Westlake Tires: Tires have improved a lot since the early days of cars. There were only a few brands to choose from back then, which wasn’t a big deal because there weren’t many cars. But now, there are so many options because car ownership has skyrocketed.
Today, there are both high-quality and really cheap tire brands on the market. It can be overwhelming to make a choice, right? Don’t worry, I’m here to make it simple. Generally, there are three price levels:
- Low-cost: These tires are basic and don’t offer much.
- Mid-range: These tires give you decent value for your money.
- Premium: These tires are more expensive but last longer and perform better.
In a previous article, I talked about the worst tire brands that make unsafe tires. One of those brands is Westlake Tires, which you should usually avoid.
However, even bad brands can sometimes make good tires! In this Westlake review, I’ll tell you about the models they offer, discuss the pros and cons, and explain when they might be a good choice.
Westlake Tires Overview
The Westlake brand is backed by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber, a Chinese tire company. Founded in 1958, they have become one of the top 10 tire producers in the world, with about $3.4 billion in annual sales.
They have many advanced factories in Asia that produce Westlake-branded tires for export. These facilities meet strict quality certifications from the U.S. DOT and European regulators. This means you can trust the quality of their tires.
While they may not be as good as premium brands in terms of user experience or longevity, Westlake tires meet all modern standards. This is because of their large-scale manufacturing and continuous improvements over many years. They are definitely not a low-quality, unreliable company.
Why Choose Westlake Tires?
I get that cheap tires like Westlake don’t inspire much confidence. But hear me out! After extensive testing, I found some surprisingly good reasons to give them a shot.
Budget-Friendly Cost
Obviously the ultra-low pricing jumps out. You can snag twice as many Westlake tires for the same bucks. We’re talking 40-50% savings over big names – now that’s staying power for tight budgets!
And during seasonal sales? Even more reason to grab a set if you want to stretch those dollars.
Safe Enough Construction
You’d think cut-rate manufacturing would mean scary quality. But Westlake actually meets or even beats pricier competitors in critical safety metrics.
Diverse tread designs provide ample wet/dry traction and stability too. So while you shouldn’t push limits, they deliver confidence in normal driving conditions when maintained properly.
Smooth, Comfortable Ride
Here’s a pleasant bonus – Westlake’s focus on keeping road noise and vibration in check. You can have a smooth and comfortable ride on the highway by adjusting the grooved tread and using cushioning compounds. It’s perfect for long drives.
Now compared to premium tires, ultimate grip and braking suffer a bit. But when a serene ride is your priority, Westlake delivers an ace up its sleeve.
Who Makes Westlake Tires?
Westlake is a Chinese brand, not like its competitors from the West. It is a subsidiary of Zhongce Rubber Company, a big Chinese manufacturer.
In China, Zhongce is famous for making affordable and capable tires for many years. That’s why “Zhongce” is on each Westlake tire.
Westlake has been around since 1995, so it’s not new. They keep making new, very low-cost tire models every year.
Although the name sounds like it’s from Southern California, the real roots are in efficiency and simplicity from the East. But, if the quality is good, does it really matter where it comes from?
Where Are Westlake Tires Made?
Westlake tires are sold in the United States and Canada, but they are not made there. Instead, the parent company, Zhongce, makes all the tires in its factories in China. The Shanghai and Jiangsu plants make all Westlake tires, as well as other Zhongce sub-brand models.
Like other tire brands focused on value, Westlake uses efficient Asian plants to keep costs low. The supply chain is streamlined.
However, some drivers prefer tires made closer to home. This is something to consider if you choose tires based on where they are made.
Type of Vehicles Westlake Offer Tires For
Westlake Tire Company makes good tires that are affordable for all kinds of vehicles. We have tires for different types of passenger vehicles:
Luxury cars – We know that you want a smooth, quiet ride. Our tires are made to reduce road noise and vibrations without affecting how the car handles.
Passenger cars – We have tires for small cars that save fuel, as well as high-performance options for sports cars.
Light trucks and SUVs – Our tires are strong and last a long time. They are made specifically for trucks and SUVs, whether you use them for work or fun.
For commercial and industrial vehicles, Westlake Tire has special tires for:
Freight transport – Our tires are made for heavy loads and stop-and-go driving, so your delivery vehicles can be safe.
Agricultural equipment – Our tires have a special design that gives good traction for field work, without hurting crops or soil.
Construction/mining vehicles – Our tires are tough and can handle rough terrain and heavy machinery. They are reliable.
And if you drive an RV, we have tires that give a smooth ride for comfortable driving. You can trust Westlake Tire Company to get you where you need to go, whether it’s for work or fun. Our team of experts will help you find the right tires for your needs.
Top Westlake Models
#1. Westlake Zuper Ace SA-57
Westlake promotes the Zuper Ace SA-57 as an ultra-high performance tire. The SA-57 model is improved by adding a more aggressive V-shaped tread. This helps with hydroplaning resistance and improves traction on wet roads. The reinforced sidewall and center ribs also enhance the handling.
