Originally Posted by
J. Barron DeJong
No experience with the ProContact, but am on my second set of PureContacts. In general, OE tires are not using the best technology, especially with regard to rubber compounds. I think they’re generally overpriced in the aftermarket, probably because a bunch of people will just buy whatever came on their car without having any idea what they’re buying.
Manufacturers, however, are very price concious, and aren’t going to pay for a premium tire if they don’t have to; and they’re certainly getting a cost break on the lower tech tires.
Where you can generally see if this is true is looking at the tire spec traction/temperature/treadwear. OE tires likely compromise there, maybe a B traction, or a lower treadwear rating to achieve an A traction.
Example: ProContact 500/A/A H-rated, PureContact 700/A/A V-rated. Tires are about the same price, but the PureContact is expected to last 40% longer while having similar wet grip, and a higher speed rating. Those specs don’t give a good picture of total performance, just the very basics. My guess would be that the PureContacts perform better in pretty much any metric, maybe besides noise and comfort, but that’s just a guess.