General G-MAX AS-05 Review: The Affordable All-Season Tire You Need to Know About

The General G-MAX AS-05 tire provides car owners with an all-season touring tire option that balances performance, comfort, and value. General Tire, part of Continental Tire North America, positions the GMAX AS 05 as a tire for coupes, sedans and crossovers seeking dependable year-round traction at an affordable price point.

The G-MAX AS-05 features an asymmetric tread design intended to provide responsiveness and control in dry or wet conditions. General Tire engineers developed the model to meet the needs of drivers in temperate climates who face rain, light snow and warmer temperatures but want better control than an entry-level all-season tire. As an all-season touring tire, the focus remains more on comfort and tread life versus maximizing performance.

Overall, the G-MAX AS 05 aims to deliver a smooth, quiet ride with capable handling for everyday driving. This review will examine the key features and technologies that enable the tire’s well-rounded performance. We’ll analyze how the G-MAX AS-05 performs in real world conditions to help drivers determine if it’s the right fit for their vehicle.

List of Other General Tire Reviews

• General Grabber ATX Review
• General AltiMAX RT45 Review
• General Altimax RT43 Review
• General Grabber APT Review
• General Grabber X3 Review
• General G-Max AS-05 Review

Tire Specs of General G-MAX AS-05

The General G-MAX AS-05 is available in a wide range of popular tire sizes to fit most crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks. Sizes range from 16 to 20 inches for rim diameters.

Section widths vary from 225mm up to a maximum of 275mm for larger wheel diameters. Aspect ratios typically span from 60 to 70% of the section width.

Load ranges offered include SL (Standard Load) for lighter vehicles, and XL (Extra Load) for heavier applications. Speed ratings cover S to W, with T to H being the most common across the size range.

Tread depth for the G-MAX AS-05 measures 10/32 inches when new. This is a substantial tread depth for an all-season tire, providing plenty of rubber to deliver long mileage before reaching the treadwear indicators.

Overall, the size selection covers mainstream fitments for the target vehicles. Load ratings and speed ratings match up neatly for popular OE equipment. And the deep tread depth provides lots of material for enhancing treadlife.

Tread Design of General G-MAX AS-05

The General G-Max AS 05 has an asymmetric tread design that provides balanced handling and traction. On the outside shoulder, larger block elements and aggressive biting edges give the tire grip and stability when cornering. The inner shoulder has a more ribbed design for enhanced high-speed stability.

The continuous center rib improves steering response and straight-line tracking. It has full-depth lateral and circumferential grooves to channel water out from under the tread, maintaining wet traction. The tread blocks have multiple sipes to increase the number of biting edges on the road.

Overall, the tread design combines open shoulder slots for wet/snow performance with multiple sipes and stable center ribs for responsive handling in dry conditions. The asymmetric elements balance wet grip and dry steering for a versatile all-season performance. Drivers will notice confident cornering, even braking, and a quiet, comfortable ride.

General G-MAX AS-05 Traction

The General G-MAX AS-05 is designed with year-round traction in mind. The asymmetric tread pattern features independent intermediate tread blocks that are siped to provide plenty of edges for increased grip.

In dry conditions, the continuous center rib helps provide precise steering response and braking traction. The large, stable shoulder blocks give the tire a sturdy footprint for cornering grip. Reviewers found the tire performed very well on dry pavement, with responsive handling and short braking distances.

The tire also excels in wet traction thanks to the high void-to-rubber ratio and aggressive tread design. The numerous sipes and grooves effectively channel water out from under the tire to prevent hydroplaning. Multiple owners reported feeling confident driving in heavy rain, noting the tire maintained control through standing water and slick surfaces. Even at highway speeds in wet conditions, the tire provided secure braking and handling.

Overall, the G-MAX AS-05 delivers reliable traction year-round, in both dry and wet conditions. The tread design combines stable blocks for dry grip with deep grooves and sipes for wet traction, making this a versatile all-season tire. Drivers praise the tire’s road manners in all weather.

