GENERAL HD
Looking for quality, durable and affordable truck tires? There are such tires - this is GENERAL HD. They are durable, provide good handling, and are inexpensive compared to other tires. Interested in these tires? In this case, read more about them in this review.
General information
Let's start this review with general characteristics. GENERAL HD is an all-season tubeless tire. And this characteristic suggests that such tires can be used both in summer and winter, as well as in the off-season. However, most commercial tires are made all-season to reduce the carrier's seasonal tire change costs.
GENERAL HD tires are specially designed for commercial vehicles - for long-haul trucks and large long-distance buses. This modification of all-season tires is designed for rear axle mounting. Based on this particular application, it can be assumed that these tires are designed for heavy loads since the rear wheels bear the bulk of the vehicle’s weight.
Again, these tires, due to the nature of the location, should provide improved traction, since the rear wheels are driving and propelling the vehicle. Finally, given the location, these tires are abrasion-resistant. This is necessary because the tires on the drive wheels are subject to more intense mechanical wear than the tires on the steering wheels. To ensure the best possible driving performance, the GENERAL HD rear tires are recommended to be used in conjunction with the GENERAL HS front steering tires. And this is exactly what American trucking companies do when they choose tires made by General Tire.
What are they made of?
So, GENERAL HD is a tough, wear-resistant tire that provides excellent grip on even and dense road surfaces. Due to this, these tires are characterized by the listed qualities. Primarily, the performance benefits come from the composition of the rubber used to make the tires. The main part of the tire is made of high-density rubber.
Wire reinforcement is used to increase the strength properties. The working layer together with the protector is made using a patented compound. The technology makes it possible to create a working layer of a tire that is elastic and at the same time resistant to abrasion.
Tire design
As previously stated, the tire is reinforced with wire. In addition, as in all modern General Tire truck tires, metal belts are soldered into the center rib of the GENERAL HD. This technology ensures that the tire remains in shape even with insufficient pressure or when hitting an obstacle. Again, due to the metal reinforcement, the contact patch with the asphalt is the same in the area on both sides of the tire. As a result, the tread wears out the same way and the tire lasts longer.
The most remarkable thing about these tires is the tread pattern. The tread is asymmetrical and directional, meaning that for optimal ride performance, tires should be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
The tread block pattern is built using proven geometry and this provides additional rigidity. In addition, the tread pattern used on these tires helps reduce heat through low rolling resistance. And since the heating of the rubber is less, the tires break down less and last longer without the need for replacement.
Another useful feature of the GENERAL HD tread is the integrated stone and mud ejection system. The radial grooves have special bulges that prevent the accumulation of soil and stones. Everything that gets hammered into the grooves is thrown outward by centrifugal force.
In addition to the listed design features, the manufacturer draws the attention of buyers to the closed shoulder protector, which prevents the tire from deforming when it collides with a curb and other similar obstacles. And finally, we note the improved design of the bead, thanks to which the tires will look better not only on classic American trucks but also on modern long-haul tractors.
All-season use
When it comes to all-season use, it should be understood that tires are suitable for use at any time of the year. To make the GENERAL HD truly all-season, General Tire has conducted extensive tests, during which trucks on these tires have traveled thousands of kilometers in different climates. The tests were carried out throughout the United States, from hot Nevada to cool Alaska. And only after satisfactory results were obtained on all tests, these tires were put into production.
Tire sizes
An important consideration when choosing tires is their dimensions, including:
- Internal (landing) diameter - compatibility with the disc depends on it.
- Outside diameter - compatibility with arches depends on it.
- Tire width - this also depends on the compatibility with the wheel rim.
- Load index - another important parameter, which is indicated simultaneously with the standard sizes. The load index is indicated by a Latin letter and must match the value indicated in the vehicle's technical passport.
Standard sizes in the GENERAL HD model line are as follows - 11R22.5 G; 11R22.5 H; 295 / 75R22.5 G; 11R24.5 G; 11R24.5 H; 285 / 75R24.5 G.
As you may have noticed, the choice of standard sizes is considerable and you can pick up rubber not only for American long-haul tractors, but also for trucks made in Western Europe or, for example, in China.
Benefits of GENERAL HD
Before buying tires, let's define the benefits that they provide in the operation of trucks and buses. Among the advantages of GENERAL HD, we note the following:
- Long Life - These tires last twice as long as other brands. This is very important for freight carriers who are economical in purchasing consumables.
- Excellent grip on the road surface and, as a result, no slippage at the start and a short braking distance.
- Truly All-Weather Use - These tires perform well in all weather conditions, except for icy conditions.
- Fuel economy is an advantage for all modern General Tire products. These tires are manufactured with minimum rolling resistance in mind. Consequently, less energy is consumed for each wheel revolution of the car, which ultimately translates into significant savings.
- Permanently clean tires - now the truck will not accumulate dirt and debris in the tread grooves. All pollution will fly out by itself already at a speed of 30 m/hr.
- Stable and safe work at high speeds. These tires can be operated for a long time at speeds exceeding 75 m/hr. Believe me, for truck tires - this is a very good result.
- Resistance to mechanical deformation - GENERAL HD is not only durable but generally strong tires. These tires withstand repeated hits on curbs and speed bumps. In addition, these tires are not easy to punch, which is important given that these tires are tubeless.
- Attractive price - truck tires are not cheap at all, which is largely due to their long service life. But these tires are inexpensive compared to other brands. This advantage translates into good savings, which is important for freight carriers.
Let's summarize
GENERAL HD buyers are positive about these tires. Positive reviews are usually attributed to the combination of the high quality of these tires and their affordable price. Are there any disadvantages? As such, there are no shortcomings, except that these tires are not presented in every specialized store. However, nothing prevents you from ordering them on the Internet.