General AltiMAX RT45 Tire Review: A Reliable Choice

Looking for a tire that balances performance, comfort, and value? The General AltiMAX RT45 might just be the answer. This all-season tire is designed for everyday drivers who want a dependable, long-lasting option without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the General AltiMAX RT45 stand out, its key features, pros and cons, ideal uses, comparisons with competitors, pricing, warranty, and real-world feedback. By the end, you’ll know if this tire is the right fit for your driving needs.

Introduction

The General AltiMAX RT45 is an all-season touring tire built for sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, and minivans. Manufactured by General Tire, a brand under the Continental Tire umbrella, it’s the successor to the popular AltiMAX RT43. Launched in July 2022, the RT45 aims to deliver reliable performance across various weather conditions, from dry summer roads to wet highways and even light snow. It’s designed for drivers who prioritize comfort, safety, and longevity in their daily commutes or family road trips.

This tire is available in a wide range of sizes (14 to 20 inches) and speed ratings (T, H, and V), covering over 85% of the touring tire market. Whether you drive a Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5, or Dodge Grand Caravan, there’s likely an RT45 size that fits your vehicle.

Key Features of the General AltiMAX RT45

The AltiMAX RT45 is packed with features that make it a solid choice for everyday drivers. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers:

All-Season Performance: The tire’s high-silica tread compound and symmetric tread pattern provide reliable grip in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. Four wide grooves help channel water away to reduce hydroplaning risks.
Long Tread Life: General claims a 10% improvement in tread wear over the RT43, thanks to a flatter contour that promotes even wear, especially for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Comfort and Quiet Ride: The optimized tread design minimizes road noise and absorbs bumps, ensuring a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
Visual Wear Indicators: The tire includes Visual Alignment Indicators (VAI) on the shoulder blocks to show if your alignment is off. A Replacement Tire Monitor (RTM) in the center rib spells out “REPLACE TIRE” when the tread wears down to 2/32 inches.
Versatile Fitments: With 136 sizes available, it fits a wide variety of vehicles, from compact cars to larger SUVs and minivans.

These features make the RT45 a practical choice for drivers who want a tire that handles well in most conditions while lasting for years.

Pros and Cons of the General AltiMAX RT45

No tire is perfect, and the AltiMAX RT45 is no exception. Here’s a look at its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

Great Value for Money: Offers performance comparable to pricier tires at a lower cost.
Reliable All-Season Traction: Strong grip on dry and wet roads, with decent performance in light snow.
Long-Lasting: Backed by a 75,000-mile warranty for T- and H-rated sizes and 65,000 miles for V-rated sizes.
Comfortable Ride: Smooth and quiet, ideal for daily commutes or long drives.
Useful Wear Indicators: Helps drivers monitor alignment and tread life easily.

Cons

Not Ideal for Heavy Snow or Ice: While it handles light snow, it’s not suited for harsh winter conditions.
Vague Steering Feel: Some drivers report less precise steering compared to premium tires like Michelin or Bridgestone.
Noise Increases Over Time: The tire may get louder as it wears, especially after 30,000 miles.
Not for High-Performance Driving: Lacks the responsiveness needed for sporty or aggressive driving.

Ideal Vehicle Types and Usage Scenarios

The General AltiMAX RT45 is designed for everyday drivers who value reliability and comfort over high-performance thrills. It’s a great fit for:

Sedans and Coupes: Vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Kia Optima benefit from the tire’s smooth ride and long tread life.
Crossovers and SUVs: Models like the Mazda CX-5 or Ford Edge pair well with the RT45 for family trips or daily commutes.
Minivans: The Dodge Grand Caravan or similar vehicles get a comfortable, quiet ride, perfect for carpools or road trips.
Daily Commuters: If you drive to work or school daily, the RT45’s durability and all-season traction make it a dependable choice.
Light Snow Areas: Drivers in regions with mild winters will appreciate its light snow traction, though dedicated winter tires are better for heavy snow.

This tire isn’t suited for high-performance sports cars, off-road adventures, or areas with severe winter weather. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or live in a snowy mountain region, you might want to look at specialized tires instead.

