General Tires are good mid-range tires for drivers who want dependable daily performance without paying premium-brand prices. General Tire’s strongest choices, including the Altimax RT45, G-Max AS-07, Grabber HTS60, and Grabber A/TX, offer credible wet-road grip, useful tread warranties, and broad vehicle coverage. They are not automatically equal to every Michelin or Continental tire, especially in severe snow, maximum handling, and independent test performance.
Key Facts at a Glance
General Tire has been part of Continental AG since 1987, but General models remain a separate value-oriented product line.
General Altimax passenger tires typically carry 65,000-75,000-mile treadwear warranties, depending on size and specification.
General G-Max tires target performance sedans and coupes, while Grabber tires cover highway, all-terrain, and off-road driving.
A General tire’s model, size, load index, speed rating, and weather certification matter more than the brand name alone.
The 3PMSF symbol identifies severe-snow testing; the M+S marking alone does not make an all-season tire a winter tire.
General Tire is usually a stronger value than unknown budget brands, but premium tires can deliver better braking, refinement, or snow traction in specific conditions.
Are General Tires Any Good?
Yes, General Tires are a sensible purchase when the selected model matches the vehicle and driving conditions. The brand sits below Continental in product positioning, yet Continental ownership gives General access to large-scale tire engineering, testing knowledge, manufacturing systems, and compound development.
That relationship does not mean a General tire is a discounted Continental tire with the same casing, compound, or test results. A Continental CrossContact LX25 and a General Grabber HTS60 may serve similar vehicles, but their tread designs, construction targets, warranty terms, noise levels, and handling characteristics differ.
General’s value is clearest for ordinary commuting, family sedans, crossover use, highway driving, and moderate truck duty. The brand becomes less compelling when a driver needs the shortest possible wet braking distance, precise track handling, dedicated ice traction, or maximum towing stability under severe loads.
Consumer Reports has evaluated individual General models, including the Altimax RT45 and G-Max AS-07, rather than treating every tire from the brand as interchangeable. That distinction matters. Tire quality is model-specific.
What does mid-range mean for General Tire?
“Mid-range” describes General Tire’s balance between purchase price and performance, not a formal safety category. General tires normally cost more than unfamiliar budget brands and less than comparable Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, or Continental products.
A mid-range tire can have a long warranty and acceptable wet braking while giving up some steering precision, low-temperature grip, ride isolation, or consistency between sizes. The trade-off is often reasonable for a commuter, but less attractive for a driver who regularly exploits a vehicle’s handling.
The most important buying rule is simple: compare the exact model and size, not only the logo on the sidewall.
Who Makes General Tires?
Continental AG owns General Tire. Continental acquired General Tire in 1987, and General Tire operates within Continental’s broader global tire business.
Continental ownership is meaningful because tire development depends on engineering resources, testing facilities, manufacturing controls, and distribution scale. However, ownership does not prove that General tires use Continental’s flagship compounds or duplicate Continental-branded products. Product lines are deliberately separated by price, performance target, construction, and market position.
The General Tire brand began in the United States in 1915. Its modern range includes passenger, performance, SUV, light-truck, all-terrain, and commercial applications. Availability, exact warranties, and plant origin vary by model and tire size.
Drivers should also inspect the complete sidewall information. The DOT identification code shows manufacturing details, while the load index and speed symbol confirm whether the tire meets the vehicle’s requirements.
Which General Tire Line Fits Your Vehicle?
The correct General Tire family depends on vehicle type, road surface, climate, and driving style. Altimax is primarily a passenger-car range, G-Max emphasizes performance, and Grabber covers SUVs, pickups, highway use, all-terrain travel, and some off-road applications.
| General line or model | Main vehicle use | Typical warranty or rating | Best operating environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altimax RT45 | Sedan, minivan, small crossover | Up to 75,000 miles, size-dependent | Dry and wet pavement, commuting |
| G-Max AS-07 | Sport sedan, coupe, performance crossover | Up to 50,000 miles, size-dependent | Pavement and moderate all-season driving |
| G-Max RS | Performance car or sporty coupe | Often no mileage warranty for summer sizes | Warm, dry pavement and spirited driving |
| Grabber HTS60 | Pickup, SUV, crossover | Commonly up to 65,000 miles, size-dependent | Highway, payload use, paved roads |
| Grabber A/TX | Pickup, SUV, overlander | Commonly 50,000 miles, size-dependent | Gravel, dirt, trails, pavement, snow-rated sizes |
| Grabber Arctic | Pickup or SUV in winter climates | Winter-specific application | Snow, ice, and low temperatures |
Warranty figures are representative ranges, not promises for every size. General’s current warranty booklet and the retailer’s exact product page control the final terms.
