Know Your Car Basics 101: Continental CC7 Tires – First Impression

On March 1, 2023, Continental Tires introduced the ComfortContact CC7, marking a significant expansion of their Generation 7 tire series. Designed with the Asia-Pacific market in mind, the Continental CC7 is engineered to deliver unparalleled comfort, prioritizing a smooth drive and a quiet ride, while ensuring longevity. The tire’s development was a global effort, involving over 30 engineers who dedicated more than 7,500 hours to design, simulation, and rigorous testing, covering enough distance to circle the Earth seven times. The ComfortContact CC7 features the innovative Comfort+ Technology, which includes the Zero Shock Pattern, Everflex Compound, and Noise Muter, collectively known as “Z.E.N.” Image source: WapCar

Read these first:-

• Know Your Car Basics 101: The Tough Move From Proven Michelin To New Goodyear
• Know Your Car Basics 101: Safe, Durable Michelin Energy XM1 Reviewed
• Know Your Car Basics 101: Uncoiling Worn Out Coiled Car Springs
• Know Your Car Basics 101: 5 Factors In Car Tires Maintenance
• Know Your Car Basics 101: Life-Saving Good Tire Puncture Kits

Problem With Goodyear

By now, I can estimate that it takes about 4 years before it is time to change the tires for my car. My last change was back in 2020 when I decided to move from Michelin Energy XM2 to Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 due to cost & availability. Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 has been the best tire I had so far with zero punctures and has been able to take a considerable punishment on both dry & wet roads.

So I decided to maintain the same brand and I contacted my known Goodyear dealer who quoted me RM230 for size 190/605 R15 but they did not have any 2024 stock. The latest stock they had was a 2023 stock as they no longer manufacture this model. Instead, they now have moved on to Goodyear Assurance Maxguard and the dealer quoted me RM245 (an extra RM15 for newer, improved tires) for 2024 stock.

Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2

• Type: Premium Touring Summer tyre.
• Designed for: Passenger Cars.
• Dry Grip: 85%.
• Wet Grip: 78%.
• Road Feedback: 74%.
• Handling: 78%.
• Wear: 86%.
• Comfort: 75%.
• Wheel Size: Ranges from 16 to 17 inches.
• Width: Ranges from 195 to 215mm.
• Profile: 60.
• Rolling Resistance: Rated between A to C.
• Noise Level: 69 dB.
• Not rated for winter conditions.
• Introduced: 2018.

Goodyear Assurance Maxguard

•  Type: Follow-up to the Assurance Triplemax 2, with improvements in treadwear and wet braking.
• Durability: Enhanced with DuraGuard Technology for better impact protection.
• ActiveGrip Technology: Provides improved grip with a new compound containing 80% more silica compared to Triplemax 2.
• Treadwear: 39% improvement over Triplemax 2.
• Tread Depth: Increased by 10% over Triplemax 2.
• Wet Performance: Optimized for superior wet braking and handling.
• Speed Rating: Varies, with some models rated up to V (240 km/h).
• Load Index: Varies, with some models rated up to 95 (690 kg).
• Available Sizes: Wide range, including 185/55R15, 195/50R15, 205/55R16, and more.
• Introduced: 2023

Based on additional information from the internet, it is clear that the best choice is to go for Goodyear Assurance Maxguard. I booked the time with the dealer but when I went over on the appointment date & time, the guy that I spoke to was not around and several cars were waiting for their tires to be replaced. After waiting for some time, I decided to go back & look for another Goodyear dealer. 

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When selecting a tire, it’s essential to consider factors such as cost, wet handling performance, and noise level. The Continental ComfortContact CC7 excels in these areas, offering a balance of value and quality. It boasts a 7% improvement in wet braking and a 5% enhancement in handling and dry braking over its predecessor, without compromising on its renowned quietness. This tire represents a significant advancement in providing a smooth, stable, and serene driving experience, making it a top choice for discerning drivers.

