Westlake tires
China's biggest tire maker at the lowest prices. Typically $50–$150 per tire.
Westlake is the flagship brand of Zhongce Rubber, better known as ZC Rubber, which was founded in Hangzhou in 1958 and is now the largest tire manufacturer in China and among the ten largest in the world. Westlake tires are widely sold in the US online and through discount chains. To sidestep US tariffs on Chinese tires, ZC Rubber also builds many US-bound sizes at its plant in Thailand.
The lineup is broad for a budget brand. The RP18 is the mainstream all-season touring tire, the SA07 is a performance all-season, the SU318 is a highway tire for crossovers and SUVs, the SL369 is an all-terrain for pickups, and the SW608 is a winter tire. Westlake also makes trailer, commercial and agricultural tires.
The appeal is simple: a new set of Westlakes can cost less than half of a premium set. Warranties exist but are short, typically 40,000 miles or none. Quality has improved substantially over the past decade and the tires pass DOT standards, but independent tests consistently show longer wet-braking distances, more noise and faster wear than mid-tier brands. Westlake is a rational choice for a low-mileage car, a trailer or a vehicle you will not keep, and a poor choice for a family highway car in a rainy climate.
Westlake models worth buying
| Model | Type | Mileage warranty | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RP18 | All-Season Tires | 40,000 mi | $55 | Compacts and sedans where the lowest price matters more than refinement. |
| SL369 | All-Terrain Tires | None | $110 | Farm and work trucks that need an all-terrain tread at the lowest cost. |
| SA07 | Performance Tires | 40,000 mi | $80 | Budget replacements on sporty sedans that came with low-profile tires. |
| SU318 | Highway Truck & SUV Tires | 50,000 mi | $90 | Older crossovers and SUVs used for short local trips. |
| SW608 | Winter Tires | None | $70 | Drivers who need a dedicated winter tire for the least possible money. |
Strengths
- Lowest prices of any widely distributed brand
- Broad size coverage including trailer and commercial
- Thailand-built sizes avoid Chinese tariff surcharges
Weaknesses
- Wet braking and noise clearly behind mid-tier brands
- Short or no mileage warranties
Westlake tires: common questions
Who makes Westlake tires?
Westlake is the main brand of ZC Rubber (Zhongce Rubber Group) of Hangzhou, China, the largest tire manufacturer in China. US-market tires are built in China or at ZC Rubber's plant in Thailand, and the country of origin is marked on the sidewall.
Are Westlake tires safe to drive on?
They meet US DOT safety standards and are legal and safe when properly inflated and driven sensibly. Independent tests show longer wet-braking distances than mid-tier and premium tires, so leave extra following distance in rain. They are adequate for low-mileage, everyday use but are not a good choice for highway commuting in wet climates.
How long do Westlake tires last?
The RP18 carries a 40,000-mile warranty and owners typically report 30,000 to 40,000 miles. The truck and winter tires have no mileage warranty and typically last 25,000 to 40,000 miles. Frequent rotation and correct inflation help more with budget tires than with premium ones.