Michelin Issues Statement to Corvette Forum About Cracked C7 Tires
Michelin, the official tire supplier for the new Corvette Stingray and Z06, has issued a statement to Corvette Forum responding to complaints that some owners have been noticing cracks in their tires.
The concerns are highlighted in a thread started by Corvette Forum member Sdtoothdoc called “Took Delivery A8 Z06 San Diego-CRACKED TIRES!”
“Hey guys … my A8 Z06 finally got here in San Diego and I took her home a few miles away,” wrote Sdtoothdoc. “As suspected, all four tires have cracks like Dennis’s from Las Vegas. When at the dealer, they said that four other Stingrays all have the same cracks in the tires.”
Lee Willard, Michelin lead engineer for Corvette, issued the following statement when Michelin was contacted by Corvette Forum about the cracked tires:
“This winter has been extremely harsh in much of the country and some recently shipped Corvette tires may exhibit cracking. In general, summer tires should never be driven on or moved in temperatures under 20°F because they may crack. Tires should be carefully inspected at the dealership before taking delivery of a vehicle. Never use a tire with freeze cracks, breaks, or damage to the sidewall or tread. For those residing in colder climates, Corvette owners should have a plan for vehicle storage during cold winter months. If your garage drops below 20°F regularly, consider removing tires and storing them inside. If you live in colder climates and want to drive your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F we strongly recommend investing in a set of winter or all-season tires.”
There are plenty of further thoughts about this issue in the forum, so head on over there for a deep dive.