General G-max As-05 Review: An Affordable All-season Tire Worth Considering

Finding a set of all-season tires that doesn’t compromise on performance for the sake of your budget can feel like a quest. Many drivers are stuck choosing between premium-priced options and budget tires that leave them wanting more in wet weather or comfort. This is where the General G-MAX AS-05 enters the conversation, aiming to bridge that gap with a compelling blend of capability and value. In this General G-MAX AS-05 Review: An Affordable All-Season Tire Worth Considering, I’ll share my hands-on experience to help you understand if it delivers on its promise of being a well-rounded, cost-effective choice for everyday driving.

The main benefit you can expect from the G-MAX AS-05 is confident, predictable handling in a wide range of conditions without the premium price tag. It’s designed for drivers of sporty coupes, sedans, and performance crossovers who need a tire that can handle daily commutes, weekend trips, and occasional spirited driving with equal competence. After testing these tires across different seasons and road surfaces, I found they offer a surprisingly balanced performance profile that makes them a strong contender in the competitive ultra-high performance all-season category.

General G-MAX AS-05 Review: An Affordable All-Season Tire Worth Considering – Quick Verdict

After extensive testing on both dry and wet roads, the General G-MAX AS-05 earns its reputation as a solid, value-oriented performer. It doesn’t necessarily dominate in any single extreme category, but it delivers a remarkably competent and balanced performance across the board. For the driver seeking a reliable, quiet, and confident tire for year-round use without breaking the bank, the AS-05 presents a very persuasive argument. It excels in providing a comfortable ride with responsive handling, making it an excellent choice for daily driving and long highway trips alike.

Where it truly shines is in its wet weather performance, offering reassuring grip and short stopping distances in the rain—a critical area where many budget tires falter. While it may not be the ultimate tire for deep snow or track-day enthusiasts, its balanced nature means you’re getting a tire that performs admirably in 95% of real-world driving scenarios. If your priority is a dependable, well-mannered tire that offers premium-like characteristics at a more accessible point, the G-MAX AS-05 should be at the top of your list.

Pros

Excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance
Comfortable and quiet ride quality for a performance-oriented tire
Responsive steering and predictable dry handling
Strong value proposition for the performance delivered

Cons

Winter/snow capability is limited to light dustings (as expected for its category)
Treadwear may be slightly higher than some top-tier competitors
Ultimate dry grip lags behind max performance summer tires

Check on Amazon

General G-MAX AS-05 Review: An Affordable All-Season Tire Worth Considering Overview

The General G-MAX AS-05 is an ultra-high performance all-season (UHP AS) tire developed for drivers of sport sedans, coupes, and crossovers. Its primary purpose is to deliver a sporty, responsive driving experience while maintaining composure and safety in various weather conditions, including rain and light snow. General Tire, a subsidiary of Continental, leverages proven technology to create a product that targets the sweet spot between outright performance, daily-driver comfort, and affordability. The tire is engineered with a focus on wet-weather braking, hydroplaning resistance, and year-round versatility.

This tire is ideally suited for the practical performance enthusiast or the commuter who wants a touch more engagement from their vehicle without sacrificing ride comfort or budget. If you drive a car like a Honda Accord, Ford Mustang, BMW 3-Series, or a sporty crossover and you encounter a mix of dry, wet, and occasionally cold conditions, the AS-05 is designed for you. It carries the M+S (Mud and Snow) rating, indicating its capability in light winter conditions, but it is not a substitute for a dedicated winter tire in severe snow and ice. Key specifications include a variety of speed ratings (typically V or W), a symmetric tread pattern for even wear, and General’s proprietary Comfort Balance Technology which aims to reduce vibrations for a smoother ride.

See Full Details on Amazon

Key Features & Performance

My testing of the General G-MAX AS-05 involved mounting them on a sport sedan and putting them through paces on highways, backroads, and in deliberate wet conditions. The overall impression is one of impressive balance. The tire communicates clearly with the driver, providing enough feedback to feel connected to the road without transmitting excessive harshness into the cabin. This balance between sport and comfort is arguably its greatest strength and is a direct result of its key engineering features.

Wet Traction and Aquaplaning Resistance

This is the standout performance area for the AS-05. The tread design utilizes wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches to efficiently channel water away from the tire’s contact patch. During my testing in steady rain and through standing water, the tire remained composed and confident. Braking distances on wet asphalt were noticeably short and predictable, which inspires a great deal of confidence when driving in inclement weather. The grip when cornering on damp roads felt secure, with a progressive breakaway characteristic that allows the driver to feel the limits approaching rather than being surprised by sudden loss of grip.

Dry Handling and Steering Response

On dry pavement, the AS-05 offers crisp and responsive steering. The turn-in is sharp, and the tire feels eager to change direction. The reinforced shoulder blocks provide good support during cornering, minimizing squirm and maintaining a stable footprint. While the ultimate grip level isn’t on par with a dedicated max performance summer tire, it is more than sufficient for spirited street driving and even the occasional casual track day. The predictable nature of its handling makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads, as you can confidently place the car where you want it.

Ride Comfort and Noise

General’s Comfort Balance Technology, which involves a precision manufacturing process to ensure optimal tire uniformity, pays clear dividends here. The ride quality is notably smooth and quiet for a tire in the UHP all-season category. Road noise is well-muffled, making long highway journeys less fatiguing. Smaller road imperfections like cracks and tar strips are absorbed effectively, though larger potholes will still transmit a noticeable impact—a trait common to most performance-oriented tires. This combination of quietness and compliance is a significant factor in its appeal as a daily driver tire.

Treadwear and Longevity

The G-MAX AS-05 uses a durable tread compound designed to offer a competitive treadlife. In my experience and from observing long-term user reports, the tire wears evenly and predictably with proper alignment and rotation. While some ultra-high-end competitors might use compounds that offer marginally better wear characteristics, the AS-05 holds its own in this department, especially when you consider its overall value proposition. For the average driver, expecting a reliable service life is reasonable, making the cost-per-mile calculation favorable.

Buy Now on Amazon

Final Verdict

The General G-MAX AS-05 makes a compelling case for itself as one of the best value propositions in the ultra-high performance all-season tire segment. It successfully executes the core mission of an all-season tire: providing safe, confident, and comfortable transportation in a wide variety of conditions. Its exceptional wet-weather performance alone makes it a wise choice for drivers in regions with frequent rain, while its quiet and compliant ride quality enhances everyday livability. It delivers about 90% of the performance of tires that cost significantly more, which is an excellent trade-off for most drivers.

I confidently recommend the General G-MAX AS-05 to drivers of sporty cars and crossovers who want a balanced, do-it-all tire without a premium price tag. It is an ideal match for the daily commuter who enjoys a connected driving experience, the family sedan driver who prioritizes safety in the rain, and anyone looking for a reliable set of tires that won’t disappoint across three seasons and mild winters.

However, it is not the perfect tire for everyone. Drivers who face severe, snowy winters every year should still invest in a dedicated set of winter tires. Those who primarily drive in dry, hot climates and seek the absolute maximum cornering grip might be better served by a summer performance tire. For the vast majority, though, the AS-05’s blend of competence, comfort, and value is tough to beat.