The AltiMAX Arctic 12 is General's Studdable Winter/Snow tire designed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, crossovers and SUVs looking for confident performance and traditional wintertime traction on dry, wet and snow-covered roads.
General AltiMAX Arctic 12 tires feature a winter-focused compound molded into a highly directional tread pattern. The arrow-shaped, rigid central rib provides solid on-center feel and steering response, and the optimized tread contour aids in pressure distribution across the footprint for improved wear compared to the previous-generation tire. High-void, angled grooves and wide lateral notches evacuate water and slush from the contact patch to resist hydroplaning, and the strategically angled tread blocks and serrated sipes provide additional biting edges for confident traction in slippery conditions.
Internal construction of the AltiMAX Arctic 12 consists of a high-turn up, polyester casing beneath two wide, steel belts. A spirally wound, polyamide cap ply aids handling and provides high-speed durability.
AltiMAX Arctic 12 tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
Install AltiMAX Arctic 12 tires in sets of four only.
Molded to accept optional TSMI #12 silver-colored metallic winter studs.
El neumático AltiMAX Arctic 12 de General pertenece a la categoría: Con Pernos Para Invierno y fue diseñado para conductores de autos cupé, sedán, utiliautos (crossovers) y utilitarios deportivos (SUV, por sus siglas en inglés), que buscan un rendimiento confiable y tracción tradicional durante el invierno, sobre superficies secas, mojadas o con nieve.
El AltiMAX Arctic 12 posee un compuesto de caucho enfocado al invierno y es moldeado en una banda de rodamiento con un patrón altamente direccional. El segmento central rígido en forma de flecha, proporciona mejor respuesta al girar el volante y un sentimiento de estar centrado, además, el contorno optimizado de la huella, ayuda a distribuir la presión a través de toda el área de contacto con la carretera, para así, mejorar el desgaste, que resulta más lento si se compara con la generación anterior. Mayor espacio entre ranuras anguladas y espacios laterales anchos, evacuan agua y aguanieve del área de contacto con la carretera, para resistir el deslizamiento sobre agua (hydroplaning). Bloques angulados estratégicamente y pequeñas ranuras serradas proporcionan bordes adherentes adicionales, para obtener una tracción más confiable sobre superficies resbalosas.
La construcción interna del AltiMAX Arctic 12 consiste de una estructura de poliéster con extremos altos que dan vuelta, por debajo de esta estructura, se encuentran dos correas anchas de acero. Una capa de poliamida envuelta en espiral ayuda a la maniobrabilidad y proporciona mayor durabilidad.
El AltiMAX Arctic 12 satisface requisitos de la industria, en relación a condiciones de nieve severa, por esta razón, cuenta con el símbolo ¿tres picos montaña/copo de nieve¿ (three-peak mountain/snowflake symbol, 3PMSF).
Instale el AltiMAX Arctic 12 en grupo de cuatro solamente.
El AltiMAX Arctic 12 puede utilizar pernos para invierno TSMI #12 color plateado.
Specifications shown are as accurate as possible based on the information provided to us by the tire manufacturers. The dimensions reflect average values for tires measured on the specified measuring rim width. Individual tires may vary from data shown.
All tires are subject to continuous development. The tire manufacturers and Tire Rack reserve the right to change product specifications at any time without notice or obligation.
*Although regularly updated, the country of origin for tires may vary from what is shown. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for tires with a specific country of origin.
For assistance selecting products for your vehicle, please contact our sales specialists at 888-541-1777 or via email.
Warranty summary for replacement tires purchased on or after 02/01/25(1 of 2)
Manufacturer Special Warranty:45-Day or 1st 2/32" Customer Satisfaction Trial(2)
Additional Information:(1) Repair voids warranty (2) Whichever comes 1st,purchase 4 exchange for another set of General.
Notes
See official manufacturer's warranty brochure for specific details.
New vehicle Original Equipment tire warranties often differ from those covering replacement tires. Consult your vehicle documents to confirm Original Equipment tire warranty coverage.
Tire Rack Test Results General Altimax Arctic 12
Testing Studdable Winter / Snow Tires: General AltiMAX Arctic 12 Studded and Non-Studded(03:31)
The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 has been a customer favorite since it was
released. We compared it to another big name in the category – and a
studded set of AltiMAX Arctic 12 tires – to see if the performance justifies the
reputation.
