Run Flat Tires - Need Advice
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 528
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Originally Posted by HummelS
The problem with the "slime" is that it will screw up the tire pressure monitors, I've been told.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 59
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From: Toccoa GA
Originally Posted by timemender
Old guy? In mid-life crisis? What’s “old” to you? (Just curious)
I have owned and driven Vettes since I was 21 years old.
I bought my 11th Corvette a couple of months ago (a 2003 MSG Coupe) off of a friend who has owned/driven Vettes since 1974. He is 86 years old (not a typo - he's 86) and purchased a 2006 Red Cashmere Coupe, so I bought his 2003 (with 5,446 miles). He always traded his in for another every few years. I have never sold one. I laugh when people who don’t really know me, think I drive a Vette because of a mid-life crisis. Once it gets in your blood…………
I have owned and driven Vettes since I was 21 years old.
I bought my 11th Corvette a couple of months ago (a 2003 MSG Coupe) off of a friend who has owned/driven Vettes since 1974. He is 86 years old (not a typo - he's 86) and purchased a 2006 Red Cashmere Coupe, so I bought his 2003 (with 5,446 miles). He always traded his in for another every few years. I have never sold one. I laugh when people who don’t really know me, think I drive a Vette because of a mid-life crisis. Once it gets in your blood…………
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Ewing NJ
Because mine is a daily driver (except in ice or snow), I bought the Pilot Sport A/S runflats. I don't care about the alleged increased noise. Between the exhaust sound and having the top down, tire noise doesn't bother me.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Corvette land ky
This is my opinion if it counts. When we bought our 98 it had the original run flats. I did not like the handling of the car. If the road had a groove in it, the car would pull. My hubby had Kuhmo's put on it and I love the way it handles now. I feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Also, we have a 92 that has kuhmo's. Also, our 97 has goodyears that we put on it but when it is time to replace them (it does not take my hubby long to wear them out) we will replace them with Kuhmo's.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I don't have run flats at all - but in defense of the tire, it's probably the most mis-understood tire ever. Here's an interesting article that will dispel some of the rumors and mis-information on run flats....
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/q....php?qstId=515
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/q....php?qstId=515
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,356
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
Originally Posted by azmusclecar
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...r/100_1386.jpg
this happened to me and has made me nervous about non runflats......
it cost me @ $550.00 to get back on the road with towing and tire.
No way a patch kit was going to fix this..........
this happened to me and has made me nervous about non runflats......
it cost me @ $550.00 to get back on the road with towing and tire.
No way a patch kit was going to fix this..........
Man, I feel for you on that one!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 287
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From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Originally Posted by Buell-rider
99Feather!!
I use to live in Baton rouge, I also went to LSU and graduated from there.I lived off of Nicholson Extension in the Tiger Land Apts for years...... How is Mike Anderson's doing?? best onion rings in town.... I miss the people, atmosphere and food there.......cheers ron
I use to live in Baton rouge, I also went to LSU and graduated from there.I lived off of Nicholson Extension in the Tiger Land Apts for years...... How is Mike Anderson's doing?? best onion rings in town.... I miss the people, atmosphere and food there.......cheers ron
I've been in the BR area for 10 years now. I have always enjoyed the people, the atmosphere, and the food! However, it has been a little crowded since Katrina rolled through.
Good luck on the tire decision.
Jeff
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 140
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From: NE Ohio & So Cal
Originally Posted by AtiLLa
First of all you have to decide if you want to stay with runflats or not. I personally like the runflats, inspite of the louder road noise and slightly poorer performance. The peace of mind is what i like. Some people carry the inflator/patch kit w/o runflats, but keep in mind that not all punctures can be repaired with the kits. Plus your still stranded on the side of the road somewhere trying to repair the tire in less than desirable conditions. Like a previous poster said, there are alot of good non runflats out there that really improve the cars noise and performance if your willing to give up the security of runflats. If you decide to stay with runflats, you already know there are some cheaper ones out there other than goodyear. Keep in mind that goodyears have a 200 mile run flat rating (you can drive up to 200 miles with 0 air at 50 mph) and it still may be possible to repair the tire. Some of the other brands have 50 to 100 mile run flat ratings and some are NOT repairable at all once they have a puncture. My advise would be to decide what is most important you in a tire and then research the brands that meet those requirements and get the best one you can afford.
atilla...
atilla...
