General AltiMAX RT43 vs Vredestein Quatrac 5 — Compared (September 2026)

“Replacement tires I have about 25k miles on my original tires (LR AWD, 18” Aeros) and evening though I have rotated then every 6-7000, I am not going to make it past 30k. So, anyone have any recommendations for replacements? Should I go for the standard Michelin’s? Anyone used anything else? For the record, Ian not concerned with the foam and road noise is fine. I’d like something less expensive, longer wearing, or both, without sacrificing much in the way of performance. For my usage, wet weather handling is more important than high performance. I drive it hard occasionally, but I am most concerned with how it performs on day-to-day commute and driving. (70 mile commute, round trip, 3-days/week). Thanks. Edit: thanks for the info everyone. I talked to my local tire guy and he recommended General Altimax RT43s. He also said the sound dampening foam is mostly a gimmick (which is what I suspected). He quoted me $198 (his prices include EVERYTHING). I could get them from Tire Rack for $152 and local install for $30 + 3 (disposal) which would save me a mere $13 per tire. But based on past experience with this tire shop, it is easily worth the extra $13 for convenience and peace of mind if I need flat repair or warranty claims. Related to that, he said the RT43 is a 60k tire but I should only expect 40-50 on my Model 3 and at best a $15 credit per tire. Frankly, I’d be happy with 40k. Probably going to keep the current rubber for another month, then get the Generals.”

“Anyone running General RT45? Looking to replace the shitastic Toyo A36 on my 2023 PP that I just picked up. Was going to try to make them last until fall, but having picked a screw in one, im probably going to bite the bullet and change them now. I ran the RT43 on both my NA Miata as well as my 5-GT and was happy with them. Tire Rack is running a $140 rebate on a set of 4 right now. Just curious as to people's thoughts. Or, should I just bite the bullet and go with Continental Cross Contacts? Read more”

“I have general grabbers on my vanagon and they just don’t wear. I had rt43s on a Tiguan before and they had 4/32nds left at around 60k miles”

“I had great luck with 2 sets of the RT43s years back. The only my comment was they were a little less grippy than other tires for high G lateral forces. IE taking curves WAY above intelligent speeds. Otherwise, they were sure footed in any other situation. Including incliment weather.”

“Vredestein Quatrac 5 Photo taken on October 17, 2025. This was during one of your first snowstorms in the Wasatch in Utah. This was at Guardsman’s Pass before it closed for the season, at 9717’ (2962 m). I’ve had the Quatrac 5 since Nay 20th, they’re really not great for considerable snow and I will be going to studded tires again in the near future. Last season I had the Hakkapeliitta 10 (175/65/14) and that was considerably more grippy. Read more”

“Did great in the snow. With vredestein quatrac 5's in everybody's favorite 205/50/R15s”

“A guy on YouTube vlogged his experience with the quatrac 5 in his mirage. It's a good all weather tire for the occasional blast of snow but is by no means a substitute for actual snow tires.”

“Are these Quatrac5 new ? After 15k miles my rear wheels are struggling to put down traction on damp roads if I am not real gentle on gas pedal on first gear from stop go traffic.”