Falken Ziex ZE-512 Tire Review & Rating

Combining the ride quality of a touring tire with high performance all-season handling and traction is what Falken has developed with the Ziex ZE-512. This combination has worked fairly well based on how the tire is selling, as well as being named #1 in its class by a leading consumer magazine.

The tire sports an aggressive directional tread pattern to go with a unique silica tread compound for enhanced cornering performance and quick steering response. Variably sized shoulder blocks help eliminate road noise, which is why many drivers have commented on the ZE-512 being so quiet on the road.

Wet traction and handling is aided by the 5 circumferential grooves and a multi-radius shape design that provides more tire to road contact. These grooves work to evacuate more water from under the tread and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. This model is also M+S rated for increased snow and ice traction, although this is a weak point on this model.

Inside the tire you will find twin steel belts and spirally wrapped nylon cap for added durability and stability at higher speeds. It also helps even the tread wear and overall ride quality. Falken has also included a nice rim protection ridge to prevent damage to your custom wheels. This model comes with either a 45,000 or 60,000 mile tread warranty depending on the tire size.

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Pros

• Among the best in class for cornering grip   
• Steering response and control are very good   
• Wet traction is above average   
• Very quiet riding tire  
  

Cons

• Lower than expected tread life is an issue for many
• Winter traction and handling  
  

Overall Thoughts

Falken has developed a tire that shows mixed results in the 512. Cornering grip is amazing for a tire in this class, and dry and wet traction is equally as impressive. Steering response is quite nice as well.

On the other hand, we have to say that grip on snow and ice is not up to other tires in this class. Numerous reviews from other drivers speak to this as well. In addition, many drivers mention poor treadlife and getting mileage that is shorter than the warranty says to expect.

Overall, if winter driving is not a big issue for you, the lower price and good wet/dry performance you can expect make for a very good overall value. That said, we would recommend going with the newer Falken Pro G4 A/S instead, as it sports new technology and higher levels of performance.

What Vehicles Will The Ziex ZE-512 Fit?

(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)

• Acura CSX   
• Audi A3   
• Buick Lucerne   
• Cadillac DTS   
• Chevrolet Cobalt, Malibu   
• Chrysler PT Cruiser   
• Dodge Neon   
• Ford Focus   
• Honda Civic, Accord   
• Hyundai Sonata   
• Lexus GS450h   
• Mitsubishi Lancer   
• Nissan Sentra   
• Suzuki SX4   
• Toyota Corolla, Camry   
• Volkswagen Beetle   

Tire Sizes

14″

175/65R-14 82H B
185/60R-14 82H B
185/65R-14 86H B
195/60R-14 86H B
205/60R-14 88H B

15″

185/65R-15 88H B
195/50R-15 82H B
195/55R-15 85V B
195/60R-15 88H B
195/65R-15 91H B
205/50R-15 86H B
205/55R-15 88V B
205/60R-15 91H B
205/65R-15 94V B
205/65R-15 94H B
215/60R-15 94H B
215/65R-15 96H B
225/60R-15 96H B

16″

195/50R-16 84V B
205/45R-16 XL 87V B
205/50R-16 91V XL B
205/55R-16 91V B
205/60R-16 92H B
205/65R-16 95H B
215/55R-16 93V B
215/60R-16 95H B
225/50R-16 92V B
225/50R-16 92H B
225/55R-16 95V B
225/60R-16 98H B
235/55R-16 96V B
235/60R-16 100H B
245/50R-16 97H B
255/50ZR-16 99W XL B

17″

205/40ZR-17 XL 84W B
205/50R-17 XL 93V B
215/40ZR-17 XL 87W B
215/45ZR-17 87W B
215/50R-17 91V B
215/55R-17 XL 98V B
225/45ZR-17 XL 94W
225/50R-17 94V B
225/55ZR-17 97W BLK
235/45ZR-17 XL 97W
235/50ZR-17 96W B
235/55R-17 99H B
245/45ZR-17 XL 99W B
275/40ZR-17 98W B

18″

215/35ZR-18 84Y XL B
225/40ZR-18 XL 92W B
225/60R-18 100H B
235/40ZR-18 XL 95W B
235/50R-18 97H B
235/55R-18 100V B
245/40ZR-18 93W B
245/45ZR-18XL 100W B

Price Range

Prices on the ZE-512 range from around $68 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find Current Prices On All Falken Ziex ZE-512 Tire Sizes

Warranty

The mileage warranty on the ZE-512 is determined by series sizes. 60 and 65 series models come with a 65,000 mile tread guarantee. 55 series tires and lower come with a 40,000 mile warranty.

Materials and workmanship are warranted for 5 years and include free replacement during the first 2/32 inch of wear. The amount is then prorated for the remaining time period down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

Falken includes their 30-day drive guarantee on this model as well. Drive it for up to 30 days and if you are not satisfied you can refund or exchange the tires.

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