I road trip between Oh & Ca at least once a year. When I'm driving between San Antonio & El Paso I want the best run flats I can get. Friends who do local driving prefer the non runflat options. Plenty of info on forum to help you decide what's best for you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,468
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From: I saw her today at the reception.....a glass of wine in her hand...
I have the runflats and will prob buy another set at some point just to not have to deal with changing a tire.....
Plus, with my luck, I'd have a flat in a bad neighborhood or in the middle of the night.....
Plus, with my luck, I'd have a flat in a bad neighborhood or in the middle of the night.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
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From: Norfolk VA
think about the # of times you've had flat tires in your life, then compair that to the amount of time you've spent in cars. Is the possibility of a bad situation worth the poor performance/comfort/expense of runflats to you??
I ditched those things several years back and would NEVER go back.
I ditched those things several years back and would NEVER go back.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Savannah Ga
Originally Posted by Dave68
...some additional facts to consider...
1) Many tire shops will not touch runflats and the ones that do, generally do NOT guarantee that they will not damage your wheels.
2) Think about any of the times you had to have a tire repaired. Did it blow-out such that you were instantly stranded or did it have a slow leak that was sealed by the screw or nail that was embedded in it?
3) How often have you had a flat tire? Once a year, or once every 10 years?
4) Do you also carry around an extra alternator and maybe an extra battery? If not, maybe you really don't need so many pieces-of-mind and their resulting "extra baggage"!
The Mazda Miata does not come with runflats as standard equipment. You can pay extra for them if you MUST have them, but for best handling, Mazda recommends non-runflats. BMW had equipped their 2nd generation Z4 with runflats...that is, until the car mags blasted these cars for having darty steering that made the driver nervous. As expected, the new Z4s do not come with runflats. I think we all know why........
1) Many tire shops will not touch runflats and the ones that do, generally do NOT guarantee that they will not damage your wheels.
2) Think about any of the times you had to have a tire repaired. Did it blow-out such that you were instantly stranded or did it have a slow leak that was sealed by the screw or nail that was embedded in it?
3) How often have you had a flat tire? Once a year, or once every 10 years?
4) Do you also carry around an extra alternator and maybe an extra battery? If not, maybe you really don't need so many pieces-of-mind and their resulting "extra baggage"!
The Mazda Miata does not come with runflats as standard equipment. You can pay extra for them if you MUST have them, but for best handling, Mazda recommends non-runflats. BMW had equipped their 2nd generation Z4 with runflats...that is, until the car mags blasted these cars for having darty steering that made the driver nervous. As expected, the new Z4s do not come with runflats. I think we all know why........
I have driven a cumiltave 1,000,000 miles or more in my life. I have never had a blow out or had to use a spare tire. Well, except a motor cycle I had in my youth that I was to cheap to buy a tire even though I saw threads.
I replaced the run flats with Yokohamas and found that to be the best upgrade I made on this car. I have since gotten a few small punctures that required patching. But as the previous post stated, the screw/nail acts as a seal any way. at least till you get to a repair center.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 287
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From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Originally Posted by Lancer033
think about the # of times you've had flat tires in your life, then compair that to the amount of time you've spent in cars. Is the possibility of a bad situation worth the poor performance/comfort/expense of runflats to you??
I ditched those things several years back and would NEVER go back.
I ditched those things several years back and would NEVER go back.
The run-flats do provide a little peace-of-mind for a daily driver that does not carry a spare.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn VA
Like most have stated I would skip the run flats, but don't just walk into a Goodyear dealer and expect to get a good price. When I still had my 97 I was planning on getting my Goodyear EMT's off of Tire Rack ($275 for rear $235 for front). I just happened to be passing by the Goodyear dealer and he had a huge sign that said "big sale on Corvette EMTs", so I figured what the hell, might as well see what he's asking. If it's only a few dollars more I'll just get them here and not worry about the shipping. He quotes me a "deal" at $550 a piece 
I told him to pound sand and gave him the price at Tire Rack. I showed him the web site and he was floored, apparently Goodyear charged him $285 for the rears. He couldn't touch there price if he wanted to. Long story short, check out Tire Rack and see what kind of deal you can get. Good luck! 
