Summit tires are made by Sentury Tire Co., Ltd., a Chinese tire manufacturer headquartered in Shandong Province, China, that operates Summit as one of its value-oriented brands distributed primarily through Walmart and online tire retailers across North America.
Summit tires are known for delivering budget-friendly pricing at specifications that meet federal DOT safety requirements, and for their availability through Walmart’s auto department, which makes them one of the most accessible value-tier tire options for budget-conscious buyers.
Summit tires are a brand of Sentury Tire Co., Ltd., a Chinese company that manufactures tires under multiple brand names including Sentury, Delinte, and Summit, with production at facilities in Shandong Province, China, and international plants in Southeast Asia.
Knowing who makes Summit tires helps buyers understand the Chinese manufacturing origin of a brand commonly seen at Walmart and understand how it compares to other value-tier options.
This article covers Sentury Tire’s ownership, manufacturing, the Summit brand’s product range, and how Summit compares to other budget tire brands.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Summit Tires?
Summit tires are manufactured by Sentury Tire Co., Ltd., a Chinese tire producer that developed the Summit brand for the North American value retail market, with Walmart serving as the primary US distribution channel.
Sentury Tire is a publicly traded Chinese company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The company operates multiple manufacturing facilities in China and has expanded production capacity in Southeast Asia to reduce import costs and improve supply chain flexibility for international markets.
Sentury operates several tire brands across different market segments. Summit covers the value retail channel primarily through Walmart. Delinte serves the performance-oriented budget market. The Sentury brand itself covers additional segments in various markets. This multi-brand strategy allows the company to compete across different price points and retail channels simultaneously.
Where Are Summit Tires Made?
Summit tires are manufactured primarily at Sentury Tire’s production facilities in Shandong Province, China. Shandong is China’s leading tire manufacturing region, with a dense concentration of manufacturers and an established rubber and petrochemical supply chain that supports the industry.
Sentury has also established manufacturing capacity in Southeast Asia to serve markets where buyers or importers prefer non-Chinese origin tires or where tariff structures favor regional production.
The country of manufacture for each Summit tire is indicated on the sidewall DOT code. Buyers who specifically want to identify the production location can decode the first two characters of the DOT code using publicly available plant code databases. More product information is available at Summit Tires’ official US website.
What Tires Does Summit Make?
Summit’s US lineup covers passenger car, SUV, and light truck applications at value price points. The product range includes all-season passenger tires, highway terrain truck tires, and all-terrain options for light truck and SUV applications.
Summit tires carry DOT compliance certifications required for legal sale and use in the United States. They meet federal minimum standards for load rating, speed rating, and traction performance, though they are not intended to compete in performance or premium categories.
The Summit brand targets buyers who need serviceable tires at the lowest possible price and are comfortable purchasing through Walmart’s automotive department rather than a specialist tire retailer.
Summit vs Blackhawk vs Ironman: Who Makes Each?
All three are value-tier tire brands competing at budget price points, often found at Walmart or through online tire retailers. Summit is made by Sentury Tire of China, sold primarily through Walmart. Blackhawk is also made by Sailun Group of China, sold through a broader independent dealer network. Ironman is a brand of American Tire Distributors (ATD), sourced from various manufacturers including some Asian producers.
The key difference between these brands is their distribution strategy. Summit is almost exclusively a Walmart product. Blackhawk has broader independent dealer penetration. Ironman benefits from ATD’s established US wholesale and distribution network.
All three are positioned below mid-tier brands like Cooper and Falken, targeting buyers for whom price is the primary consideration and who prioritize cost savings over name recognition, warranty depth, or performance in demanding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Summit Tires
Are Summit tires safe?
Summit tires carry DOT compliance certification, meaning they meet the federal minimum safety standards required to be sold and used on US roads. They are not performance or premium tires, but they are legal and meet baseline standards for the speed and load ratings marked on the sidewall. Buyers should match the tire’s speed and load rating to their vehicle’s requirements.
Is Summit a Chinese tire brand?
Yes. Summit tires are made by Sentury Tire Co., Ltd., a Chinese tire manufacturer listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, with primary production in Shandong Province, China.
Where can I buy Summit tires?
Summit tires are available at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, as well as through online tire retailers including SimpleTire, Tire Rack, and Amazon. They are distributed through a broader network than some competing Walmart-exclusive brands.
Who owns Sentury Tire?
Sentury Tire Co., Ltd. is a Chinese publicly traded company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. It operates multiple tire brands globally including Sentury, Summit, and Delinte. The company has no US parent company and operates independently as a Chinese industrial enterprise.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.