Continental SecureContact AW vs Falken Aklimate tires

With the weather getting unpredictable due to rising global warming, the necessity of all-weather tires that can tackle dry, wet, and moderate to severe winter conditions has increased manifold. The latest entrant from a top-tier brand in this category is the Continental SecureContact AW. As it’s aggressively priced, it competes with tier 2 brands as well, besides taking on the top ones. Among these brands is Falken, which has a reliable all-weather tire in its kitty, the Aklimate.

When it comes to the best tires for drivers facing unpredictable seasons, the Continental SecureContact AW and the Falken Aklimate represent two of the most advanced options in the all-weather segment. Unlike standard all-season tires, both are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified, meaning they are legally rated for severe snow performance while remaining durable enough for summer heat.

The Continental SecureContact AW is the premium touring choice, leaning heavily into sophisticated tech and a refined ride. Backed by a generous mileage warranty, it features Continental’s signature EcoPlus Technology to reduce rolling resistance and improve wet braking. The Falken Aklimate is the versatile challenger that utilizes 3D Canyon Sipe Technology and Advanced 4D Nano Design to provide exceptional biting edges on ice and slush. With a solid tread life warranty, the Aklimate is a formidable competitor to the Continental tire.

So, which one is the best for you? Let’s do the Continental SecureContact AW vs Falken Aklimate tires comparison and evaluate their performances in traction, handling, and longevity based on our in-house proprietary scoring mechanism, SimpleScore, which calibrates each performance on a scale of 0 to 10.

Continental SecureContact AW tires

Launched in January 2026, the Continental SecureContact AW becomes the first all-weather tire from the German tire manufacturer. Carrying the 3PMSF symbol, the Continental tire proves that it can handle heavy snow while maintaining the quiet refinement of a high-end touring tire. Backed by a robust 60,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty, this EV-compatible tire uses AdaptiveGrip Compound technology to stay pliable in freezing winter temperatures while resisting heat-related wear during the summer months.

The SecureContact AW also prioritizes proactive safety with specialized visual indicators built directly into the tread. The QuickView Indicators display ‘Dry,’ ‘Wet,’ and ‘Snow’ notifications to show exactly when performance in those specific conditions may be decreasing. Additionally, the Alignment Verification System helps drivers detect alignment issues early by highlighting uneven wear on the tread’s surface.

Securing an exceptional 9.2 overall SimpleScore, the Continental SecureContact AW assures convincing grip, handling, stability, and traction in different driving conditions.

Get Continental SecureContact AW tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Falken Aklimate tires

First appearing in 2023, the Falken Aklimate is designed with a unique, adaptive rubber compound that maintains high levels of grip, stability, and wearability regardless of the season. Its rigid tread pattern and optimized sipe depths ensure precise handling and consistent braking on dry, wet, and snowy surfaces.

This Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified Falken tire utilizes specialized 3D Canyon Sipe Technology to maximize biting edges on ice and slush, while simultaneously dampening road noise and vibrations for a smoother ride. To inspire ultimate confidence, Falken backs the Aklimate with a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty, a 30-Day Ride Guarantee, and their signature Road Hazard Protection.

Boasting an 8.9 SimpleScore, the Falken Aklimate delivers high-value, year-round performance across passenger cars, coupes, and sedans.

Get Falken Aklimate tires at the best deals for your vehicle here

Continental SecureContact AW vs Falken Aklimate tires on traction

Traction is highly important when driving in slick regions and in snow. The Continental and Falken all-weather tires are great in traction, but one of the tires proves exceptionally talented here.

Scoring a superb 9.3 in traction, the Continental SecureContact AW is at its best in rain and severe snow. Thanks to its circumferential grooves and strategic sipes, it outclasses competitors in wet braking by quickly removing water and slush from the tread, mitigating the risk of hydroplaning. The Continental tire’s asymmetric tread design and special rubber remain flexible and pliable on ice, while interlocking sipes provide the necessary biting edges needed for safety on unpredictable, slushy, and snow-covered winter roads.

On the other hand, the Falken Aklimate achieves an impressive rating of 8.7 in traction. Engineered for dependable year-round grip, the Falken tire’s specialized tread design features Advanced 4D Nano Design Technology, which optimizes the rubber compound for enhanced snow traction. Additionally, 3D Canyon Sipe Technology provides hundreds of biting edges, ensuring a firm grasp on the road during moderate to severe winter conditions.

