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Last updated 11/11/2024 - Originally published 11/11/2024
Written by SimpleTire
General Tires and Kumho Tires are two of the top of the most popular and largest tire manufacturers in the world. General was founded in Akron, Ohio in 1915 and offers a range of tires for passenger and commercial vehicles. On the other hand, Kumho Tires was founded in 1960 and is a South Korea-based tire manufacturer that offers next-generation tires for passenger and commercial vehicles. Both tires offer a range of tires in various categories, such as all-season, winter, summer, all-weather, ultra-high-performance, all-terrain, and so on.
All-weather tires are designed for use in dry, wet, or winter weather conditions. Unlike all-season tires, these tires can also offer excellent performance in moderate to heavy winter weather conditions, giving a set of tires that can handle all weather conditions. Today, we will be comparing two leading all-weather tires from the brands - General AltiMAX 365 AW and Kumho Solus HA31. Both tires are designed to be used on various passenger vehicles and offer consistent traction and excellent performance throughout the year. We will be taking a look at some of the similarities and differences between these two tires in this General AltiMAX 365 AW vs Kumho Solus HA31 tire comparison.
General AltiMAX 365 AW tires
The General AltiMAX 365 AW is an all-weather tire designed for use on passenger cars and SUVs and offers drivers improved traction with year-round versatility and improved fuel efficiency. The tire is built with innovative technologies and features a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Certification (3PMSF) for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions, along with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty of 60,000 miles.
Thanks to these features, the General AltiMAX 365 AW received a great overall SimpleScore of 8.7 out of 10.
Kumho Solus HA31 tires
The Kumho Solus HA31 is an all-weather tire designed for use on passenger vehicles and offers drivers commanding all-weather grip, great handling, and a quiet, comfortable ride. The tire features an S-SRB compound that boosts winter grip and an optimized center rib for high-speed stability.
Also backed by a 60,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the Kumho Solus HA31 received an average SimpleScore of 8 out of 10.
General AltiMAX 365 AW vs Kumho Solus HA31 tires on traction
When purchasing tires, it's essential to consider traction, which determines the tires' ability to grip the road surface in wet and dry conditions, ensuring maximum control. Traction affects braking performance, resistance to hydroplaning, and maneuverability, all critical for safe driving. The tire's traction capability is influenced by factors such as tread pattern, tire design, and rubber compound formulation working together.
In traction, the General AltiMAX 365 AW scored a great score of 8.7 thanks to the all-weather tread compound that allows for great traction in dry, wet, and winter weather conditions. Also, 3PMSF certified, the AltiMAX 365 AW is designed to give you confident traction throughout the year.
The Kumho Solus HA31 also received a score of 8.7 in traction thanks to the arrowhead tread pattern with wide grooves that help to remove water out of the tread to reduce the risk of hydroplaning and boost wet grip. Additionally, the S-SRB compound promotes good grip in winter weather.
In traction, both tires received a score of 8.7 and will provide optimal traction in dry, wet, and winter weather conditions. However, the AltiMAX 365 AW also features a 3PMSF rating and can be used reliably in moderate to severe winter weather conditions.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
General AltiMAX 365 AW vs Kumho Solus HA31 tires on handling
When choosing tires, handling is a crucial aspect to take into account as it directly affects your control over the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds. Optimal handling guarantees effortless maneuvering, seamless lane changes, and enjoyable driving journeys. This is influenced by elements such as tread design, rubber composition, and the integration of cutting-edge technology into the tire's build.
The General AltiMAX 365 AW received a great score of 8.7 in handling as well thanks to the symmetrical tread pattern and broad shoulders which improves cornering performance and allows for seamless lane switching. Additionally, the tire features Visual Alignment Indicators that alert drivers of misalignment to notify drivers if their tire needs adjustment for optimum performance.
In handling, the Kumho Solus HA31 received a great score of 8.7 as well thanks to the rigid center rib that promotes great high-speed stability paired with an arrowhead tread pattern.
Again, both tires received a great score of 8.7 in handling and will provide optimal performance for your vehicle.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
General AltiMAX 365 AW vs Kumho Solus HA31 tires on longevity
Longevity is a primary concern for drivers when choosing tires since it directly affects how far they can travel on a set. Continuous use gradually diminishes tread, highlighting the importance of tires that provide extended longevity to sustain optimal handling and traction over time. Elements such as tread pattern, rubber composition, and tire design all play a role in determining the tire's lifespan.
In longevity, the General AltiMAX 365 AW truly shines with an excellent score of 9 thanks to the optimized rubber compound that resists irregular tread wear for a longer tread life. The tire also features a 60,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
The Kumho Solus HA31 received a good score of 7 in longevity thanks to the optimized irregular tread wear-resistant rubber compound. Additionally, the tire is backed by a 60,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
While both tires are backed by a 60,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty, the General AltiMAX 365 AW scores considerably better in longevity, making it the clear winner here.
ADVANTAGE: General AltiMAX 365 AW
When to use each
Both General AltiMAX 365 AW and the Kumho Solus HA31 are all-weather tires that can be used in dry, wet, or moderate to heavy winter weather conditions with ease. Both tires are designed to offer consistent traction, responsive handling, and longer tread life, which is paired with a limited manufacturer tread life warranty. Additionally, both tires are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and can be used reliably in harsh winter road conditions as well.
Which one should you choose?
So which all-weather tire might be the right choice for you? Well, the answer depends solely on your personal preference as both tires have their set of advantages and disadvantages. However, both tires will offer excellent traction, responsive handling, and longer tread life. However, some key factors can help you make a more informed decision. For instance, while both tires offer great performance, the AltiMAX 365 AW is rated higher on SimpleScore and longevity.
Another important deciding factor is the price of the tire, which balances the scale as well. While the General AltiMAX 365 AW costs at least $112.99 for a tire and $451.96 for a set, the Kumho Solus HA31 costs at least $198.96 per tire and $795.84 for a set of four. (Note: Prices may vary depending on the tire size.)
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose General AltiMAX 365 AW if you:
- Drive a car like the Audi A4 Allroad or something like the Honda HR-V
- Want a tire with better overall SimpleScore (8.7 v 8)
- Want a tire with better longevity (9 v 7)
- Want a tire with Three Peak Moutain Snowflake certification for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions
- Want a set of more affordable tires that also offers great performance
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose Kumho Solus HA31 if you:
- Drive a car like the Hyundai Santa Fe or something like the Mazda CX-30
- Want a tire from Kumho that offers great performance in traction and handling
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.