Ride Comfort of General G-MAX AS-05

The General G-Max AS-05 provides a reasonably comfortable ride quality for an all-season touring tire. These tires do a decent job absorbing smaller road irregularities thanks to their tread design and rubber compounds. However, some reviewers note that they don’t dampen vibrations as well as premium touring tires.

The tire’s comfort levels depend on several factors. Tire pressure has a significant impact, and owners can fine-tune the ride feel by adjusting inflation pressures up or down. Higher pressures lead to firmer ride while lower pressures provide more cushioning. The tires also tend to get harsher as the tread wears down.

Overall, most drivers find the General G-Max AS-05 comfortable enough for everyday commuting and highway cruising. The tires absorb small bumps reasonably well and don’t transmit excessive road noise into the cabin. However, the ride isn’t as plush or quiet as higher-end touring tires. Drivers wanting maximum comfort may want to look at more premium options. But for a budget all-season tire, the General tires offer decent ride quality without much harshness or vibration.

General G-MAX AS-05 Handling

The General G-MAX AS 05 has good responsive handling and a smooth, controlled feel. The tires provide very good grip and traction when cornering, even at higher speeds, due to their stable tread pattern and stiff sidewall construction.

Steering feel is precise, without being overly sensitive. The tires react immediately when turning the wheel, providing a connected steering response. This makes the G-MAX AS 05 easy to control through corners.

Overall, the steering and handling balance of the G-MAX AS 05 is tuned more towards stability than agility. While not the most nimble tire, the G-MAX AS 05 gives drivers confidence during everyday driving and emergency maneuvers thanks to the progressive breakaway characteristics and strong cornering grip.

The tread compound helps maintain traction across a wide temperature range, so the tires perform well in hot and cold weather. The stiff sidewalls and circumferential grooves resist deformation, keeping the tread flat on the road surface for optimal grip.

For drivers looking for responsive, grippy handling without sacrificing ride comfort, the General G-MAX AS 05 is an excellent choice. The tires offer a sporty feel and confident cornering ability for a grand touring all-season tire.

General G-MAX AS-05 Treadwear

The General G-Max AS 05 is designed as an all-season tire, so treadlife is an important consideration for drivers who want a tire to last through multiple seasons.

Overall, treadwear ratings are published as a comparative score, rather than a mileage estimate. The G-Max AS 05 has a treadwear rating of 560, which means it should theoretically last 560% as long as the control tire it was compared against. This score puts it slightly above average for the all-season category.

In real world driving, drivers report getting anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles out of a set of G-Max AS 05 tires, depending on their driving habits and road conditions. Aggressive drivers and those in areas with hot climates may be on the lower end of that range, while normal drivers in moderate conditions can expect 40,000+ miles before needing to replace their tires.

The G-Max AS 05 tires also come with a 65,000 mile limited treadwear warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship that cause premature treadwear under normal driving conditions. To qualify for the warranty, tires must have adequate tread remaining when inspected – at least 2/32″ depth remaining across the tread. Overall the treadwear protection provides useful peace of mind for buyers.

When used as directed, the General G-Max AS 05 tires should provide reliable traction and treadlife for multiple seasons before needing replacement. Their treadwear ratings and mileage warranties make them a competitive option for drivers looking to balance performance with longevity. Proper maintenance like rotations and alignment will help maximize the treadlife owners can expect from these tires.

Performance of General G-MAX AS-05 on Dry Roads

The General G-MAX AS-05 tire does quite well on dry roads. It’s designed in a way that it sticks to the road really well, especially when you’re turning corners. It also gives you good control when steering and brakes quickly and safely.

When driving on dry roads, this tire provides a nice level of control. You can steer easily, and it stops quickly when you apply the brakes. However, it may not feel as sporty as some more expensive tires. So, if you want the best grip and control for driving on dry roads, you might want to look at more expensive options.

