- Excellent performance in dry conditions and good performance in rain and light snow
- Affordable price point, especially from a big manufacturer like General Tire
- Design naturally absorbs and filters out vibrations for a comfortable ride
- Long-lasting tread due to protective design features that minimize wear
- Performance suffers in severe winter weather
- Starts out relatively quiet, but some buyers say noise increases steadily as the tire wears
- Could be more responsive, as it doesn’t handle sharp turns exceptionally well
General Altimax RT43 Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
The General Altimax RT43 is a practical and affordable choice from tire giant, General Tire. Engineered for passenger cars rather than anything sporty, these all-season tires have clever design features that help you manage your tire health. The tire has a history of recalls, however, and customer reviews vary. In this guide, we’ll discuss all the details about the General Altimax RT43 and share some tips for saving money on them to help you make a smart decision when tire shopping.
Quick savings tip: You can often find special deals online and get tires much cheaper than in a retail store. Discount Tire, for instance, offers a low price guarantee and installs tires for you at a nationwide network of shops. Of course, buying online isn’t for everyone. Ask local tire shops about deals they’re running if this is more your speed. It’s pretty common to see a buy 3, get 1 free deal.
General Altimax RT43 Tire Review
General Tire is an American tire manufacturer that was founded in 1915. The brand is a selected supplier for General Motors, and after over 100 years of business in America, the manufacturer has a decent amount of credibility in the industry. Most consumers report satisfaction with General Tire products, noting the fair price and dependable warranties. General Tire has had 14 tires recalled in the last five years, which is higher than the brand average of 9.4 recalls, so its products could be more reliable. (According to recallinfo.ustires.org.)
You can find the General Altimax RT43 tires at your local tire retailer, like Discount Tire or Walmart. They fit many different vehicles, but General Tire built them with passenger cars and crossovers in mind. These tires originally replaced the General Altimax RT, and General Tire’s more recent release, the General Altimax RT45, is an upgraded version of the RT43 design. In 2020, the tires suffered a recall due to a production error, which included a batch of tires being cured for too long, leading to reduced quality.
These tires are a good fit for people with simple everyday commutes who want year-round traction. They’re best for mild rain and snow as well as standard dry conditions thanks to their expert traction. These tires are notedly long-lasting, too, making them a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want to get their money’s worth. Overall, the General Altimax RT43 are a respectable choice for a value-seeking driver with standard driving habits.
General Altimax RT43 Pros and Cons
| + PROS | + CONS |
| Excellent performance in dry conditions and good performance in rain and light snow | Performance suffers in severe winter weather |
| Affordable price point, especially from a big manufacturer like General Tire | Starts out relatively quiet, but some buyers say noise increases steadily as the tire wears |
| Design naturally absorbs and filters out vibrations for a comfortable ride | Could be more responsive, as it doesn’t handle sharp turns exceptionally well |
| Long-lasting tread due to protective design features that minimize wear |
General Altimax RT43 Tire Specs
The General Altimax RT43 offers the following:
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
| Treadwear Rating: | 600-700 | The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down(…) Of current tires: 15% are rated below 200 25% are rated 201 – 300 32% are rated 301 – 400 20% are rated 401 – 500 6% are rated 501 – 600 2% are rated above 600 |
| Traction Rating: | A | Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”. Of current tires: 15% are rated “AA” 77% are rated “A” 7% are rated “B” Only 4 lines of tires are rated “C” |
| Temperature Rating: | A-B | Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example, driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”. Of current tires: 62% are rated “A” 34% are rated “B” 4% are rated “C” |
| Specifications: | ||
| Limited Treadwear Warranty: | 65,000 miles (H & V) – 75,000 miles (T) | General Tire offers a limited warranty and adjustment policy for up to 72 months from the purchase date. The policy allows for a free replacement either within 12 months of the purchase date, or the first 2/32nds of an inch (1.6 mm) of wear. |
| Speed Rating: | T, H, or V | Speed Rating tells you the speed capability of your tire. The higher the rating the more robust the tire construction. T-rated tires reach lower top speeds than H or V, but are generally covered for more miles than them. |
| Top Speed: | 118 mph (T), 130 mph (H), or 149 mph (V) | Based on the Speed rating of T, H, and V. |
| Tire Load Index: | 82 – 107 | Depends on the chosen size and rating. |
| Max Load: | 1047 lbs – 2,149 lbs | Based on Tire Load Index of 82 and 107. |
General Altimax RT43 Tire Sizes Available
The General Altimax RT43 fits a wide range of vehicles, especially compact sedans and crossovers. Compatible vehicles include the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Sentra. This isn’t a comprehensive list, so check to make sure that these tires fit your particular vehicle.
