When it comes to choosing the right tires for my vehicle, I often find myself caught between the dilemma of General vs Michelin.
Both brands have established a strong reputation in the automotive industry, but which one truly reigns supreme? In this post, I will delve deep into their histories, examine their performances on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespans, analyze their prices, and ultimately determine which brand takes the crown.
So, buckle up and join me on this exhilarating journey to find the ultimate tire champion!
General vs Michelin – Comparison Table
| General | Michelin | |
| Country of Origin | United States | France |
| Year Founded | 1915 | 1889 |
| Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States |
| Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (France) |
About the Brands
1. 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
2. Michelin
The Michelin brand has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1889 in France.
Originally established by the Michelin brothers, André and Edouard, the company quickly gained recognition for its innovative tire designs.
Over the years, Michelin has become synonymous with excellence in the tire industry.
It has pioneered numerous advancements, including the first removable pneumatic tire, the radial tire, and the run-flat tire.
These innovations have revolutionized the automotive industry, enhancing safety and performance.
Michelin’s commitment to quality and durability has earned the brand a reputation for producing high-performance tires trusted by drivers worldwide.
As part of the Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA, the brand continues to push boundaries, constantly striving for excellence and remaining at the forefront of tire technology.
Today, Michelin remains a global leader in the tire industry, providing a wide range of high-quality tires for various vehicles and applications.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Light trucks
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Racing cars
- Aircraft
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 General G-MAX RS vs the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
Based on my research and personal rating, I would give the General G-MAX RS a dry performance score of 4.8 out of 5.
This tire excels in crisp handling, strong braking, and sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology.
Its ultra-high-performance design ensures precise control and enhanced traction, promising an exhilarating driving experience.
On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S receives a dry performance rating of 4.7 out of 5.
It offers exceptional dry grip, precise steering, short braking distances, and features Multi-Compound Construction.
While both tires exhibit impressive dry performance, the General G-MAX RS edges slightly ahead with its higher rating.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
In my assessment, I would rate both the General AltiMAX RT43 and the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires equally in terms of wet performance, both receiving a commendable 4.4 out of 5.
According to various reviews, both tires exhibit good traction and consistent performance on wet roads.
Moreover, their versatility in handling both wet and dry conditions makes them reliable options.
While the Michelin tire boasts an asymmetric tread pattern, there is no significant advantage that would declare a clear winner between the two.
Thus, it is a tie 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 – General AltiMAX Arctic vs Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
As someone who has given snow performance ratings from 1 to 5, I find both the General AltiMAX Arctic and Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tires to be exceptional in this regard, with a rating of 4.6 for each.
The General AltiMAX Arctic boasts an innovative compound and tread pattern, providing reliable traction and grip on snow and ice.
Similarly, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 offers exceptional performance, including excellent grip and hydroplaning resistance with its specialized V-shaped tread pattern.
Thus, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, as both tires exhibit similar levels of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| General | Michelin | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 90,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. | Michelin tires are designed to last between 45,000 to 85,000 miles on average. |
Based on my research, the mileage warranty and average lifespan of General and Michelin tires differ.
General tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles, while Michelin tires offer up to 90,000 miles.
On average, General tires last between 30,000 to 75,000 miles, while Michelin tires are designed to last around 45,000 to 85,000 miles.
Therefore, Michelin tires tend to have a 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 – General vs Michelin.
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:
| General | Michelin | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | $112 to $1,160 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | X-ICE Snow goes from $112 – $493 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | Pilot Sport 4S goes from $236 – $1,160 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
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 |
Michelin
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Probably the most reputed brand in the industry | ❌ Some of their tires can get very expensive |
| ✔ Michelin tires are known for their high quality and durability | |
| ✔ Their tires are equipped with advanced technologies that provide maximum fuel-saving, noise reduction, and performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Some of Michelin’s best tires are shown below:
- Pilot Sport 4S
- Defender T+H
- Premier A/S
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After carefully considering the key takeaways, it is evident that both General and Michelin offer high-quality tires.
In terms of dry performance, the General G-MAX RS takes a slight lead with its rating of 4.8 out of 5.
However, when it comes to wet performance and snow performance, both brands are on par with each other, earning equal ratings.
While General tires have a lower mileage warranty and average lifespan, Michelin tires provide longer coverage.
Considering these factors, I declare Michelin as the better pick overall.