To Run Flat or to Non Run Flat, that is the question
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
To Run Flat or to Non Run Flat, that is the question
My C6 is my daily driver and I'm finally going to replace the old OEM F1s. I am on the fence about run flat vs non run flat.
I have read some of the threads that say the non run flats have a better ride and to use a cell and AAA, or a plug kit and mobile compressor, but wonder if anyone has had to use the previous remedies and have regrets in doing so.
I have read some of the threads that say the non run flats have a better ride and to use a cell and AAA, or a plug kit and mobile compressor, but wonder if anyone has had to use the previous remedies and have regrets in doing so.
#3
Le Mans Master
I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports run flats and I was pleasantly surprised at how good they ride an how quiet they are .
heck they are standard equipment on C7's
Took the plug kit, air compressor ,dikes etc out of my car as now I am not as scared anymore ....
Dave
heck they are standard equipment on C7's
Took the plug kit, air compressor ,dikes etc out of my car as now I am not as scared anymore ....
Dave
#4
Team Owner
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For me, I keep buying runflats because we go on trips in the Vette and I like the peace of mine they give me.
#5
I have had a sidewall slice on a remote road, on a Sunday, in the rain, in an area with no shoulder, just a mud drop of about 6 inches, in a dead zone, 50 miles from the nearest area which could replace my tire. I was able to drive the 50 miles to Zip Corvette, and they fixed me up first thing Monday morning.
Thank goodness for Run Flats.
There are seemingly charmed individuals, who, apparently can go their entire lives w/o getting a flat, but I am not one of them. I average about 20,000 miles between flats. That's about once a year or more often. Before the C6, I considered myself an expert with a tire iron.
This is the most recent sidewall incident. This would have not been pretty to see if it had happened to a non RF tire. This pic was after 30 miles of being driven.
Drive which ever type of tire lets you sleep at night. Just be aware that you too, can get a flat tomorrow.
Thank goodness for Run Flats.
There are seemingly charmed individuals, who, apparently can go their entire lives w/o getting a flat, but I am not one of them. I average about 20,000 miles between flats. That's about once a year or more often. Before the C6, I considered myself an expert with a tire iron.
This is the most recent sidewall incident. This would have not been pretty to see if it had happened to a non RF tire. This pic was after 30 miles of being driven.
Drive which ever type of tire lets you sleep at night. Just be aware that you too, can get a flat tomorrow.
#6
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The Michelin Ultra High Performance All Season ZP (runflat) is quiet, rides soft, has decent handling and can be driven year round. I recommend them.
#7
I was in the same boat. Had to replace my fronts for sidewall bubble and flat on run flats. Replaced with NRF sumitomo tires. But rears are still run flats until I wear them down enough. Can't say I notice the change honestly (it being quiet or riding smoother) I daily drive about 500 + miles on a variety of roads a week due to my job. I carry the green slime and plug kit, but will be carrying a Pontiac spare when I can find one for the piece of mind. For the price I think it's worth it to just carry a donut spare and plug kit (performance you can get out of NRF at a way cheaper cost, 2x the price)
I always have more than enough space w groceries and misc things I carry. I also have road side assistance w Geico for towing.
I always have more than enough space w groceries and misc things I carry. I also have road side assistance w Geico for towing.
#8
Drifting
By order of preference:
1) Michelin Pilot Sports (non run-flat) + AAA
2) Firestone run-flats
3) Poke in the eye with a sharp stick
4) Original Goodyear run-flats
1) Michelin Pilot Sports (non run-flat) + AAA
2) Firestone run-flats
3) Poke in the eye with a sharp stick
4) Original Goodyear run-flats
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Rebel Yell (11-30-2015)
#9
#10
Le Mans Master
Through my Liberal years, in my 20s, and 30s, I would have definitely purchased less expensive, and smoother riding, non-run flats.
Now, in my Conservative life, I feel far more comfortable with run flats.
Now, in my Conservative life, I feel far more comfortable with run flats.
#13
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I have Firehawks RF, and the ride is smooth, and have no worries of being stranded.