Is the Altimax RT45 good for a daily driver?
The General Altimax RT45 is one of the brand’s strongest choices for ordinary sedan and minivan use. Its design prioritizes highway stability, wet-road traction, low rolling resistance, ride comfort, and long treadwear rather than aggressive cornering response.
The RT45 commonly has a 65,000-75,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, although the rating changes with size and speed category. Its starting tread depth is often around 11/32 inch, but buyers should verify the specification because original tread depth is not identical across all fitments.
The Altimax RT45 is appropriate for drivers who cover suburban roads, motorways, and moderate rain. It is less suitable for deep snow, frequent mountain passes, or drivers who want sharp steering feedback. A dedicated winter tire remains the better choice where ice and packed snow are routine.
Are G-Max tires good for performance driving?
General G-Max tires provide affordable performance for street-driven sport sedans, coupes, and some crossovers. The G-Max AS-07 is an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, while the G-Max RS is a summer performance tire intended for warm conditions.
Performance tires generally trade some tread life and ride comfort for stronger cornering, braking, and steering response. The G-Max AS-07 commonly carries a 45,000-50,000-mile warranty depending on fitment. Summer G-Max RS sizes may have no mileage warranty because soft compounds wear rapidly and lose grip in cold weather.
The G-Max range is not a substitute for a competition tire. Drivers who attend track days, drive aggressively in heavy rain, or live where winter temperatures regularly fall below 45°F should compare specialized alternatives before buying.
Are Grabber tires good for trucks and SUVs?
General Grabber tires are good when the truck or SUV application is identified correctly. The HTS60 favors paved highways, towing, payload stability, and a quieter ride, while the A/TX uses a more aggressive tread for gravel, dirt, trail access, and mixed surfaces.
Some Grabber A/TX sizes carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake, or 3PMSF, severe-snow symbol. The certification indicates that the tire passed a standardized snow-traction test. It does not mean the A/TX will equal a dedicated winter tire on ice or polished urban snow.
Aggressive tread blocks can also create more noise and uneven wear than highway tires. Pickup owners should match the tire’s load range and inflation requirements to the vehicle’s door-placard specification, especially when towing.
How Much Do General Tires Cost?
General Tire pricing typically ranges from $110-$180 per tire for many passenger and performance applications and $150-$260 per tire for truck, SUV, and all-terrain sizes. Installation, balancing, taxes, disposal fees, valve stems, TPMS service, and alignment can add $80-$250 to a four-tire purchase.
| Application | Typical tire price | Typical installed set | Main price variables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact sedan, Altimax | $95-$145 | $480-$720 | 15-17-inch size, retailer promotions |
| Midsize sedan, Altimax | $115-$170 | $560-$820 | 17-19-inch size, speed rating |
| Sport sedan, G-Max | $145-$220 | $700-$1,050 | Wide tread, XL construction |
| Crossover, HTS60 | $135-$210 | $660-$1,000 | SUV load index, wheel diameter |
| Pickup, A/TX | $170-$280 | $820-$1,300 | LT construction, load range, 3PMSF |
| Dedicated winter, Grabber Arctic | $150-$250 | $740-$1,200 | Stud capability, winter size |
These are typical retail ranges in the United States and can change substantially by region, season, and availability. A 20-inch tire, run-flat specification, or extra-load construction can cost much more than the same model in a 16-inch size.
A lower purchase price also does not guarantee lower ownership cost. A tire with a 70,000-mile warranty may deliver better value than a cheaper tire that needs replacement at 30,000 miles, but warranty mileage is only a useful comparison when the tires are rotated, aligned, inflated, and replaced in matching sets.
How Do General Tires Compare With Alternatives?
General tires usually occupy the value middle ground. Unknown budget brands may cost less, while premium products can provide stronger results in a particular category, such as wet braking, winter grip, noise, or steering response.
| Choice | Typical set price | Typical treadwear warranty | Strongest reason to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Altimax RT45 | $480-$820 | 65,000-75,000 miles | Balanced commuting value |
| Michelin Defender2 | $720-$1,050 | Up to 80,000 miles | Long-life touring refinement |
| Continental TrueContact Tour 54 | $680-$980 | Up to 80,000 miles | Wet-road balance and comfort |
| Bridgestone WeatherPeak | $760-$1,100 | Up to 60,000 miles | All-weather snow capability |
| Discount budget touring tire | $320-$520 | 25,000-45,000 miles | Lowest upfront cost |
| General Grabber A/TX | $820-$1,300 | Commonly 50,000 miles | Mixed pavement and trail use |
Warranty limits differ by size, speed rating, replacement rules, and brand policy. The table therefore compares typical positioning rather than guaranteeing a result for a particular vehicle.
