Overview
The General Altimax RT45 is an all-season touring tyre designed for everyday drivers seeking a balance of comfort, safety, and value. Aimed at compact and midsize sedans, family hatchbacks, and small crossovers, it’s a top choice for those who want year-round traction without the need to switch tyres for winter. The RT45 is the successor to the popular RT43, offering updated tread technology and improved longevity, making it especially attractive for high-mileage drivers and fleet operators. Its focus is on dependable performance in dry and wet conditions, quiet ride quality, and reliable light snow traction for the varied US climate.
Key Specs
| Type | All-season touring |
| Available sizes range | 14″ to 18″ rim diameters |
| Speed rating examples | T, H, V |
| Load index examples | 91 (615 kg), 94 (670 kg) |
| Tread pattern | Symmetrical, high-sipe density |
| Technology highlights | SmartGrip Technology, Visual Alignment Indicators, Twin Cushion Silica Compound |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the Altimax RT45 offers predictable and secure handling, making it well-suited for daily commutes and highway driving. The tyre’s symmetrical tread pattern, with continuous center ribs, provides direct steering response and stability at moderate speeds. While not engineered for the sharpest cornering or high-speed performance, its grip is more than sufficient for typical stop-and-go urban traffic and interstate cruising. Braking distances are competitive for its class, with progressive feedback under moderate loads. Enthusiast drivers may notice a softer sidewall compared to performance-oriented options, but for the intended audience, the RT45 delivers reassuring dry-road manners.
Performance: Wet
Wet weather is a key test for all-season tyres, and the Altimax RT45 performs confidently thanks to its high-sipe density and wide circumferential grooves. These features help evacuate water efficiently, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in heavy rain. In real-world scenarios, stopping power and traction remain consistent, even during sudden downpours or puddles common in US spring and fall. The silica-enriched compound aids grip on slick surfaces, giving drivers extra assurance during wet commutes. While extreme wet cornering exposes the limits of a touring tyre, for normal driving the RT45’s wet performance is dependable and secure.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The Altimax RT45 is marked with the M+S symbol, indicating suitability for light snow and slush. Its abundant sipes provide necessary biting edges for traction in early winter dustings and occasional icy patches. In light to moderate snowfall, the tyre remains controllable, with enough grip for confident starts and stops. However, as with most all-season tyres, performance in deep snow or prolonged winter conditions is limited—dedicated winter tyres will outperform the RT45 in these circumstances. For regions where snow is infrequent or quickly cleared, the RT45 offers peace of mind for unexpected weather.
Comfort & Noise
Comfort is a standout strength of the Altimax RT45. The twin-cushion silica compound is tuned to absorb impacts from potholes and road blemishes, contributing to a plush, composed ride. Road noise is impressively subdued, even on coarse asphalt, thanks to the optimized tread block arrangement and uniform contact patch. At highway speeds, wind and engine noise tend to overshadow any tyre hum. For drivers prioritizing a quiet, relaxing drive—whether in city traffic or on long-distance journeys—the RT45 is among the quietest in its segment, rivaling premium brands at a more accessible price point.
Durability & Economy
Longevity is a major selling point for the Altimax RT45, with treadwear warranties reaching up to 75,000 miles depending on size and speed rating. The compound resists uneven wear, further aided by built-in Visual Alignment Indicators that help users detect misalignment early and maximize tyre life. The RT45’s rolling resistance is moderate, supporting good fuel efficiency for most vehicles. In the US, the tyre boasts a typical UTQG rating of 700 A A (varies by size), reflecting its focus on high tread life and reliable traction. Combined with a competitive price point, the RT45 offers excellent value for budget-conscious drivers and fleets seeking a low total cost of ownership.
Sizes & Alternatives
The Altimax RT45 is available in a wide range of sizes, covering most popular compact and midsize car fitments. Notable examples include:
- 205/55 R16 (common for Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, Hyundai Elantra)
- 195/65 R15 (Toyota Corolla, VW Golf, Honda Accord older models)
- 215/60 R16 (Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu)
- Others: 185/65 R15, 225/50 R17, etc.