The General G-MAX AS-05 is pretty comfy to ride on. Its design helps take on bumps well, so you feel less shake inside the car. Although it’s not as quiet as some high-end tires, it doesn’t make too much noise and it’s comfortable enough for everyday use and long journeys.

While it might not be the best of the best for dry road use, the General G-MAX AS-05 is a good, affordable tire. It handles well, is comfy to ride on, and doesn’t make too much noise. If you’re looking for a tire that works well in wet weather, is comfy, and long-lasting, this is a pretty good choice. But, if you want the best control on dry roads, you might want to think about other options.

Performance of General G-MAX AS-05 on Wet Roads

Let’s talk about how the General G-MAX AS-05 tire works on wet roads.

It’s made with a special design that helps it stick to the road, even when it’s rainy. This means that you still get a good grip on the road and you don’t slip and slide even when there’s water on the ground.

The fancy design on the surface of the tire, the part that touches the road, helps push water away. So, when you’re driving in the rain, you won’t need to worry about the tire losing contact with the road.

Even if you need to brake quickly on a wet road, this tire can help you stop in a short distance. It also handles turns really well on wet roads, which is great when everything is slippery.

However, when it gets into the colder months and starts to snow, you might want to consider swapping to winter tires. They are usually better at dealing with snowy conditions than all-season tires like the General G-MAX AS-05.

So overall, if you often drive in the rain, this tire would be a good choice for you.

Performance of General G-MAX AS-05 on Snow & Ice

The General G-MAX AS-05 tire is labeled as an all-season tire. This means it’s designed to handle different types of weather conditions, including snow and ice. However, it’s good to know that while these tires can handle a bit of snow, they might not be the best when the weather gets really snowy or icy.

In light snow conditions, the G-MAX AS-05 can do a decent job. The grip and traction are okay, allowing the car to stay on track. But if the snow gets too thick or if you’re driving on icy roads, the tire might struggle a bit to maintain a good grip.

When it comes to stopping quickly or taking turns on icy roads, this tire might not be as confident as specialized winter tires. So, if you live in a place where it snows a lot, you may want to consider switching to winter tires. These tires are specifically designed to handle the cold, snow, and ice much better.

So, to sum it up, the General G-MAX AS-05 can manage light snow alright, but when it comes to heavy snow or icy conditions, there might be better choices out there.

Off-Road Performance of General G-MAX AS-05

The General G-MAX AS-05 is an all-season tire designed primarily for on-road use. However, its tread design and construction allow it to handle occasional off-road driving as well.

The asymmetric tread pattern features independent center blocks and stabilization step blocks that help maintain grip on loose surfaces like gravel. The sipes across the tread blocks give the tire additional biting edges for traction in dirt, mud, and snow.

Testers found the G-MAX AS-05 performed better than expected on gravel roads and dirt trails, with responsive steering and controlled sliding in corners. The tire remained composed over bumps and ruts without excessive bouncing. Braking distances were good on loose surfaces.

In light snow, the tire surpassed all-season standards for traction and acceleration. The tread design prevented excessive slippage during launches and stops. Handling felt surefooted on snow-covered roads, with no major loss of control.

While not an aggressive off-road tire, the General G-MAX AS-05 can competently handle occasional off-pavement driving and light trail use. Drivers who spend most time on the road but need occasional gravel, dirt, or snow traction will find this tire up to the task. It provides a good blend of on and off-road capabilities.

How Does the General G-MAX AS-05 Compare to Other Tires?

The General G-MAX AS-05 offers a favorable mix of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice among all-season tires. Let’s examine how this tire compares to some other well-known options on the market.

Comparing General G-MAX AS-05 and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is a high-performance all-season tire. While these tires offer excellent handling, grip, and wet performance, they come with a higher price tag than the General G-MAX AS-05. The G-MAX AS-05 provides an attractive balance of performance and value. Drivers looking for superior sporty performance and budget is not a concern may lean towards the Michelin option.

