General Altimax HP ???
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Snow braking is really good, so is overall ride and handling quality.
These tires are a lot like Conti Extremes but a lil cheaper.
UPDATE: Tires have about 2000 miles now on wife;s Elantra:
No funny noises, or any kind of trouble, still quiet:
The 12 hr round trip to TN went great, VERY quiet, steady and comfy tires.
some things worth mentioning, as we had a lot (for NC, past 2 days) of snow and rain (over the past few weeks) lately:
wifey did some light snow driving with he Altimax HP tires, and she said they never once slipped or did anything weird at all! pretty remarkable I think. She went to work; most of the main roads were free of snow, but until she got to them, she had to drive over some light, standing snow on the smaller road which connects to the main hwy (so she drove about 2-3 miles on snow...I am pretty happy to hear that the tires handled all that like a champ)
and she did tell me that one day she was really late to work, and she had to drive at about 80-85 mph in pretty heavy rain, on some roads with standing water, and that she never hydroplaned a single time. (she NEVER drives like that normally, must have been really necessary)...
so I guess I am VERY happy with the choice.
(I didn't get to drive in the snow (Tbird on my Kumho Solus KH16), as class was canceled for that day.)
No funny noises, or any kind of trouble, still quiet:
The 12 hr round trip to TN went great, VERY quiet, steady and comfy tires.
some things worth mentioning, as we had a lot (for NC, past 2 days) of snow and rain (over the past few weeks) lately:
wifey did some light snow driving with he Altimax HP tires, and she said they never once slipped or did anything weird at all! pretty remarkable I think. She went to work; most of the main roads were free of snow, but until she got to them, she had to drive over some light, standing snow on the smaller road which connects to the main hwy (so she drove about 2-3 miles on snow...I am pretty happy to hear that the tires handled all that like a champ)
and she did tell me that one day she was really late to work, and she had to drive at about 80-85 mph in pretty heavy rain, on some roads with standing water, and that she never hydroplaned a single time. (she NEVER drives like that normally, must have been really necessary)...
so I guess I am VERY happy with the choice.
(I didn't get to drive in the snow (Tbird on my Kumho Solus KH16), as class was canceled for that day.)
These Generals are some of the BEST AND CHEAPEST tires you can get.
just check the ratings at tire rack dot com, and you will see this is a superb tire, along with most everything else that General makes. the tire is also light, so the unsprung weight is less, and the stopping power is greater. it is a quiet tire with excellent snow and ice traction, and if you want snow tires, then get the get the General Arctic tire, another really excellent tire. I am surprised that there is any other manufacturer in business, with the quality and price of the General. Of course, that's until they become a big name, like Michelin, the CEO gets greedy, and prices get jacked, so CEO can buy the 300 foot yacht, and 5 billion dollar estate. For now, buy General!!! until the CEO gets greedy, and then switch to another brand that is hungry for business.
just check the ratings at tire rack dot com, and you will see this is a superb tire, along with most everything else that General makes. the tire is also light, so the unsprung weight is less, and the stopping power is greater. it is a quiet tire with excellent snow and ice traction, and if you want snow tires, then get the get the General Arctic tire, another really excellent tire. I am surprised that there is any other manufacturer in business, with the quality and price of the General. Of course, that's until they become a big name, like Michelin, the CEO gets greedy, and prices get jacked, so CEO can buy the 300 foot yacht, and 5 billion dollar estate. For now, buy General!!! until the CEO gets greedy, and then switch to another brand that is hungry for business.
I'm getting the RTs for our old CRV in 215/70-15. Previously had the TRZ, currently has Falken 912s and Blizzaks.
I purchased 195/60/15 HP's for my daughters 01 Honda Civic back in July. I have had them rotated twice as she has driven the heck out of them, approx 17k. I don't drive it much, but so far they seem to be wearing well and still ride smooth.
I replaced Yoko Avid touring but I preferred an H rated tire to match OE specs, the Avid's weren't.
Got them on a price match deal from Discount Tire. They matched an online price + what an equal Wally mart install would have been. I much preferred getting them from DT as I have done much business with them, and been satisfied. They did not have them in stock, but they got them in the store in 48hr's. In addition there was a $50.00 rebate card offer at that time. All in all, I thought I got a heck of a deal.
