Winter tire Updated September 2026

Continental WinterContact TS 850 review

Name: Continental WinterContact TS 850
Brand: Continental

± 8

Relative score from owner reviews only

Better than 85% of the winter tires we score.

Owners 79 · 57 reviews analysed

How scores work

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Continental WinterContact TS 850 has a Relative Score of 75 out of 100 among winter tires. In 29 road tests with an overall ranking it finished first 19 times and in the top three 24 times. 57 owner reviews rate it 79 out of 100. 89% would buy it again.

What owners say

No road-test results yet, so every score here comes from owner reviews found online.

How scores work

Relative score: 0–100. Blends road tests (60%) and owner reviews (40%) category by category, the same way on every TireWheelGuide page. With only one of the two, the missing half is estimated from it, so the score stays closer to average. It needs at least one road test or five owner reviews.
Road tests: 0–100 per score, from published tests, newer tests counting more. Each result is compared with every other tire in the same test, so a win against a strong field counts for more. The average tested tire gets 70, the best 100; with only one or two tests a tire stays nearer 70. The discipline rows show % of the best tire in that test.
Owner reviews: 0–100 from the owner reviews we found online, adjusted for how generously each site rates and scaled like the road tests: the average tested tire gets 70. With only a few reviews a tire stays near the average.

Full methodology

By owner reviews

79/100

From 57 owner reviews analysed, scaled like the road tests: the average tested tire gets 70.

Would buy again 89%

Dry

Overall dry

Wet

Overall wet

Snow & ice

Overall snow & ice

Comfort

Overall comfort

Treadwear

Overall treadwear

Handling

Overall handling

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What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 57 owner reviews found online.

The Continental WinterContact TS 850 is widely regarded as a benchmark winter tire, consistently praised for its exceptional traction in snow, slush, and wet conditions. While most users report high levels of confidence and comfort, some note that the tire's soft sidewall construction can lead to a less precise steering feel and accelerated shoulder wear when pushed aggressively in warmer temperatures.

Pros

Exceptional grip and traction in deep snow and icy conditions
Outstanding performance in wet weather with strong resistance to aquaplaning
High levels of ride comfort and low cabin noise
Strong longevity and durability over high mileage
Improved fuel efficiency compared to many summer tire counterparts

Cons

Soft sidewalls can result in a 'floating' or vague steering feel during cornering
Performance degrades noticeably in temperatures above 10-15°C
Reports of accelerated shoulder wear, particularly on heavier or RWD vehicles
Occasional complaints regarding reduced grip levels after the first or second season

Worth knowing

RWD vehicle owners frequently report that these tires transform winter drivability, allowing for confident navigation in deep snow where other tires struggle.
Users transitioning from larger summer wheels to smaller winter setups (e.g., 16-inch or 15-inch) often report significant improvements in ride comfort and fuel economy.
Drivers of performance-oriented vehicles noted a lack of turn-in feedback due to the soft sidewall design, which may not suit those seeking a sporty driving experience.