When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why I decided to delve into the world of tire brands by comparing two renowned names: Bridgestone vs General.
In this post, we’ll explore their fascinating histories and dive into the nitty-gritty details of their dry, wet, and snow performances.
We’ll also analyze their mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, and weigh their pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll reveal the ultimate winner, helping you make an informed decision.
Bridgestone vs General – Comparison Table
| Bridgestone | General | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1931 | 1915 |
| Made In | United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentine, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, China, Australia, or Japan | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US |
| Parent | Ishibashi family (Japan) | Continental AG (Germany) |
About the Brands
1. Bridgestone
Bridgestone, a renowned tire brand, originated in Japan in 1931 and is currently owned by the Ishibashi family.
The company was founded by Shojiro Ishibashi, who aimed to produce high-quality tires for automobiles and other vehicles.
Over the years, Bridgestone has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, offering a wide range of innovative and durable products.
Bridgestone’s success can be attributed to its commitment to research and development, allowing the brand to continually introduce new technologies and advancements.
The company’s focus on quality and performance has made it a trusted choice for drivers worldwide.
Bridgestone tires are known for their superior grip, durability, and excellent handling in various road conditions.
With a strong presence in both the consumer and commercial markets, Bridgestone has expanded its operations globally.
The brand has manufacturing facilities in numerous countries, enabling it to meet the growing demand for its products.
Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly initiatives, including the development of fuel-efficient tires and recycling programs.
Through its long and successful history, Bridgestone has cemented its position as one of the most respected and reliable tire brands, offering drivers safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Buses
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Performance vehicles
- Sports cars
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Agricultural vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Mining equipment
- Motorcycles
- Aircraft
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 Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R vs the General G-MAX RS.
As an evaluator of tire performance, I rate the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R and the General G-MAX RS both with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 for dry performance.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R exhibits outstanding dry traction, above-average cornering, and braking abilities.
It is performance-tuned for dry and damp conditions, making it a strong contender.
Similarly, the General G-MAX RS demonstrates crisp handling, strong braking, and sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology.
Its focus on control, traction, and an exhilarating driving experience further highlights its dry performance capabilities.
Therefore, in terms of dry performance, I declare it a tie between the two tires.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs the General AltiMAX RT43.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would choose the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ as the better tire for wet performance, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received acclaim for its exceptional wet traction, thanks to features like wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that effectively evacuate water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
While the General AltiMAX RT43 also performs well in wet conditions with a rating of 4.4, the Bridgestone tire edges it out slightly.
Therefore, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ emerges as the winner in terms of 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 – Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 vs General AltiMAX Arctic.
In my evaluation, I would rate the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 tire’s snow performance at 4.7 out of 5.
It excels in ice braking distance and traction, making it an excellent choice for drivers focused on performance.
The Multicell compound enhances grip and stability on snow and ice, further contributing to its impressive snow performance score.
On the other hand, the General AltiMAX Arctic tire receives a snow performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It proves to be a reliable studdable winter tire, performing well in various winter conditions.
Its innovative compound and tread pattern technologies enhance traction and grip on snow and ice.
Both tires showcase commendable snow performance, but considering the slightly higher rating, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 emerges as the winner.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Bridgestone | General | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Bridgestone tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 45,000 to 80,000 miles. | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. |
After examining the research, I found that Bridgestone tires have a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while General tires offer a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
On average, Bridgestone tires are expected to last between 45,000 and 80,000 miles, whereas General tires have a lifespan ranging from 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
Overall, Bridgestone tires tend to have a slightly longer mileage warranty and 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 – Bridgestone 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:
| Bridgestone | General | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $113 to $674 /ea | $71 to $595 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Blizzak WS90 goes from $113 – $269 /ea | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Potenza Race goes from $436 – $674 /ea | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Bridgestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide array of choices | ❌ Confusing product lines |
| ✔ Specialized performance tires | |
| ✔ Some of the best warranty options in the tire industry |
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 Bridgestone:
- Potenza RE-71R
- Turanza QuietTrack
- DriveGuard
Some of General’s best tires are shown below:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the key factors, I have determined that Bridgestone is the better pick overall.
Both brands have impressive dry performance, making it a tie in that category.
However, Bridgestone’s Potenza RE980AS+ outperforms General in wet conditions, and their Blizzak WS80 excels in snow performance.
Bridgestone also offers a longer mileage warranty and has a wider range of tire options.
While General provides good value for its price, Bridgestone’s overall performance and warranty options make it the winner in this comparison.
