AltiMAX ARCTIC12
AltiMAX ARCTIC12 is a winter studded tire for passenger cars and compact city crossovers. The tires are distinguished by an innovative compound, improved tread design, and progressive technologies used in production. According to the majority of buyers, these tires provide excellent grip in low temperatures on wet road surfaces, on loose snow, on packed snow, and on ice.
What technologies are used in the production of these tires and what are the benefits of these technologies? What standard sizes of tires are on sale? We will answer these and other questions about the AltiMAX ARCTIC12 in this review.
The need for quality winter tires
The American company General Tire produces a wide range of high-quality all-season tires for various categories of road transport. But it must be said that all-season tires do not provide perfect handling in winter. An all-season tire runs well on loose snow, but on bare ice such rubber practically does not hold the trajectory of movement, and the car skids as soon as possible. AltiMAX ARCTIC12 rubber is not a universal tire, namely, a winter tire, and only at subzero temperatures, the potential of these tires is fully revealed.
About the best winter tires
The Altimax Arctic 12 is a studded rubber specially designed for winter use. The tires are distinguished by excellent handling, directional stability, and, as a result, safety in various weather conditions at critically low ambient temperatures down to -60 ℃.
General Tire is working closely with Continental AG to produce this tire range. The fact is that General Tire has been part of the German concern for the past few years and this has a positive effect on the quality of the products.
Why is the Altimax Arctic 12 one of the best winter tires? The main advantage of this model line is the combination of high quality and affordable prices. That is, premium tires are sold at the price of affordable tires.
How do you ensure excellent handling on the snow and even on ice? The secret is in the special rubber composition, in the special tread pattern, and in the spikes that literally bite into ice and rolled snow. And of course, the secret to the efficiency of the Altimax Arctic 12 tires is the progressive technologies used in the development and production.
A few words about the composition of tires
Altimax Arctic 12 is made from a special rubber compound that, despite its high density, remains elastic even at critically low temperatures. This feature, on the one hand, ensures the durability of the tires, and on the other hand, ensures sufficient grip. Thanks to the patented rubber composition, tires can be used at temperatures down to -60 ℃. Again, thanks to the special composition, not only high quality car control are provided, but also the comfort in the cabin.
A few words about the tread design
Unlike other winter tires, the Altimax Arctic 12 does not have an aggressive design. However, the correct groove placement makes this tread effective. These tires feature a V-shaped directional tread with diagonally located grooves. The groove walls sloped in the direction of rotation of the wheel provide additional grip when cornering, accelerating, and braking on loose and packed snow.
Briefly about thorns
The Altimax Arctic 12 is a studded rubber and it is the studs that provide effective handling on clear ice and specified snow. The special shape of the spike allows it to interact with the road surface both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. As a result, choosing these tires, you can be sure that during emergency braking the car will not skid, and when cornering you will not be thrown into a ditch.
According to the results of the tests carried out, the Altimax Arctic 12 tires generally behave more confidently in corners and during braking than most popular and even more expensive tires.
Technological innovations
Altimax Arctic is a modern tire that incorporates many cutting-edge technological innovations.
- Winter slats. This technology reduces the load on the tread blocks, reducing bending and deformation. The result is exceptional traction.
- Directional V-groove tread. This technological innovation provides improved handling on wet road surfaces. Again, this tread ensures more stable directional stability when driving at high speed on snow.
- Snow ridges. This technology is a logical continuation of the previous technology, as the ridges allow the tread to better grip the snow both when driving in a straight line and when cornering.
- Protrusions in grooves. This is another technological innovation that provides an advantage at vehicle start and when braking.
KRetaining holes for additional pins. If the passability is not enough, you can use the special holes on the tires and screw in additional spikes there.
Advantages
As already mentioned, the Altimax Arctic 12 tires are a high-tech product that incorporates most of the brand's modern developments. Unsurprisingly, these high-tech tires offer many benefits, including:
- Long service life. These tires last twice as long as other manufacturers' tires, provided you use them in the right season and change them on time.
- Predictably accurate and responsive controls. The tires grip well on the road surface. Therefore, if you drive in a straight line, the car drives in a straight line, and if you turn, you turn, regardless of the weather conditions.
- Start without slipping and quick braking. Anyone who has tried to get underway quickly on a slippery road knows how difficult it is. But not with the Altimax Arctic 12 tires, thanks to the spikes, these tires move confidently and brake on ice just as confidently. Also, thanks to the tread pattern, confident start and braking will be guaranteed even on snow.
- Self-cleaning function. Altimax Arctic 12 are those tires that can be driven not only on snow, but also on soggy mud, and the mud will be independently removed from the tread grooves. This has a positive effect on wheel-to-road grip and ultimately on handling.
- Fuel economy. Following its merger with Germany's Continental AG, General Tire has focused on producing tires that can make cars more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly. As a result, Altimax Arctic 12 tires can reduce fuel consumption by about 10-15%. Isn't it an excellent result, especially since fuel is getting more expensive!
- Acoustic comfort. This benefit applies to all General Tire tires. The bottom line is that using these tires, you will notice that the interior of the car will be much quieter than before.
Tire and vehicle compatibility
The Altimax Arctic 12 tires are designed for passenger cars, minivans, and compact crossovers. Given the versatility of these tires, it should come as no surprise that they are available in a wide range of sizes. Most authorized dealers will offer tires ranging from 14 "to 19". That is, if you wish, you can buy tires of the same brand for all cars in your garage.
Let's summarize
There are many winter tire models from different manufacturers, but it was General Tire, who designed the Altimax Arctic 12, conducted many tests in the northern United States and Canada. Therefore, Altimax Arctic 12 is the kind of rubber that is guaranteed not to fail even in the coldest winter.