Allison with Continental TerrainContact A/T2 Tires - Shannon BassetContinental Tire builds on its legacy with the TerrainContact A/T2 that's safer, better in snow and more comfortable on the road.If you need to get a grip, maybe the right set of new tires will help. Pun intended — because that's one car accessory that's often neglected and when we do consider our tires, its more out of fear than desire. But tires are much more in-depth than you might think and can do a lot of things we don't expect.Which is why I was invited to Charlotte to see the new tire from Continental Tire, the TerrainContact A/T2. It was updated to include substantial improvements to make it a well-rounded option for rugged crossovers, SUVs, electric SUVs and light trucks. The most exciting thing, though? It's rated not just for off-roading, but also for winter driving, snow, rain and hot weather, and it's designed to be as comfortable as the average touring tire on the road. That's a lot of talent in a single tire.AdvertisementAdvertisementSo what makes this tire right for all those conditions? Science, yes, but there's more to it, I learned.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. I was Continental's guest, but all impressions and opinions are my own.First, What Is An All-Terrain Tire?Shannon Basset With Continental Tire TerrainContact A/2T – Credit: Allison BarfieldBreaking down the name of this tire, it makes more sense: TerrainContact explains what it does and where: dirt, mud, grass, gravel and the like is where it's designed to maintain contact. A/T means all terrain and the '2' in the name shows that it's a second generation tire, following the first generation of this tire. An all-terrain tire such as the TerrainContact A/T2 is like your ride-or-die bestie if you drive an AWD or 4WD SUV and like to take it off the pavement.It's designed to have your back with confidence, no matter what. The new second gen tire is versatile and designed to tackle conditions both on and off the pavement. So, these are ideal for those who have daily commutes but also enjoy getting out of town for camping or off-roading adventures.AdvertisementAdvertisementPlus, they are designed to handle all weather situations, including snow. This way, instead of having to change from winter to summer tires, you can trust your all-terrain tires to have reasonable traction no matter what mother nature throws your way. They have deeper and wider grooves to grip slippery dirt, gravel, mud, and light snow.Also, all-terrain tires have a thicker and tougher rubber construction to resist getting punctured by rocks and sharp debris. They often last longer than other types of tires because the more durable rubber compound takes longer to break down, though they tend to be louder because of the larger tread blocks. But the TerrainContact A/T2's are designed to keep things smooth and quiet in the cabin. Continental Tire tested them against the Michelin LTX A/T2, Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent, and Goodyear Wrangler Outbound AT and found them to be quieter on the road.The Continental Tire TerrainContact A/T2 Has Functional StyleContinental TerrainContact A/T2 – Credit: Shannon BassettHave you ever noticed that the first thing that drivers typically customize on their Jeep Wrangler or truck is their tires? That's because their look matters just as much as their functionality, just like picking the right pair of shoes. It's also why Continental designed the TerrainContact A/T2 with an attractive style in mind.The deep, chunky tread provides an aggressive, eye-catching style with bold wrap-around grooves. But the larger blocks and zigzag grooves also serve the important purpose of improving grip on uneven surfaces. These tires will maintain stability with multiple places for a sturdy grasp on various surfaces in wet and slippery conditions.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut they aren't only built for off-roading. The tuned tread pattern also prioritizes on-road comfort. They provide a quiet and smooth performance that's refined with low road noise for everyday situations.Let's Talk About That Snowflake—and Yes, It MattersShannon standing with the new Continental TerrainContact A/T2 – Credit: Allison BarfieldYou may notice a three-peak mountain design with a snowflake (3PMSF) on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol means that Continental TerrainContact AT/2 tires have been officially tested and certified to provide safe and reliable performance in severe winter weather conditions. It passed snow traction tests to prove that the rubber stays flexible to grip the road even in freezing conditions.Along with being certified for winter weather, the AT/2 features TractionPlus+ technology that underpins the all-terrain tire grip and on-road performance. Its wet braking has been improved by three percent and its snow traction has improved by 10% compared to the first-generation tire for an all-around upgrade.These factors make a huge difference in the ability to stop before a collision or not. It also boosts confidence on unpaved roads and changing weather conditions. Continental's testing shows that they also have superior stopping power in rain and snow compared to its rivals; I can't wait to see for myself soon.The New Continental TerrainContact A/T2 Is Built To LastJeep Wrangler With Continental ContactTerrain A/2T Tires – Credit: Shannon BassettI've only been able to touch the new tires so far, and they feel pretty robust, thick, and durable. They're made with +Silane additives to improve wet-road adhesion while prolonging long-term wear performance. Also, the durable construction includes reinforced structural engineering to withstand the stress demands of rough terrain and heavy loads.AdvertisementAdvertisementContinental has a lot of faith in their durability after rigorous testing because they are being backed with an extended warranty. Typically, all-terrain tires are backed by a 50,000-mile warranty, but the TerrainContact AT/2 has a 65,000-mile warranty. Plus, they come with a 60-day trial, three years of roadside assistance, and 12 months of road hazard coverage.The new tire represents Continental's continued commitment to developing innovative solutions that align with evolving needs while maintaining its reputation for performance and reliability. They're available now in multiple sizes for electric cars, crossovers, trucks, and SUVs for coverage in all in the most important areas.