| Tire Sizes Available: |
| Check Tire Sizes On Discounttire.com |
General Altimax RT43 Performance
The General Altimax RT43 are all-season tires, but they perform best in dry weather. They’re suitable for mild winters with light snow or rain, but they waver in icy conditions.
- The treadwear rating varies between 600 and 700 depending on the size of your rims, which puts these tires at the top of their competition, ranking better than 94% to 98% of other tires.
- These tires manage temperatures well, with an A for H and V speed ratings and B for T speed ratings, making them a decent to good fit for long commutes or road trips.
- Their traction rating is also an A, meaning it can stop and start effectively, even on wet roads.
The General Altimax RT43 uses specially designed low-surface abrasion technology, which means the roads affect the surface of the rubber less than other tires. This contributes to a smoother, quieter ride experience and helps you get more value out of the tires by allowing for less wear. These tires also have a dual-layer Cushion Silica Tread Compound which leads to more traction and stability in various weather conditions and more shock absorption for advanced comfort. The Replacement Tire Monitor and Visual Alignment Indicators denote when it’s time to replace your tires.
General Altimax RT43 Warranty
These tires come with a 65,000-75,000-mile warranty. The warranty covers a full replacement tire if you face issues within the first year or the first 2/32-inch of treadwear. If you’re not eligible for a free replacement, the warranty covers price adjustments on new tires and parts in select situations. To file a claim, visit your local General Tire dealer and present proof of your warranty and maintenance records or visit their customer support page for assistance.
Should You Buy General Altimax RT43 Tires?
If you’re looking for a long-lasting tire that offers good value, the General Altimax RT43 is a suitable pick. These tires are best for drivers with small vehicles, like compact sedans and crossovers. If your drives are simple commutes and trips around town, these tires should suit your needs.
If you’re an aggressive driver prone to quick acceleration and sharp, high-speed turns, you might crave better handling. Look into high-performance tires for a sportier option. If you live somewhere with extreme winters, a winter or snow tire will be safer for the heavy snow and ice. If you are still unsure on whether the General Altimax RT43 tires are best for you, visit the linked article as choosing the best tires for you will depend on your location and driving style.
Where To Purchase General Altimax RT43
Buying a new set of tires is a big investment you’ll want to take seriously to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle at the right price.
You might think buying tires online sounds like a hassle, but it can actually save you time and money. Online retailers offer a wide selection of brands, including General Altimax RT43, at low prices. They also make it easy to find tires that fit your vehicle. Simply enter your make and model to find the right size tires and start comparing pricing from various online sellers. Don’t forget to calculate installation into your cost, which generally ranges from $15 to $45 per tire depending on the shop you choose.
If you want even less hassle and more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and it has a huge selection. Its Low Price Guarantee promises you the best deal. Discount Tire will also install your new tires at one of its many store locations. All you have to do is purchase online and set up an appointment for installation — no shipping fees or heavy boxes. Discount Tires’ tire installation typically costs $20 to $27 per tire. This allows you to enjoy the savings of online tire shopping while receiving customer service in-store, all from one company.
If you’re more comfortable buying from your local shop, do your research online so you have a good idea of the tire you want, then ask your local tire or repair shop about current promotions. It’s fairly common to find buy 3, get 1 free deals. Keep in mind, however, that local stores may not have your size or the particular tire make and model you want in stock.
If you simply want the cheapest tires and are less concerned about longevity, check your local area for used tire retailers. Just keep in mind that these tires won’t come with the same warranties as a brand-new set of tires. It’s also advised to replace at least two tires at the same time with a matching set for even wear.
General Altimax RT43 Tire Customer Reviews
Overall, reviews of the General Altimax RT43 are positive. Most drivers say the tires last and suit their needs. Some claim they’re noisy and bouncy, but most state they’re pretty comfortable. Some buyers are critical of the recent recalls of these tires, and some note their insufficiency in medium or severe snow.