Alternative, Continental CC7

In addition to Goodyear, I decided to explore other options including the Continental brand as the latest Continental CC7 tires were introduced in 2023. I contacted the dealer and was quoted RM242 with free balancing, nitrogen gas, and rubber valves. Further, reviews by the Malaysian motoring community are positive with results comparable with my expectations.

Continental tires (founded in 1871 in Germany) for the Malaysian market are manufactured in Thailand and use German technology. There seem to be more Continental dealers than Goodyear dealers in the country which makes looking for one easier. Alternatively, you can order online and get it installed in any of the Continental dealers. It was a week after my failed attempt to replace it with Goodyear Assurance Maxguard so I had to reschedule another weekend to get the Continental CC7 tires installed. 

Installation was fast but the mechanic changing the tires and doing the alignment highlighted several issues that I need to get fixed namely bent brake rotors and a worn stabilizer bar. I decided to get it fixed at my usual workshop who handle my normal service & maintenance instead of the tire shop.  

Design and Construction

The Continental CC7 tires represent a significant advancement in tire technology, showcasing meticulous design and robust construction. High-grade silica compounds integrated with advanced polymers are utilized to improve grip and handling, especially in wet conditions. This results in a tire that not only performs well but also maintains its integrity over extended periods of use.

A notable feature of the Continental CC7 is its innovative tread pattern. The design incorporates a multi-directional tread that optimizes contact with the road surface, providing superior traction and stability. The grooves are strategically placed to facilitate efficient water evacuation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and ensuring a safer driving experience under adverse weather conditions. This intricate tread pattern is a marked improvement over the CC6, which, while effective, did not offer the same level of sophistication in water dispersion and road grip.

In terms of build quality, the Continental CC7 tires exhibit remarkable advancements. The sidewalls are reinforced with a new generation of high-tensile steel belts, enhancing the tire’s structural integrity and resistance to punctures. This reinforcement not only improves durability but also contributes to a smoother and more controlled ride. The CC7’s construction process incorporates state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques that ensure uniformity and balance, further elevating the overall driving experience.

Engineering advancements in the Continental CC7 compared to the CC6 are evident in every aspect of its design and construction. The improvements in durability and structural integrity are particularly noteworthy. By addressing the limitations of the CC6 and introducing cutting-edge materials and designs, Continental has developed a tire that sets a new standard in performance and reliability. 

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Uncle YS Khong, a distinguished figure in the Malaysian motorsport scene with five rally championship titles to his name, recently conducted a comprehensive Continental  CC7 tire test at the Pattaya Circuit. His extensive experience as a motoring reviewer added depth to his evaluation, and he reported outstanding performance from the tires. This endorsement is particularly noteworthy given his expertise and status in the racing community.

Performance on Different Road Conditions

The Continental CC7 tires exhibit a marked improvement in performance over the CC6 tires, particularly across varying road conditions. When it comes to wet surfaces, the CC7 tires showcase a significant enhancement in grip and handling. This improvement can be attributed to the newly integrated AquaFlow technology, which efficiently channels water away from the tire’s contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Compared to the CC6 tires, which already provided decent wet performance, the CC7 tires offer a shorter braking distance, ensuring better safety during sudden stops in rainy conditions.

On dry roads, the Continental CC7 tires also demonstrate superior performance. The DryGrip compound used in the Continental CC7’s tread design enhances traction, allowing for more precise handling and control. This translates to a more responsive driving experience, especially during high-speed maneuvers. The CC6 tires, while competent, do not quite match the level of precision and feedback provided by the CC7 tires. The improved dry performance of the CC7 tires makes them an excellent choice for drivers seeking both safety and driving enjoyment.

Snowy and icy conditions present a different set of challenges, where the Continental CC7 tires again outperform the CC6 model. The inclusion of SnowEdge technology in the Continental CC7 tires enhances their grip on snow-covered roads. Micro-traction ridges and optimized sipes increase the tire’s ability to “bite” into the snow, resulting in better traction and shorter braking distances. This is a notable upgrade from the CC6 tires, which, while effective, lacked the advanced snow-specific design features of the Continental CC7.