With an outstanding score, the Continental SecureContact AW is way ahead of the Falken Aklimate in traction. First win for the Conti!

ADVANTAGE: Continental SecureContact AW

Continental SecureContact AW vs Falken Aklimate tires on handling

When it comes to handling, the tire that allows precise steering response and better control is preferred. Both tires are superb in their handling performance; however, once again, one is beaten.

Boasting an excellent 9.1 in handling, the SecureContact AW returns precise steering response and strong stability in unpredictable weather. The Continental all-weather tire is primarily designed to deliver quiet and refined dry pavement cruising. However, the tire impresses with its superior cornering, stability, and handling courtesy of its asymmetric tread pattern in all-weather conditions, including moderate to severe snow.

The Aklimate offers accurate steering response and control and secures an 8.7 handling score. The inclusion of Canyon Grooves enhances ride comfort while improving the tire's reaction to steering inputs. The wide footprint of the Falken tire works in tandem with the 4D Nano Design rubber to improve stability and lateral grip, ensuring confident cornering and lane changes even on wet or snowy surfaces.

Continuing its winning streak, the Continental SecureContact AW bags the handling section with a higher score. It’s 2-0 now!

ADVANTAGE: Continental SecureContact AW

Continental SecureContact AW vs Falken Aklimate tires on longevity

Most drivers pick all-weather tires due to their long-lasting tread, which is possible because of the special rubber compound that wears evenly and adapts to the changing environment, and keeps them flexible even in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The SecureContact AW and Aklimate are phenomenal when it comes to tread life and warranties. However, here we have a surprise. Let’s check it out.

The SecureContact AW continues to impress with yet another superb score of 9.2 in longevity. Designed for longer service life, it features EcoPlus Technology that resists irregular wear and an optimized contact patch that ensures even pressure distribution. Backed by a superb 60,000 mile limited manufacturer warranty, this EV-compatible tire maintains its performance integrity in extreme temperatures, providing drivers with long-term reliability and exceptional year-round value.

Contrarily, the Falken Aklimate finally reflexes its muscles and scores an exceptional 9.4 in longevity. This remarkable lifespan is driven by a high-tech rubber compound that slows wear and a robust internal construction that resists deformation under pressure. Backed by a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the all-weather tire offers high-mileage drivers long-term reliability and an outstanding overall ownership value.

With an incredible longevity score, the Falken Aklimate hits back with a convincing win in the service life department.

ADVANTAGE: Falken Aklimate

When to use each

All-weather tires are the ultimate year-round solution, bridging the gap between all-season versatility and winter-tire safety. Certified with the 3PMSF symbol, they utilize specialized rubber compounds that remain pliable in freezing temperatures. They provide superior grip in severe snow and slush while maintaining durability in summer heat.

If you want exceptional handling and traction, the Continental SecureContact AW is the go-to tire, while the Falken Aklimate is for those drivers who want superior longevity performance from their all-weather tire.

Which one should you choose?

In a nutshell, the Continental SecureContact AW is an overall better tire than the Falken Aklimate; however, it’s the longevity where it falls a bit short of the Falken’s performance. Do check out the individual traits of each tire, as different drivers have different requirements and driving habits. Let’s drill down to their final costs to know which one is a real deal.

For the 225/55R17 97V size, the Continental tire costs $198 per tire, while four tires cost $792. Similarly, the Falken tire costs $171 per tire, while four tires cost $684 (a difference of $108 on four tires).

Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Continental SecureContact AW if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Camry, or the Kia Telluride
• Need a tire that’s exceptional in traction (9.3 vs 8.7)
• Prefer an all-weather tire with strong handling attributes (9.1 vs 8.7)
• Are ready to pay a slight premium to buy a capable all-weather tire

Contrarily, you should go for the Falken Aklimate if you:

• Drive vehicles like the Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Suburban, and Honda Civic
• Want a more affordable all-weather tire
• Prefer a tire with a longer service mileage (65,000 vs 60,000 miles)
• Need a tire that lasts long (9.4 vs 9.2)
• Prefer an all-weather tire with strong traction and tread life

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.