Are General tires as good as Michelin?
General tires are not universally as good as Michelin tires, but General can be the better financial choice for moderate driving. Michelin often leads in refinement, wet braking consistency, casing quality, and long-term performance retention, while General commonly delivers acceptable performance at a lower initial price.
The difference is most noticeable in demanding situations. A driver carrying a family through heavy rain at highway speed, driving a luxury vehicle, or keeping a car for many years may value Michelin’s additional refinement and testing record. A commuter on ordinary roads may notice little practical disadvantage from a well-chosen General model.
The right comparison is model against model. General Altimax RT45 should be compared with touring tires such as Michelin Defender2 or Continental TrueContact Tour 54, not with a high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport tire designed for an entirely different purpose.
Are General tires better than cheap unknown brands?
General tires are usually a safer value choice than anonymous budget brands because General has an established manufacturer, published specifications, dealer support, and model-specific warranty documentation. That advantage does not make every General tire superior in every independent test.
Unknown tires can have inconsistent availability, limited warranty support, weaker wet performance, or less transparent construction information. The cheapest option can also have a shorter service life, causing two replacement cycles during the period covered by one longer-lasting set.
Drivers with very limited budgets should still verify certification, load capacity, speed rating, manufacturing date, and seller reputation. A correctly sized, reputable budget tire is preferable to an incorrectly specified premium tire.
Are General Tires Good in Rain and Snow?
General all-season tires are generally capable in rain, but ordinary all-season models are not dedicated snow tires. Wet traction depends on the exact tread compound, grooves, temperature, inflation pressure, tread depth, and road surface.
The common 2/32-inch legal replacement threshold is not a performance target for wet weather. Hydroplaning resistance and wet braking usually decline well before the final wear bars become flush with the tread. Replacing a tire at roughly 4/32 inch is a prudent wet-climate rule used by many tire professionals, although vehicle, climate, and tire design affect the decision.
For snow, check the sidewall symbol:
| Marking | What it confirms | What it does not confirm |
|---|---|---|
| M+S | Manufacturer-designated mud and snow tread pattern | Severe-snow test performance |
| 3PMSF | Standardized severe-snow traction test | Strong ice braking or winter-tire equivalence |
| Winter tire symbol and compound | Cold-weather design, often with softer compound | Long summer tread life |
| No winter marking | General-purpose road use | Reliable traction in packed snow |
A 3PMSF-rated Grabber A/TX can be useful for rural snow and mixed surfaces. A dedicated winter tire remains preferable for frequent ice, deep snow, temperatures below freezing, and emergency braking.
How Long Do General Tires Last?
General tires commonly last about 40,000-75,000 miles in normal service, with touring models often reaching the upper end and performance or all-terrain models commonly wearing sooner. Time, heat, alignment, inflation, vehicle weight, road texture, and driving style can matter as much as the treadwear warranty.
A 75,000-mile warranty does not mean every driver will receive 75,000 miles. Warranty eligibility usually requires documented rotation intervals, uniform wear, original ownership, and compliance with the manufacturer’s conditions.
Age is a separate issue from tread depth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises consumers to inspect tires for aging and damage, and many vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacement at six to ten years from manufacture, with some recommending six years regardless of remaining tread. Check the tire maker’s specific guidance.
How should drivers inspect a General tire?
Use the following inspection sequence every month and before long trips:
- Check cold pressure against the vehicle door placard, not the maximum pressure molded on the tire.
- Measure tread depth across the inner, center, and outer grooves.
- Look for cracks, bulges, exposed cords, punctures, or objects in the sidewall.
- Compare wear across the axle and between both shoulders.
- Read the DOT date code, whose final four digits identify the production week and year.
- Check that all four tires have compatible size, load index, speed rating, and construction.
General’s Visual Alignment Indicators can help reveal uneven shoulder wear, but they are not a substitute for a professional alignment measurement. A visible wear pattern is already evidence that a suspension, pressure, rotation, or alignment problem may be affecting the tire.
What Problems Do General Tire Owners Commonly Encounter?
Most complaints about General tires involve noise, uneven wear, ride harshness, or expectations that exceed the selected model’s design. These issues often result from vehicle setup rather than a manufacturing defect, although damaged or defective tires require immediate dealer inspection.
