Considering the General AltiMAX 365 AW but not sure if it’s the right tire for your vehicle? I get it. With all the options out there, it can feel like you’re wandering through a maze trying to figure out which one hits the sweet spot for your needs. This review will give you the rundown on the AltiMAX 365 AW, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The General AltiMAX 365 AW offers solid wet and dry performance with decent winter traction, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of top competitors in ice and snow. It’s a good all-around tire, especially for those in moderate climates.
In this article, we’ll break down the General AltiMAX 365 AW’s strengths and weaknesses, how it compares to leading competitors like the Michelin CrossClimate 2, General AltiMAX RT45, and Laufenn G FIT AS, and whether it’s the right tire for your specific driving needs.
General AltiMAX 365 AW
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
8.1 of 10
Treadwear
8.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.0 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 640
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 8.9 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.2 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.9 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.1 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.7 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.8 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
The General AltiMAX 365 AW stands out as a reliable all-weather tire, designed to deliver consistent performance across various driving conditions. This tire is engineered to provide dependable traction and comfort, making it a solid choice for drivers seeking year-round versatility without sacrificing safety or comfort.
General Tire has equipped the AltiMAX 365 AW with an advanced tread compound that enhances grip in both wet and dry conditions. The tire’s symmetrical tread pattern, featuring wide grooves and interlocking sipes, is optimized for effective water evacuation and traction in light snow, ensuring confidence on wet and slippery roads. Additionally, the robust sidewalls offer durability and protection against road hazards, contributing to a longer tire life.
One of the key strengths of the AltiMAX 365 AW is its balanced performance, providing a smooth ride and low noise levels. While it excels in offering all-season traction, it also ensures a comfortable and quiet driving experience, making it suitable for daily commutes and long-distance travel alike.
WET WEATHER PERFORMANCE
The AltiMAX 365 AW performs well in wet conditions:
- Hydroplaning Resistance: Its wide circumferential grooves effectively channel water away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
- Wet Traction: Offers solid grip and stability on wet roads, providing drivers with confidence in rainy conditions.
DRY WEATHER PERFORMANCE
In dry conditions, the AltiMAX 365 AW delivers:
- Stable Cornering: The tire maintains good road contact, ensuring steady cornering and handling.
- Strong Dry Traction: Delivers reliable traction on dry pavement, particularly in everyday driving scenarios.
WINTER/SNOW PERFORMANCE
While the AltiMAX 365 AW is not a dedicated winter tire, it performs adequately in light winter conditions:
- Light Snow Traction: The tire’s siping and tread design offer dependable traction in light snow.
- Deep Snow and Ice Traction: Performs reasonably well, though not on par with specialized winter tires.
RIDE COMFORT AND NOISE LEVEL
Balancing performance with on-road comfort:
- Comfort Features: The tire is designed to minimize vibrations, providing a smoother ride.
- Noise Control: Manages road noise effectively, ensuring a quiet driving experience, even at higher speeds.
TREAD WEAR AND LONGEVITY
The AltiMAX 365 AW is built for durability:
- Durable Construction: Engineered with a tough compound to resist wear and extend tire life.
- Even Tread Wear: The symmetrical tread pattern promotes uniform wear, maintaining performance over time.
PROS
- Excellent wet and dry traction.
- Good light snow performance for an all-season tire.
- Comfortable ride with low noise levels.
- Durable design with even tread wear.
CONS
- Moderate performance in deep snow and ice.
- Not as robust as specialized winter tires in severe winter conditions.
Value
The General AltiMAX 365 AW offers good value for its price point, delivering a well-rounded performance that is competitive with other tires in its category. It is reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for drivers seeking a versatile, all-weather tire without overspending. However, those looking for top-tier winter performance might consider more expensive, specialized options.
The Verdict
The General AltiMAX 365 AW is a commendable all-season tire that offers a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and durability. It’s a great option for drivers who need a reliable tire for year-round use, providing solid traction in various weather conditions and a comfortable driving experience. While it may not be the top performer in extreme winter conditions, it delivers excellent value and dependable performance in most scenarios.
General AltiMAX 365 AW vs Competitors
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Cooper Endeavor | Average |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | Premium |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | Average |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | Budget |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Endeavor | 7.7 | 7.1 | 6.6 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.4 | 7.8 | 7.3 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.0 | 6.8 | 7.0 |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.2 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 9.1 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.5 | 8.2 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| General AltiMAX 365 AW | 8.5 |
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 | 9.1 |
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | 8.7 |
| Laufenn G FIT AS | 8.0 |
General AltiMAX 365 AW Problems
The General AltiMAX 365 AW is generally well-regarded for its versatility and performance in various weather conditions, but like any tire, it has its share of concerns based on user feedback and reviews. Understanding these potential issues can help prospective buyers make a more informed decision.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice Traction: While the AltiMAX 365 AW performs adequately in snow, some users have noted that its ice traction isn’t as strong as one might hope for an all-weather tire with a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating. This can be particularly noticeable in severe winter conditions, where the tire’s grip on icy surfaces may not match that of a dedicated winter tire.
Noise Levels
- Road Noise: Several users have mentioned that while the AltiMAX 365 AW is generally quiet, certain tones can become noticeable, especially at higher speeds. This may be a minor annoyance for drivers who prioritize a completely silent ride, though it’s still quieter compared to some competitors.
