Question: Run flat or just flat tires?

[markmark]

Thanks for the food for thought, that's why I joined.

DRKNT57

Sometimes the CAC is just like a big wishing well of information. Ask and ye shall recieve!

 

[Lambolover]

Been on non-run flats for 2 years. Love the ride, noise and handling change. The only thing I did was add a plug kit and a small portable air compressor in the back if needed.
If I remember correctly the C5 Z06 came with non-run flats and a repair kit in the back.

I agree! I just bought Goodyear non run flats for my '98 vert. Quite simply, I didn't want to spend a fortune again on the stock run flats. You're right, they are a lot quieter, ride a little smoother, and handle great. I think some people also have a misconception that run flats are "flat retardant." I only use the '98 for short runs anyway. So, I can easily deal with it if I get a flat. Anyway, if you get a blow out your a little screwed with or without run flats.

And, you're right about the Z06. They don't use run flats. I think the same goes for the C6 Z06. I believe because run flats have to weigh more due to the thicker reinforced sidewall.

 

[leres]

And, you're right about the Z06. They don't use run flats. I think the same goes for the C6 Z06.

Actually the C6 Z06 uses the Eagle F1 SuperCar tire (EMT run-flat radial).

 

[LLC5]

Actually the C6 Z06 uses the Eagle F1 SuperCar tire (EMT run-flat radial).

I believe all C6's use runfalts because of mandatory TPMS, and since fix-a-flat (C5 Z06's answer to non runflats and no spare tire, with a compressor, since they did not have TPMS sensors) will damage TPMS sensors, runflats are used. C6 run flats are now rated at 50-100 mile with zero air pressure (same as Michelin ZP's) instead of the 200 mile rated C5, so they ride much better than the stiffer sidewall C5's. Goodyear C5 runflats are actually very good tires, they just ride stiff because of GM's mandated 200 mile rating.

 

[c5blackvert]

I'll stick with the run flats. two nails in 40K miles. One in a remote location Drove 75 miles with "0" tire pressure to the nearest dealer for repair and the tire is just fine after a $75 repair.

I need new tires so I'll wait for the Michelin Pilot PS2 ZP that ar OEM for the 09 ZR1 and are due out late summer in C5 & C6 sizes. and put them on C6 ZO6 chrome wheels.

Needed 2 fronts a couple of months back and they were on "indefinate back order", found 2 in a couple of different places, just looked on www.tirerack.com and they are now available......rears are available 7/30/08.......

 

[HUVARND]

Run Flats

Last night I blew a front tire on my 02. It didn't have run flats and the tires do need to be replaced. Although I was going about 65 mph the car handled like it didn't have a problem. I was 50 miles from my house. With run flats I could have drove home which would have saved me a $325.00 tow bill. It getting new tires and they will be run flats. I also world recommend to up grade to the better AAA member card.

 

[04 Commemorative]

I just wish the Michelins were a bit wider

 

[Back9]

The debate on the subject will never die.
The only thing I can say is that it's an individual preference. If you are capable and willing to deal with the worst case scenerial (a flat) than non run flat tires provide much wider range of performance and comfort than run flats. All this for half the price. For those that are unable or unwilling to deal with a flat it's an obvious choice. Personally I've switched to non flat tires long ago and would not go back to EMT's.

I think the issue goes beyond "dealing with flats". Vette's are low to the ground with low side-walled tires. Alloy wheels are expensive, so is fiberglass and rapid deflation risks severe damage to both. Vette's are built to go fast and lots of owners track them from time to time. When non run flats deflate rapidly at high speed, damage occurs to equipment and in extreme cases, passengers. I'll stick with runflats - they're included from the factory for safety reasons as much as for the ability to go without a spare.

 

[JBsC5]

All c5 z06's have non runflats and even the flat or two I got in 6 years was a non event.. I had the 20 dollar air compressor from kmart along with the 2 dollar plug kit.

Never did it before and its taking me longer to type this than to fix the flat..

The c5 z06 owners never got runflats and it was no big deal.

My new c6 at 18k miles needed new tires? I got the same compressor and plug kit when I put on NON runflat tires..

Hell my wifes brand new cadillac CTS doesn't come with runflats , no spare and if she can drive out of state on non runflat tires with no spare....(and it was GMs descretion.) then I guess many others can as well..

I suggest since you bought the car preowned...keep the tires that are on the car...and forget it..

