General Altimax RT43 Review: Road Trip Ready Tire for Any Adventure

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The General Altimax RT43 is an all-season touring tire designed for drivers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability.

Engineered for a wide range of passenger vehicles, including sedans, coupes, and small crossovers, the RT43 aims to deliver a smooth and reliable ride in various weather conditions.

With its advanced tread compound and optimized tread pattern, the Altimax RT43 strives to provide excellent traction on both dry and wet roads, ensuring a confident driving experience.

Additionally, its unique siping and biting edges are designed to enhance grip and handling, even in light snow conditions, making it a versatile choice for drivers who experience moderate winter weather.

Developed with a focus on longevity and value, the RT43 promises extended treadlife, contributing to its overall cost-effectiveness.

General Tire, known for its commitment to quality and innovation, has engineered this tire to strike a balance between performance, durability, and affordability, catering to drivers seeking a reliable and budget-friendly option for their everyday driving needs.

Design and Construction

The General Altimax RT43 is a touring all-season tire designed to provide a balance of comfort, handling, and treadwear.

Its symmetric tread pattern features a continuous center rib flanked by intermediate tread blocks and tied together by lateral grooves.

This design helps promote even treadwear and provides biting edges for enhanced traction on dry and wet surfaces.

The tire’s internal construction utilizes a polyester casing with two steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon for increased strength and durability.

This belt package helps resist premature treadwear and promotes high-speed capability. A single-ply polyamide reinforcement aids in uniformity for a smooth, comfortable ride.

The RT43’s tread compound is molded with a silica-enhanced tread rubber that improves grip on wet roads while promoting lower rolling resistance for increased fuel efficiency.

Circumferential and lateral grooves effectively evacuate water to resist hydroplaning. Solid shoulder blocks provide increased stability and responsiveness during cornering maneuvers.

With its advanced construction and tread design, the General Altimax RT43 aims to deliver reliable all-season performance, long treadlife, and a quiet, comfortable driving experience for drivers of sedans, crossovers, and minivans.

Performance Characteristics

The General Altimax RT43 is designed to deliver well-rounded performance across a variety of driving conditions.

Its symmetric tread pattern and advanced compound provide reliable treadwear, responsive handling, and confident braking on both dry and wet roads.

Treadwear is a standout feature of the RT43. With its durable construction and optimized tread design, this tire offers extended tread life, ensuring you get more miles out of your investment.

The tread blocks are engineered to evenly distribute contact pressure, promoting even wear and maximizing longevity.

Handling is another area where the RT43 shines. Its continuous center rib and rigid shoulder blocks work together to provide precise steering response and cornering stability.

Whether navigating tight city streets or tackling winding roads, the RT43 delivers a confident and controlled driving experience.

Braking performance is equally impressive. The tire’s advanced silica compound enhances wet grip, allowing for shorter stopping distances on slick surfaces.

Additionally, the circumferential grooves effectively evacuate water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and ensuring reliable braking in rainy conditions.

Noise levels are well-managed with the RT43. Its computer-optimized tread pattern minimizes road noise, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable ride.

This feature is particularly appreciated for those who value a serene cabin environment during long journeys.

Ride comfort is another strong suit of the RT43. Its optimized casing design and advanced construction techniques work together to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride quality.

Whether you’re navigating rough city streets or hitting the open highway, the RT43 delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

Overall, the General Altimax RT43 offers a well-balanced performance package, combining reliable treadwear, responsive handling, confident braking, low noise levels, and a comfortable ride.

This versatility makes it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a tire that excels in various driving scenarios.

Weather Conditions and Grip

The Altimax RT43 from General Tire delivers reliable all-season performance across a variety of weather conditions.

In dry conditions, the tire’s advanced tread compound and optimized siping design provide excellent traction and responsive handling.

The asymmetric tread pattern enhances cornering stability and ensures a confident driving experience.

When the roads are wet, the RT43’s deep circumferential grooves and lateral notches effectively evacuate water from the tread area, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning.

The tire’s advanced silica-based compound enhances wet grip, allowing for shorter braking distances and improved control on slick surfaces.

While not designed as a dedicated winter tire, the RT43 performs admirably in light snow and icy conditions.

The multi-angled sipes and biting edges provide enhanced traction on snow-covered roads, ensuring reliable acceleration and braking.

However, for severe winter conditions or extended periods of heavy snowfall, dedicated winter tires may be a better choice.

