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.
User feedback reveals the General Altimax Arctic 12 excels in winter performance, with outstanding snow traction (9-10 scores) and reliable ice grip, though a few noted slightly reduced ice confidence compared to deep snow capability. Wet and dry traction scores (7-10) show consistent grip, aligning well with winter-focused expectations. Comfort earns praise for smooth ride quality, though some report elevated noise levels at higher speeds. Treadwear ratings (7-10) suggest durability through multiple seasons, with a few outliers noting faster wear. Winter drivers appreciate its balanced traction and stability, making it a strong choice for harsh conditions while maintaining respectable all-around performance.
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Customers Like:
340 reviews mention "Wet Traction"
326 positive
14 negative
Customers consistently rate the Altimax Arctic 12's wet traction highly, with most scores between 8-10. Winter drivers praise its reliable grip and confident handling in wet conditions, though a few note slightly reduced performance during heavy rain.
334 reviews mention "Winter Traction"
326 positive
8 negative
Outstanding winter traction with most scores 9-10 in snow, ice, and deep snow. Occasional 7s and 8s still reflect strong performance, delivering reliable grip and confident handling in severe winter conditions. Customers consistently praise its ability to maintain control on slippery surfaces.
February 28, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.7 out of 5
...Honestly one of the top 3 tires I've ever used for winter traction. Had these on multiple vehicles, and plan to continue to put them on anything that they provide the size for...
Fantastic tire for the price. Honestly one of the top 3 tires I’ve ever used for winter traction. Had these on multiple vehicles, and plan to continue to put them on anything that they provide the size for. Can be a little loud in the studded version, but well worth the trade of for safety, tread wear, and overall value provided.
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Miles Driven on Tires: 8,700 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: JEFFERSONVILLE, VT Driving Style: Average
...Deep snow and ice performance is outstanding. The last ones were still good with 40,000 miles...
Outstanding snow tires. Quiet and nice riding. Had them on my last Outback and were very impressed with them. Ran them year round because they were so quiet. Thought about the Michelin Cross treks, but glad that I bought the Arctic 12's. Deep snow and ice performance is outstanding. The last ones were still good with 40,000 miles. Can't beat that.
Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Miles Driven on Tires: 0 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: PENOBSCOT, ME Driving Style: Average
...I trust them to get me through even the deepest snow, even the pile at the end of my driveway that the plow leaves!...
This is the fourth set of Altimax Arctic 12 tires I've purchased from Tire Rack. I like them so much, I was willing to wait a couple weeks this time, as they were out of stock for a while. Apparently, a lot of other people like them, too! I always run these tires with a dedicated set of winter wheels, and I trust them to get me through even the deepest snow, even the pile at the end of my driveway that the plow leaves! The tread life is also amazing; in fact, due to family health problems I was forced to leave a set on my 2017 Forester for 3 winters and 2 summers consecutively. They performed admirably, providing a dependable and comfortable ride in all conditions. I currently have these exact tires on my 2015 Impreza, 2015 Outback, and the second set on my 2017 Forester. With Subaru all wheel drive and the performance I get with these tires, I will continue buying them as long as General keeps making them!
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: DEKALB, IL Driving Style: Easy Going
Most customers rate dry traction as excellent, with scores of 9-10 highlighting reliable grip and responsive handling. Some 7-8 ratings still reflect solid performance for a winter-focused tire.
November 20, 2024
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5
Excellent handling on wet and dry roads...
Excellent handling on wet and dry roads. Aggressive tread design but super quiet for a winter tire. Can't wait to get them into the snow.
Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Camry 4cyl LE Miles Driven on Tires: 500 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: MEXICO, NY Driving Style: Average
Customers praise the Altimax Arctic 12's comfort, with most ride scores 9-10 and noise levels rated 7-10. A few note slightly higher noise in harsh winter conditions, but overall comfort excels for winter driving.
January 10, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.8 out of 5
...They performed admirably, providing a dependable and comfortable ride in all conditions...
This is the fourth set of Altimax Arctic 12 tires I've purchased from Tire Rack. I like them so much, I was willing to wait a couple weeks this time, as they were out of stock for a while. Apparently, a lot of other people like them, too! I always run these tires with a dedicated set of winter wheels, and I trust them to get me through even the deepest snow, even the pile at the end of my driveway that the plow leaves! The tread life is also amazing; in fact, due to family health problems I was forced to leave a set on my 2017 Forester for 3 winters and 2 summers consecutively. They performed admirably, providing a dependable and comfortable ride in all conditions. I currently have these exact tires on my 2015 Impreza, 2015 Outback, and the second set on my 2017 Forester. With Subaru all wheel drive and the performance I get with these tires, I will continue buying them as long as General keeps making them!
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: DEKALB, IL Driving Style: Easy Going
...Quiet and nice riding. Ran them year round because they were so quiet...
Outstanding snow tires. Quiet and nice riding. Had them on my last Outback and were very impressed with them. Ran them year round because they were so quiet. Thought about the Michelin Cross treks, but glad that I bought the Arctic 12's. Deep snow and ice performance is outstanding. The last ones were still good with 40,000 miles. Can't beat that.
Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Miles Driven on Tires: 0 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: PENOBSCOT, ME Driving Style: Average
...They offer excellent snow grip and are comfortable...
This is an excellent winter tire for the money. They offer excellent snow grip and are comfortable. They've gotten a little louder since when they were new, but that is to be expected. Still nothing terrible. The handling and cornering performance is what you'd expect from a winter tire - nothing special, but I've had winter tires that were way clumbsier than these. They offer a very accepable handling experience in my opinion. And the treadwear is fantastic, I estimate I'll get 16k-18k out of these before they need to be replaced.
Vehicle: 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Miles Driven on Tires: 9,000 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: ROCHESTER, NY Driving Style: Spirited
Most customers rate treadwear as excellent, with scores of 9-10 highlighting long-lasting durability in snow and ice. Some 7-8 ratings still reflect solid winter performance, reinforcing its reputation for reliable traction in harsh conditions.
February 28, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.7 out of 5
...Can be a little loud in the studded version, but well worth the trade of for safety, tread wear, and overall value provided.
Fantastic tire for the price. Honestly one of the top 3 tires I’ve ever used for winter traction. Had these on multiple vehicles, and plan to continue to put them on anything that they provide the size for. Can be a little loud in the studded version, but well worth the trade of for safety, tread wear, and overall value provided.
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi Miles Driven on Tires: 8,700 Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City Location: JEFFERSONVILLE, VT Driving Style: Average
...The last ones were still good with 40,000 miles. Can't beat that.
Outstanding snow tires. Quiet and nice riding. Had them on my last Outback and were very impressed with them. Ran them year round because they were so quiet. Thought about the Michelin Cross treks, but glad that I bought the Arctic 12's. Deep snow and ice performance is outstanding. The last ones were still good with 40,000 miles. Can't beat that.
Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Miles Driven on Tires: 0 Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway Location: PENOBSCOT, ME 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.
Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our US-based team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).
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.
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