mxw1

I've had 3 late model Corvettes in the past 18 years or so; one C-4 and two C-5s.

I've noticed that the cars handle very well when the tires are new, but after about 1/2 the tread is worn down, the cars seem to "dart" when driving over road imperfections like paving seams, between lanes, etc.

The car feels like there is "slop" in a tie rod end or something, it seems to want to jump 6 inches left or right when the road surface isn't perfect.

I know it's the tires, because I currently have two C-5s, and when I change the tires/wheels between the two cars the problem transfers to the car with the old tires. When I replace the tires; the problem goes away, for a while...

It's done this with my C-4 and the C-5s; doesn't matter if they are run-flats or not, all the tires I've been buying seem to do that after their "Half-Life".

It's time to buy another set for one of the C-5s, so I was wondering if anyone has a recomendation for a tire brand that doesn't do this after "Half-Life"?

Thanks,
Mike

Silverback51

It's a common problem with wide low profile, square shouldered tires. And run flat tires are even worse due to the stiff side wall.

OBSESHON Mark

I had this problem with my 1990 C4 Vert.
The problem I found was the kumho Tires. These would dart all over the road from the first day they were installed.
Once I changed to Sumitomo Tires the problem went away.

I am on my third set of tires on my C5 , Original GY Run Flats, Sumitomo and now Hankook Ventus V12's. Never had this problem on my C5.

vette.mix

TheoZ

It is often called tramlining I think. The original GY F1s on my Z06 did it horribly. But the new Conti Extreme Contact DWS set I just put on go straight and true no matter what the road surface does.

See http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=47

mxw1

Cool thanks for the link and explaination.

I knew it was happening, just didn't know why.

The old tires have less tread on them; making them more responsive.

Thanks.

Anybody recomend a tire that "tramlines" less as it ages?

raydawg357

This is also a common problem with Nitto INVO tires. They are very squishy.

Willby70

Less than 100 miles on my Nitto Invo, I like them. I'm running 18x10.5 all corners.

02603sec

I have gy run flats. 34 pressure all the around. Run that for 2000 miles or until they get squirrely then go to 38 for a very noticeable improvement. Run for 2000 then realease the pressure bach to 34. Ill do thos until i get rid of the run flats.

Qwik01

Think its bad now?? Wait until you lower the car!