I bought and had 4 new tires installed last night from the local tire shop...I also had an alignment done as I believe my car was out of alignment from the factory.
The Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 tires were down to 3/32" of tread after 29.6k miles and rain traction felt downright dangerous.
Michelin had a $70 rebate going on Energy A/S tires and were the cheapest but I didn't want a low tread rating tire (they were 440 I believe). My main option was the Continental PureContact Eco however they did not have in stock.
The guy behind the counter said they had General tires in my size in stock and the price seemed good to me so I had General Altimax RT 205/65R16 T rated tires installed.
I did my typical highway commute to work this morning and the tires are definitely quieter and they handle cracks and imperfections in the road surface very smoothly...I was impressed. It seemed like the old Michelins transmitted every road imperfection into the frame of the car. I'm not bashing Michelins...I would have gotten the Primacy MXV4 if they were available in my size.
I had awful tracking with the Michelins...the car would act like a very strong wind was blowing it from all sides on some uneven pavement and it does not happen with the General at all. The only thing I notice about the General is that turning and steering does not seem as "crisp" as it was with the Michelins...the Generals seem to be a softer tire with cushier steering. The Michelins definitely felt more sporty but then again I don't drive too aggressive to begin with.
The tread on the Altimax RTs is 10/32" and is certainly a beefy looking tire...they are rated 600 treadwear.
We may get snow early next week and I am excited to try them out on snowy roads. I've heard people claim they are great in snow and some claim they are terrible. I will have to see for myself.
I highly suggest anyone with even a new car to get an alignment...no doubt mine was out of alignment since I bought it. The car would sometimes require steering wheel correction in straight yet slightly uneven pavement.
So all in all I am satisfied with the new General tires for the price...the car is much more enjoyable to drive now. It never ceases to amaze how a new set of tires can make a car drive...even cheap(er) tires.
So far I have favorable opinions on the General Altimax RT and look forward to seeing how they perform as I put more miles on them. I can recommend them if you are looking for a good value tire that drives smooth on the highway...however if you want a sportier driving tire I'd look elsewhere.
The Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 tires were down to 3/32" of tread after 29.6k miles and rain traction felt downright dangerous.
Michelin had a $70 rebate going on Energy A/S tires and were the cheapest but I didn't want a low tread rating tire (they were 440 I believe). My main option was the Continental PureContact Eco however they did not have in stock.
The guy behind the counter said they had General tires in my size in stock and the price seemed good to me so I had General Altimax RT 205/65R16 T rated tires installed.
I did my typical highway commute to work this morning and the tires are definitely quieter and they handle cracks and imperfections in the road surface very smoothly...I was impressed. It seemed like the old Michelins transmitted every road imperfection into the frame of the car. I'm not bashing Michelins...I would have gotten the Primacy MXV4 if they were available in my size.
I had awful tracking with the Michelins...the car would act like a very strong wind was blowing it from all sides on some uneven pavement and it does not happen with the General at all. The only thing I notice about the General is that turning and steering does not seem as "crisp" as it was with the Michelins...the Generals seem to be a softer tire with cushier steering. The Michelins definitely felt more sporty but then again I don't drive too aggressive to begin with.
The tread on the Altimax RTs is 10/32" and is certainly a beefy looking tire...they are rated 600 treadwear.
We may get snow early next week and I am excited to try them out on snowy roads. I've heard people claim they are great in snow and some claim they are terrible. I will have to see for myself.
I highly suggest anyone with even a new car to get an alignment...no doubt mine was out of alignment since I bought it. The car would sometimes require steering wheel correction in straight yet slightly uneven pavement.
So all in all I am satisfied with the new General tires for the price...the car is much more enjoyable to drive now. It never ceases to amaze how a new set of tires can make a car drive...even cheap(er) tires.
So far I have favorable opinions on the General Altimax RT and look forward to seeing how they perform as I put more miles on them. I can recommend them if you are looking for a good value tire that drives smooth on the highway...however if you want a sportier driving tire I'd look elsewhere.
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