How to Identify Genuine Continental Tires?
3 Answers
Tire labeling includes exclusive agent codes, product anti-counterfeiting certificates, and mobile phone verification. The specific details are as follows: Exclusive agent codes on tires: Consumers can find exclusive agent codes labeled on the inner wall of genuine Continental tires purchased at retail stores. Please verify before purchasing. Product anti-counterfeiting certificates: Every Continental tire sold in China comes with a Chinese label and an anti-counterfeiting mark. Genuine anti-counterfeiting marks have irregular cut marks to ensure they cannot be reused once removed. You can also verify the anti-counterfeiting number on the official Continental Tire website. Mobile phone verification: Visit the official website and enter the retail store ID or scan the retail store QR code (the QR code is on the table card provided by Continental to retail stores). After successful entry, input your mobile phone number/license plate number/tire anti-counterfeiting code to display the verification result. The result will also be sent via SMS to the registered mobile number. If the entered anti-counterfeiting code has been verified before, the system will provide a special notification. Currently, the mobile number is a mandatory field.
As a driver who frequently changes tires, I once bought a pair of Continental tires at a small shop to save money, only to find out they were counterfeit. That taught me a lesson. The first step in identifying authenticity is to check the packaging—genuine products have clear printing, anti-counterfeit labels, and a smooth, burr-free texture; counterfeit ones are often rough with blurry labels. The second step is to scan the barcode or serial number with your phone via the QR code and verify it directly on Continental's official website. Fake ones will show incorrect data or no display at all. Weight is also important—genuine Continental tires are made of high-quality materials and feel heavy when lifted, while fake ones feel light. Additionally, examine the tire surface: genuine products have deep and uniform tread patterns with clearly engraved brand markings. I advise against buying randomly from online stores—if the price is too low, there’s definitely an issue. Getting tires replaced at authorized dealers is the safest bet, as safe driving is a matter of life and death. Regularly use mobile apps for quick verification to avoid problems during high-speed driving later on.
Having been in this business for a long time, I've inspected many Continental tires for clients. Spotting fakes is actually straightforward: First, check the anti-counterfeit label and serial number on the packaging—enter them on the official website to verify. Fakes either have blurry numbers or don’t match. Then, feel the tire tread with your hands—genuine ones have smooth rubber with no burrs on the edges, while fakes always feel a bit rough. Weight is another clue—real tires are at least 20% heavier, with thick, elastic material; fakes are often lightweight and crack quickly. I recommend buying from authorized channels. Those counterfeit tires from shady roadside shops not only blow out easily but also wear out faster, endangering everyone. During regular maintenance, have a mechanic check them—it’s a small cost for peace of mind.