I told him to pound sand and gave him the price at Tire Rack. I showed him the web site and he was floored, apparently Goodyear charged him $285 for the rears. He couldn't touch there price if he wanted to. Long story short, check out Tire Rack and see what kind of deal you can get. Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Originally Posted by NoelsTorchredZ
Like most have stated I would skip the run flats, but don't just walk into a Goodyear dealer and expect to get a good price. When I still had my 97 I was planning on getting my Goodyear EMT's off of Tire Rack ($275 for rear $235 for front). I just happened to be passing by the Goodyear dealer and he had a huge sign that said "big sale on Corvette EMTs", so I figured what the hell, might as well see what he's asking. If it's only a few dollars more I'll just get them here and not worry about the shipping. He quotes me a "deal" at $550 a piece I told him to pound sand and gave him the price at Tire Rack. I showed him the web site and he was floored, apparently Goodyear charged him $285 for the rears. He couldn't touch there price if he wanted to. Long story short, check out Tire Rack and see what kind of deal you can get. Good luck!
I told him to pound sand and gave him the price at Tire Rack. I showed him the web site and he was floored, apparently Goodyear charged him $285 for the rears. He couldn't touch there price if he wanted to. Long story short, check out Tire Rack and see what kind of deal you can get. Good luck! 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge VA
the previous generations of Mazda Miatas had a spare tire - so no runflats was fine - I guess the new ones dont, I'm not sure I dont have one.
ok, I removed the spare on my miata anyhow, BUT, tires for a miata are cheap. you blow a tire, you can be back on the road for $70 (the cost of my all-season tires if I remember right).
tires for the corvette are a tad more expensive. I dont want to find myself royally hosed because I dont have a few hundred extra bucks sitting in my bank when I get a flat (and before anyone brings up "well what about having money if you get in an accident and have to pay the deductible" accidents happen FAR less often than flats). So I still use runflats, and likely will continue to in the future
ok, I removed the spare on my miata anyhow, BUT, tires for a miata are cheap. you blow a tire, you can be back on the road for $70 (the cost of my all-season tires if I remember right).
tires for the corvette are a tad more expensive. I dont want to find myself royally hosed because I dont have a few hundred extra bucks sitting in my bank when I get a flat (and before anyone brings up "well what about having money if you get in an accident and have to pay the deductible" accidents happen FAR less often than flats). So I still use runflats, and likely will continue to in the future
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Originally Posted by '99 Feather
In the 4+ years I have owned this car I have had 3 flats.
The run-flats do provide a little peace-of-mind for a daily driver that does not carry a spare.
The run-flats do provide a little peace-of-mind for a daily driver that does not carry a spare.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Originally Posted by craig04c5
You didn't have flats you had punctures which in most cases does not cause a flat tire if caught and plugged because the object is usually still in the tire. Its when you pull out the object you get a flat tire (if you don't have EMT's). If the tire sensors are working this would also help prevent a true flat.
Never the less, the run flats allowed me to limp to someone qualified to repair the tire in what was then my only vehicle.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
Originally Posted by Buell-rider
I'm new to this forum,,so thanks in advance for any help... I just bought my first C5 a 97' with 19,210 miles on it. Mint condition only driven to church and to the dairy queen(or so they said,,maybe a drift contest or two) by an old guy in mid-life crisis. Awesome maintenance, the car is in show room condition.
It unfortunately has the Badyear RFTs on it and needs a new set of shoes. I priced out a set of tires here in North Georgia (Toccoa) and I could solve world hunger for what they want for them. A local tire dealer has Kumho RFTs, Yoko RFTs, and Pirelli RFTs and another has Bridgestone and Firestone RFTs they all look pretty good.. They are half the price of the Goodyears (have to pay for that Blimp that flies around to the football games somehow).
I had Cooper Zeons on my 86 C4 and hated them,,so wont go that way again...
Any educated opinions out there on the RFTs especially the Kumhos ??????? thanks ron..
It unfortunately has the Badyear RFTs on it and needs a new set of shoes. I priced out a set of tires here in North Georgia (Toccoa) and I could solve world hunger for what they want for them. A local tire dealer has Kumho RFTs, Yoko RFTs, and Pirelli RFTs and another has Bridgestone and Firestone RFTs they all look pretty good.. They are half the price of the Goodyears (have to pay for that Blimp that flies around to the football games somehow).
I had Cooper Zeons on my 86 C4 and hated them,,so wont go that way again...
Any educated opinions out there on the RFTs especially the Kumhos ??????? thanks ron..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Originally Posted by '99 Feather
My apologies. I wasn't aware you were looking over my shoulder during each of these incidents.
Never the less, the run flats allowed me to limp to someone qualified to repair the tire in what was then my only vehicle.
Never the less, the run flats allowed me to limp to someone qualified to repair the tire in what was then my only vehicle.