One thing I did not realize until I watched them being installed, is the HP's are a DIRECTIONAL tire. Makes no difference to me, just a good thing to know. IMO, General does seem to be trying to improve their product and image.
I replaced Yoko Avid touring but I preferred an H rated tire to match OE specs, the Avid's weren't.
Got them on a price match deal from Discount Tire. They matched an online price + what an equal Wally mart install would have been. I much preferred getting them from DT as I have done much business with them, and been satisfied. They did not have them in stock, but they got them in the store in 48hr's. In addition there was a $50.00 rebate card offer at that time. All in all, I thought I got a heck of a deal.
One thing I did not realize until I watched them being installed, is the HP's are a DIRECTIONAL tire. Makes no difference to me, just a good thing to know. IMO, General does seem to be trying to improve their product and image.
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
imo get the RT because of wear.
I just wish the RT's survey for light snow and wet weather was as strong as the HP...or am I not gonna see that much of a difference...?
Looks wise, the RT looks pretty much the same
I have the general RTs for my escort. My main concern was snow traction, wear and price. These tires have not disappointed so far. The snow traction is the best I have seen ever for an all season tire. I live on 6 acres, my driveway is a dirt road about 1/2 mile it climbs up to my house on the hill the whole way. It is about a 100 feet of altitude gain. To say the least I have NEVER been able to climb it in the winter, in a car. I have always had to drive the jeep in the winter. In fact the Jeep is shod with general grabber at2 tires which have been the best all terrains I have ever had in the snow, so I went looking first at the generals because I have been so pleased. Well so far this year I have gotten up the hill every time. I know one day it will be too much and i,ll have to get pulled up by the jeep, but not yet so far. With the old tires I couldn't make it even with a little snow. I also see others have mentioned the concern for lack of siping. I admit that bothered me about them they seem low on sipes. but the tires don't seem to care as ice performance is good. I am well pleased in these tires and will buy again....
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
imo get the RT because of wear.
I just wish the RT's survey for light snow and wet weather was as strong as the HP...or am I not gonna see that much of a difference...?
Looks wise, the RT looks pretty much the same
I have the general RTs for my escort. My main concern was snow traction, wear and price. These tires have not disappointed so far. The snow traction is the best I have seen ever for an all season tire. I live on 6 acres, my driveway is a dirt road about 1/2 mile it climbs up to my house on the hill the whole way. It is about a 100 feet of altitude gain. To say the least I have NEVER been able to climb it in the winter, in a car. I have always had to drive the jeep in the winter. In fact the Jeep is shod with general grabber at2 tires which have been the best all terrains I have ever had in the snow, so I went looking first at the generals because I have been so pleased. Well so far this year I have gotten up the hill every time. I know one day it will be too much and i,ll have to get pulled up by the jeep, but not yet so far. With the old tires I couldn't make it even with a little snow. I also see others have mentioned the concern for lack of siping. I admit that bothered me about them they seem low on sipes. but the tires don't seem to care as ice performance is good. I am well pleased in these tires and will buy again....
Now have 20k on these tires purchased in July. Drove 150 miles on them today in a driving rain storm. Excellent hydroplaning resistance.
Still ride well and treadwear seems good. Right now, all things considered($50 rebate, DT/Treadepot price match) I'm very satisfied.
Still ride well and treadwear seems good. Right now, all things considered($50 rebate, DT/Treadepot price match) I'm very satisfied.
Originally Posted By: Dupree
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
imo get the RT because of wear.
I just wish the RT's survey for light snow and wet weather was as strong as the HP...or am I not gonna see that much of a difference...?
Looks wise, the RT looks pretty much the same
I have the general RTs for my escort. My main concern was snow traction, wear and price. These tires have not disappointed so far. The snow traction is the best I have seen ever for an all season tire. I live on 6 acres, my driveway is a dirt road about 1/2 mile it climbs up to my house on the hill the whole way. It is about a 100 feet of altitude gain. To say the least I have NEVER been able to climb it in the winter, in a car. I have always had to drive the jeep in the winter. In fact the Jeep is shod with general grabber at2 tires which have been the best all terrains I have ever had in the snow, so I went looking first at the generals because I have been so pleased. Well so far this year I have gotten up the hill every time. I know one day it will be too much and i,ll have to get pulled up by the jeep, but not yet so far. With the old tires I couldn't make it even with a little snow. I also see others have mentioned the concern for lack of siping. I admit that bothered me about them they seem low on sipes. but the tires don't seem to care as ice performance is good. I am well pleased in these tires and will buy again....
