Winter tires are a guarantee of safetymovement for any driver who prefers to travel all year round to any place on his own transport. However, such confidence can occur only when he wisely chooses the choice and acquires only those tires that are able to cope with any extreme conditions. This is the model Continental ContiVikingContact 6, designed for use in areas with quiteharsh winter climate. Let's see what the manufacturer promises in relation to its products, and then compare this data with the feedback from drivers who have already had the opportunity to test these tires for some time. After all, this is the way to see how the tires actually behave, without embellishment and artificially created testing conditions.
The main purpose
In the first place tires specially createdfor operation in those places where there are very low temperatures. The basis was the rubber compound capable of maintaining softness even when competitors are already beginning to lose their dynamic characteristics due to zadubevaniya. Many drivers were satisfied with the previous model from the German manufacturer, which had the number 5 in the title, but the developers did not stop there and were able to further improve the tires Continentalby releasing an updated version, which became the hero of this review.
First of all, tires are meant forinstallation on cars, but a large grid of sizes allows you to choose suitable options for transporting larger ones, for example, off-road vehicles, crossovers and even some minibuses. Especially for such cases released enhanced modifications with indexes. Continental ContiVikingContact 6 HL and SUV, which we will talk about later.
Asymmetric tread pattern provides more options.
All tires Continental from this lineup was originally producedwith asymmetrical tread pattern. This approach allows us to make the working surface of rubber more versatile, which has a positive effect on its course stability under any circumstances. It is also important that the comprehensive direction of the lamellae and the cutting edges created by them makes it possible not only to quickly pick up speed without slipping at the start, but also to urgently reduce it. Rubber has a rather low probability to go into a skid, since contact with the track is provided by a combination of multiple factors, carefully thought out by designers and calculated using modern computer systems. Not without test drives and prototypes. In the course of such studies, changes were made in the shape of the tread and the location of individual blocks. The result was a practically perfect product that we can find today on the shelves of specialized stores.
Features of the tread blocks
When you first look at the working surface of the tire Continental ContiVikingContact 6 SUV tIt is clear to describe unambiguously which structure the drawing belongs to. However, separate blocks harmoniously located and cut by the web of lamellae immediately catch the eye.
Каждый из них имеет определенное назначение.So, in the central part of the tire there is a kind of line encircling the surface with virtually no interruptions. Its task is to maintain stability when driving on any type of road surface, whether it is asphalt or soil, and under any adverse weather conditions.
The double block structure of this area allowedsignificantly improve the efficiency of their use. Most changes have affected speed ride. Now, with an aggressive driving style, during which a fairly quick acceleration and the possibility of a sharp start from the spot are envisaged, these blocks can support each other, relying on adjacent tread elements. As a result, tire deformation, despite its softness, is minimized, and the hitch remains reliable.
The shoulder areas are separated by wide slits.able to create sufficient rowing effort on loose surfaces, whether it is snow or snow porridge during a thaw. Due to their location, they can cope with moisture and effectively remove it from the contact patch with the track, squeezing it out to the sides.
Positive aspects of the updated lamellar web
First of all, if you pay attention tothe structure of the slots located between the individual protector elements, it can be seen that they have different widths and depths. In each place, this parameter was calculated in order to enable the bus Continental ContiVikingContact 6 R16 have high strength and resistance to negative manifestations of the laws of physics, but it does not reduce the effectiveness of the drainage system.
The different orientation of the slats allows moreeffectively drain water from the point of contact with the expensive work surface. As a result, the probability of the car to “swim away” due to the effect of hydroplaning is minimized even with a sharp entrance to the puddle. In addition, this approach allows you to create lamellae that can collect the snow in itself at the moment of passing along the road surface, and then immediately get rid of it effectively, keeping the working parts of the cutting edges open.
Built-in small jumpers between the blocks,which, as it may seem at first glance, overlap the lamellae, in fact, serve the exact opposite purpose. Their task is to prevent the possibility of gluing the tread blocks together with each other under high loads, and they do an excellent job with it.
Reinforced side
The shoulder tread zones extend beyond the working surface; this can be clearly seen when the tire is viewed closely. This approach makes it possible to immediately achieve three important goals.