Overall, the Altimax RT43 delivers reliable year-round performance, offering a balance of dry and wet traction, while providing decent snow capability for occasional winter driving.

Its ability to maintain grip in various weather conditions makes it a versatile choice for drivers seeking a safe and confident driving experience.

Treadlife and Warranty

The General Altimax RT43 tire boasts an impressive expected treadlife, backed by a robust warranty from the manufacturer.

With its advanced tread compound and optimized tread design, this tire is engineered to deliver exceptional mileage, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

According to General Tire’s estimates, the Altimax RT43 can provide up to 70,000 miles of tread life when properly maintained and rotated according to the recommended schedule.

This impressive treadlife is a testament to the tire’s durable construction and the quality of materials used in its manufacturing.

To give you added peace of mind, the Altimax RT43 comes with a comprehensive warranty from General Tire.

The tire is covered by a limited treadwear warranty, which protects against premature wear and ensures a certain level of tread depth throughout the tire’s lifespan.

Additionally, the warranty includes coverage for workmanship and materials, safeguarding you against any manufacturing defects.

One of the standout features of the Altimax RT43 is its built-in treadwear indicators.

These strategically placed indicators provide a visual cue when the tread depth reaches a critical level, helping you determine when it’s time to replace the tires for optimal safety and performance.

By monitoring these indicators, you can ensure that your tires are replaced at the appropriate time, maximizing their lifespan while maintaining optimal grip and handling.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The General Altimax RT43 tire has been engineered with fuel efficiency and environmental considerations in mind.

Its low rolling resistance design helps reduce the amount of energy required to keep the tires rolling, translating into improved fuel economy for the vehicle.

This not only saves money at the gas pump but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with burning fossil fuels.

The tire’s tread compound and construction have been optimized to minimize rolling resistance while still providing excellent traction and handling characteristics.

The use of advanced silica compounds and a computer-optimized tread pattern helps strike the right balance between low rolling resistance and high-performance grip.

In addition to its fuel-saving properties, the Altimax RT43 is also designed with eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.

The tire’s construction utilizes sustainable materials and minimizes the use of harmful chemicals, reducing its environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.

Overall, the General Altimax RT43 tire offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance or safety.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

The General Altimax RT43 is designed as a touring all-season tire suitable for a wide range of passenger vehicles, including sedans, coupes, minivans, and small crossovers.

It’s available in a broad range of sizes from 15 to 19 inches in diameter, catering to various wheel fitments.

This tire is engineered to provide a comfortable and efficient ride on most modern passenger cars and light trucks.

It’s an excellent choice for daily commuters, family haulers, and those seeking a reliable all-season tire for their everyday driving needs.

When selecting the appropriate size for your vehicle, it’s crucial to consult your owner’s manual or a professional tire specialist.

Proper fitment ensures optimal performance, handling, and safety. Factors such as load-carrying capacity, speed rating, and clearance between the tire and the vehicle’s body or suspension components must be considered.

Additionally, the Altimax RT43 is designed to work seamlessly with various original equipment (OE) and aftermarket wheel sizes and designs.

Its versatile construction allows for a precise fit on a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to mid-size SUVs.

Overall, the General Altimax RT43 offers exceptional compatibility with a vast array of passenger vehicles, making it a convenient and practical choice for drivers seeking a reliable all-season tire solution.

Pricing and Value

The General Altimax RT43 tire offers an excellent value proposition for drivers seeking a high-quality, all-season touring tire at an affordable price point.

Compared to premium tire brands, the RT43 can be up to 30% less expensive, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

When considering the cost of the RT43, it’s important to factor in its impressive treadlife and warranty coverage.

With a 75,000-mile treadwear warranty, the RT43 provides exceptional longevity, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs over the life of the tire.

Additionally, General Tire often runs promotions and rebates, further enhancing the value proposition of the RT43.

These promotions can include mail-in rebates, buy-three-get-one-free offers, or discounts when purchasing a full set of tires.

It’s always advisable to check with your local tire retailer or General Tire’s website for the latest promotions and deals.

While the RT43 may not be the most affordable option on the market, its combination of performance, durability, and warranty coverage make it an excellent value-for-money choice, particularly when compared to premium tire brands with similar capabilities but higher price tags.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

The General Altimax RT43 has received mostly positive reviews from customers, with many praising its impressive performance in various driving conditions.

Owners frequently commend the tire’s excellent traction on wet and dry roads, providing a confident and secure driving experience.

