General Altimax RT45 All-Season Touring Tire

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your General Altimax RT45 all-season touring tire. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your tires.

The General Altimax RT45 is designed for coupes, sedans, minivans, and crossovers, offering reliable performance across various weather conditions, including wet roads and light snow. It features a long-lasting tread design and a built-in Replacement Tire Monitor for convenient tread depth assessment.

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.

1. Pre-Installation Checks

• Verify Tire Specifications: Ensure the tire size (175/70R14), load index (84), and speed rating (T) match your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
• Inspect Tires: Before mounting, visually inspect each tire for any manufacturing defects or damage.

2. Mounting and Balancing

• Professional Mounting: Tires must be mounted on approved rims by trained personnel using appropriate equipment.
• Balancing: Dynamic balancing of the tire and wheel assembly is essential to prevent vibrations and ensure even tread wear.

3. Initial Inflation

• Correct Pressure: Inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, typically found on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb, glove compartment, or owner's manual. Do not exceed the maximum pressure stamped on the tire sidewall.
• Pressure Check: Check tire pressure when tires are cold (driven less than a mile).

Figure 1: General Altimax RT45 tire on a wheel, showcasing the tread pattern and sidewall markings.

Operating Guidelines

Adhering to these operating guidelines will maximize the safety and performance of your General Altimax RT45 tires.

1. Tire Pressure Maintenance

• Regular Checks: Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Under-inflation or over-inflation can lead to premature wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling.
• Cold Pressure: Always check and adjust tire pressure when tires are cold.

2. Driving Conditions

• All-Season Performance: The Altimax RT45 is designed for all-season use, providing traction in various conditions, including wet roads and light snow.
• Wet Roads: The tire is engineered for reliable braking on wet surfaces. Drive cautiously and reduce speed in wet conditions.
• Light Snow: Provides optimal traction in light snow. For severe winter conditions, dedicated winter tires are recommended.

3. Load and Speed

• Load Capacity: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity specified for your tires and vehicle. Overloading can cause tire failure.
• Speed Rating: The 'T' speed rating indicates a maximum speed of 118 mph (190 km/h). Always adhere to posted speed limits and drive safely according to road conditions.

4. Handling and Comfort

• Responsive Handling: The tire offers responsive handling on both wet and dry roads for consistent year-round performance.
• Low Road Noise: Designed to minimize road noise, contributing to a quiet and comfortable ride for occupants.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends tire life and ensures safe driving.

1. Tire Pressure

• Monthly Checks: Check tire pressure monthly, including the spare tire.
• Temperature Effects: Tire pressure changes with temperature. For every 10°F (5.6°C) change in ambient temperature, tire pressure changes by approximately 1 PSI.

2. Tire Rotation

• Recommended Interval: Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. This promotes even wear across all tires.

3. Tread Depth Monitoring

• Replacement Tire Monitor: The Altimax RT45 features General's Replacement Tire Monitor. Letters in the tread wear off to read "REPLACE TIRE" when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm), indicating that a tire change is necessary.
• Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the tire tread for foreign objects, cuts, cracks, or bulges.

Figure 2: The Replacement Tire Monitor feature on the Altimax RT45, indicating when the tire needs replacement.

4. Wheel Alignment and Balancing

• Check Annually: Have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked annually or if you notice uneven tire wear or steering issues.
• Re-balance: If you experience vibrations, have your tires re-balanced.

5. Cleaning

• Mild Soap and Water: Clean tires with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or silicone-based dressings that can degrade rubber.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent more significant problems.

1. Low Tire Pressure

• Symptom: Tire appears flat, vehicle pulls to one side, TPMS warning light.
• Action: Check pressure with a reliable gauge. Inflate to recommended PSI. Inspect for punctures. If pressure loss persists, seek professional inspection.

2. Uneven Tread Wear

• Symptom: Tread worn more on one side, center, or edges.
• Action: Often indicates improper inflation, misalignment, or lack of rotation. Consult a professional for diagnosis and correction.

3. Vibrations

• Symptom: Steering wheel or vehicle vibrates at certain speeds.
• Action: May indicate unbalanced wheels, bent rims, or internal tire damage. Have tires and wheels inspected and balanced by a professional.

4. Tire Damage (Cuts, Bulges, Punctures)

• Symptom: Visible damage on the tire sidewall or tread.
• Action: Do not drive on damaged tires. Seek immediate professional inspection. Some punctures can be repaired, but sidewall damage or large punctures often require tire replacement.

Specifications

Key technical specifications for the General Altimax RT45 175/70R14 84T tire:

Figure 3: Sidewall of the General Altimax RT45 tire, displaying key information.

Warranty and Support

The General Altimax RT45 tire comes with a limited manufacturer tread life coverage of up to 75,000 miles. Specific terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the official General Tire warranty documentation for complete details regarding coverage, limitations, and claim procedures.

For further assistance, technical support, or warranty claims, please contact General Tire customer service or your authorized General Tire dealer. Keep your purchase receipt and tire registration information readily available.