Imagine a tire tested over 13,258 miles, mostly on highways with some back-road trips. This is General Tire Reviews of Altimax RT43 model, size 215/60-15. It shows great ride quality, top-notch performance in bad weather, and steady handling.
This tire isn’t super sporty but does well. It has a T speed rating, which means it’s good for straight driving and soaking up bumps.
Key Takeaways
- General Tire’s Altimax RT43 model has been extensively tested, covering over 13,000 miles on highways and back roads.
- The tire delivers a smooth, comfortable ride with superior performance in inclement weather conditions.
- While not designed for sporty driving, the Altimax RT43 offers reliable and predictable handling with a T speed rating.
- The tire demonstrates excellent straight-line stability and impressive impact absorption, improving on the ride comfort and noise levels of original equipment tires.
- The comprehensive performance analysis provides valuable insights for car enthusiasts and professionals seeking detailed tire information.
General Tire Reviews: Understanding Market Position
General Tire is known for its quality and variety of tires. It has been around since 1915. The company is known for making reliable and durable tires.
Brand Heritage and Reputation
General Tire started in Akron, Ohio. In 1987, it was bought by Continental Tire. Now, it’s known for tires that do well in all weather.
Current Product Lines
- AltiMAX Arctic 12 ($101.99 – $157.99)
- AltiMAX RT43 ($171.74 – $199.99)
- G-MAX RS ($122.99 – $173.99)
- Grabber A/TX ($173.99 – $199.99)
- Grabber APT ($199.99)
- Grabber Arctic ($157.99 – $199.99)
General Tire has many types of tires. The AltiMAX RT43 is great for daily driving and long trips. It’s known for its balance of performance and comfort.
Manufacturing Standards
General Tire makes tires in many places around the world. They focus on making tires that work well in different weather. This means their tires brake well and handle snow well.
| Tire Model | Treadwear Rating | Traction Rating | Temperature Rating | Price Range (per tire) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AltiMAX Arctic 12 | 360 | A | A | $101.99 – $157.99 |
| AltiMAX RT43 | 600 | AA | A | $171.74 – $199.99 |
| G-MAX RS | 420 | A | A | $122.99 – $173.99 |
| Grabber A/TX | 700 | A | B | $173.99 – $199.99 |
| Grabber APT | 580 | A | B | $199.99 |
| Grabber Arctic | 500 | A | A | $157.99 – $199.99 |
General Tire Reviews: Key Performance Features and Technologies
General Tire is known for using new technologies in their tires. The Altimax RT43 has special features like the Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) and Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI). These help drivers get the most out of their tires and keep their car handling well.
The Altimax RT43 is great for wet and dry roads, snow, and quiet rides. It beats out tires like the Firestone WeatherGrip and Nokian WR G4 in tests.
General Tire stands by the Altimax RT43 with strong warranties. There’s a 75,000-mile warranty for some sizes, and others get 60,000 or 45,000 miles. These warranties show the brand’s trust in their tires.
The General G-MAX AS-05 is also a top choice. It has StabiliTread and SmartGrip for better performance. Its design helps with wet roads and water, and it tells drivers when it’s time for a new tire.
- Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) and Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI) for enhanced tread life and handling
- Exceptional wet and dry braking, snow traction, and low road noise performance
- Comprehensive warranty coverage, including a 75,000-mile limited tread life warranty
- StabiliTread and SmartGrip technologies for improved performance and handling
- High-void, angled groove patterns for superior wet traction and water evacuation
- Smart Monitor Indicators to alert drivers on tire replacement and alignment issues
General Tire keeps improving with new technologies. They make sure their tires offer a great drive in any weather.
General Tire Reviews: Real-World Testing Results
We tested General Tire’s products in real-world scenarios. We looked at how they perform in different driving conditions. The General Grabber X3 stood out, designed for both road and off-road use.
Dry Road Performance
The Grabber X3 handled well on dry roads. It had good grip and was stable straight ahead. Its handling made us feel confident, great for daily driving and fun turns.