Comparison with Other Tires in Its Class

The AltiMAX RT45 competes in the Grand Touring All-Season category, where it faces strong contenders like the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, BFGoodrich Advantage Control, Cooper Endeavor, and Vredestein HiTrac All Season. Here’s how it stacks up:

Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack: Offers superior wet and snow traction and a slightly longer 80,000-mile warranty but costs about 30% more. It’s quieter and more refined but less budget-friendly.
BFGoodrich Advantage Control: Matches the RT45’s 75,000-mile warranty for H-rated sizes but has a 65,000-mile warranty for V- and W-rated sizes. It performs similarly in dry and wet conditions but may edge out slightly in comfort.
Cooper Endeavor: Comes with a 65,000-mile warranty across all speed ratings and is priced similarly to the RT45. It’s a close competitor but may not match the RT45’s wet traction.
Vredestein HiTrac All Season: A budget-friendly option with excellent wet braking but a shorter warranty (typically 60,000–70,000 miles). It’s a strong alternative for rain-heavy areas.

The RT45 holds its own with solid all-around performance and a competitive warranty at a lower price point than premium brands like Bridgestone or Michelin. However, it may not match the precision or winter performance of top-tier tires.

Pricing and Warranty Details

The General AltiMAX RT45 is a budget-friendly option, with prices typically ranging from $80 to $150 per tire, depending on size and speed rating. For example, a 205/55R16 tire might cost around $100, while a larger 235/65R17 could be closer to $130. Prices vary by retailer, with places like Sam’s Club or Discount Tire often offering deals or rebates.

The tire comes with a strong warranty package:

Treadwear Warranty: 75,000 miles for T- and H-rated sizes; 65,000 miles for V-rated sizes.
Materials and Workmanship Warranty: Six years, with free replacement in the first year or 2/32 inches of wear, then prorated until 2/32 inches remain.
Customer Satisfaction Trial: A 45-day trial period allows you to exchange the tires for another General brand tire if you’re not satisfied.

Note that the warranty may be voided if you don’t follow maintenance recommendations, like regular tire rotations or proper inflation. Always check the terms before buying.

Real-World Customer Experiences

Drivers who’ve used the General AltiMAX RT45 generally praise its value and performance. Here are some paraphrased experiences from real users:

A Toyota Camry owner in Missouri said the tires handled light snow and ice well during a cold snap, with no slipping during normal driving. They saved a few hundred dollars compared to premium brands and felt confident in their choice.
A Chevy Bolt EV driver in West Virginia, who drives 30,000–35,000 miles yearly, noted the tires performed better than stock tires in rain and on gravel roads. They saw only a slight 5–10% drop in range and appreciated the quiet ride initially, though noise increased slightly after 35,000 miles.
A minivan owner who switched from Michelin tires found the RT45 quieter and smoother for family trips. They got 74,000 miles out of their set and replaced them early for a vacation, impressed by the value for the price.
A mechanic with years of experience installing tires called the RT45 a “bang for your buck” option, noting it’s a favorite for customers who want reliable all-season performance without paying for premium brands.

Some users mentioned drawbacks, like less precise steering compared to Goodyear or Michelin tires and limited performance in deep snow or ice. Overall, most drivers were happy with the balance of cost, comfort, and durability.

Why the General AltiMAX RT45 is a Good Choice for Everyday Drivers

For the average driver, the General AltiMAX RT45 ticks a lot of boxes. It’s affordable, reliable, and built to last, making it ideal for commuters, families, or anyone who wants a no-fuss tire. The strong warranty and wear indicators give you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for years and can easily spot maintenance issues. Its all-season traction handles most weather conditions well, from sunny days to rainy highways, and even light snow in milder climates.

Compared to pricier tires, the RT45 offers similar performance for less, which is a big win for budget-conscious drivers. It’s not perfect—steering could be sharper, and it’s not built for extreme winters or high-speed thrills—but for daily driving, it’s hard to beat the value.

Conclusion

The General AltiMAX RT45 is a fantastic choice for everyday drivers who want a reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting tire without spending a fortune. Its all-season performance, impressive warranty, and budget-friendly price make it a standout in the Grand Touring All-Season category. While it may not excel in heavy snow or high-performance driving, it’s more than capable for most sedans, crossovers, and minivans on daily commutes or family road trips.

If you live in a region with mild winters and prioritize value, comfort, and durability, the AltiMAX RT45 is worth considering. For those in harsh winter climates or seeking premium handling, you might want to explore alternatives like the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack or dedicated winter tires. Overall, the RT45 delivers where it counts, making it a smart pick for the average driver.

Ready to upgrade your tires? Check out retailers like Tire Rack, Sam’s Club, or Discount Tire to find the General AltiMAX RT45 at a great price, and enjoy a smoother, safer ride!