Customer feedback data reveals strong performance in dry traction, with scores consistently in the 9-10 range, highlighting precise cornering and responsive handling ideal for summer driving. Wet traction earns praise for reliable grip, though a few users note minor hydroplaning concerns in heavy rain. Comfort receives mostly positive ratings (7-10), with many appreciating a smooth ride despite occasional mentions of road noise. Treadwear scores (7-10) suggest durability aligns well with expectations for a max performance summer tire, though some prioritize grip over longevity. Overall, the tire excels in its intended categories, delivering confident dry/wet performance while balancing comfort for spirited driving.
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Customers Like:
388 reviews mention "Wet Traction"
379 positive
9 negative
Customers overwhelmingly rate wet traction as excellent, with most scores 9-10. The Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 provides confident grip and responsive handling in wet conditions, excelling in hydroplaning resistance for a max performance summer tire.
May 21, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5
I had my best autocross finish ever on this set of tires. I finished 2nd out of 47 cars for the first Indy region event for 2025 in wet conditions.
I had my best autocross finish ever on this set of tires. I finished 2nd out of 47 cars for the first Indy region event for 2025 in wet conditions.
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Mustang Fastback GT Performance Pkg Miles Driven on Tires: 30 Driving Conditions: Track/Autocross Location: SHELBYVILLE, IN Driving Style: Spirited
Turn-in feels sharp, you can easily feel where the grip limit is, hydroplane resistance is great, wet performance is about as good as it gets for a street tire, and oversteer is very controllable. Overall feel is very confidence inspiring and my car has never felt unstable with them...
Turn-in feels sharp, you can easily feel where the grip limit is, hydroplane resistance is great, wet performance is about as good as it gets for a street tire, and oversteer is very controllable. Overall feel is very confidence inspiring and my car has never felt unstable with them. I would definitely consider these tires again when it comes time to replace my current set, I’m very pleased overall.
Vehicle: 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: JEFFERSON, ME Driving Style: Spirited
Great for dig grip on my 22 mustang gt with Roush super charger. Mostly spirited street driving. No complaints as I have them on my rears and grip way better then the Firehawks I had previously on the rear. Not on long enough for a review on the wear yet. Wet traction is on par with dry traction. I am very happy with my purchase so far.
Vehicle: 2022 Ford Mustang Fastback GT Miles Driven on Tires: 500 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: LADSON, SC Driving Style: Spirited
Customers overwhelmingly rate dry traction as excellent, with most scoring 9s and 10s. The ExtremeContact Sport 02 delivers responsive grip and confident handling, excelling in its intended summer performance category.
August 29, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5
...Very responsive & excellent traction on dry roads...
I’ve only ran these tires about 500 km but they are a huge difference over my previous Bfg performance tires, This is a great tire so far .. Very responsive & excellent traction on dry roads, i haven’t run them on wet roads yet & don’t know how they’ll wear.. time will tell but so far I’m very impressed
Vehicle: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro Miles Driven on Tires: 500 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: CAMROSE, AB Driving Style: Spirited
I like how it's easy to turn in and they have good grip in the corners. When you're at the limit of the grip- they gradually lose and there is no sudden or sharp loss of grip...
I have these tires on my C6 Corvette and I’m very happy with how they handle in wet and dry conditions. I like how it’s easy to turn in and they have a good grip in the corners. When you’re at the limit of the grip- they gradually lose and there is no sudden or sharp loss of grip. They’re not PS4S’s but they definitely are 2nd best of the summer tires.
Vehicle: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club With Brembo Brakes Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: PERRIS, CA Driving Style: Spirited
...Dry traction is typical for Continental's ECS DW and is great with the 02...
Extremely satisfied with these tires. Wet traction allows for driving with confidence here in Florida's rain. Wet traction during acceleration is the best I have experienced with any tire, an excellent match to the GLI's LSD. Dry traction is typical for Continental's ECS DW and is great with the 02. Noise and comfort are typical for a sport tire. Wearing evenly and typical for 8300 miles. I expect to continue to enjoy them! Highly recommended, especially for wet traction.
Vehicle: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Miles Driven on Tires: 8,300 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: MELBOURNE, FL Driving Style: Spirited
Customers praise ride comfort with most scoring 9s-10s for smooth handling and refined noise levels. Some 7-8 scores still reflect good comfort, aligning well with max performance summer tire expectations.
August 03, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5
They make the ride smooth and are very quiet...