The tire’s soft compound and special tread helped it grip dry roads well. This made steering sharp and responsive.
Wet Weather Handling
In wet conditions, the General Grabber X3 did great. It stopped well, matching the maker’s claims. Its design pushed water away, keeping control in rainy weather.
Snow and Ice Capabilities
Our winter tests were limited, but the Grabber X3 did well. It had good grip and control on snow and ice. Its M+S rating and siping technology helped it tackle winter roads.
Our tests showed the General Grabber X3 is a versatile tire. It performs well in many conditions, from dry roads to snow. It’s a good choice for those who need a tire for different driving situations.
General Tire Reviews: Tread Life and Durability Analysis
Tire performance matters a lot to drivers. General Tire’s Altimax RT43 model focuses on tread life and durability. It showed great performance in a 13,258-mile test, matching General Tire’s promise of long-lasting tread.
The Altimax RT43 uses smart tech like the Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) and Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI). These tools help keep an eye on wear and alignment. This means the tire lasts longer and handles well.
Most tires come with a warranty for defects. It usually covers a certain time or wear level, like 2/32 of an inch tread left. Consumer Reports tested 15 all-season SUV tires. They found almost half could last over 65,000 miles, with four lasting 75,000 miles or more. Surprisingly, long-lasting tires don’t always cost more.
| Tire Model | Traction Score | Durability Score | Longevity Score | Price per Tire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Grabber X3 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.5 | $197.96 |
| Nitto Trail Grappler M/T | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.9 | $278.00 |
The table shows the General Grabber X3 and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T are top choices. They excel in traction, durability, and longevity. The General Grabber X3 is more affordable for those wanting durable tires.
General Tire Reviews: Ride Comfort and Noise Levels
Tire performance matters a lot. Ride comfort and noise levels are key. The General G-MAX AS-05 tire is known for its smooth and quiet ride. It makes driving more enjoyable.
Road Noise Assessment
The General G-MAX AS-05 is quiet. It has less road noise than the original tires. Its design and compound help reduce noise, making driving more relaxed.
Comfort Ratings
Drivers love the General G-MAX AS-05 for its comfort. It rides smoothly and absorbs bumps well. Even on bad roads, it feels cushioned.
Impact Absorption
The General G-MAX AS-05 absorbs impacts well. It keeps road bumps out of the cabin. This makes driving more comfortable and refined.
The General G-MAX AS-05 is great for comfort. It’s quiet, comfortable, and absorbs impacts well. It’s a top choice for a smooth driving experience.
General Tire Reviews: Handling and Responsiveness Evaluation
General Tire’s products get high marks for handling and responsiveness. Tire handling reviews show they perform well and are easy to handle. They meet the needs of people who drive every day.
The Altimax RT43 is especially praised. It handles well on different roads, including winding ones. It’s not the most exciting tire, but it’s stable and controlled. It gives enough grip for most driving situations.
- Handling characteristics described as “competent but not particularly sporty”
- Predictable performance in diverse conditions, including winding roads
- Moderate lateral grip, sufficient for everyday driving needs
- Some minor squirminess noted under very hard braking
General Tire aims for reliable and responsive handling. Their tires may not thrill drivers, but they offer confidence. They’re great for those who want a balance of handling, stability, and everyday driving.
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dry Grip | 86% |
| Wet Grip | 79% |
| Road Feedback | 80% |
| Handling | 75% |
General Tire Reviews: Weather Performance Capabilities
General Tire’s tires are great for all seasons. They meet drivers’ needs in many weather conditions. The Altimax RT43 is a top choice for its good performance in summer and winter.
Summer Performance
The Altimax RT43 handles well on dry roads. It has the best dry braking among all tires. Its special tread design gives it great grip and control.
Winter Handling
In cold weather, the Altimax RT43 still performs well. It has the best snow traction, thanks to its unique tread and rubber. Drivers say it’s stable and controlled in snow and ice.
All-Season Versatility
- The Altimax RT43 can handle many weather conditions, from hot summers to cold winters.