It is interesting the different experiences people have with tires. I have 14,000 miles on my Altimax RT's installed on a 2006 Chevy Impala. They are easily the worst tire for winter conditions that I have ever experienced. Snow traction is virtually non-existent. When the temperature is less than 32 degrees outside, the tires become overly hard and slick. Traction is significantly reduced even in dry. When the roads are salt covered, the tires slide through the salt as if it were ice. Based on my winter experience with these, I will not buy them again.
General Tire's customer service is also lacking. I contacted them about my poor winter experience with these tires. They responded that while the Altimax RT is categorized as an all-season tire, it should not be used for extended periods in temperatures below 45 degrees, or in snow. They then suggested I purchase the Altimax Arctic winter tire. I went back and asked them how they tested the tire, or what design features prompted them to label the RT as all-season. That was several weeks ago and they never responded.
The tires also tend to flat spot overnight, and take a few miles every morning to get back into shape. Makes for a nice vibration for the first 10 or so minutes every morning.
BFGoodrich just brought out a new touring tire, the Advantage T/A. I will be buying a set of those in the next 6 months or so. I can't tolerate another winter with these Generals.
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
imo get the RT because of wear.
I just wish the RT's survey for light snow and wet weather was as strong as the HP...or am I not gonna see that much of a difference...?
Looks wise, the RT looks pretty much the same
I have the general RTs for my escort. My main concern was snow traction, wear and price. These tires have not disappointed so far. The snow traction is the best I have seen ever for an all season tire. I live on 6 acres, my driveway is a dirt road about 1/2 mile it climbs up to my house on the hill the whole way. It is about a 100 feet of altitude gain. To say the least I have NEVER been able to climb it in the winter, in a car. I have always had to drive the jeep in the winter. In fact the Jeep is shod with general grabber at2 tires which have been the best all terrains I have ever had in the snow, so I went looking first at the generals because I have been so pleased. Well so far this year I have gotten up the hill every time. I know one day it will be too much and i,ll have to get pulled up by the jeep, but not yet so far. With the old tires I couldn't make it even with a little snow. I also see others have mentioned the concern for lack of siping. I admit that bothered me about them they seem low on sipes. but the tires don't seem to care as ice performance is good. I am well pleased in these tires and will buy again....
It is interesting the different experiences people have with tires. I have 14,000 miles on my Altimax RT's installed on a 2006 Chevy Impala. They are easily the worst tire for winter conditions that I have ever experienced. Snow traction is virtually non-existent. When the temperature is less than 32 degrees outside, the tires become overly hard and slick. Traction is significantly reduced even in dry. When the roads are salt covered, the tires slide through the salt as if it were ice. Based on my winter experience with these, I will not buy them again.
General Tire's customer service is also lacking. I contacted them about my poor winter experience with these tires. They responded that while the Altimax RT is categorized as an all-season tire, it should not be used for extended periods in temperatures below 45 degrees, or in snow. They then suggested I purchase the Altimax Arctic winter tire. I went back and asked them how they tested the tire, or what design features prompted them to label the RT as all-season. That was several weeks ago and they never responded.
The tires also tend to flat spot overnight, and take a few miles every morning to get back into shape. Makes for a nice vibration for the first 10 or so minutes every morning.
BFGoodrich just brought out a new touring tire, the Advantage T/A. I will be buying a set of those in the next 6 months or so. I can't tolerate another winter with these Generals.
My Altimax's did great in the winter. The disclaimer for most AT tires is they are for not meant to be used as snow tires. That's pretty standard.
I have some cruddy old "Prime Wells" on my CR-V and given the fact that I had such a great experience with the Altimax's on my 9-5, they certainly top my list for my next tire purchase.
I have some cruddy old "Prime Wells" on my CR-V and given the fact that I had such a great experience with the Altimax's on my 9-5, they certainly top my list for my next tire purchase.
I am looking to make a road trip in the next few weeks into the USA. What major tire stores sell these and how much should I be expecting to pay if I were to get these while I am down there?
Originally Posted By: BrianWC
My Altimax's did great in the winter. The disclaimer for most AT tires is they are for not meant to be used as snow tires. That's pretty standard.