Since the rubber Continental ContiVikingContact 6 195/65 R15 quite soft, with high speed traffic andmaneuvering during it, she can play a little on the disc. At such moments, it is the side blocks that take on all the loads associated with the change of the trajectory of movement. As a result, the grip with the road surface remains reliable, which definitely will please fans of high-speed driving, even in winter.
Второй аспект — это устойчивость при выходе из rut and return to it. If in summer this problem is relevant only when driving on bad roads or off-road, in winter, the track may appear even on federal highways, because snow removal equipment does not always cope with large amounts of precipitation. It is at such moments that the side tread blocks help to safely leave the track for overtaking, advancing vehicles or while parking.
The third problem solved by theseelements, is a matter of protecting the side parts from damage. If they were not there, then tearing the sidewall of the reinforcement sticking out of the destroyed curb would be much easier, despite its fortified structure.
Reinforced models
As stated at the beginning of the article, the manufacturermade sure that not only drivers of light vehicles could use the products. As a result, models with special indexes appeared. Continental ContiVikingContact 6 SUV or HLshowing that they haveincreased size and more enhanced structure. They use an increased amount of cord, which increases the strength of the tire as a whole and protects it from damage while driving. They also have the ability to withstand more air pressure and a larger vehicle mass.
Choice
In order that everyone could pick up that sizewhich is required by the manual of his car, the developers took care of the release of models with different inner diameter, tire height and width of the working surface. Thanks to this tires are available for purchase. Continental ContiVikingContact 6, монтируемые на диски размером от 13 до 22,5 inches Such diversity actually shows the manufacturer’s concern for its customers and its focus on their requests. So, there are basic standard sizes used on budget cars, and those who care about their safety can purchase them.
Lack of thorns
German developer purposefully notInstalls these metal parts into tires from this range. Such a campaign is due to an attempt to create the most comfortable for use rubber. The fact is that the spikes, regardless of how they are fixed, create unpleasant noise and vibration effects, which are especially strongly felt in domestic cars with low noise insulation.
To avoid such a problem, the spikes were replaced by a reasonable approach to the development of both the tread pattern and the rubber compound, which made it possible to create winter tires Continental ContiVikingContact 6which are not inferior studded in reliability, but at the same time lacking their shortcomings.
Main advantages based on feedback
It's time to turn to the opinion of drivers about the quality of this rubber. Among the main advantages most often they mention the following:
High softness. This parameter allows you to easily operate the rubber at low temperatures and improves comfort, because minor irregularities and stones are simply “swallowed” by it.
No noise. Of course, some level remains, but it is comparable with the rustling, not distracting and not annoying the driver and passengers.
Reduced fuel consumption. Proper construction of tread elements has reduced fuel consumption by reducing rolling resistance.
Sure grip in all weather conditions. Despite the general opinion that the sticky tape is unable to cope with icy conditions, the model Continental ContiVikingContact 6 proves the opposite and gives you the opportunity to be confident in your car.
High cross. Rubber, due to its structure, is able to cope with fairly deep snow, without going into a skid and not burrowing into it even at the start.
As you can see, this model is endowed with all the necessary aspects, which make it possible to call it reliable for winter operation. However, it has a number of shortcomings that cannot be ignored.
The disadvantages noted in the reviews
Among the negative aspects noticed by users, the following can be called key:
The need for balancing. Many users note that after installing the rubber on the wheels had to hang quite heavy weights, which indicates the initial "curvature" of rubber.
Weak side. After serious blows there is a chance ofhernia. In fairness it should be noted that during the first year after purchase, tires with such problems will be replaced without further ado under the guarantee.
Pretty high cost. However, in its price category price Continental ContiVikingContact 6 has an average value (from 4000 rubles), so you can simply conclude that you still need to pay for the brand.
Conclusion
The rubber in this review has excellent dynamic and driving characteristics, but may require additional care, careful handling and be short-lived. Tests Continental ContiVikingContact 6 talk about its merits, and reviews reveal some negative aspects. If safety is the most important thing for you while driving, then it will be the best choice.
