Continental 4x4 Contacts winter performance

[skholla]

I know that these tires have a bad rep and even though I've only had my Rogue for a month I'm not pleased with them either. I am also aware that “all-season” tires are really “three-season” tires and that winter tires are always recommend for severe cold/snow/ice. My question is how do these Conti's perform in light to medium snow? Since mine are brand new they may have enough tread to make it through a light winter. If possible I would like to hold out until next year to ditch the Conti's and get a set of winter tires. Any winter experience or suggestions?

[Isr]

Factory tires worked just fine for me last season, held up in deep snow and icy conditions.

[philipa_240sx]

The Conti's when new will be OK for the first winter. I ran mine for 2 mos. in the snow including one particularly bad storm. The tires performed OK, but not spectacular. The Rogue also has traction control so it helps.

Still, you have to consider one thing:

One accident can cost more than a set of good winter tires which may have helped you avoid the accident in the first place.

[skholla]

Good to know, I live in the heart of the city and the roads are cleared most of the time. Since my Conti's are brand new I will probably run them this winter and most of next year. Next fall I will ditch them for some true winter tires and remove the TPMS sensors from the stock alloys and transfer them to my new aftermarket alloys with new summer or UHP all-season tires.

[philipa_240sx]

Next fall I will ditch them for some true winter tires and remove the TPMS sensors from the stock alloys and transfer them to my new aftermarket alloys with new summer or UHP all-season tires.

Make sure whoever does your TPMS sensor install is trained on thier installation and make sure your new wheels are TPMS compatible.

The TPMS sensors can be easily damaged if not handled correctly. Even simply removing the tire can damage the sensor if the installer doesn't know what they are doing. When reinstalled, the correct parts and seals must be used to ensure they don't leak or corrode (the TPMS valve stem is made from aluminum).

[skholla]

good looking out phil, you are full of useful rogue info, thx!

currently im sold on these TSW's in black... on their site it doesnt say TPMS compatible but other/retail sites do.http://www.tsw.com/alloy_wheels_montage.php

will i need a TPMS rebuild kit?

[philipa_240sx]

will i need a TPMS rebuild kit?

Schrader Bridgeport makes the TPMS sensors for Nissan and many other auto mfg's.

They recommend the grommet, retaining nut, valve core and valve cap be replaced every time the TPMS sensor is serviced/removed.

See more here:

http://www.schrader-bridgeport...d=111

A few more tips:

- Before the tire is dismounted from the rim, the tire must be deflated, the retaining nut removed and the TPMS sensor allowed to fall inside the tire. The tire can then be removed without damaging the sensor. Once the tire is off, the TPMS sensor can be retrieved.

- Upon re-installation, a new valve core, sealing grommet and retaining nut get installed along with the existing TPMS sensor.

- Finally, DO NOT use fancy chrome plated valve caps. Many are made from brass and will corrode where it comes in contact with the aluminum TPMS sensor valve stem. Once this happens, you will be lucky to get the valve stem cap off without destroying the sensor.

It's surprising simple how a small error can cost you hundreds of dollars in damage. The TPMS sensors are over $100/ea plus installation if you have to replace them.

[skholla]

thanks again for the info. i really wish nissan and other companies would adopt the new TPMS used in VWs.... no sensor in the wheel, pressure is estimated by feedback from the braking system. also a button in the glove box to reset the system after inflating tires to spec.