I have some cruddy old "Prime Wells" on my CR-V and given the fact that I had such a great experience with the Altimax's on my 9-5, they certainly top my list for my next tire purchase.
I wasn't using them as snow tires. We don't get enough snow around here to warrant the investment. All I ask for is an all-season tire that can get me home in 1"-2" of snow a few times per year. The Altimax RT's couldn't even get traction in 1" of snow. Simply no traction at all. If I started out in 2nd gear I had a little better luck, but still iffy. Braking in the snow was equally frustrating. Even if I was going 5-10mph, the car would seemingly slide forever while braking in snow. They don't have enough siping to effectively bite into snow.
In 20 years of driving in winter conditions I have never experienced a worse tire in light snow.
My Altimax's did great in the winter. The disclaimer for most AT tires is they are for not meant to be used as snow tires. That's pretty standard.
I have some cruddy old "Prime Wells" on my CR-V and given the fact that I had such a great experience with the Altimax's on my 9-5, they certainly top my list for my next tire purchase.
I wasn't using them as snow tires. We don't get enough snow around here to warrant the investment. All I ask for is an all-season tire that can get me home in 1"-2" of snow a few times per year. The Altimax RT's couldn't even get traction in 1" of snow. Simply no traction at all. If I started out in 2nd gear I had a little better luck, but still iffy. Braking in the snow was equally frustrating. Even if I was going 5-10mph, the car would seemingly slide forever while braking in snow. They don't have enough siping to effectively bite into snow.
In 20 years of driving in winter conditions I have never experienced a worse tire in light snow.
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
I am looking to make a road trip in the next few weeks into the USA. What major tire stores sell these and how much should I be expecting to pay if I were to get these while I am down there?
I ordered mine from the tire rack and had them shipped directly to an installer. Most larger US cities have tire rack approved installers. Just pick your time and place.
I am looking to make a road trip in the next few weeks into the USA. What major tire stores sell these and how much should I be expecting to pay if I were to get these while I am down there?
I ordered mine from the tire rack and had them shipped directly to an installer. Most larger US cities have tire rack approved installers. Just pick your time and place.
Major tire chains carry General Tire: Discount Tire and America's Tire. Click on Store Locator (discounttire.com) at the top banner to find location(s) that you are going to.
Originally Posted By: ryster
Originally Posted By: Dupree
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
imo get the RT because of wear.
I just wish the RT's survey for light snow and wet weather was as strong as the HP...or am I not gonna see that much of a difference...?
Looks wise, the RT looks pretty much the same
I have the general RTs for my escort. My main concern was snow traction, wear and price. These tires have not disappointed so far. The snow traction is the best I have seen ever for an all season tire. I live on 6 acres, my driveway is a dirt road about 1/2 mile it climbs up to my house on the hill the whole way. It is about a 100 feet of altitude gain. To say the least I have NEVER been able to climb it in the winter, in a car. I have always had to drive the jeep in the winter. In fact the Jeep is shod with general grabber at2 tires which have been the best all terrains I have ever had in the snow, so I went looking first at the generals because I have been so pleased. Well so far this year I have gotten up the hill every time. I know one day it will be too much and i,ll have to get pulled up by the jeep, but not yet so far. With the old tires I couldn't make it even with a little snow. I also see others have mentioned the concern for lack of siping. I admit that bothered me about them they seem low on sipes. but the tires don't seem to care as ice performance is good. I am well pleased in these tires and will buy again....
It is interesting the different experiences people have with tires. I have 14,000 miles on my Altimax RT's installed on a 2006 Chevy Impala. They are easily the worst tire for winter conditions that I have ever experienced. Snow traction is virtually non-existent. When the temperature is less than 32 degrees outside, the tires become overly hard and slick. Traction is significantly reduced even in dry. When the roads are salt covered, the tires slide through the salt as if it were ice. Based on my winter experience with these, I will not buy them again.
General Tire's customer service is also lacking. I contacted them about my poor winter experience with these tires. They responded that while the Altimax RT is categorized as an all-season tire, it should not be used for extended periods in temperatures below 45 degrees, or in snow. They then suggested I purchase the Altimax Arctic winter tire. I went back and asked them how they tested the tire, or what design features prompted them to label the RT as all-season. That was several weeks ago and they never responded.
The tires also tend to flat spot overnight, and take a few miles every morning to get back into shape. Makes for a nice vibration for the first 10 or so minutes every morning.
