You're viewing new Continental CrossContact ATR Tire | 255/60R18 | SL | Manufacturer Part No 03594390000.
Continental CrossContact ATR — 255/60R18 108T
The Continental CrossContact ATR 255/60R18 108T is an all-terrain all-season tire built for large full-size SUVs and premium crossovers on 18-inch wheels that regularly venture beyond the pavement. Positioned between a conventional all-season tire and an aggressive mud-terrain, the CrossContact ATR delivers the traction needed on gravel roads, forest tracks, muddy access routes, and light snow — without sacrificing the on-road comfort, motorway stability, and fuel efficiency that SUV owners expect during their everyday commuting and long-distance touring.
Size Profile: 255/60R18 — 60-series stable wide-section profile
The 255/60R18 specification is engineered for large full-size SUVs and premium crossovers on 18-inch wheels. Standard load construction is matched precisely to the requirements of this application — Standard load construction is well-matched to the axle loads of this vehicle class, providing the ideal balance of sidewall compliance, ride comfort, and structural durability for everyday mixed-surface driving. The 60-series aspect ratio provides the sidewall height needed for meaningful trail compliance and cushioning on rough gravel roads while keeping the tire's footprint stable and controlled on paved highways. The 108T load and speed rating covers the full operating range of the targeted vehicles, including loaded-vehicle and towing configurations.
All-Terrain Tread Architecture
The CrossContact ATR's open-void tread pattern uses angled shoulder lugs and wide lateral channels to bite into loose gravel, packed dirt, muddy tracks, and compacted light snow. The stepped tread block design creates mechanical interlocking under traction and braking loads off-road, while the tightly spaced center blocks maintain a stable, continuous contact patch on paved surfaces for predictable braking and cornering. Sipes distributed throughout the tread blocks add biting edges for wet-road and all-season grip, bridging the gap between all-terrain capability and all-season road safety.
On-Road Refinement — The Continental Difference
Continental's variable-pitch noise sequencing minimises the pattern resonance that traditional all-terrain tires generate at motorway speeds, keeping cabin noise levels within the acceptable range for family SUV buyers. The silica-enriched compound retains flexibility across the temperature range from warm summer tarmac to cold winter mornings, maintaining wet-road braking grip in conditions where purely seasonal compounds would harden and lose contact. Rolling resistance is optimised for the crossover segment — better than traditional lug-pattern all-terrain tires — supporting competitive fuel economy figures for vehicles used predominantly on paved surfaces with occasional off-road use.
Vehicle Compatibility and Fitment Examples
The 255/60R18 108T is commonly fitted to large full-size SUVs and premium crossovers on 18-inch wheels, including Ford Explorer 3.0 ST AWD (6th Gen), Chevrolet Traverse 3.6 AWD, Toyota Highlander 3.5 (XU70), Buick Enclave 3.6 AWD. These are representative applications — always confirm load index, speed rating, and any OE or regional approval requirements against your vehicle's door-jamb placard and owner manual before ordering. AWD and top-trim variants may carry minimum load index requirements above base-trim specifications due to additional drivetrain and feature weight.
Installation and Off-Road Maintenance
Recommended rim width: 7.5J–9.0J. Set inflation pressure to the vehicle placard value for on-road use. For off-road use on loose gravel or soft terrain, consult the vehicle manufacturer's recommended air-down pressure range if specified — this tire's 60-series sidewall provides moderate flex capability when pressure is reduced appropriately. Re-inflate to placard pressure before returning to highway speeds. Rotate every 8,000–10,000 km to balance wear between drive and non-drive axles. Inspect shoulder lugs for cracking or chipping after repeated off-road use — shoulder damage is common in all-terrain tires used on sharp-edged gravel or rock surfaces and should be assessed before high-speed motorway use.