Additionally, the RT43’s comfortable and quiet ride quality has been widely appreciated, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable journey.

However, some customers have expressed concerns about the tire’s treadlife, reporting faster wear than expected, particularly in more demanding driving environments.

A few have also noted that the RT43’s performance on snow and ice could be improved, suggesting it may not be the ideal choice for those living in areas with harsh winter conditions.

Overall, customer satisfaction with the General Altimax RT43 appears to be high, with most reviewers recommending it as a reliable and well-rounded tire choice for various passenger vehicles.

While there are some areas for potential improvement, the positive feedback outweighs the negative, making it a popular option among drivers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and value.

Comparison to Competitors

The General Altimax RT43 tire faces stiff competition in the ultra-high performance all-season tire category.

One of its main rivals is the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+, which is renowned for its excellent dry and wet grip, responsive handling, and long treadwear.

While the Michelin tire may have a slight edge in terms of outright grip and steering precision, the Altimax RT43 holds its own with a more affordable price point and impressive all-season capabilities.

Another competitor is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06, which boasts superior hydroplaning resistance and excellent snow traction for an all-season tire.

The Altimax RT43 may not quite match the Continental’s snow performance, but it offers a smoother, more comfortable ride and better fuel efficiency.

When compared to the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus, the Altimax RT43 demonstrates better dry and wet grip, as well as more responsive handling.

However, the Bridgestone tire has a slight advantage in terms of treadlife and overall value.

In summary, while the General Altimax RT43 may not be the outright leader in any single performance metric, it strikes an excellent balance between grip, handling, comfort, and value, making it a compelling choice in the ultra-high-performance all-season tire segment.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

• Excellent all-season traction and grip in wet and dry conditions
• Impressive treadwear and long-lasting tread life
• Smooth and comfortable ride quality
• Affordable pricing for the performance offered
• Enhanced fuel efficiency compared to some competitors
• Available in a wide range of sizes for various vehicle fitments

Cons

• Slightly noisier than some premium tire options
• Wet traction could be improved further for maximum safety
• Limited sizes available for larger trucks and SUVs
• Tread compound may harden quicker in extremely cold climates
• Handling and responsiveness not quite at the level of dedicated performance tires

Who Should Consider the Altimax RT43?

The General Altimax RT43 is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded, high-performance tire that delivers reliable performance across a wide range of conditions.

This tire is particularly well-suited for drivers who prioritize a comfortable and quiet ride, while still enjoying responsive handling and excellent traction.

The Altimax RT43 is an ideal choice for daily commuters and family vehicles, as it offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough or uneven road surfaces.

Its advanced tread design and high-quality construction ensure a quiet and refined driving experience, making it a great option for those who spend significant time on the road.

Additionally, the Altimax RT43 is an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter varying weather conditions.

Its all-season capabilities provide reliable traction and grip on wet, dry, or light snow-covered roads, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience year-round.

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, the Altimax RT43’s low rolling resistance design can help improve gas mileage, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

Overall, the General Altimax RT43 is a versatile and high-performing tire that caters to a wide range of driving needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a family-oriented driver, or someone who values a comfortable and efficient ride, this tire is an excellent choice to consider.

General Altimax RT43 Video Review

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Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The General Altimax RT43 is a well-rounded and capable all-season tire that delivers a compelling mix of performance, value, and durability. While it may not excel in any one particular area, its balanced characteristics make it a solid choice for a wide range of drivers and driving conditions.

In terms of performance, the RT43 offers a comfortable and composed ride, with responsive handling and reliable traction in dry and wet conditions. Its all-season compound and tread pattern provide adequate grip in light snow, although dedicated winter tires are still recommended for harsh winter climates.

One of the standout features of the RT43 is its impressive treadlife and warranty coverage. With a 75,000-mile treadwear warranty, this tire is designed to go the distance, providing long-lasting value for your investment. Additionally, General’s reputation for quality manufacturing and customer support adds peace of mind to the ownership experience.

While the RT43 may not be the most fuel-efficient or environmentally friendly option on the market, it strikes a reasonable balance between performance and eco-consciousness. Its rolling resistance and overall fuel economy are respectable, making it a practical choice for daily driving and commuting.

Overall, the General Altimax RT43 is a solid all-around performer that delivers reliable performance, long treadlife, and excellent value for the money. Whether you’re a daily commuter, family hauler, or occasional road-tripper, the RT43 is a tire worth considering for its well-rounded capabilities and dependable service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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