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I changed from 20” to 19” wheels (because of frequent wheel cracks on the 20” run flat set up). The change has positively transformed the car, reducing brain crunching bangs and eliminating skittish behaviour when cornering on imperfect roads. I have had the opportunity to drive the 8S tyres on a mixture of road conditions including dry, wet, snow, slush and ice; the tyres inspire confidence across a wide variety of conditions. Driving in snow and slush, the tyres are sure footed and you don’t see stability control called in to action, when driving appropriately. On clear roads you can drive as confidently as you would with summer tyres. The only notable difference is greater road noise with the winter tyres; not horrible but noticeable.

These tires have been a pleasant surprise. Continental is, after all, synonymous with a guarantee of quality. The tire has excellent grip on both dry and wet asphalt, the feedback is very good, and they provide a good sense of confidence. The tires performed very well even on the track (although they are not trackday tires), with excellent grip up to 85 degrees before they start to slide. They are very easy to manage at the limit. On the road, you have a good feeling with the front axle, especially compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S which were always a bit vague on turn-in.Tire wear and degradation are quite rapid. You need camber or the shoulder will degrade very quickly.