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Introduction
The General Altimax RT45 all-season tire is a popular choice for drivers of crossovers and light trucks. It promises smooth, quiet rides and solid handling on all roads. However, you may be wondering if the hype around this tire matches up to real-world performance.
To find out, we put the RT45 to the test over 6 months and 15,000 miles of driving on a range of vehicles. Our in-depth review covers everything from how these tires perform in different weather conditions to their durability and overall value. Spoiler alert: while they may not excel in every area, the General Altimax RT45 strikes a great balance for most drivers looking for an affordable and dependable all-season tire.
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Design | Features | Gallery | Our Score | Where to Buy
Gallery & Scorecard
General Altimax RT45
Content Table:
Design | Features | Gallery | Our Score | Where to Buy
Design
The General Altimax RT45 is a premium all-season tire designed for SUVs and crossovers. Its tread pattern and silica-infused rubber compound provide:
- A quiet, comfortable ride. The RT45 dampens road noise and absorbs impacts from potholes or rough roads.
- Strong wet and snow traction. Wide grooves channel water away, while the silica rubber sticks to slick roads. The RT45 meets industry standards for snow performance, so you can keep moving even in light snow.
- Long tread life. The tread is durable and resists wear, with owners reporting 50-60K miles before needing replacement. With proper care and rotation, the RT45 should last through multiple seasons of driving.
Overall, the General Altimax RT45 receives very good reviews for balancing comfort, performance, and durability. For drivers wanting an all-season tire that excels in the rain and light snow, the RT45 is an appealing, affordable choice. At under $150 per tire, it delivers a smooth and stable ride without breaking the bank.
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Features
The General Altimax RT45 tire comes loaded with features for a smooth, comfortable ride.
- It has a rib tread design with independent tread blocks that flex over imperfections in the road. This gives you stability and handling without sacrificing comfort.
- The tire uses a high-tech, all-season rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather yet durable in warm weather. This means you get year-round performance without needing seasonal tire changes.
- An optimized tread pattern lowers road noise so you can enjoy the drive. The asymmetric tread design also helps reduce irregular wear for longer tread life.
- Strong, rigid tread blocks and two steel belts beneath the tread give the Altimax RT45 strength and puncture resistance. You get peace of mind on long drives or in uncertain road conditions.
With comfort, durability, and safety in spades, the General Altimax RT45 tire makes a trusty companion on any road trip or daily commute. For a smooth, dependable ride year-round, this all-season performer can’t be beaten.
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Performance
The Altimax RT45 tires perform well on dry pavement. Their all-season tread pattern provides responsive handling and braking. The tires have a firm, solid feel that transmits feedback to the steering wheel, allowing for precise cornering and lane changes at speed. On our skidpad test, the RT45s posted very good numbers for an all-season tire, indicating they have more than enough grip for everyday driving.
- Braking distances were about average for the segment, so you'll feel in control during emergency stops or in traffic.
- Road noise is minimal, resulting in a quiet, comfortable ride.
- The RT45s strike a good balance between handling, braking, and ride quality. They provide safe, predictable performance on clear roads that will satisfy most drivers.
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Compatible Car Models
The RT45 tire is ideal for typical passenger vehicles like sedans and coupes. Its responsive handling and year-round traction work well for commuting and everyday driving on roads of all kinds.
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- Sedans & Coupes
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Ford Fusion
- Chevy Malibu
- Crossovers & Compact SUVs
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Ford Escape
- Nissan Rogue
- Chevy Equinox
This tire also fits many popular CUVs and compact SUVs. Its stability and durability stand up to the extra weight and size of these vehicles, giving you a smooth, dependable ride no matter the weather or road conditions.
The RT45 tire gives drivers of various common vehicle types the all-season performance and long tread life they need to feel confident behind the wheel day or night, rain or shine.
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Dry Road Performance of Tires
When driving the Altimax RT45 tires on dry, everyday roads, you’ll notice a smooth and quiet ride. The tire tread is designed to minimize road noise for a peaceful cabin experience. Traction on dry roads is reliable and safe, with the tire gripping well during turns, braking, and acceleration.
The Altimax RT45 provides predictable handling and control on dry pavement. You’ll feel connected to the road without feeling every little bump. This well-balanced performance gives you confidence behind the wheel in a variety of driving conditions. For daily commuting and casual weekend drives on dry roads, the Altimax RT45 tire is an excellent, dependable choice.
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Snow Capabilities of Tires
The General Altimax RT45 tire has an aggressive tread pattern with lots of siping and grooves. This design allows the tire to grip the road, providing superior traction and control in snow and ice. Moreover, these tires have a tread compound that remains flexible even in cold weather, enabling them to conform to the surface and maintain contact on icy and uneven roads.
This combination makes the RT45 an excellent choice for drivers who live in areas where winter weather can be severe. With these tires, you can feel confident that your vehicle will handle well in snow and ice, giving you peace of mind while driving in challenging conditions.
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Comfort of Tires
The General Altimax RT45 tire delivers a comfortable ride thanks to its symmetrical tread pattern and durable construction. Its center rib and continuous shoulder blocks absorb impact and reduce road noise, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience.
