Who doesn’t want to drive in winter without any obstacles? Everyone definitely wants it. Tires that can “beat” extreme winter conditions are the tires that are most sought after by everyone. But? What to do? Because of the many tire manufacturers in this world. Now, if you are confused, here we will discuss two tires that are very suitable in winter. They are General AltiMAX Arctic vs Brdigestone Blizzak
Description
We know for sure that General Altimax Arctic has exceptional traction performance and durable in any adverse conditions in the winter. General itself is a German company that has supplied tires for famous car manufacturers. Tires specifically designed for winter offer performance that is undoubtedly on the road. Designed for coupe, sedan, minivan and crossover type vehicles, as well as pickup trucks; General grouping these tires into “family” winter tires is not only Altimax Arctic there are two types of tires that have functions and purposes similar to Altimax. They are Grabber Arctic and Grabber Arctic LT.
What about Bridgestone? Bridgestone Blizzak is one of products from Bridgeton. This tire industry was founded in 1931 Tokyo, Japan. Blizzak has been designed for winter season. Blizzak has so many types there are 12 Blizzak Products, but in this review we will review a new product from Blizzak DM V2.
Feature (AlitMAX Arctic)
Designed in such a way by using technological innovations that can “hit” winter malignancy. Innovative compound and tread patterns for superior traction in low temperatures in wet, snow and / or ice conditions. The features applied to the Altimax Arctic have been well designed and researched to produce innovative technology that can make tires cross a wet road due to extreme cold weather.
AltiMAX Arctic Radials applies the General Tire’s All-Weather Dual Tread compound to improve tire capability in cold and wet traction. The compounds used by AltiMAX are formed not only can cross wet traction but also dry roads with water evacuation technology and hydropanning resistance on wet and muddy roads. Tread designed with Center Stability Rib and pattern directions to combine the straight-line stability. See also: General AltiMAX Arctic vs. Nokian.
Radial technology used by AltiMAX Arctic with 270 degrees rotation and high density on the tire surface increases snow traction when accelerating, cornering, or braking. Reactive Contour Technology that is applied in tire features makes the internal structure of the tire including twin steel belts above the polyester sheath make it react to different road conditions and maintain better contact with the road surface. Alternating rows of optional metal studs can be added in the shoulder and intermediate tread blocks to increase traction on hard packed snow and icy roads.
Feature (Bridgestone: Blizzak)
Bridgestone: Blizzak is designed special only for winter-season. Design only for winter, Blizzak has a special feature for conquering the winter-season. Confident for barking on snow and ice, reliable on handling on snow and slush, impressive grip and control in winter driving conditions, and guaranteed and supported by Bridgestone’s winter tire warranty. There are some types of Blizzak (Blizzak WS80 is the latest product, Blizzak DM-V1, DM-V2, LM001, LM-32, WS60, WS70, W965, LM-60, LT, LM-25 RFT). All of types from Blizzak there is no difference at all, but Blizzak only renewed the features with improved technology.
Bridgestone has been released some of tire brands, and Blizzak is only for winter traction for Bridgestone. Bridgestone divided their tire bands (there are Performance, Peace of Mind, Quite Ride, Fuel Efficiency, Off-Road Traction, and for our discuss is Winter Traction named Blizzak). There are so many varieties of Blizzak that we have discussed before. But in general according to Winter Tech Information; Blizzak tires feature dual tread compounds consisting of outer tread cap and underlying base compounds.
In the recent study about Blizzak, the outer Blizzak Multicell compound resembles is a like the appearance of Swiss Cheese due to contains millions uniformly distributed microscopic pores that are constantly being exposed as the tread surface wears.
In addition to provide thousands of miniature biting edges, these pores help wick away the thin layer of water that often develops on top of snow packed and icy roads, allows the biting edges to better adhere to the surface for more traction.
Blizzak in general has same features for his technology, in the latest product of Blizzak there are some difference technology. According to 1010Tire, there is some of technology used by Bridgestone to make Blizzak great again! The following technology is; a new Hydrophilic Coating reacts to elements for barking on snow and ice.
Advanced MultiCell Compount with Nano Pro-Tech working in a molecular level to remain pliable in cold, New cavity shape distributes to contract pressure uniformly across the entire footprint area for even wear and dry, ice and snow performance. Same like another Blizzak, the latest product WS80 has increased block edges by 20% (compared to WS70) for better handling on snow and slush.
Size and Cost (AltiMAX Arctic vs. Bridgestone Blizzak)
Regarding the sizes available these two tires have a choice of various tire sizes. General AltiMAX Arctic only has a size with diameter rim 14” to 17 ”. In other hand, Blizzak has more choices to choose, the size for wheel diameters from 14” to 22”. Ask your local dealer and consult with them to get maximum results about the tire you will choose. Regarding the prices offered by the two companies, of course different. But it is unfortunate that General does not provide sales online so the official website does not mention the official price offered.
The General has granted distributor authorized rights to each local dealer in each city that has obtained official authority from the General. (See also: Pirelli Scorpion vs. Bridgestone Blizzak). Blizzak can be purchased online at the official site from Bridgestone as well as official online retailers such as Walmart, TireRack and Bjs. In addition, Blizzak can be purchased through local dealers in your city. Bridgestone also provides detailed information about the prices of Blizzak DM-V2. Prices offered start at $ 139.99.
Warranty Information (AltiMAX Arctic vs. Bridgestone Blizzak)
Regarding the two tires’ warranty policies, they have different terms and conditions. General AltiMAX Arctic provides 45 days of service for trial tires which will be replaced with new ones if the tire is experiencing problems provided there is a serial number that reads General and D.O.T.
Replacement for tires that have been purchased is not because the trial product will be replaced for 72 months or 6 years from the date of purchase of tire change can be replaced free of charge with a purchase period of 12 months or one year from the date of purchase if the one year limit is exceeded Altimax Arctic will notify you about the requirements for changing tires. Coverage with a warranty of up to 75,000 miles, but each country is different.
Bridgestone Blizzak also guarantees a “temporary use” or trial product that covers all tire changes if the tire has a manufacturer error so that the tire can be replaced with a new one. It is not stated how long “temporary use” applies but Brigestone said that from the date of purchase up to the next five years the tire can be replaced with a new one but still the replaced tire is still charged provided that the percentage of used treadwear is multiplied by dealer then the current selling price for replacement tires .
Taxes, installations, balances, disposal fees and other appropriate service fees can be added to the replacement price. Tires may not be worn up to 2/32 inches (1.6 mm) or the original tread depth is less left (e.g., worn above the default indicator in the curve of the tread). If there is no proof of the date of purchase, Bridgestone provides a six-year warranty since the tire is under construction.
General AltiMAX Arctic vs Bridgestone Blizzak
| General AltiMAX Arctic | Firestone Winterforce |
|---|---|
| - Good traction performance in all terrain. | - Traction performance is limited to snowy terrain. |
| - Performance tires are comfortable and confident with the technology used. | - Good performance but limited because the technology used is not as sophisticated as its competitors. |
| - Get a warranty and have been used by renowned automotive manufacturers. | - Get a warranty and get trust from third parties. |
Conclusion
The performance of both tires is quite good on snowy terrain and very slippery roads but the Arctic AltiMAX is more promising in terms of traction on snowy roads. The ease of buying products is won by Bridgestone Blizzak, but AltiMAX Arctic provides customer satisfaction with guarantees that are highly supported by customers because there is no new tire replacement fee for one year from the date of purchase.