During my testing, the tire achieves some of its goals but falls short in other areas.
On the positive side, the redesigned tread pattern effectively resists hydroplaning and evacuates water well. However, the tire’s wet traction is not as good as expected, despite the silica-infused rubber. I felt the tires struggling for grip when I pushed them.
For spirited driving, the tire provides decent dry grip but requires cautious inputs. However, the overall braking distances are disappointing.
The stiffened construction gives the tire responsive steering feel when cornering hard, which is fun. But it’s hard to tell when the tires are losing their grip because there isn’t much feedback through the chassis.
Considering the affordable price, I would likely choose the Hankook Ventus Prime 3 or S1 instead. Both tires offer better performance than the Zuper Ace SA-57 without any scary moments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for the price: These tires are generally much cheaper than comparable touring tires from major brands. | Performance may not be the best: While adequate for everyday driving, they might not offer the same level of handling, grip, or responsiveness as premium tires. |
| Good wet and dry performance: They offer decent traction and hydroplaning resistance for safe driving in most conditions. | Limited winter performance: Not recommended for driving in snow or icy conditions. |
| Comfortable ride: They provide a smooth and quiet ride quality. | Durability concerns: Some users report experiencing uneven wear or shorter tread life compared to higher-end tires. |
| Decent warranty: Backed by a standard warranty which can provide peace of mind for some buyers. | Brand recognition: Not as well-known as major tire brands, which may lead some buyers to opt for more familiar names. |
#2. Westlake ZuperEco Z-108
The Westlake ZuperEco Z-108 is a tire that focuses on comfort and efficiency instead of high performance. It has a tread design that aims to give a quiet and smooth ride at different speeds. It also has 5 ribs that supposedly improve handling control and save gas.
However, as the tread wears, the Z-108 becomes noisier.
In terms of performance, the Z-108 falls short. It provides enough grip for conservative city driving, but it lacks good cornering abilities. At highway speeds, stability issues arise and pushing the car on curvy backroads becomes risky because these tires quickly lose traction.
In rainy conditions, the Z-108 struggles to maintain a strong grip. It’s important to be cautious when encountering puddles and storms because the tires have compromised hydroplaning resistance and slick handling.
The ZuperEco Z-108 is a touring tire that doesn’t have good driving characteristics. It drives similar to a winter tire, which shows that Westlake could make improvements in this area. Because I was disappointed with the wet traction, I would suggest the Nokian Wetproof as a replacement tire. It’s a bit more expensive, but it performs better in almost every situation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordability: The Westlake ZuperEco Z-108 is a budget-friendly tire option, making it attractive for cost-conscious drivers. | Performance: While the Z-108 offers decent dry-road handling and fuel efficiency, its wet and winter performance may not be ideal for all driving conditions. |
| Fuel efficiency: The tire’s low rolling resistance contributes to improved fuel economy, which can be beneficial for drivers concerned with conserving gas. | Limited warranty: The standard warranty offered by Westlake may not be as comprehensive as warranties from some major brands. |
| Quiet ride: The Z-108 is known for its quiet ride, providing a more comfortable driving experience. | Brand recognition: Westlake is not as well-known as some major tire brands, so some drivers may prefer the perceived reliability of a more established name. |
| All-season capability: The Z-108 is designed for all-season use, offering some traction in light winter conditions. However, it is not recommended for heavy snow or icy roads. | Mixed reviews: Customer reviews for the Z-108 vary, with some praising its value and performance while others criticize its durability or handling in challenging conditions. |
#3. Westlake SW618
The SW618 is a winter tire option from Westlake. It doesn’t have metal studs, but it has a good tread pattern for traction in the snow. The rubber stays flexible in the cold, so it also has good grip on dry roads. Like most Westlake tires, it offers a smooth and quiet ride.
Unfortunately, I was not impressed with its overall performance in winter conditions.
On dry roads, the SW618 is just okay. It doesn’t respond as quickly as other winter tires. It’s still safe in wet conditions as long as you drive within the speed limits.
It is comfortable to drive on, but it makes more noise on the highway than I expected.
However, when it comes to driving in the snow, this tire does not give me confidence. It struggles to gain traction when accelerating and doesn’t feel stable. I even considered using all-season tires instead. It performs slightly better in slush if you are careful with the throttle.
And on icy roads, it’s very difficult to drive with this tire…unless you add studs for better grip.