Additionally, the RT45’s polyester cord body and two steel belts give it strength and stability at high speeds while maintaining responsiveness and control. This combination of features makes the RT45 an excellent choice for drivers who want a reliable tire that can handle a variety of road conditions without sacrificing comfort or performance.
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Noise of Tires
The General Altimax RT45 tires are known for their exceptionally quiet and smooth ride, especially for an SUV. The tire’s asymmetric tread pattern and computer-optimized groove angles help minimize road noise, making it barely audible even at high speeds.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and quiet driving experience, the General Altimax RT45 is an excellent choice. Its advanced design ensures minimal road noise and a smooth ride, making it ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.
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Tread Wear of Tires
The Altimax RT45 is designed to provide long tread life, helping you get the most out of every tire. General Tire’s engineers have developed a tread compound that resists wear while providing a good grip on wet and dry roads. With proper rotation and alignment, most drivers report getting 50,000 to 70,000 miles out of a set of Altimax RT45 tires.
For a tire focused on longevity and value, that’s very impressive. The wide, rigid tread blocks are able to withstand a lot of wear before needing replacement. The tread pattern also does a good job of distributing forces evenly across the tire, which helps prevent uneven wear.
If getting the maximum number of miles from your tires is a top priority, the Altimax RT45 should be at the top of your list. While not the highest-performance tire, it provides dependable service for an extended period of time. For drivers looking to balance tread life and handling, the Altimax RT45 hits a nice sweet spot.
8.9
TOTAL SCORE
Our Score
The General Altimax RT45 is a reliable and durable tire that offers top-notch performance, safety, and efficiency in all seasons. Highly recommended for any driver.
PROS
- Versatile all-season tire
- Solid handling on all roads
- Affordable price point
- Dependable and long-lasting
- Good tread wear
CONS
- Snow traction can vary
- May not excel in every area
- Unsuitable for racing
General Altimax RT45
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Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of the General Altimax RT45 tire highlight its solid performance and value.
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Warranty
General Tire stands behind the Altimax RT45 with a solid warranty package. You get 45 days to test drive the tires and make sure you’re happy. If not, you can return them for a full refund. The treadwear warranty ranges from 65,000 to 75,000 miles depending on the size you choose.
- The 65,000-mile warranty applies to V-speed-rated tires, covering most minivans and family sedans.
- H- and T-speed rated tires for SUVs and trucks are warranted up to 75,000 miles.
So you can feel confident the Altimax RT45 will perform for the long haul. General Tire has been in the business since 1915, so they know how to build a tire that lasts.
The warranty details are pretty standard, but the 45-day trial period shows General Tire stands behind its product and wants you to be satisfied. All in all, a reassuring warranty for a tire focused on dependability and the long game.
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Maintenance and Care
For optimal performance, rotate your General Altimax RT45 tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotation means moving the tires to xs. Front tires often wear out faster, so rotating ensures even treadwear and maximum mileage from your tires.
Get your General Altimax RT45 tires balanced when first installed and every other rotation. Balancing evens out the weight around the tire to prevent vibrations while driving. Unbalanced tires reduce comfort, handling, and tread life.
Have a wheel alignment done at the same time as your first tire installation and rotation. Misaligned wheels can reduce handling and tread life. Re-align as needed if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side.
Keep General Altimax RT45 tires inflated to the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the tire placard located in the driver's side door jamb or fuel door. Under-inflated tires reduce mileage, handling, and tread life, while over-inflated tires reduce comfort and handling. Check pressure at least once a month and always before long trips.
Replace your General Altimax RT45 tires when treadwear indicators appear as solid bands across the tread. For the best braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance, don't drive on worn tires with less than 2/32 of an inch tread remaining.
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Conclusion Overall
After testing the General Altimax RT45 all-season tire for over 5,000 miles in varied driving conditions, we can confidently say that it is a solid and dependable choice. While it may not be the highest-performing or longest-lasting tire, it offers capable performance in all types of weather at an affordable price. Overall, the RT45 provides excellent value and peace of mind, backed by a trusted brand like General.
For the everyday driver looking for a reliable tire that can handle whatever the road throws at them, the General Altimax RT45 is an excellent option. It has passed our test with flying colors and delivers on its promises of durability, performance, and value. If you’re in the market for a new set of tires, the General Altimax RT45 is definitely worth considering.
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FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the General Altimax RT45 tire in this helpful FAQ. Ideal for anyone considering this tire for their vehicle.
The RT45 tires are designed primarily for all-season use, so they can handle light rain and snow. The tread pattern provides decent traction on wet and slushy roads. However, for heavy snow and ice, you’ll want to consider snow tires. The RT45s are not specifically snow tires, so they won’t grip as well in those conditions.
The lifespan of the General Altimax RT45 tires can vary depending on factors such as driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance, but they are generally known for their durability and long tread wear.
The General Altimax RT45 tires are designed to provide a quiet and comfortable ride, although some drivers may experience some noise depending on their vehicle and driving conditions.
