Update August 2015,
Since the launch of the TS850, these seem to be unstoppable winning the Auto Express best winter tyre buy 2014 & 2015.
Launched for the winter 2012/13 season the Continental TS850 has caused quite a stir, lets start with the basics:
Without doubt this was the most in demand winter tyre of the 2012/13 winter season, and that hasn’t relented in following years. With a string of fantastic tyre test reports, this tyre hasn’t failed to please those who have fitted it to their vehicles.
This tyre replaced the TS830 which was only released a year previous and was a multi test winner upon it’s release. It’s unusual for tyre companies to switch a winning product so quickly but they have managed this with the launch of the TS850 which has been improved further.
So, what are the basic’s of this tyre?
Sizes available – from 14″ to 17″ (limited 17″ sizes)
Speed ratings – T (118 mph), H (136 mph) & V (149 mph)
Suitable for – small cars, family cars, hot hatches & a range of estate cars & executive saloons if part of wheel & tyre package. Sometimes for winter tyres on vehicles with quite a large tread placement, it’s best to drop a wheel size.
A directional tread pattern which is ideal for clearing snow, slush and water from the road surface keeping the tyre in contact with the tarmac more effectively reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
Tyre tests usually need to be taken with a pinch of salt as results can vary widely. But this tyre won them all this year in size 205/55R16, We’ve never seen anything like it the TS850 claimed 1st place in the following tests; Auto Express 2012, Evo magazine 2012, Auto Bild, Auto Zeitung & European winter tyre test 2012.
When the results are this consistent then you know that the product is good. The results praise this tyre in all winter conditions, wet, dry & snowy so it’s fair to say that whatever the application this tyre is a good option.
With the tyre being so new we haven’t had that much customer feedback yet so I look forward to your comments. Again we haven’t heard back from people that have worn these out yet so I don’t know for sure how long they will last. Continental as a company don’t tend to value longevity so I’d be surprised if they lasted a long time, but in terms of winter performance you wont go far wrong.
Update October 2014
Well, now we have had some feedback from customers, and we have to say, its very positive. Mileage is good, fuel economy proving competitive with other brands and great performance in winter conditions.
Looking to buy? Tyremen have large stocks, cheap prices & free delivery or nationwide fitting on the TS850.
Need more advice? Call the Tyremen team on 08456 807808
Join in the review process, leave your thoughts on the TS850 below
Thanks
The Winter Tyres Review Team
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I bought a set of Continental TS850 last year and they are brilliant. The grip, handling and braking is fantastic, I don’t even notice that it is winter outside. I decided to test them one day and I was able to safely, without fuss, on a dual carriageway overtake cars that didn’t have winter tyres (there was a small amount of snow), the vehicle behind attempted to follow but couldn’t.
On another occasion it hadn’t snowed for a few days and the road, so far, was clear on the dual carriageway. I was overtaking another car but when I got over the brow of a hill I hit very deep snow. The steering wheel shook as I went through the thick snow, but I kept a straight course ahead. The tyres felt (and sounded) like they were going through a deep puddle of water not snow! If it weren’t for these Continental TS850 tyres I think I would have had an accident, as there was an accident at that spot a few days earlier. I’m a convert to Winter tyres.
Continental recommend that you store your tyres differently to your recommendation Phillip. Here’s what they say: http://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/www/tyres_uk_en/themes/tyres_safety/how_to_store_
your_winter_tyres_during_the_summer_en.html
They recommend hanging wheels & tyres! Hmm not very realistic that one, I stand by my advice which can be seen here: http://www.tyremen.co.uk/help-and-advice/tips-for-using-winter-tyres
I bought a set of these tyres a year ago. I have had them on for twelve months.Neighbours here in Cumbria tend to leave them on year round, it wasn’t my intention but it happened. Wear no more than any other tyre i.e. about 1mm for 6000 miles, same for any other tyre on my front heavy VW Passat. They instil a sense of security in snow,ice and road mud we have plenty of the latter in Cumbria. Grip on hills good, the ECP never engaged once unlike using standard tyres but they are noisy.