Comfort Concerns
- Ride Comfort: The AltiMAX 365 AW is praised for its solid ride quality, but some drivers report that the tire feels slightly firmer than expected, particularly on uneven or rough road surfaces. While not harsh, this firmness might be less desirable for those who prefer a softer, more cushioned ride.
Tread Wear Observations
- Varied Tread Life: Although the tire is generally durable, there have been mixed reports regarding tread life. Some users have experienced longer-lasting performance, while others have noticed quicker wear under certain driving conditions, possibly due to differences in driving style or vehicle type.
The Bottom Line
The General AltiMAX 365 AW offers solid all-around performance, particularly in wet and dry conditions, making it a good choice for year-round driving. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in ice traction and its slightly firmer ride, especially if these factors are critical to their driving needs. Balancing these considerations against the tire’s competitive pricing can help determine if the AltiMAX 365 AW is the right fit for your vehicle.
General AltiMAX 365 AW Alternatives
While the General AltiMAX 365 AW is a solid all-weather tire with good all-around performance, there are a few other options that might better fit your specific needs. Below are three top alternatives, each with their own strengths, including a budget-friendly option for those looking to save without sacrificing too much performance.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Overall Rating: The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is one of the best all-season tires on the market, known for its top-tier performance in wet, dry, and winter conditions.
- Wet/Dry: This tire excels with wet and dry ratings of 9.4, providing outstanding traction and handling across various road conditions. It’s a tire that offers a confident grip whether you’re navigating through rain or cruising on dry pavement.
- Winter/Snow: The CrossClimate 2 is also exceptional in winter conditions, earning high marks with a light snow traction rating of 9.2 and a deep snow traction rating of 8.8, making it an excellent choice for regions with harsh winters.
- Comfort: With a comfort rating of 8.9, it provides a smooth and quiet ride, though it slightly edges out the AltiMAX 365 AW in terms of overall comfort and noise control.
- Treadwear: The treadwear rating of 9.1 ensures long-lasting performance, surpassing the AltiMAX 365 AW, making it a premium option if longevity is your priority.
Comparison: The Michelin CrossClimate 2 surpasses the General AltiMAX 365 AW in wet, dry, and winter performance, along with better tread life, though it comes at a higher price point. It’s an ideal pick for those willing to invest in superior performance across all conditions.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Overall Rating: The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is an excellent all-season tire, particularly known for its outstanding winter performance and reliable wet and dry handling.
- Wet/Dry: This tire performs admirably in both wet and dry conditions, with wet traction rated at 9.1 and dry traction at 9.2, making it a strong competitor to the General AltiMAX 365 AW, especially in wet weather.
- Winter/Snow: The Assurance WeatherReady excels in winter conditions, with a light snow traction rating of 8.8 and deep snow traction of 8.3, clearly outperforming the AltiMAX 365 AW in harsh winter scenarios.
- Comfort: With a comfort rating of 8.8, it matches the AltiMAX 365 AW, offering a smooth and quiet ride, suitable for long drives and daily commutes.
- Treadwear: It also has a strong treadwear rating of 8.7, providing long-lasting durability, slightly better than the AltiMAX 365 AW.
Comparison: The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is a well-rounded tire that excels in winter and wet conditions, outperforming the General AltiMAX 365 AW in these areas. It’s a great choice for those needing strong all-season performance, especially in regions with significant snowfall.
Laufenn G FIT AS
Overall Rating: The Laufenn G FIT AS is a budget-friendly all-season tire that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.
- Wet/Dry: With wet and dry ratings of 8.0 and 8.8 respectively, it may not match the high-performance levels of the AltiMAX 365 AW, but it provides reliable traction and handling for everyday driving.
- Winter/Snow: Its winter performance is decent with a light snow traction rating of 8.0, though it doesn’t perform as well in deeper snow or icy conditions, with a deep snow traction rating of 6.8.
- Comfort: The G FIT AS offers a comfortable ride with a ride quality rating of 8.5, although it’s slightly noisier than the AltiMAX 365 AW.
- Treadwear: The tire has a good treadwear rating of 8.0, which is reasonable for its price point, but it won’t last as long as the AltiMAX 365 AW.
Comparison: The Laufenn G FIT AS is a solid alternative for those on a budget. While it doesn’t quite match the AltiMAX 365 AW in terms of performance across all conditions, it offers reliable performance at a significantly lower price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious drivers.
Each of these alternatives provides distinct advantages depending on your driving needs and budget.
- The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is ideal for top performance across all conditions, though it comes at a higher price.
- The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady offers superior winter performance and reliable all-season traction, making it a great choice for those who need strong performance in snowy and wet conditions.
- The Laufenn G FIT AS is a great budget-friendly option that offers good performance for the price.
Depending on what you prioritize—whether it’s top-tier performance, value, or budget—these alternatives are worth considering alongside the General AltiMAX 365 AW.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The General AltiMAX 365 AW stands out for its balanced performance across wet and dry conditions, with strong traction and hydroplaning resistance making it a reliable option for daily driving. Its comfort and treadwear ratings are also commendable, providing a quiet ride and good durability. However, the tire’s winter performance, particularly on ice, doesn’t match the capabilities of premium competitors like the Michelin CrossClimate 2.
Overall, the General AltiMAX 365 AW holds its own in most conditions and is on par with the category leaders in many areas. It’s a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, dependable all-season tire, especially if severe winter weather isn’t a frequent concern.
Good luck and happy motoring.