BFGoodrich just brought out a new touring tire, the Advantage T/A. I will be buying a set of those in the next 6 months or so. I can't tolerate another winter with these Generals.
ugh...I am looking for a good all-season and had narrowed it down to the Altimax RT and the AVID Touring S. Now I'm not so sure about the RT in light snow. The news of the BFG Advantage T/A also peaked my interest but I don't know if I want to be one of the first to own those without any user reviews.
Originally Posted By: Dupree
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
imo get the RT because of wear.
I just wish the RT's survey for light snow and wet weather was as strong as the HP...or am I not gonna see that much of a difference...?
Looks wise, the RT looks pretty much the same
I have the general RTs for my escort. My main concern was snow traction, wear and price. These tires have not disappointed so far. The snow traction is the best I have seen ever for an all season tire. I live on 6 acres, my driveway is a dirt road about 1/2 mile it climbs up to my house on the hill the whole way. It is about a 100 feet of altitude gain. To say the least I have NEVER been able to climb it in the winter, in a car. I have always had to drive the jeep in the winter. In fact the Jeep is shod with general grabber at2 tires which have been the best all terrains I have ever had in the snow, so I went looking first at the generals because I have been so pleased. Well so far this year I have gotten up the hill every time. I know one day it will be too much and i,ll have to get pulled up by the jeep, but not yet so far. With the old tires I couldn't make it even with a little snow. I also see others have mentioned the concern for lack of siping. I admit that bothered me about them they seem low on sipes. but the tires don't seem to care as ice performance is good. I am well pleased in these tires and will buy again....
It is interesting the different experiences people have with tires. I have 14,000 miles on my Altimax RT's installed on a 2006 Chevy Impala. They are easily the worst tire for winter conditions that I have ever experienced. Snow traction is virtually non-existent. When the temperature is less than 32 degrees outside, the tires become overly hard and slick. Traction is significantly reduced even in dry. When the roads are salt covered, the tires slide through the salt as if it were ice. Based on my winter experience with these, I will not buy them again.
General Tire's customer service is also lacking. I contacted them about my poor winter experience with these tires. They responded that while the Altimax RT is categorized as an all-season tire, it should not be used for extended periods in temperatures below 45 degrees, or in snow. They then suggested I purchase the Altimax Arctic winter tire. I went back and asked them how they tested the tire, or what design features prompted them to label the RT as all-season. That was several weeks ago and they never responded.
The tires also tend to flat spot overnight, and take a few miles every morning to get back into shape. Makes for a nice vibration for the first 10 or so minutes every morning.
BFGoodrich just brought out a new touring tire, the Advantage T/A. I will be buying a set of those in the next 6 months or so. I can't tolerate another winter with these Generals.
ugh...I am looking for a good all-season and had narrowed it down to the Altimax RT and the AVID Touring S. Now I'm not so sure about the RT in light snow. The news of the BFG Advantage T/A also peaked my interest but I don't know if I want to be one of the first to own those without any user reviews.
Originally Posted By: CVette
ugh...I am looking for a good all-season and had narrowed it down to the Altimax RT and the AVID Touring S...
What tire size are you looking for ?
The other tires you may want to take a look at: Altimax HP, AVID AVID TRZ, Kumho Solus KR21 and Pirelli P4 Four Season are good all season tires.
ugh...I am looking for a good all-season and had narrowed it down to the Altimax RT and the AVID Touring S...
What tire size are you looking for ?
The other tires you may want to take a look at: Altimax HP, AVID AVID TRZ, Kumho Solus KR21 and Pirelli P4 Four Season are good all season tires.
I had a set of the Avid Touring, got 70k out of them on a Honda Civic. Replaced them with General HP,s, H rated which the Avids weren't and too good a deal to pass on.
HTSS_TR has some good alternatives listed. Treadepot has 25$ instant rebate on set of 4, and can be combined with other offers, till 4/13.
Free shipping on the Pirelli P4 till 4/9.
If nothing more, check out their website for some prices/ideas. Treadepot
HTSS_TR has some good alternatives listed. Treadepot has 25$ instant rebate on set of 4, and can be combined with other offers, till 4/13.
Free shipping on the Pirelli P4 till 4/9.
If nothing more, check out their website for some prices/ideas. Treadepot
Thanks HTSS_TR and sayjac. Instead of thread jacking
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