#14
Melting Slicks
Same here, paid on off a road trip a while back. Got a flat on the ET highway in a dead zone & triple digit heat, was able to drive the 40+ plus miles to an area where I could get it fixed.
#15
Race Car Tech
The answer is:
What ever tire you feel more comfortable with.
Each and every time you start your car and get on a roadway, you risk being in an accident that is more often than not out of your control.
The C6 has TMPS system that will warn you if your tire has a leak, and unless you get a sidewall blowout, you can get to safety before the tire goes completely flat.
Your driving habits will tend to be the deciding factor.
If you drive at night, in bad neighborhoods, in rain and snow, then buy RF's for your peace of mind.
If your driving is strickly during daytime hours, then either tire will suffice IMO.
What ever tire you feel more comfortable with.
Each and every time you start your car and get on a roadway, you risk being in an accident that is more often than not out of your control.
The C6 has TMPS system that will warn you if your tire has a leak, and unless you get a sidewall blowout, you can get to safety before the tire goes completely flat.
Your driving habits will tend to be the deciding factor.
If you drive at night, in bad neighborhoods, in rain and snow, then buy RF's for your peace of mind.
If your driving is strickly during daytime hours, then either tire will suffice IMO.
#16
Race Director
I have run both and prefer the non rf.
In the end is is about your level of comfort regarding ride and the possibility of flats.
If you are going to worry about it get the best riding rf.
RF's are more $.
The handling and ride of my non rf Bridgestone S0-4's, along with the $860 out the door cost has me smiling.
Mine is not a DD and I am rarely out at night, also I do not stray too bad parts of town.
If a everyday driver and out at night often and drive all over maybe a good riding rf is your answer.
In the end is is about your level of comfort regarding ride and the possibility of flats.
If you are going to worry about it get the best riding rf.
RF's are more $.
The handling and ride of my non rf Bridgestone S0-4's, along with the $860 out the door cost has me smiling.
Mine is not a DD and I am rarely out at night, also I do not stray too bad parts of town.
If a everyday driver and out at night often and drive all over maybe a good riding rf is your answer.
Last edited by Boomer111; 11-30-2015 at 10:08 AM.
#17
Le Mans Master
#18
Race Car Tech
I have been running NRF's since 2009, do long (3000 miles +) road trips every year. I've never once worried about getting a flat, and have never been stranded or had any reason to call a flatbed.
If you travel a lot of miles, there is a better chance of being in a car accident than getting a flat tire that leaves you stranded.
There are a lot more components than tires on a car that could leave you stranded on the side of the road. What if your alternator quits on you? What if your main drive belt decides to break in the middle of nowhere?
I think I get the paranoia, so for those in that camp, by all means, just buy the RF's and stop worrying.
Maybe that's why some Corvette owners keep their cars as garage queens...they are too afraid to drive them
If you travel a lot of miles, there is a better chance of being in a car accident than getting a flat tire that leaves you stranded.
There are a lot more components than tires on a car that could leave you stranded on the side of the road. What if your alternator quits on you? What if your main drive belt decides to break in the middle of nowhere?
I think I get the paranoia, so for those in that camp, by all means, just buy the RF's and stop worrying.
Maybe that's why some Corvette owners keep their cars as garage queens...they are too afraid to drive them
#19
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Not necessarily paranoia...more like comfort. RFs came on the car, I am comfortable with them, and do not see the need to change. Maybe someday...
#20
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Run Flats....
I recently replaced my OEM Goodyear tires. They rode loud and rough and I bought new tires at 9500 miles mainly because of some wear problems on one of my rear tires and two of them had been patch/plugged due to punctures. After the two punctures I had (one the first week I owned my car) there was no doubt in my mind that I was going with run flat tires. I read a lot on the forum and decided to go with Bridgestone Potenza RE-050A Run Flat tires and I have been very happy with my decision. They ride nice and the noise isn't there anymore that I had with my OEM Goodyears. Some owners don't mind the risk of non-run flat tires, but I like the peace of mind of having them.