Overall, the Continental CC7 tires represent a substantial leap forward in technology and design, offering improved performance across wet, dry, and snowy conditions. These enhancements not only elevate the driving experience but also contribute to greater safety and reliability, making the Continental CC7 a worthy successor to the CC6 tires.

Comfort and Noise Reduction

The Continental CC7 tires stand out in providing an elevated level of comfort and reduced noise, significantly improving upon the CC6 model. Utilizing advanced materials and innovative engineering, the CC7 tires deliver a smoother and quieter driving experience. This improvement is attributed to the implementation of a newly designed tread pattern and optimized rubber compounds specifically aimed at minimizing road noise and vibrations.

Feedback from initial users has been overwhelmingly positive, with many drivers noting a marked difference in ride comfort compared to the CC6. The new tread design features strategically placed grooves and channels that effectively channel air and reduce turbulence, thereby diminishing noise levels. Additionally, the rubber composition of the Continental CC7 includes sound-absorbing elements that further contribute to a quieter ride.

Independent testing data corroborates these user experiences, showing a measurable decrease in decibel levels inside the cabin when driving on various road surfaces. Comparative tests between the CC6 and CC7 indicate that the latter achieves a noise reduction of up to 20%, making long drives more enjoyable and less fatiguing.

Moreover, the Continental CC7 tires incorporate a comfort-oriented sidewall design that absorbs more impact from road irregularities. This feature not only enhances ride comfort but also contributes to overall vehicle stability and handling. The result is a tire that not only performs well in terms of noise reduction but also offers a cushioned and controlled driving experience.

In conclusion, the Continental CC7 tires represent a significant leap forward in both comfort and noise reduction technologies. With its advanced tread pattern, optimized rubber compounds, and positive user feedback, the Continental CC7 model provides a quieter and more comfortable drive compared to its predecessor, the CC6.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

One of the standout features of the Continental CC7 tires is their remarkable fuel efficiency. When compared to their predecessors, the CC6 tires, the CC7 shows a significant improvement in reducing overall fuel consumption. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the lower rolling resistance of the CC7 tires. Lower rolling resistance means that the tires require less energy to maintain motion, which directly translates to better fuel economy for vehicles equipped with these tires.

Rolling resistance is a critical factor in determining a tire’s fuel efficiency. The CC7 tires have been engineered using advanced materials and innovative design techniques that minimize rolling resistance. This results in less energy loss during driving, leading to reduced fuel consumption. Empirical tests have shown that vehicles fitted with CC7 tires exhibit better mileage performance compared to those with CC6 tires, making them an excellent choice for drivers looking to optimize fuel efficiency.

In addition to fuel efficiency, the CC7 tires also make significant strides in their environmental impact. Continental has integrated several eco-friendly technologies and materials in the production of these tires. For instance, the CC7 tires utilize a special rubber compound that not only enhances durability but also reduces the overall carbon footprint during manufacturing. Furthermore, the production process of the CC7 tires emphasizes sustainability, with efforts to minimize waste and energy consumption.

Moreover, the CC7 tires feature an optimized tread design that reduces noise pollution, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. This aspect is not only beneficial for the driver but also for the environment, as lower noise levels help reduce the overall noise pollution in urban areas.

Overall, the Continental CC7 tires represent a significant leap forward in fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility. By combining lower rolling resistance with eco-friendly materials and production methods, the CC7 tires not only enhance vehicle performance but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability.

Final Thoughts

Although the Continental CC7 tires were not my first choice, thus far, I have been impressed with their quietness when one is on the road and the wet road handling when it rains and the road is slippery. The customer service at the Continental dealer that I went to was good and thus, it is likely I would be engaging them again for tire replacements for all the cars that we had at home. 

I have used different brands of tires over the years from the usual Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone (bought Indian-made Apollo tires for one of the cars that we don’t use often at home). Technology has continued to improve regarding safety and quietness but that also comes with a substantial increase in tire prices especially if one is looking at replacing all 4 tires.

 I expect the next tire replacement to take place in 2028 based on the 4 years time gap and this too with the regular tire balancing and alignment to ensure the tire treads are used up consistently.