- Its special design and technology keep it performing well through seasonal changes.
- It comes with a 75,000-mile warranty, making it a durable and valuable choice.
| Performance Metric | Altimax RT43 Rating |
|---|---|
| Dry Road Handling | Excellent |
| Wet Weather Traction | Very Good |
| Snow and Ice Grip | Best-in-Class |
| Treadwear Warranty | 75,000 Miles |
The Altimax RT43 from General Tire is top-notch for all seasons. It offers reliable grip and control in many weather conditions. Its advanced features, durability, and versatility make it a great choice for drivers.
Price Point Analysis and Value Proposition
The General AltiMAX RT43 offers great value for those watching their budget. It performs well in many conditions and lasts a long time. This makes it a smart choice for many drivers.
The tire’s inside is built to last, with strong materials and special belts. This makes it stable and long-lasting. It also handles well, even in bad weather.
The tire’s design helps it wear evenly, so it lasts longer. It also has special tech to resist wear and heat. This means you get more miles out of it, making it a good deal.
General Tire might even throw in a $100 Visa® Prepaid Card. This makes the AltiMAX RT43 even more appealing. It’s perfect for those looking for a good price and performance.
In summary, the General AltiMAX RT43 is a great choice. It’s affordable, reliable, and lasts a long time. Plus, there might be special deals to sweeten the deal.
Warranty Coverage and Customer Support
General Tire offers a great warranty package for the Altimax RT43 tires. This gives customers peace of mind and assurance. The Altimax RT43 has a 45-day trial period. This lets drivers test the tires risk-free and see if they meet their expectations.
The Altimax RT43 also has a limited treadwear warranty of up to 50,000 miles. This shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the tire’s durability and performance. General Tire’s website has detailed warranty information. This shows they care about their customers after the sale.
Warranty Terms
- 45-day customer satisfaction trial period
- Limited treadwear warranty of up to 50,000 miles
- Detailed warranty information available online
Customer Service Experience
General Tire really cares about customer satisfaction. Their customer support team is quick to respond and solve problems. This makes for a positive experience for customers.
| Tire Model | Ratings | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| General Altimax RT43 | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Up to 50,000 miles |
| General Grabber HTS | 4.2 out of 5 stars | Up to 65,000 miles |
| General Grabber APT | 4.4 out of 5 stars | Up to 60,000 miles |
General Tire’s strong warranty and focus on customer support stand out. They give customers the confidence and assurance they need when buying tires.
Comparison with Competing Brands
General Tire’s Altimax RT43 is a top choice in the touring all-season tire market. It beats out Firestone, Nokian, and Toyo in wet and dry braking, and snow traction. This is based on General Tire’s own tests.
Real-world reviews also back up the Altimax RT43’s performance. It’s a solid pick for those looking for a reliable tire for all seasons.
Performance Ratings Breakdown
| Tire Model | Traction | Handling | Longevity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falken Wildpeak H/T02 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.8 | $118.99 |
| General Grabber HD | 8.1 | 8.3 | 7.3 | $129.99 |
The Falken Wildpeak H/T02 edges out the General Grabber HD in traction, handling, and longevity. But the Grabber HD costs more. This shows the Altimax RT43 can hold its own against top brands.
The General Tire Altimax RT43 is a top pick in the all-season tire market. It offers a great mix of features for many drivers.
Conclusion
General Tire is all about making high-quality, performance tires. They show their skill in making tires that work well in many driving situations. This is seen in the Arctic LT’s endurance and the Altimax RT43’s all-around abilities.
Their focus on safety, durability, and saving fuel is clear. They use cool tech like Dynamic Footprint and Silica Compound. These help their tires last longer and perform better. Customers and experts alike praise General Tire for being reliable and trustworthy.
Looking for all-season tires, light truck tires, or something high-performance? General Tire has you covered. They offer a wide range of tires for different needs. Plus, they have a strong warranty and care about the environment, making them a great choice for quality and value.
