General G-MAX AS-05 All-Season Radial Tire User Manual

1. Introduction

The General G-MAX AS-05 is an all-season radial tire designed for passenger vehicles, offering reliable performance across various weather conditions. This manual provides essential information regarding the installation, operation, maintenance, and specifications of your tire to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Image 1.1: The General G-MAX AS-05 tire, showcasing its tread pattern and sidewall design, mounted on a wheel.

2. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for tire safety and performance. It is highly recommended that tire installation be performed by a qualified professional using appropriate equipment.

2.1 Pre-Installation Checks

• Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the tire size (195/50ZR16 84W) matches your vehicle's specifications as listed in your vehicle owner's manual.
• Rim Condition: Inspect the wheel rim for any damage, corrosion, or deformities that could affect tire seating or integrity.
• New Valve Stems: Always install new valve stems when mounting new tires to ensure proper air retention.

2.2 Mounting Procedure

1. Clean the tire bead and rim surfaces.
2. Apply appropriate tire mounting lubricant to the tire beads.
3. Mount the tire onto the rim using a tire mounting machine, ensuring the tire is seated correctly.
4. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure, ensuring both beads are fully seated. Do not exceed 40 PSI for bead seating.
5. Balance the tire and wheel assembly using a wheel balancing machine.

Image 2.1: The General G-MAX AS-05 tire fully mounted on a modern alloy wheel, ready for installation on a vehicle.

After installation, check and adjust tire pressure to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended levels, typically found on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.

3. Operating Guidelines

Adhering to proper operating practices will maximize the safety and lifespan of your General G-MAX AS-05 tires.

3.1 Tire Pressure

Maintain correct tire inflation pressure as specified by your vehicle manufacturer. Check tire pressure at least once a month when tires are cold. Under-inflation can lead to excessive heat buildup, premature wear, and reduced fuel efficiency. Over-inflation can result in a harsher ride, reduced traction, and uneven wear.

3.2 Speed Rating

The G-MAX AS-05 has a speed rating of W, indicating it is designed for speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h). Always adhere to legal speed limits and adjust driving speed according to road conditions, weather, and traffic.

3.3 Load Index

The load index of 84 signifies a maximum load capacity of 1102 pounds (500 kg) per tire. Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of your tires or vehicle, as this can lead to tire failure and unsafe driving conditions.

3.4 All-Season Performance

As an all-season tire, the G-MAX AS-05 is designed to provide reliable traction in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. While it offers versatility, it is not a substitute for dedicated winter tires in severe snow or ice.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends tire life and ensures consistent performance.

4.1 Tire Rotation

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. This promotes even tread wear and maximizes tire life. The G-MAX AS-05 features an asymmetrical tread pattern, which typically allows for front-to-back rotation on the same side of the vehicle, or cross-pattern rotation depending on the vehicle's drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD).

4.2 Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Have your wheel alignment checked annually or if you notice uneven tire wear or steering issues. Proper alignment prevents premature and irregular tread wear. Re-balance tires if you experience vibrations while driving.

4.3 Tread Depth Inspection

Regularly inspect tread depth. The minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 inch (1.6 mm). The G-MAX AS-05 has a new tread depth of 10/32 inch. Replace tires when they reach the wear indicators, which are molded into the tread grooves at 2/32 inch.

Image 4.1: A detailed view of the asymmetrical tread pattern of the General G-MAX AS-05 tire, highlighting the grooves and sipes designed for all-season performance.

4.4 Visual Inspection

Periodically inspect tires for cuts, punctures, bulges, cracks, or other signs of damage. If damage is found, have the tire inspected by a tire professional immediately.

5. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common tire-related issues.

5.1 Uneven Tread Wear

• Cause: Improper inflation, misaligned wheels, worn suspension components, or lack of rotation.
• Solution: Check tire pressure, perform wheel alignment, inspect suspension, and adhere to rotation schedule.

5.2 Vibration

• Cause: Unbalanced wheels, bent rim, damaged tire, or worn suspension/steering components.
• Solution: Have wheels re-balanced, inspect rims and tires for damage, and check vehicle's suspension and steering.

5.3 Loss of Air Pressure

• Cause: Puncture, leaky valve stem, damaged rim, or bead leak.
• Solution: Inspect tire for punctures, check valve stem, and have a professional inspect the tire and rim for leaks.

For any persistent or severe issues, consult a certified tire technician.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty Information

General Tire products are backed by a manufacturer's limited warranty. Specific warranty terms, conditions, and coverage details are typically provided with the tire purchase or can be found on the official General Tire website. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

8. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or detailed product information, please refer to the official General Tire website or contact your authorized General Tire dealer. They can provide expert advice and service for your G-MAX AS-05 tires.

General Tire Official Website: www.generaltire.com