Spare tire

[RonJ]

Just got myself a C5, a 98 coupe, lots to find out now.

To-days question is:

The C5 doesn't have a spare tire, wheel wrench or jack of course. The tires that are on the car aren't run flats.

From what I hear, you shouldn't put tire sealer through the valve stem if you have pressure sensors in the stems, guess the sealer buggers up the sensor.

How do you folks handle this? A 12V air compressor and a plug kit? Aerosol can of just air and hope the tire holds the pressure? Cell phone and an auto club? What's the scoop here?

Thanks in advance ... Ron ...

 

[silver98]

Ron,
Put a set ($$OUCH$$) of EMT's on and have a ball.
IMO

 

[MAC5]

Looks like you've got some options here:

If your current tires have the sensors installed and you want to get the remaining treadwear use:

a. Get a patch kit, compressor, jack and wrench

b. Take your chances, call a tow service, or car club (AAA)

No sensors, good treadlife remaining:

a. Patch kit, compressor, jack and wrench

b. Tire sealant cans

c. Take your chances, call a tow service, or car club

The choice over runflats vs non-runflats boils down to a couple of personal decisions, if you like the conveinence of not carrying the additional equipment around, security of being able to travel to a repair center, and are willing to trade off some performance and ride comfort go with the EMT's.

If on the other hand, your looking to max out the handling characteristics of the C5, your probably looking at the non-runflat choices.

 

[ron]

run flats

IMHO, Just one service call for tow truck in a desolate region will make up for the difference between non-fun flats vs. run flats.

 

[COR4VETTE]

If you got a blow out. What good is a patch kit. What would happen if you were on back road and you got a flat and it is not near home. Hope you have AAA. Then when he comes what is he going to do for you. TOW YOU. GET RUN FLATS drive with peace of mind.

 

[jrose7004]

I carry a plug kit, compressor that plugs in the lighter, a pair of needle nose plyers and a flashlight! Oh and a cell phone to call AAA if I need to!

 

[RonJ]

The 98 that I just bought comes with brand new Michelin Pilot Sports, I think that's the name on them. They list at $418 each here in Canada. One of the selling points on the car. I'm not about to take them off to get EMT's.

Maybe the 12volt compressor and a plug kit is the way to go.

In thinking about it, I haven't had a tire "blow" on me since I was a kid and using bias ply tires. I've had very few flats from punctures and they are pure bad luck. Actually, the last flat I had was in my drive-way when I picked up a roofing nail!! And that was a long time ago!

If there are anymore ideas/opinions out there, love to hear them!!

Ron ...

 

[napacruzerC5]

If you got a blow out. What good is a patch kit. What would happen if you were on back road and you got a flat and it is not near home. Hope you have AAA. Then when he comes what is he going to do for you. TOW YOU. GET RUN FLATS drive with peace of mind.

What good are EMTs when you have a blow out! "Normal" nails, screws, and assorted holes can be handled by an EMT. A "blowout" where the tire disintegrates will render your EMT as useless as the cheapest non-run flat tire that is flat. I still prefer the Goodyear F1 GS-D3s that I have on; they are quiet, run much softer and smoother than the EMTs. Yes I have a patch kit, air compressor and a can of tire sealer (for quick get-a-ways if in the bad part of town. I know it will render the pressure sensor dead but thats $60-70 vs my skin).

 

[arcom]

If I weren't so lazy, I'd ditch the runflats when I'm next due for a sneaker swap. They are without a doubt the hardest riding, nosiest tires I've ever experienced.