Falken vs General: two tire brands that have long been in the spotlight for their exceptional performance on the road.
In this post, I’ll be delving into their intriguing history, examining their dry, wet, and snow capabilities, analyzing their mileage warranties, average lifespan, and pricing.
We’ll explore the pros and cons of each brand, leading us to the ultimate question: which is the superior choice? Join me as we unravel the tire industry’s greatest rivalry.
Falken vs General – Comparison Table
| Falken | General | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1915 |
| Made In | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US |
| Parent | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) | Continental AG (Germany) |
About the Brands
1. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
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 Falken Azenis FK510 vs the General G-MAX RS.
As someone who has personally given dry performance ratings from 1 to 5, I would rate the Falken Azenis FK510 with a 4.6 and the General G-MAX RS with a 4.8.
Both tires have received highly positive reviews for their dry performance, showcasing impressive features such as short braking distances, good handling speed, excellent grip, and consistent performance at high speeds.
While the General G-MAX RS has a slightly higher rating, both tires exhibit strong capabilities in dry conditions.
Thus, it would be fair to declare a tie between the two based on their similar levels of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S vs the General AltiMAX RT43.
In my evaluation, I would rate the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S with a wet performance score of 4.6 out of 5.
This tire has received consistent positive feedback for its superb wet traction, all-season capabilities, resistance to hydroplaning, and excellent handling in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the General AltiMAX RT43 scores a 4.4 out of 5 for wet performance, demonstrating good traction and maintaining consistency on wet roads.
While both tires offer commendable wet performance, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S emerges as the winner with a slightly higher rating.
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 – Falken Espia EPZ II vs General AltiMAX Arctic.
In my assessment, I rate the Falken Espia EPZ II tire’s snow performance at 4.7 out of 5.
With advanced technology in tread design, compound, and construction, this tire provides excellent traction in icy, slushy, and snowy conditions.
Positive reviews confirming its superb traction, especially in harsh weather, support its snow performance capabilities.
The asymmetrical tread pattern enhances handling in all conditions, including snow.
As for the General AltiMAX Arctic tire, it receives a 4.6 out of 5 for its reliable snow performance, studdable design, and innovative compound and tread pattern technologies.
Reviews reveal great traction on snow and ice, even on wet roads.
Considering their similar levels of snow performance, it’s a tie between these two tires.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Falken | General | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. |
Based on my research, Falken tires offer a higher mileage warranty than General tires.
Falken provides a treadwear warranty of up to 80,000 miles, while General tires offer a warranty of up to 65,000 miles.
Regarding the average lifespan, Falken tires typically last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles, while General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles.
In summary, Falken tires generally offer a longer mileage warranty and have a similar 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 – Falken 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:
| Falken | General | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $67 to $579 /ea | $71 to $595 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
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 Falken:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
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 evaluation of dry performance, both Falken and General tires exhibit strong capabilities, resulting in a tie.
However, in terms of wet performance, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S emerges as the winner with a slightly higher rating.
For snow performance, both Falken and General tires perform similarly, resulting in another tie.
When considering the mileage warranty and average lifespan, Falken tires offer a higher mileage warranty and have a similar average lifespan compared to General tires.
Therefore, taking all factors into account, Falken is the better pick overall.