For the same amount of money, I would recommend the Cooper Evolution Winter or Firestone Winterforce 2 instead. They provide better traction and confidence in cold weather compared to the disappointing SW618.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordability: The Westlake SW618 is generally a budget-friendly tire option, making it attractive to cost-conscious drivers. | Performance: While the SW618 offers decent dry and wet road performance for everyday driving, it may not excel in handling or responsiveness compared to more expensive tires. |
| All-season capability: The SW618 boasts all-season tread, providing adequate traction in moderate winter conditions (not severe snow). | Limited winter performance: Although it handles light snow, the SW618 is not recommended for heavy snow or icy roads due to its shallower tread depth and lack of winter tread features. |
| Decent treadwear: The SW618 offers a treadwear warranty of 50,000 miles, indicating it may last longer than some budget competitors. | Noise: Some users report noticeable road noise with the SW618, especially at higher speeds. |
| Fuel efficiency: The SW618’s rolling resistance is moderate, meaning it may not offer the best fuel economy compared to fuel-efficient tire options. | Brand recognition: Westlake is not as widely recognized as major tire brands, which might lead some buyers to opt for more familiar names. |
#4. Westlake Zuper Trek Z-203
The Zuper Trek Z-203 is a tire made by Westlake that’s designed for SUVs and trucks. It’s meant to be used only in the summer, so it’s not great for driving in the snow. The tire has curved grooves and siping to help with wet traction.
The Z-203 has the same smooth and quiet comfort as Westlake’s ZuperEco tire. The taller sidewall of the Z-203 makes the ride even smoother.
But there are some downsides to the Z-203. It doesn’t handle corners well – the response is vague and delayed. The sidewall is flexible and lacks sturdiness. It’s not as responsive as mainstream all-season tires, although it’s better than winter tires.
The Z-203 provides good grip on dry roads at slower speeds in town. However, stability decreases on highways and you need to be alert. If you drive aggressively, the tire’s squishy construction can’t keep up.
When it’s wet, the Z-203 struggles to maintain traction, even with moderate rain. It also doesn’t do well with hydroplaning.
If you’re looking for a tire in this category that performs well in all seasons, I recommend Cooper’s Evolution H/T. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price: Compared to other all-season tires, the Westlake Zuper Trek Z-203 is generally more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious drivers. | Performance: While decent for everyday driving, the Z-203 may not excel in specific areas like handling, grip, or noise reduction compared to premium brands. |
| Decent wet and dry traction: The Z-203 offers adequate traction on both wet and dry roads, providing sufficient grip for most driving conditions. | Limited winter performance: This tire is not recommended for severe winter conditions or heavy snow due to its lack of dedicated winter tread design. |
| Comfortable ride: The Z-203 boasts a comfortable ride quality due to its softer tread compound, which can be appealing for long commutes or highway driving. | Treadwear: Some users report faster tread wear than expected, which could mean more frequent tire replacements. |
| Warranty: Westlake offers a standard warranty on the Z-203, providing some peace of mind in case of defects. | Brand recognition: Westlake may not have the same brand recognition as major tire manufacturers, which could lead some buyers to opt for familiar brands. |
#5. Westlake SL369 A/T
The SL369 A/T is a tire made by Westlake for pickup trucks and SUVs. Its tread blocks are designed in a zig-zag pattern to provide traction on both dirt and pavement. The tire also has large contact patches to improve stability, and a reinforced casing to handle rocky terrain when the tire is deflated.
However, the SL369 A/T has some shortcomings. When driving on paved roads, it is relatively quiet and smooth when the road is dry. It provides enough grip for conservative driving. However, compared to tires that are designed specifically for street use, it lacks refined road manners.
When it rains, extra caution is needed with the SL369 A/T. It becomes slippery quickly when the throttle is applied, and its resistance to hydroplaning is only adequate for a tire with grooves designed for all-terrain use.
On packed dirt roads, the SL369 A/T provides good grip without any issues. Its sidewall is sturdy and can withstand impacts when driving over rocks.
However, when the tire is used in mud or muck, it struggles to gain forward momentum. Its traction is average and it is not able to power through difficult conditions.
For better traction at a similar price, I would recommend the Kumho Road Venture AT51. It provides excellent grip on any surface.
Westlake Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very safe city with low crime rates | High cost of living, especially housing |
| High-rated public schools | Higher taxes than some surrounding areas |
| Family-friendly neighborhoods | Can have somewhat limited diversity |
| Great access to highways & transportation | Traffic congestion in some parts |
| Close proximity to shopping, dining, entertainment | Weather can be cold & snowy in winter |
| Abundant parks & recreational activities |
FAQs
Yup, the Westlake brand is owned by major Chinese manufacturer Zhongce Rubber. All their tires are produced in factories across China as well.
Essentially – both brands come from the identical parent company and share very similar tire lines. Consider them sister brands with lots of overlap.
They sure do! Manufacturing defects are covered for 6 years from the tire production date stamped on the sidewall. Standard policy for most discount brands nowadays.
Based on testing, you can expect around 40,000 miles on average before replacing a set. That’s when tread wear and rubber breakdown starts accelerating.
Pricing ranges from a bargain $60 up to $200 depending on the exact tire size and design you select. Lots of affordable options!
Conclusion
I think the debate about these super cheap Westlake tires is important. They are good for temporary use or when you don’t have much money.
You will need to replace them sooner than expensive tires. But if you take good care of them, you can get some safe and comfortable miles out of them.
Westlake tires don’t last as long or perform as well as premium tires. But they are still decent, especially considering how cheap they are.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if the low cost, safety, and smooth ride of Westlake tires are what you value. For people on a tight budget, they might be a good temporary option.