If your really concerned...buy a set of preowned runflats someone posts over at corvette forum...Sometimes they even come mounted on rims with the sensors...and then sell yours as a set afterward...

Personally I like the ride and handling of non runflats...

I remember when I put them on my 1999 c5 .....the non runflat tires really made me feel as if the whole car shrunk around me as I was driving...and of course there was no mid corner hop with the non runflats.

To me...I think your non runflat C5 corvette bas the right tires on the vehicle...Leave it as is and congratulations on your new ride!

JB

 

[jj2k]

Non-Run Flat for me

I just put new tires on my 2000. It was a big decision for me. But, I went with the Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 (non run flat). I really like the ride and handling. Guy at the shop has a 2009 C6 and had the same thing on his. 15k miles and they look great. Gotta like that.

 

[DavidJ]

Tire pressure

I just put new tires on my 2000. It was a big decision for me. But, I went with the Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 (non run flat). I really like the ride and handling. Guy at the shop has a 2009 C6 and had the same thing on his. 15k miles and they look great. Gotta like that.

I have non run flats on my 05, I am having a tire pressure problem 30 psi is to low and 36 sets off high pressure alarm

 

[Toms007]

That sounds like a problem my 09 Cadilac CTS has. I believe that the sensor batteries are going bad. As all three tires that were reporting bad, were original sensors. The one that didn't report was one I replaced last spring...... Just a guess though.

 

[kpic]

Her Volvo S60 T5 has an air compressor and a can of some type of fix a flat in the trunk.

Disappearing Donuts: One-Third of New Cars Don’t Come With a Spare Tire

What’s worse than a flat tire? The sinking realization that you have no way to fix it. That’s the situation more American motorists may find themselves in as 36 percent of 2015 models are sold without a spare tire, according to new research from AAA. That’s a steep rise from 2006 when just five percent of nameplates omitted a spare. As fuel-economy standards rise to 54.5 mpg for 2025, automakers are desperate to reduce weight and the spare tire is arguably the lowest-hanging fruit. Replacing a spare tire with a four-pound inflator kit can cut as much as 30 pounds from a vehicle’s curb weight, and the donut can be removed without the extensive engineering or major investment other weight-saving technologies require.

AAA identified 136 models that don’t include a spare tire as standard equipment, although some of those vehicles do offer one as an option. Every major automaker, from Acura to Volvo, sells at least one car without a fifth wheel and tire. The list is heavy with sports cars, coupes, and hybrids, where space is at a premium, and German luxury cars and crossovers, which often use run-flat tires.

Disappearing Donuts: One-Third of New Cars Don’t Come With a Spare Tire – News – Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog

 

[LLC5]

Some of it has to do with weight and CAFE, but the biggest reason is the cost savings to the manufacturers.

IMO it is somewhat of a crime to sell a new vehicle with no spare and non run flat tires on it. A lot of punctures are too big for the sealant, plus that sealant goo can ruin TPMS sensors with vehicles equipped with them (even though they are labeled safe for sensors), and affect the balance of the tire for the remaining life of the tire. That gooey mess will never be able to be completely removed from the tire, and when the tire heats up from driving up it can shift. Seen it a few times.

 

[kpic]

Some of it has to do with weight and CAFE, but the biggest reason is the cost savings to the manufacturers.

IMO it is somewhat of a crime to sell a new vehicle with no spare and non run flat tires on it. A lot of punctures are too big for the sealant, plus that sealant goo can ruin TPMS sensors with vehicles equipped with them (even though they are labeled safe for sensors), and affect the balance of the tire for the remaining life of the tire. That gooey mess will never be able to be completely removed from the tire, and when the tire heats up from driving up it can shift. Seen it a few times.

LLC5, exactly. I spent 45 years in industry putting up with that. The demand to show a cost savings every year meant after X years, the supplier supplied the part for free. As we all know that just ain't going to happen; however it never stopped the idiots at corporate from expecting it. Same as so many things, it is a game where the end user gets screwed.

Correct, a lot of sidewall punctures can't be sealed. However, the corporate types could care less how much new TPMS sensors cost the consumer. Or the fact that no sealant will fix many punctures. It is all about the mighty dollar. Value added and ROA or return on assets is all they care about; foreign or domestic.

You have no disagreement here; however, no matter how correct, our opinions don't matter.