They are great my first summer tires on the car. They make the ride smooth and are very quiet. But when you take on curves and they are responsive and handle the curves without breaking a sweat. Very happy with purchase. Have been buying from Tire Rack for years and will continue. Again these tires were a huge improvement.
Vehicle: 2002 BMW Z3 Coupe 3.0i Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: LOMBARD, IL Driving Style: Spirited
...They are very comfortable and quiet for this kind of tire...
I bought these tires because I was really disappointed with my last set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports particularly the rear tires being bare while the fronts were barely half used treadwise. I only got 7300 miles over 2/3rds of a year with no track days. Even the notoriously soft Pirelli's that were stock did better than that. These Continentals were recommended by Tire Rack and I wouldn't have chosen them if the review hadn't been detailed and good. The first 1700 miles included 7 half hour sessions over two days at Watkins Glen. That track is heavily biased to right hand turns that are aggressive. The only real wear I could detect from the track days was on the front left tire which is completely understandable and was confined to the outer edge of the tire. Additionally two of the track sessions were wet and one of those was very wet. I had never driven with that much water on a track and I was pleasantly surprised by how confidence inspiring the tires were. Those wet sessions were slower but mainly because of changing the line so I wasn't touching painted curbing (which is almost as slippery as ice). They strike me as only marginally less sticky than the Pirelli P Zeros but those weren't good in rain on public roads so tradeoff goes to Conti's. They are very comfortable and quiet for this kind of tire. They go to center consistently and accurately which , if I recall correctly, is partially a design feature. I like these tires a lot . My goal with a set of tires is 9 to 10,000 miles including 2 track days. As long as these tires last to that standard they are likely to be my next purchase as well. I've never felt inclined to write a review like this before-that probably says something good about them too!
...Very comfortable with little to no road noise...
Grip is phenomenal even in rain. Very comfortable with little to no road noise. Would definitely recommend and purchase again.
Vehicle: 2011 BMW 335i Sedan M Sport Package Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: OZONE PARK, NY Driving Style: Spirited
Customers praise the ExtremeContact Sport 02's treadwear, with most scoring 9s and 10s. While a few rate it 7-8, the majority highlight impressive longevity for a Max Performance Summer tire, excelling in dry/wet conditions where durability matters most. High scores suggest reliable wear characteristics for spirited driving.
July 24, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5
Best tire I have owned thus far, albeit with limited mileage.
Best tire I have owned thus far, albeit with limited mileage.
Vehicle: 1994 Mazda Miata Miles Driven on Tires: 100 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: BARTLETT, TN Driving Style: Spirited
...Treadwear is fantastic for a performance tire. 10/10: Performance, value and treadwear.
50,000+ miles between all of the sets of extreme contacts I have had.These are the only Tires I will ever put on any sports car (size permitted) I have had a set on my 300ZX, Integra, Miata and Fiat 500 Abarth. On my 300ZX I have had 2 sets. Mostly backroads and spirited drives with a few track days mixed in. These tires handle incredibly well and shine in the spring/summer. The best consistent grip i have ever experienced from a tire. I noticed a huge difference in my wet performance after switching to these tires. Hydroplaning was minimal. These are Summer Performance tires, I have zero experience in the Snow or on Ice. I have driven on them on a few occasions in the 30's and they still handled way better than they should've. Treadwear is fantastic for a performance tire. 10/10: Performance, value and treadwear.
Vehicle: 1990 Nissan 300ZX Miles Driven on Tires: 20,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: ADA, MI Driving Style: Spirited
...near as good as the MP4S but a much better value. i'm driving an ocean liner but it rides, steers, handles, and corners beautifully...
i absolutely love this tire! ---- near as good as the MP4S but a much better value. i’m driving an ocean liner but it rides, steers, handles, and corners beautifully. i’ve surprised a few cars in the cloverleafs as they watch this behemoth simply glide around them…like watching an elephant run the hurdles. definitely would get another set and recommend to others.
Vehicle: 2005 Lexus LS430 Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: AUSTIN, TX Driving Style: Average
Testing Studdable Winter / Snow Tires: General AltiMAX Arctic 12 Studded and Non-Studded(03:31)
The General AltiMAX Arctic 12 has been a customer favorite since it was
released. We compared it to another big name in the category – and a
studded set of AltiMAX Arctic 12 tires – to see if the performance justifies the
reputation.
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