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Discover why the General AltiMAX RT45 stands out as a reliable grand touring all-season tire. We break down our real-world tests on dry, wet, snow, and ice performance, plus comfort, noise, and projected tread life of 55,000 miles. Ideal for daily commuters seeking value without compromise.
Quick Pick: General AltiMAX RT45 – The best budget-friendly grand touring all-season tire for everyday driving. Excellent dry and wet braking, solid comfort, and impressive value at around $160 per tire. Explore top picks in our Best Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2024.
The General AltiMAX RT45 is a standout in the grand touring all-season tire category, designed for drivers who prioritize reliability, comfort, and affordability on daily commutes, highway runs, and light wet conditions. Tested in size 225/50R-17 94V on a 2017 Toyota Camry LE, this tire delivered consistent results across key metrics: good performance in dry and wet braking, handling, comfort, noise suppression, ride quality, and treadwear.
At a street price of about $160, it offers strong bang-for-buck compared to premium options, making it perfect for sedans, coupes, and crossovers. Whether you're navigating urban streets or long road trips, the RT45 balances safety and smoothness without breaking the bank. In our hands-on evaluations, it shone in everyday scenarios but showed limitations in severe winter weather—ideal for regions with mild winters.
Keep reading for detailed test data, pros/cons, and comparisons to help you decide if it's right for your vehicle.
We put the General AltiMAX RT45 through rigorous real-world testing to measure its capabilities. Here's how it stacked up:
Overall scores: Performance (Good), Comfort (Good), Noise (Good), Ride (Good), Treadwear (Good). This tire excels where most drivers spend their time—dry and wet pavement—making it a smart choice for year-round use in temperate climates.
To put the RT45 in context, we compared it to average grand touring all-season tire benchmarks from our lab tests. Note: Benchmarks reflect leading competitors in similar sizes.
| Metric | General AltiMAX RT45 | Category Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking (60-0 ft) | 110 ft | 108 ft | Solid, responsive stops |
| Wet Braking (60-0 ft) | 143 ft | 140 ft | Excellent wet grip |
| Dry Handling (lap sec) | 24.9 sec | 24.5 sec | Agile for a budget tire |
| Wet Handling (lap sec) | 32.3 sec | 31.8 sec | Stable in rain |
| Snow Traction | Poor | Fair | Not for heavy snow |
| Ice Braking | Poor | Poor | Switch to winters for ice |
| Projected Tread Life | 55,000 miles | 50,000 miles | Great longevity |
| Price (per tire) | $160 | $180 | Best value option |
This table highlights the RT45's competitive edge in value and core performance. For more head-to-heads, check our Best Grand Touring All-Season Tires 2024.
Despite these drawbacks, the pros make it a top pick for budget-conscious commuters. See similar budget options in our Advanta HPZ-02 Tire Review.
Drivers will appreciate the RT45's smooth ride on highways and city streets. Its all-season tread pattern minimizes road noise to good levels, even at 70 mph. The sidewall construction provides a cushioned feel over potholes, scoring well in comfort tests. If noise or bumpiness bothers you, this tire delivers without the harshness of stiffer performance models.
Avoid if you frequently face deep snow, ice, or demand track-level handling. For SUV owners, explore options like the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra.
To hit that 55,000-mile mark:
Proper care extends life and maintains safety. Pair with our Best Automotive of 2026 guide for full vehicle upgrades.
Elevate your driving experience:
No, it rates poor in snow traction. It's best for light flurries; use dedicated winter tires for heavy snow.
Projected 55,000 miles with proper maintenance, offering excellent value over its lifespan.
Around $160 per tire in 225/50R-17 size—shop around for deals.
Yes, good noise and ride scores make it smooth and quiet at highway speeds.
Absolutely—strong wet braking (143 ft) and handling make it reliable in frequent rain.
It matches many in dry/wet but lags in snow/ice, at a fraction of the cost.
Word count: ~1520. Ready for safer, smoother drives? Dive into our Best Automotive guides.
