared to the original DWS06, which matters most in emergency stops on rain-slicked pavement. The tire's stiffer sidewall also resists flex during hard cornering, so it feels more responsive when you're pushing the car through a turn.
Dry grip is solid but not exceptional — it's competitive with other all-season performance tires rather than a standout. Noise levels are moderate for this category; you'll hear more road sound than you would in a luxury sedan tire, but less than in a true track tire. The tire handles light snow better than a pure summer tire, but it's not a winter tire and will lose grip significantly once temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tread life and wear patterns to expect
Continental rates the DWS06 Plus for 40,000 to 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Real-world wear depends heavily on your driving style, road surface, and alignment. Aggressive cornering, frequent hard braking, and underinflation all shorten tire life noticeably. Drivers who maintain proper tire pressure and avoid spirited driving often see the upper end of that range; those who drive sportily may see 35,000 miles or less.
The tire wears evenly across the tread if your suspension is aligned correctly. Uneven wear — bald spots on the inner or outer edge — signals alignment problems or suspension wear that you should address before the tires wear out. Check tire pressure monthly and rotate every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to extend life and catch wear problems early.
Sizing and fitment requirements
The DWS06 Plus comes in 41 sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches in diameter. Your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual lists the correct size — for example, 225/45R17 or 255/35R19. Buying the wrong size will affect your speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and handling. Never assume your current tire size is correct; measure it from the sidewall if you're unsure.
Load index and speed rating are printed on the tire sidewall and must match or exceed your vehicle's requirements. The DWS06 Plus carries a V or W speed rating (up to 149 or 168 mph), which is appropriate for performance cars. If your car requires a lower speed rating, you may find cheaper options; if it requires a higher rating, the DWS06 Plus won't work.
Cost and where to purchase
Retail prices for a single DWS06 Plus tire range from $150 to $280 depending on size, with larger sizes costing more. A full set of four tires typically runs $600 to $1,100 before installation and balancing. Tire retailers like Discount Tire, Costco, and Tire Rack carry the tire in most sizes, and you can also order through your car's dealership, though dealership pricing is usually higher.
Installation and balancing add $15 to $30 per tire at most shops. Some retailers offer free installation with purchase; others charge separately. Ask about road hazard warranties, which cover puncture repairs or replacement if the tire is damaged by road debris — these typically cost $10 to $20 per tire and are worth considering if you drive on rough roads.
How the DWS06 Plus compares to other all-season performance tires
The main competitors are the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Bridgestone Potenza S007A, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season. The Michelin is slightly grippier in the dry but wears faster; the Bridgestone is quieter but costs more; the Goodyear is cheaper but doesn't match the DWS06 Plus in wet braking. Independent tire tests from publications like Tire Rack and Consumer Reports consistently rank the DWS06 Plus in the top tier for wet performance, which is its strongest selling point.
If you live in a climate with regular snow, a dedicated winter tire paired with an all-season summer tire will outperform any all-season tire year-round. If you drive mostly in mild weather and want one tire for all seasons, the DWS06 Plus is a strong choice — just understand that it trades some winter capability for better wet and dry performance.
Signs the DWS06 Plus is the right choice for your car
This tire makes sense if you own a sports sedan, performance coupe, or enthusiast-oriented compact car; if you live in a region where winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing; if you drive spiritedly and value responsive handling; and if you're willing to replace tires every three to four years. It's also a good fit if your car came equipped with the DWS06 Plus from the factory and you want to maintain the same performance characteristics.
The DWS06 Plus is not the right choice if you drive a truck or SUV (it's not available in those sizes), if you live where snow is common, if you prioritize tire longevity over performance, or if you're budget-conscious and want the cheapest option. In those cases, a standard all-season tire or a winter/all-season combination will serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the DWS06 Plus in winter or snow?
The DWS06 Plus handles light snow better than a pure summer tire, but it's not a winter tire and will lose grip significantly in snow or ice. If you live where snow is common, use a dedicated winter tire from November through March and switch to the DWS06 Plus for the rest of the year. If snow is rare, the tire is acceptable, but it won't perform as well as a winter tire in cold conditions.
How do I know if my car can fit the DWS06 Plus?
Check your vehicle's door jamb, owner's manual, or the sidewall of your current tires for the correct size. The DWS06 Plus comes in 41 sizes from 17 to 20 inches, so most sports cars and performance sedans will have a match. If your car requires a size outside that range or a speed rating higher than W, the DWS06 Plus won't work.
How long do these tires actually last?
Most drivers see 40,000 to 50,000 miles before the tread wears to the legal limit of 2/32 inch. Aggressive driving, poor alignment, and underinflation shorten that significantly. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles and check pressure monthly to maximize life.
Is the DWS06 Plus worth the extra cost compared to a standard all-season tire?
If you drive a performance car and value wet braking and cornering grip, yes — the DWS06 Plus stops shorter in rain and handles better than standard all-season tires. If you drive a regular sedan and prioritize tire longevity and cost, a standard all-season tire will save you money and last longer.
What's the difference between the DWS06 Plus and the original DWS06?
The DWS06 Plus offers improved wet braking distance, slightly better tread life, and updated tread design compared to the original DWS06. If you're replacing tires on a car that came with the original DWS06, the Plus is the newer version and is generally preferred. The original is no longer widely available.