1. Introduction
The General Altimax Arctic 12 is a high-performance winter touring tire specifically engineered for passenger cars and crossovers. It is designed to deliver superior traction and stability in challenging cold weather conditions, including snow and ice. This manual provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper installation, safe operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of your tires to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
This tire is studdable, allowing for the installation of winter studs where local regulations permit. It proudly displays the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, signifying its compliance with the severe snow service requirements established by the U.S. Tire Manufacturer's Association (USTMA) and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).
2. Key Features
- Exceptional Grip: Engineered with a specialized rubber compound and tread design for enhanced grip and stability in low temperatures, ensuring confident handling on cold surfaces.
- Reliable Braking Performance: Provides effective stopping power on wet, snowy, and ice-covered roads, contributing to increased safety during winter driving.
- Precise Steering Response: Offers responsive steering and excellent handling characteristics, allowing for better control in diverse winter road conditions.
- Durable Construction: Built with robust materials and construction techniques to ensure long-lasting treadwear and consistent performance throughout its lifespan.
- Studdable Design: Features pre-drilled holes for the optional installation of winter studs, providing additional traction on extreme ice (where legally permitted).
- 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Certified: Meets stringent industry standards for severe snow service, guaranteeing reliable performance in heavy snow conditions.
3. Installation Guidelines
For your safety and to ensure optimal tire performance, proper installation is critical. It is strongly recommended that these tires be installed by a qualified and certified tire professional.
- Compatibility Check: Before installation, verify that the tire size (175/65R15) and its load/speed ratings (88T XL) precisely match your vehicle's specifications as outlined in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the door jamb placard.
- Professional Mounting: Have the tires mounted onto appropriate rims by a certified technician. Incorrect mounting procedures can lead to tire damage, premature wear, or catastrophic tire failure.
- Balancing: All newly installed tires must be properly balanced to prevent vibrations, ensure a smooth ride, and promote even tread wear across the tire's surface.
- Stud Installation (Optional): If you choose to install studs for enhanced ice traction and if studding is permitted in your geographical area, studs should be professionally installed into the designated pinholes before the tire is driven on public roads.
4. Operating and Usage
- Tire Pressure: Always maintain the tire inflation pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. This information is typically found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, in the glove compartment, or in your vehicle's owner's manual. Check tire pressure regularly, at least once a month, and especially before long journeys or when ambient temperatures fluctuate significantly.
- Driving Conditions: The Altimax Arctic 12 tires are specifically designed for optimal performance in cold temperatures, snow, and ice. While they offer superior grip in these conditions compared to all-season tires, always drive cautiously, reduce speed, and increase following distance to suit prevailing road conditions.
- Break-in Period: New tires require a break-in period of approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) to allow the tread compounds to cure and the tire components to seat properly. During this period, avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and aggressive cornering to ensure optimal long-term performance.
- Studded Tires (if applicable): If your tires are studded, be aware of and comply with all local and state regulations regarding the use of studded tires. Studs can affect dry road handling characteristics and may increase road noise.
5. Maintenance
- Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 kilometers), or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Regular rotation helps promote even tread wear across all four tires, extending their useful life.
- Wheel Alignment: Have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked periodically, especially if you notice uneven tire wear, the vehicle pulling to one side, or unusual steering behavior. Proper alignment is crucial for tire longevity and safe handling.
- Regular Inspection: Routinely inspect your tires for any signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, bulges on the sidewall or tread, or excessive wear. Promptly remove any foreign objects (e.g., nails, stones) embedded in the tread.
- Proper Storage: When not in use (e.g., during off-season), store your winter tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and petroleum-based products or chemicals that can degrade rubber.
- Tread Depth Monitoring: Regularly monitor your tire's tread depth. Replace tires when the tread depth reaches the minimum legal limit (typically 2/32 inch or 1.6 mm) or when their winter performance is noticeably reduced.
6. Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven Tread Wear | Improper inflation, wheel misalignment, unbalanced wheels, worn suspension components. | Check and adjust tire pressure. Have wheel alignment and balancing inspected by a professional. Inspect suspension parts for wear. |
| Vibration while Driving | Unbalanced wheels, bent rim, tire damage, loose wheel nuts. | Have wheels balanced and inspected for damage. Check wheel nut torque. |
| Loss of Air Pressure | Puncture, faulty valve stem, damaged rim, bead leak. | Inspect tire for punctures. Have a professional check valve stem, rim, and tire bead for leaks. |
| Reduced Winter Grip | Worn tread, improper tire pressure, extremely icy conditions. | Check tread depth and tire pressure. Consider studding if permitted and conditions warrant. Drive with increased caution. |
| Increased Road Noise | Normal characteristic of winter tires, uneven wear, worn wheel bearings. | Some noise is expected with winter tires due to aggressive tread. Check for uneven wear. Have wheel bearings inspected if noise is excessive. |
| Tire Bulge/Bubble | Impact damage (pothole, curb), manufacturing defect. | Immediately replace the tire. A bulge indicates internal structural damage and poses a high risk of sudden tire failure. |
| Steering Pulls to One Side | Improper alignment, uneven tire pressure, tire damage. | Check tire pressure. Have wheel alignment and tires inspected by a professional. |
| Hydroplaning | Excessive speed in wet conditions, worn tread. | Reduce speed in wet conditions. Ensure adequate tread depth. |
| Poor Dry Road Handling | Soft rubber compound of winter tires, improper inflation. | Winter tires are optimized for cold/snowy conditions; some compromise on dry handling is normal. Ensure correct tire pressure. |
| Stud Loss (if applicable) | Aggressive driving, improper stud installation, normal wear over time. | Drive less aggressively. Have studs re-installed or replaced by a professional if significant loss occurs. |
7. Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | General |
| Model | Altimax Arctic 12 |
| Size | 175/65R15 |
| Section Width | 175 Millimeters |
| Load Capacity | 3197 Pounds |
| Tread Depth | 10 32nds |
| Tread Type | Directional |
| Maximum Pressure | 51 Pound per Square Inch |
| Rim Width | 5 Inches |
| Tire Diameter | 24 Inches |
| Item Weight | 16.7 Pounds |
| Automotive Fit Type | Universal Fit |
| Load Range | XL |
| UPC | 051342177486 |
| Construction Type | Radial |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 15503110000 |
8. Warranty and Support
The General Altimax Arctic 12 tire is supported by a 72-month limited treadwear coverage, providing assurance against manufacturing defects and premature wear. Additionally, it includes a 45-day trial period, allowing you to experience the tire's performance with confidence.
For comprehensive details regarding the warranty terms, to initiate a warranty claim, or for any technical assistance, please refer to the official General Tire website or contact their dedicated customer service department directly.
- Manufacturer: General Tire
- Official Website: www.generaltire.com (Please visit the official website for the most current information and contact options.)
- Customer Service: Contact information for customer support can be found on the manufacturer's official website.
