General Altimax Arctic 12 Tire Review & Rating

The General Altimax Arctic 12 studdable winter tire is designed to offer passenger car, minivan, compact SUV and crossover owners the traction, handling and grip you need when driving in harsh winter conditions. Built to replace the older Altimax Arctic, General has added a range of features on this new model that is engineered to provide drivers with improved safety and performance on snow and ice.

Sporting the 3-peak mountain snowflake emblem, this winter tire gives you much better braking and traction in dry, wet and extremely cold driving conditions. An advanced winter tread compound is created to remain pliable in very cold temperatures, while a directional tread pattern helps deliver added traction on both dry or wet pavement.

The tires’ continuous center rib enhances steering response and strengthens handling on dry road surfaces for better performance, while the optimized tread contact patch further improves grip and aids in reducing treadwear. (General has stated that the Arctic 12 provides 18 percent longer treadwear over the older Arctic.)

Unique serrated sipes around the tire combine with angled tread blocks for gripping snow, hard-pack and ice. They do their job well as we’ve heard a number of drivers speak to excellent traction, reduced braking distances and sure-footed acceleration on this model.

General Tire has pinned the Arctic 12 to accept TSMI #12 silver-colored metallic studs for additional traction in the event you need even further performance. General offers 14 to 19-inch sizes, with all sizes having a T-speed rating. There’s also a limited tread warranty included.

Pros

• Traction, handling and braking in snow and ice
• Wet traction, handling and braking
• Value for the money

Cons

• Treadwear is unknown since this tire was only recently released

Overall Thoughts

The General Altimax Arctic 12 studdable winter tire is considered by many car, minivan, compact SUV and compact crossover owners to be as good as any of the high-end tires manufactured by Nokian, Bridgestone and Michelin. This winter tire performs exceptionally well at low temperatures, and its performance on snow, ice, slush and wet streets is equally impressive.

While the original Altimax Arctic provided solid performance for the most part, this new model has bumped up the traction levels and looks to have improved treadlife. We can’t speak to that with certainty at the time of this writing, but we will update as time goes by.

Overall, the General Altimax Arctic 12 delivers confident winter performance and safety, while the lower cost makes it a good value for the money.

Click Here For Current General Coupons

Click Here To Find Current Prices

What Vehicles Will The General Altimax Arctic 12 Fit?

(Please note that this is not a complete list of all vehicles this tire will fit.)

• Acura TSX, ILX, TL, CL
• Audi A4, TT
• BMW 320i, 328i, 530i, X1
• Buick Verano
• Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu, Cobalt, Cavalier, Impala, Camaro
• Dodge Intrepid, Neon, Charger, Avenger, Grand Caravan
• Ford Fusion, Focus, Taurus, Mustang
• Honda Accord, Fit, Civic, S2000, Insight
• Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, Accent
• Infiniti G35, I30
• Kia Rondo, Spectra, Soul, Forte, Optima
• Lincoln MKZ
• Mazda3, Mazda5
• Mini Cooper
• Nissan Juke, Cube, Sentra, Altima, Maxima
• Saab 9-3
• Subaru Legacy, Impreza, Outback
• Toyota Camry, Corolla, Avalon, Sienna
• Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle
• Volvo S80, V70, S60

Tire Sizes

14″

175/65R14 86T BLK
175/70R14 88T BLK
185/65R14 90T BLK
185/70R14 92T BLK

15″

175/65R15 88T BLK
185/60R15 88T BLK
185/65R15 92T BLK
195/60R15 92T BLK
195/65R15 95T BLK
205/65R15 99T BLK
205/70R15 100T BLK
215/70R15 103T BLK

16″

205/60R16 96T BLK
215/55R16 97T BLK
215/60R16 99T BLK
215/65R16 102T BLK
215/70R16 104T BLK
225/55R16 99T BLK
225/60R16 102T BLK
225/65R16 104T BLK
225/70R16 107T BLK
235/60R16 104T BLK

17″

205/50R17 93T BLK
215/45R17 91T BLK
215/50R17 95T BLK
215/55R17 98T BLK
215/55R17 98T BLK
215/60R17 100T BLK
225/45R17 94T BLK
225/50R17 98T BLK
225/55R17 101T BLK
225/60R17 103T BLK
225/65R17 106T BLK
235/45R17 97T BLK
235/55R17 103T BLK
235/55R17 103T BLK
235/60R17 106T BLK
235/65R17 108T BLK

18″

225/45R18 95T BLK
225/50R18 99T BLK
225/55R18 102T BLK
225/60R18 104T BLK
235/45R18 98T BLK
235/55R18 104T BLK
235/60R18 107T BLK

19″

225/55R19 103T BLK

Price Range

General Altimax Arctic 12 prices range from approximately $63 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find The Current Prices On All General Altimax Arctic 12 Sizes

Warranty

General provides a limited warranty on the Arctic 12. You will find a one-year or first 2/32 inch of wear on the tire’s uniformity.

Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for 6-years and include free replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

There is also a 30-day customer satisfaction trial whereby you can exchange the tire for another General brand if you are not completely satisfied.

Share this review