Main competitors in the US all-season touring segment include:
- Michelin Defender2
- Continental TrueContact Tour
- Cooper Endeavor
- Goodyear Assurance MaxLife
- Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent ride comfort and low road noise
- Strong tread life with up to 75,000-mile warranty
- Solid wet and dry traction for daily driving
- Visual Alignment Indicators help maximize tyre longevity
- Competitive pricing versus premium brands
Cons
- Limited capability in deep snow or severe winter
- Not as sporty or responsive as ultra-high performance tyres
- Some sizes may have slightly softer sidewalls
- Rolling resistance not class-leading (but still good)
Verdict
The General Altimax RT45 stands out as a well-rounded, value-oriented all-season touring tyre for US drivers. With its blend of comfort, quietness, and dependable all-weather traction, it’s an ideal fit for commuters, families, and fleet managers who prioritize safety and cost-effectiveness. While it won’t satisfy those seeking razor-sharp handling or true winter performance, its strengths in longevity and ride quality are hard to beat within its segment. If you want a trustworthy tyre for year-round use—especially for sizes like 205/55 R16 or 195/65 R15—the Altimax RT45 deserves a top spot on your shortlist. Just keep in mind: for frequent or severe winter conditions, a dedicated snow tyre is always the safer choice.
As someone running a fleet of midsize sedans, I’m curious how the RT45’s longevity and treadwear actually hold up over high mileage. Are there real-world lifespan estimates?
For fleet use on midsize sedans, the General Altimax RT45 is generally reported to deliver solid tread life. Many users see 50,000 to 65,000 miles with regular rotation and proper inflation. Real-world results can vary depending on driving style and maintenance, but most fleet managers find the RT45 meets or slightly exceeds its treadwear warranty in typical high-mileage scenarios.
I noticed the RT45 uses SmartGrip Technology and Visual Alignment Indicators. How do those actually help in day-to-day driving, and are they something a DIYer could use to check if their wheels are aligned at home?
SmartGrip Technology helps the RT45 maintain good traction in various weather, so you get steady grip and handling in everyday conditions. The Visual Alignment Indicators are handy for DIYers—they show if your wheels are wearing unevenly. If you notice the indicator bars aren’t wearing down evenly, it’s a simple visual cue that your alignment may be off and worth checking.
Are the Visual Alignment Indicators easy to check yourself, or is it something that needs to be monitored by a mechanic?
You can easily check the Visual Alignment Indicators yourself. Just look at the tread pattern; the indicators are designed to show uneven wear with simple markings. If you notice the markers wearing unevenly, that’s a sign to get your alignment checked by a mechanic.
If I’m mostly driving in heavy rain rather than snow, would you recommend the RT45 or is there a better all-season option for wet traction?
The General Altimax RT45 provides good wet traction for daily driving, but if wet performance is your top priority, you might want to consider the Continental TrueContact Tour or Michelin CrossClimate 2. These options are often praised for their outstanding grip and handling in heavy rain compared to most standard all-season tires.
Is there a significant price difference between the RT45 and other similar all-season options with SmartGrip Technology, and is it justified by the features for a small business trying to manage costs?
The General Altimax RT45 is typically priced competitively against other all-season tires with SmartGrip Technology. While prices can vary, any difference is usually modest. The RT45 offers solid tread life, reliable grip, and a comfortable ride, so if your small business values durability and all-weather performance, the features can justify the cost compared to many alternatives.
If my primary concern is maximizing tire longevity for long commutes, would you still suggest the RT45 or is there another General Tire model better suited for high mileage?
If tire longevity is your top priority, the General Altimax RT45 is already an excellent choice within General Tire’s lineup, thanks to its durable tread compound and even wear design. However, for even greater mileage, you might consider the General AltiMAX RT43, which has a reputation for slightly longer tread life. Both are strong options for long commutes.
Given the focus on high-mileage drivers, do you have any data on typical tread life expectancy for the RT45 under average US driving conditions?
The General Altimax RT45 is typically rated for up to 75,000 miles under average US driving conditions, according to manufacturer warranties and user reports. Actual tread life can vary depending on driving habits and maintenance, but most high-mileage drivers can expect the tire to last around 60,000 to 75,000 miles with regular care.