Underinflation is a frequent cause of shoulder wear and heat buildup. Overinflation can reduce the contact patch and produce a harsher ride, while incorrect alignment can destroy one edge of a tire thousands of miles before the tread center appears worn.
Expert maintenance rules that prevent premature replacement
- Check pressure monthly when the tires are cold, and recheck before carrying heavy cargo.
- Rotate according to the vehicle manufacturer’s schedule, commonly every 5,000-8,000 miles.
- Request an alignment after pothole impacts, suspension work, or persistent one-sided wear.
- Do not mix a winter tire with an all-season tire on the same axle.
- Replace a tire with a sidewall bulge, exposed cord, or deep cut rather than repairing it.
- Rebalance tires when vibration appears at a repeatable speed.
A practical rule is to investigate new noise before assuming the tread design is inherently loud. Cupping, feathering, and scalloped wear can make a normally quiet tire roar, and rotation may not reverse advanced damage.
Which Drivers Should Buy General Tires?
General Tire is a strong choice for four common situations:
- Daily commuters: Choose the Altimax RT45 for ordinary sedans, minivans, and highway driving.
- Sporty street-car owners: Choose the G-Max AS-07 for affordable all-season handling, or the G-Max RS for warm-weather performance.
- Highway-focused truck owners: Choose the Grabber HTS60 when pavement comfort, payload stability, and towing matter more than trail traction.
- Mixed-surface drivers: Choose a properly sized, 3PMSF-rated Grabber A/TX when gravel, dirt, and moderate snow are regular parts of the route.
General Tire is a weaker choice for drivers who regularly drive on glare ice, attend track events, demand the quietest luxury-car ride, or need a tire engineered specifically for an electric vehicle’s high weight and instant torque. In those cases, compare winter, max-performance, touring, or EV-specific models directly.
Before ordering, confirm the tire size, load index, speed symbol, sidewall construction, seasonal rating, and vehicle manufacturer approval. Replacing only two tires can also create handling differences, so installers usually place the newer pair on the rear axle when only one axle receives new tires.
The Bottom Line
Are General Tires any good? Yes, General Tires are good value-oriented products when the model fits the vehicle and climate. General Altimax tires suit commuting, G-Max tires suit affordable street performance, and Grabber tires suit truck, SUV, and mixed-surface use.
General Tire should not be treated as identical to Continental, Michelin, or any other premium brand. The best purchase depends on the exact tire, not the corporate owner. Select the model by weather, road surface, load requirement, tread warranty, and independent test performance, then protect the investment with correct pressure, rotation, alignment, and age checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do General tires have a good warranty?
Many General passenger and crossover tires carry limited treadwear warranties between 50,000 and 75,000 miles, but coverage varies by model, size, speed rating, and market. Warranty claims normally require proof of purchase, regular rotation, correct inflation, and evenly worn original tires. Read the current General Tire warranty booklet before relying on the mileage figure.
Are General tires noisy?
General tires can be quiet when the model is designed for pavement and the vehicle maintains correct pressure and alignment. Grabber all-terrain patterns usually create more tread noise than Altimax touring tires. Cupping, feathering, and uneven shoulder wear can make any tire noisy, so inspect the wear pattern before blaming the tread design.
Can General tires be used on an electric vehicle?
General tires can be used on an electric vehicle only when the exact size, load index, speed rating, and construction meet the EV manufacturer’s requirements. EV weight and instant torque can accelerate wear, while low rolling resistance affects range. A tire marked for EV use is not automatically required, but correct load capacity is non-negotiable.
Should General tires be replaced after six years?
Drivers should inspect General tires closely as they age and follow General Tire’s current replacement guidance. Six years is a common professional inspection or replacement point, while ten years is a maximum age cited by several tire manufacturers for unused tread. The DOT date, cracks, climate exposure, storage history, and damage determine the practical risk.
Can I mix General tires with another brand?
Mixing General tires with another brand is safest when the tires share the same size, load index, speed rating, construction, and similar tread characteristics. Do not mix different tire types on one axle, and avoid mixing winter and all-season designs. If only two tires are replaced, installers commonly fit the newer pair to the rear axle.
Are General Grabber tires suitable for serious off-roading?
General Grabber A/TX tires are suitable for moderate trails, gravel, dirt roads, and overlanding, but they are not a universal replacement for a specialist mud-terrain tire. Deep mud, sharp rocks, extreme sidewall impacts, and low-pressure rock crawling demand a tire with construction and tread geometry designed for those conditions. Always follow the vehicle maker’s load and pressure limits.
