Winter tire Winter Touring tires Updated May 2026

General Altimax Arctic review

Name: General Altimax Arctic
Brand: General

The General AltiMAX Arctic is widely regarded as a high-value winter tire that delivers exceptional traction in snow, slush, and ice. While some users note a slight increase in road noise and a softer feel in dry conditions, the consensus is that it offers performance comparable to premium brands at a significantly more accessible price point.

Relative score

85/100

tests + owners

Owner reviews

85/100

57 reviews

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Scores

Two scoring systems, side by side

Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.

By owner reviews

85.3%

Would buy again 60%

Dry

Overall dry

86.8%

Corner stability

65%

Dry traction

65%

Steering response

70%

Wet

Overall wet

86.4%

Hydroplaning resistance

74%

Wet traction

70%

Snow & ice

Overall snow & ice

88.2%

Light snow

66%

Heavy snow

58%

Comfort

Overall comfort

85.8%

Ride comfort

83%

Noise

Overall noise

83%

Treadwear

Overall treadwear

83.5%

Handling

Overall handling

77.6%

From owners

What owners like and dislike

Themes extracted from 57 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.

Pros

Exceptional traction and grip in deep snow and icy conditions
High value-for-money ratio compared to premium winter tire brands
Impressive tread longevity for a dedicated winter compound
Reliable handling and braking performance in cold-weather environments

Cons

Increased road noise, particularly as the tire wears
Soft sidewall feel leading to less precise handling on dry pavement
Potential for minor understeer during aggressive cornering
Not intended for year-round use, as dry performance is compromised

Worth knowing

Owners of RWD vehicles, including sports roadsters, report high confidence in deep snow and winter conditions.
Users with light-weight vehicles (e.g., Chevy HHR, FWD Civics) report excellent starting and stopping capability on slippery surfaces.
Drivers of heavy-duty trucks and SUVs appreciate the durability and load-handling capabilities of the tire's construction.

Where to buy