General vs Vredestein – two renowned tire brands that have captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts and safety-conscious drivers alike.
In this post, I’ll delve deep into their histories, meticulously analyze their performances on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads, explore their mileage warranties and average lifespan, and even uncover their prices.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
So, buckle up and discover the ultimate tire brand that will keep you rolling with confidence.
General vs Vredestein – Comparison Table
General | Vredestein | |
Country of Origin | United States | Netherlands |
Year Founded | 1915 | 1908 |
Made In | Waco TX, Uvalde TX, Mayfield KY, Bryan OH, Charlotte NC, and Mt. Vernon IL in the US | Enschede, Netherlands |
Parent | Continental AG (Germany) | Apollo Tyres, Ltd (India) |
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. Vredestein
Vredestein is a tire brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1908 in the Netherlands.
Initially established as a rubber factory, Vredestein has since become renowned for its high-quality tires.
The company has consistently focused on innovation, allowing it to develop cutting-edge technologies and deliver exceptional performance.
In 1912, Vredestein produced its car tire, marking the beginning of its expansion into the automotive industry.
Vredestein was acquired by the Indian Apollo Tyres, Ltd in 2009 and the company name was changed to Apollo Vredestein B.V.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its expertise in crafting tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment.
Today, Vredestein operates as part of Apollo Tyres, Ltd, a Indian parent company, leveraging its manufacturing facilities and research capabilities to continue producing reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Tractors
- Bicycles
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 Vredestein Ultrac Vorti.
In my evaluation, I rate the General G-MAX RS with a dry performance score of 4.8 out of 5.
This tire excels in various aspects, boasting crisp handling, strong braking, and sure-footed grip with Smart Grip Technology.
Its ultra-high-performance design focuses on providing precise control, enhanced traction, and an exhilarating driving experience.
Comparatively, the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti achieves a commendable dry performance rating of 4.3 out of 5.
It offers short braking distances, precise handling, and a high-traction tread compound for responsive steering.
These features cater to performance vehicle drivers seeking confident and controlled experiences in dry conditions.
Considering the ratings, I declare the General G-MAX RS as the better tire for dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the General AltiMAX RT43 vs the Vredestein Quatrac Pro.
Based on my research, I personally rate the wet performance of the General AltiMAX RT43 tire as 4.4 out of 5.
It has received positive reviews for its good traction and consistent performance on wet roads.
This tire proves to be versatile, performing well in both wet and dry conditions.
On the other hand, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro tire demonstrates an even higher wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Its short braking distances, superb handling, and over 10% improvement in wet grip make it a top choice.
Designed as an all-season tire, it delivers reliable performance in various weather conditions, including wet conditions.
Considering these ratings, I declare the Vredestein Quatrac Pro as the winner for better 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 Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
As someone who rates snow performance from 1 to 5, I would say both the General AltiMAX Arctic and Vredestein Wintrac Pro tires excel in this area, with a rating of 4.6 for each.
The General AltiMAX Arctic offers reliable snow performance with innovative technologies enhancing traction and grip on snow and ice.
Similarly, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro provides maximum grip and confident control.
Therefore, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner as both tires offer comparable levels of snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
General | Vredestein | |
Treadwear Warranty | up to 65,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 70,000 miles tread life warranty |
Average Tread Life | General tires have an average lifespan of around 30,000 to 75,000 miles. | The average mileage of Vredestein tires is between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After conducting some research, I found that General tires come with a treadwear warranty of up to 65,000 miles, while Vredestein tires offer a warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
On average, General tires have a lifespan that ranges from 30,000 to 75,000 miles, whereas Vredestein tires tend to last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.
Therefore, Vredestein tires seem to have a slightly higher mileage warranty and a narrower average lifespan range 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 Vredestein.
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 | Vredestein | |
Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $71 to $595 /ea | Not Available |
Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Altimax RT43 goes from $71 – $187 /ea | Not Available |
Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Grabber X3 goes from $238 – $595 /ea | Not Available |
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 |
Vredestein
Pros | Cons |
✔ Premium brand with a long history of more than 115 years of experience | ❌ Not available in large tire marketplaces like Discount Tire |
✔ Praised for their performance, including traction and handling on both wet and dry surfaces | |
✔ Good value for their price |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from General:
- Grabber A/T X
- Altimax RT43
- Grabber HTS60
Some of Vredestein’s best tires are shown below:
- Quatrac Pro
- Ultrac Vorti
- Wintrac Pro
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the evaluation, the General G-MAX RS is the better pick for dry performance, while the Vredestein Quatrac Pro takes the lead in wet performance.
Both the General AltiMAX Arctic and Vredestein Wintrac Pro perform equally well in snow.
In terms of mileage warranty, Vredestein offers a slight advantage.
Considering all these factors, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Therefore, I would consider General as a better option for dry performance and Vredestein as a better choice for wet performance, with both brands offering comparable snow performance.