When it comes to choosing the right tires, the options seem endless.
However, two prominent brands, BFGoodrich and General, have earned a reputation for their quality products.
In this post, I’ll be delving into the BFGoodrich vs General debate, exploring their histories, dry, wet, and snow performances, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, as well as their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand comes out on top.
Let’s dive in!
BFGoodrich vs General – Comparison Table
| BFGoodrich | General | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 1870 | 1915 |
| Made In | Tuscaloosa, AL, Woodburn, IN, or Opelika, AL in the US | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US |
| Parent | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) | Continental AG (Germany) |
About the Brands
1. BFGoodrich
BFGoodrich, a renowned tire brand, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1870 in the United States.
Originally known as Goodrich, the company began producing rubber products and expanded into tires in the late 19th century.
They quickly gained prominence for their quality and innovative designs.
In 1988, Goodrich became a subsidiary of Uniroyal-Goodrich, which later merged with the French tire giant Michelin in 1990.
As a result, BFGoodrich became part of the Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, solidifying its global presence.
BFGoodrich has always been at the forefront of tire technology, pioneering advancements such as all-terrain tires and radial tires.
Their tires have been trusted by drivers on various terrains, from racetracks to challenging off-road environments.
With a legacy spanning over a century, BFGoodrich continues to deliver high-performance tires, catering to diverse vehicles and driving needs.
Their strong association with Michelin ensures that the brand remains synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Off-road vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
2. General
General Tire, founded in 1915 in the United States, has a rich history as a tire manufacturer.
Originally established as the “The General Tire & Rubber Company,” it quickly gained prominence in the automotive industry.
Over the years, the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality led to its expansion and solid reputation.
General Tire became recognized for producing high-performance tires for all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
In 1987, the German company Continental AG acquired General Tire, further enhancing its global reach and technological advancements.
Today, General Tire continues to offer a wide range of reliable and durable tires, combining cutting-edge technology with a legacy of excellence.
With Continental AG as its parent company, General Tire remains a trusted and respected brand, providing drivers with safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Trucks
- Crossover vehicles
- Light trucks
- Commercial vans
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Performance vehicles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 vs the General G-MAX RS.
In terms of dry performance, I would rate the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 at 4.7 out of 5.
It has excellent dry grip, good responsiveness, and handles corners well.
On the other hand, the General G-MAX RS scores slightly higher at 4.8 out of 5.
It offers crisp handling, strong braking, and sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology.
Considering my ratings, the General G-MAX RS emerges as the winner by a slight margin, with its focus on precise control and enhanced traction.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport vs the General AltiMAX RT43.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would give the BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport a wet performance rating of 3.8 out of 5.
While it offers adequate wet performance, reviews mention potential issues with traction, longer stopping distances, and reduced acceleration.
On the other hand, the General AltiMAX RT43 receives a wet performance rating of 4.4 out of 5.
It consistently provides good traction and performs well in both wet and dry conditions.
Therefore, the General AltiMAX RT43 emerges as the better tire for wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI vs General AltiMAX Arctic.
In my opinion, having assessed the snow performance of the BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI and the General AltiMAX Arctic tires, I would rate them both highly.
The BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI received a score of 4.5, showcasing its reliable snow performance, with features like high sipe density and saw-toothed groove edges.
Similarly, the General AltiMAX Arctic achieved a rating of 4.6, demonstrating its impressive traction and grip on snow and ice.
Since both tires offer similar levels of snow performance, I would declare it a tie.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| BFGoodrich | General | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 75,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | BFGoodrich tires are expected to last mostly between the 50,000 to 60,000 miles mark. | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. |
After researching, I found that BFGoodrich tires offer a mileage warranty of up to 75,000 miles, while General tires provide a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, BFGoodrich tires tend to last between 50,000 and 60,000 miles, whereas General tires have a lifespan ranging from 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
In summary, BFGoodrich tires offer a slightly longer mileage warranty and a more consistent average lifespan compared to General tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – BFGoodrich vs General.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| BFGoodrich | General | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $112 to $747 /ea | $71 to $595 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Advantage Control goes from $112 – $238 /ea | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Mud Terrain T/A KM3 goes from $217 – $747 /ea | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
BFGoodrich
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Competitively priced with above-average mileage on the tread-warranties | ❌ They lack tire diversity compared to other brands, and the brand’s passenger options are limited in sizes |
| ✔ Highly focused and specialized in all-season and off-road tires | |
| ✔ Great option for daily commutes and road trips |
General
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Excellent price performance ratio, providing good value for their price | ❌ General tires are generally considered to be in the mid-range segment |
| ✔ Wide range of tire options for different types of vehicles | |
| ✔ Availability |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from BFGoodrich:
- All-Terrain T/A KO2
- Mud-Terrain T/A KM3
- Advantage T/A Sport LT
Some of General’s best tires are shown below:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the comparisons and ratings, the General G-MAX RS emerges as the better pick overall, offering superior dry performance and precise control.
The General AltiMAX RT43 stands out for its excellent wet performance, providing good traction in wet conditions.
In terms of snow performance, both the BFGoodrich Winter T/A KSI and General AltiMAX Arctic perform admirably, resulting in a tie.
While BFGoodrich offers a slightly longer mileage warranty, General tires have a wider range of options.
Therefore, the General brand is the winner considering the different criteria.
