General

A Century of American Tire Heritage

Few tire brands can claim a history as deep and storied as General Tire. Founded on September 29, 1915 in Akron, Ohio — the heart of America's tire industry — by William "W.O." O'Neil and Winfred Fouse, General Tire was built on a bold premise: that a quality product sold directly to everyday drivers could compete with industry giants like Firestone and Goodyear. Rather than chasing original-equipment contracts with automakers, O'Neil deliberately focused on premium replacement tires and built a nationwide network of loyal, independent dealers. That consumer-first philosophy became the backbone of the brand's identity for decades to come.

From Akron to the World Stage

General Tire's early engineers were relentless innovators. They pioneered low-pressure jumbo balloon tires and the blowout-proof dual balloon tire, genuinely revolutionizing what drivers could expect from their rubber. By the 1950s, the brand had earned its stripes in motorsport, competing in NASCAR and drag racing against the biggest names in the industry — proof that performance on the track translated directly into real-world tire development.

In 1987, Continental AG of Hannover, Germany acquired General Tire, and that acquisition fundamentally elevated what the brand could deliver. Continental is one of the most technically capable tire manufacturers in the world, and General Tire gained access to advanced compound development and materials science that few independent brands could fund on their own. Today, General Tire operates as a value-tier brand within the Continental family, sharing manufacturing facilities and compound technology while offering that Continental-backed engineering at a more accessible price point.

A Tire for Every Road and Every Driver

General Tire's modern lineup is built around versatility and reliability. The General Tire tire catalog spans a remarkably wide range of driving needs — from everyday commuters to weekend off-roaders and winter warriors. The iconic Grabber series is the backbone of the truck and SUV lineup: the Grabber AT2 and Grabber X3 earn consistent praise for genuine off-road capability at prices below premium all-terrain competitors, while the Grabber HTS60 delivers a 70,000-mile warranty for high-mileage pavement drivers. For passenger car drivers, the AltiMAX family covers all-season touring, ultra-high-performance summer driving, and severe-snow-rated winter applications — the AltiMAX 365AW carries a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification for genuine cold-weather confidence.

Whether you drive a compact sedan through city streets, haul a trailer on the highway, or push your 4x4 down rocky trails on the weekend, General Tire has engineered a solution that balances on-road comfort, off-road capability, and long-term durability without asking you to pay a premium-brand premium.

Why Drivers Trust General Tire

• Over 110 years of continuous tire manufacturing experience
• Continental AG ownership providing access to world-class compound and materials technology
• Shared manufacturing facilities with Continental ensure consistent quality control
• 3PMSF-certified options for drivers in severe winter climates
• Industry-competitive treadwear warranties across key product lines
• A full range covering passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, and winter applications