It’s important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. Different tires are designed using varying technologies that lead to unique traction and handling abilities. Tires are also designed to fit vehicles’ specific makes, models, and trim levels. Once you find the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs, it’s also crucial to keep up with routine maintenance, including tire rotations.
The FIXD scanner and app help you track your vehicle’s most important maintenance and upkeep needs, including tire life. Purchase the sensor and download the app to keep your vehicle and its tires in their best working condition.
FAQs:
Do I Need New Tires?
Tires generally need to be replaced when they fall under 3 mm of tread. Tread depth can be easily tested with a penny. If you have the FIXD app, after measuring the tread depth, the app will be sure to remind you when an upcoming tire replacement may be necessary.
How Do I Pick The Right Tires for My Vehicle?
There is more to picking tires than just a brand name. You should take into consideration how you use the tires, what conditions you’ll be driving in, what your budget is, and what tires fit your vehicle. If you’d like an in-depth guide, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Car Tires (2023), and if you’d like a bit more information on how to find your tire size, check out our article on How to Find Your Tire Size.
Where Should I Buy Tires to Save Money on My Purchase?
Many consumers purchase tires at a local shop or online. Purchasing online can help you get the most bang for your buck. Although the process can seem confusing, in reality, purchasing tires online is no more difficult than purchasing locally. Purchasing online means you’ll also get the tires you’re wanting rather than just what the local shop has in stock.
When purchasing online you can have the tires shipped to a shop in your area and installed on-site. It’s not much different from purchasing locally in terms of the process, and the price is generally lower because of the level of competition to win your business online and the lower overhead costs of the online retailers.
Our first pick is Discount Tire. It is nationwide, price competitive, has excellent in-store customer service, and skilled installation. In California it is also known as America’s Tire.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Right Tires for My Vehicle When Purchasing Online?
Just like purchasing at a local shop, you’ll want to make sure the tires you purchase meet your driving needs. Make sure the tire is able to handle your local weather conditions, is built for the type of driving you intend to do (commuting/racing/off-roading), has a good warranty, and fits your vehicle. All-season tires are typically a safe bet for most vehicles whose drivers intend only to commute, and there are several brands with great warranties. The most crucial and final step is to check your tire size. If you cannot verify the tire size you’re purchasing, don’t bother, an incorrect size cannot be adjusted to fit your wheels. This is an unlikely problem as most major online retailers like Discount Tire will list the size of your tire front and center on the product page. Keep in mind that if you no longer have the original wheels your vehicle rolled out of the factory with, you will need to buy a size that fits your non-OEM wheels. If you need help finding your tire size take a look at our instructions for finding your tire size or use Discount Tires’ “Shop by Vehicle” search located on their homepage if you have OEM wheels.
Sources:
“General Altimax RT43 – Tire Rack.” Tire Rack, https://www.tirerack.com/tires/general-altimax-rt43
“General Altimax RT43 Overview.” General Altimax RT43 Overview | TireBuyer.com, https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/general-altimax-rt43-review
“General Altimax RT43 Tire Reviews.” 1010 Tires, https://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/General/Altimax%20RT43
“General Altimax RT43.” Discount Tire, https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/general-altimax-rt43
“General Altimax RT43.” Tire Reviews, https://www.tire-reviews.com/Tire/General/Altimax-RT43.htm
“General Tire Altimax RT43 Vehicle Tire Safety Recalls.” General Tire Altimax RT43 Safety Recalls, https://www.vehicletire.com/Safety-Recall/General-Tire/Altimax-RT43
“General Tire.” ConsumerAffairs, https://www.consumeraffairs.com/tires/general-tire.html
“General Tire.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Dec. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Tire
Gievski, Ivo. “General Altimax RT43 Review of 2023: Still an Outstanding Choice for the Money.” Tireer, 4 Nov. 2022, https://tireer.com/general-altimax-rt43-review/
“Replacement Tire Warranty.” Find Answers, 13 Apr. 2021, https://generaltire.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/661/~/replacement-tire-warranty
Reyes, Alvin. “General Altimax RT43 Review & Rating for 2023.” DrivingPress, 11 Nov. 2022, https://drivingpress.com/general-altimax-rt43-review/
“What Are Tire Speed Ratings?” Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person, https://www.discounttire.com/learn/speed-rating
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