This review dives deep into the General AltiMAX RT45 to help you make an informed decision. You’ll see how it stacks up against the premium Michelin CrossClimate2, the mid-range Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the value-oriented Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91. We also cover known issues drivers have reported and break down the performance numbers that matter most.The General AltiMAX RT45 brings sharp dry road grip, strong wet road grip, a smooth and quiet cabin experience, and dependable treadwear to the table, making it a compelling choice in the grand touring all-season segment. Still, modest snow grip should be weighed before purchasing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| General AltiMAX RT45 | Budget |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | Premium |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | Mid-Priced |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.4 | 8.5 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.9 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.1 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 7.2 | 6.4 | 6.2 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.7 |
| Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 | 8.0 |
Detailed Review
General AltiMAX RT45
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
8.9 of 10
Wet Weather
8.8 of 10
Winter Weather
7.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600-700
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B-A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 75,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
Designed with everyday driving in mind, the General AltiMAX RT45 delivers the refined ride quality that grand touring tires are known for. If you value comfort on long highway stretches and dependable grip in changing weather, this tire was made for you.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the General AltiMAX RT45 shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In wet conditions, the General AltiMAX RT45 provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Within its category, it stands out as one of the top performers for wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The General AltiMAX RT45 offers a comfortable ride that most drivers will appreciate. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and noise levels remain subdued even at highway speeds. Long drives become more enjoyable with this level of refinement. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger ride comfort and noise control than most of the competition.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the tire does well, especially in light to moderate snow where it shows decent traction. However, its performance on ice isn’t as robust, and you might experience occasional slipping during cornering. If you often drive in mild winter conditions with icy patches, extra caution is advised. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger winter and snow traction than most of the competition.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The General AltiMAX RT45 has a strong treadwear rating, which means it should last for many miles when maintained properly. Its durable design is built to handle varied conditions, and the warranty backs up the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger tread life and longevity than most of the competition.
Pros
- Strong dry road performance
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Durable treadwear for long-lasting use
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
Cons
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- May not suit all driving styles
- Some size availability limitations
- Requires proper maintenance for best results
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The General AltiMAX RT45 offers exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers. Its high ratings in key performance areas, combined with excellent long-term value due to its durable tread compound, make it a worthwhile consideration. While some competitors may excel in specific areas, the overall package delivers solid value for drivers seeking reliable grand touring all-season performance.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The General AltiMAX RT45 is a strong option if you value comfort and all-season versatility. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and durability and shows good durability. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
General AltiMAX RT45 Problems
While the General AltiMAX RT45 is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include faster than expected tread wear, challenges in light snow conditions, and challenges in light snow or icy conditions. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment. Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.Tread Wear Patterns
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the General AltiMAX RT45. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.Light Snow and Slush Performance
A few owners have noted that the General AltiMAX RT45 could perform better in light snow or slushy conditions. While deep snow traction is generally praised, packed snow and slush can be more challenging.Light Snow and Icy Conditions
The tire performs very well in deep snow, but some drivers have found that it does not grip as well in light snow or on icy roads. This can sometimes lead to slipping or less stable cornering in those conditions.Balancing and Installation Issues
A few reports mention problems during mounting or balancing the tire. Some drivers experienced vibrations or a wobbling feeling when the tires were new, which might require extra adjustments to get a smooth ride.The Bottomline
While the General AltiMAX RT45 is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as shorter tread life, reduced traction in light snow or icy conditions, reduced traction in light snow or icy conditions have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
General AltiMAX RT45 Alternatives
While the General AltiMAX RT45 is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Michelin CrossClimate2
Michelin CrossClimate2
Overall: A premium grand touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the AltiMAX RT45’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the AltiMAX RT45’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the AltiMAX RT45’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the AltiMAX RT45’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the AltiMAX RT45.
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Overall: The Vredestein HiTrac All Season is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides solid wet traction and effective hydroplaning resistance, even though its ratings are slightly lower than the AltiMAX RT45’s wet scores.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the AltiMAX RT45’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the AltiMAX RT45’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Offers a more comfortable and quieter ride than the AltiMAX RT45, with comparable tread life.
Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91
Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the AltiMAX RT45 in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the AltiMAX RT45’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Offers strong dry traction and stable handling, performing comparably to the AltiMAX RT45 on dry pavement.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the AltiMAX RT45’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the AltiMAX RT45 in day-to-day driving.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Vredestein HiTrac All Season offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the General AltiMAX RT45.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The General AltiMAX RT45 is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry, wet traction, dependable treadwear, and comfortable ride. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the General AltiMAX RT45 offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate2, Vredestein HiTrac All Season, Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
