edweiler

I own a new to me 2015 Z-51 Vette and am just wondering how you feel about the performance of the stock summer only M's in the rain. I live in N.E. Georgia and will most likely switch to the "all seasons" when the stock summer only's need replacing(soon)....I do not track my car...I have never driven it on the highway in a bad rain situation...and have a friend with a Z-06 that has warned me of hydroplaning issues...I am planning a week long trip to Florida soon of which obvious unavoidable rains will become evident. Thanks in advance for the lack of bashing and a few positive replies.

am3gross

I have not driven mine in the rain, not yet anyways. I have read here on the forum that they are not bad in the rain as long as the temp is 60 or above. i again have no personnel experience with them in the rain.

DrivesWithTwoFeet

I live in Florida and drive the car everyday on the stock tires and have no issues driving in the rain. Of course I drive a little more conservatively in the rain but just like in any car.

direct007

Stock tires on the Z51 are fine in the rain. Just don't take corners like it's 90 degrees out and sunny. If you drive normally, it's no issue.

bigblock427

I daily drove my '14 with Z51 on those tires in the rain and had absolutely no problem driving in the rain. I had confidence in the tire while driving in the rain.

Maxpowers

MPSSs work fine in the rain. Watch for standing water. They can hydroplane in the right conditions.

edweiler

Thanks for the input

Zymurgy

They hydroplane much more readily than typical tires do. I switched to A/S 3+ ZPs and they are much better in the rain (and cold) with very little loss in "summer" performance.

edweiler

I plan to make the same switch...but just can't justify taking such a hit on my present tires which are in pretty good shape...thanks for your input

Jeff V.

Last year I got caught in a torrential downpour while driving up I-69 into Michigan. It's one of the few times I've been genuinely scared while driving. But the car did fine, even with the original set of Michelins from when it was built in 2014. I'm going to replace them this year and I'll probably stick with the same model of tire.

Drive responsibly when it's wet and/or cold, make use of the wet weather performance mode, and you should be fine.

Foosh

They are good in the rain as long as it's warm.

Rapid Fred

Agree with this and all similar observations. Maybe it is just psychological, but shifting to the "weather" setting increases my confidence in wet or colder than ideal conditions. I forget the exact owners' manual wording but I think it slows down throttle response a bit and really cranks up the nannies. Whatever it does, I approve!

Oh, and I replaced the stock tires with the Michelin A/S 3+ on my prior C6 -- and agree with the strategy of replacing the stock PSS when the time comes. Those things are amazing...

JerryU

If one wear bar is showing replace the tires! Tread depth is key to driving in heavy rain. I never let my tires get worn where the outer treads are worn past the wear marks. One hydroplaning incident can cost more than new tires!

Have had to drive my Z51 and Grand Sport In heavy rain a few times. No fun even with deep tread!

Seldom need to drive when below 40F in Eastern SC. Have driven a few times at 30F. No problem as long as you use caution and put the car in Weather Mode. I would not buy anything except the excellent OEM tires BUT will replace them when the tread is at or slightly above the wear marks.

roadbike56

I don't use my C7 as a DD, but I've been caught out in the rain in some of those torrential southeast downpours. The C7 with OEM tires (2014) did just fine. Yes, I slowed down and didn't push it, but did not experience any hydroplaning. In north GA, you should be fine as long as there is 4/32 or more and it doesn't snow. If you are going to buy tires and switch, I would put it off until October or November and at least drive the current tires until then. That will allow you to put a few thousand miles on them before making a change.

Grand Slam

I've had some problems with my GS tires in the rain but you asked about Z51. I always use Weather Mode and advise you to do that if you have Magnetic Ride.

phantom1

Mps 4s

JerryU

Yep, I used Weather mode in my Z51 without MRC when below 45F AND when driving in the rain.

In Weather mode the “nannies” come in sooner and when making turns avoids the rear stepping out. Also avoid using cruise control in the rain. In heavy rain use an old technique employed for increasing mpg; use the throttle as if there was a raw egg between your foot and the gas peddle.