Comparing General G-MAX AS-05 and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06

These two tires have similar price points and performance levels, and both provide reliable traction in various weather conditions. The General G-MAX AS-05 delivers a comfortable and smooth ride, while the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 offers slightly better wet performance and snow traction. The choice ultimately depends on your driving needs, local climate, and personal preferences.

Comparing General G-MAX AS-05 and BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S

The BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S is an ultra-high-performance all-season tire. While the General G-MAX AS-05 offers a comfortable ride and good handling, the BFGoodrich tire excels at sporty performance and cornering in wet and dry conditions. However, the BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S may produce more road noise. If you prioritize performance over ride comfort and noise, the BFGoodrich tire may be a better match.

Ultimately, the General G-MAX AS-05 holds its own against other all-season tires by offering a reasonable balance between performance, comfort, and affordability. However, specific driving needs, personal preferences, and local climate conditions should be considered when choosing the right tires for your vehicle. It is essential to evaluate all these factors to achieve the driving experience you desire.

Fuel Efficiency of General G-MAX AS-05

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the General G-MAX AS 05 tire performs very well thanks to its low rolling resistance design. The tire has received high marks and ratings for rolling resistance from independent tire testing organizations.

Lower rolling resistance means the tire requires less energy to roll down the road, which improves fuel economy. General Tire engineers have optimized the G-MAX AS 05’s tread compound and structure to minimize energy loss as the tire rotates.

Independent testing shows the G-MAX AS 05 has much lower rolling resistance compared to other all-season tires in its category. In standardized lab tests conducted by leading tire researchers, the G-MAX AS 05 scored a rolling resistance coefficient of less than 7.0 kg/t. This is considered excellent, and on par with tires specifically engineered for fuel efficiency.

In real world driving, the low rolling resistance of the G-MAX AS 05 can translate into improved gas mileage versus alternative all-season tires. Drivers reported seeing as much as a 5-10% improvement in their fuel economy after switching to the G-MAX AS 05 tires. This reduction in fuel consumption can really add up over the life of the tires.

Overall, drivers looking to optimize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance will be impressed by the General G-MAX AS 05. Its innovative tread design strikes an ideal balance between low rolling resistance for better mileage, and responsive handling on both dry and wet roads.

Pricing of General G-MAX AS-05

If you’re on the hunt for a versatile tyre that won’t break the bank, the General G-MAX AS-05 offers a great blend of performance and price. Ranging from $100 to $200 per tire, depending on the size you need, it brings pretty good value for the money.

Usually, the price will depend on the size of the tire you need, with larger sizes generally costing more. Many tire suppliers often provide free shipping, which can lead to additional cost savings. Also, look out for seasonal tire sales and promotions that often make the G-MAX AS-05 an even more cost-effective choice.

While tires might seem a hefty investment, keep in mind that you are paying for safety, performance, and comfort when driving. The General G-MAX AS-05 tire strikes a good balance between cost and quality.

However, always ensure to verify current prices from trusted tire dealers or online marketplaces, as prices can fluctuate over time and vary by location.

Conclusion

The General G-MAX AS-05 is a solid all-season tire that offers a good balance of performance in most conditions.

Some of the key pros of this tire include:

• Excellent wet weather grip and traction thanks to the asymmetric tread design. The tire performs very well in rain and light snow.
• Comfortable ride quality and low noise levels make it suitable for everyday driving.
• Good handling response and steering feel provide confident control.
• Durable tread compound delivers long treadwear and makes the tire a good value.

However, there are some downsides to consider:

• Dry grip and traction is just average and could be better for a high performance tire.
• Snow traction is decent but a dedicated winter or snow tire would perform better in heavy snow.
• The tire lacks the sporty handling of premium tires.

Overall, the General G-MAX AS-05 is a great choice as an affordable all-season tire for drivers looking for good wet weather traction, a comfortable ride, and long tread life. It works well for daily commuting and all-season use. Drivers wanting maximum dry road grip and handling may want to consider a more performance-oriented tire. For buyers looking for good value and well-rounded capabilities on a budget, the General G-MAX AS-05 is easy to recommend.