Spare / Jack / non run flat Tires ? INPUT NEEDEDED
Just an Ole Surfer Boy
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 0
From: Timing is Everything The Jersey Shore
NCM Ambassador
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'08-'09-'10-'13-'14
You guys that are planning on using slime are in for a surprise IF you leave your TPMSs in.
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 2
From: MCO
I'm 99% sure that jack is from a Mercedes Benz. Here is what the GTO Spare Tire looks like:
BTW -- When I had mine, and if I would have had a flat on the rear, I probably would have put the front tire on rear, and put the spare in front. I thought it might save wear on the posi.
BTW -- When I had mine, and if I would have had a flat on the rear, I probably would have put the front tire on rear, and put the spare in front. I thought it might save wear on the posi.
Last edited by EscapePod; Feb 3, 2009 at 07:58 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
TO THE OP.....
When is the last time you had a flat? Probably can't remember.
That's the logic I applied and dumped the runflats for some real tires. No spare, no jack, no slime, no compressor - nothing but my cell phone and knowledge that unless you have a catastrophic blow-out, most will be slow leaks which your TPS will alert to.
Stop worrying about what 'can' happen - go on the side of your own history, driving style, hazards in your 'normal' route..that sort of thing.
Yeah, If I lived in a brand new subdivison or had to go thru big construction zones to get from A to B, that may raise the risk level a notch. My terror threat level
.
.
.
.
.
IS LOW
When is the last time you had a flat? Probably can't remember.
That's the logic I applied and dumped the runflats for some real tires. No spare, no jack, no slime, no compressor - nothing but my cell phone and knowledge that unless you have a catastrophic blow-out, most will be slow leaks which your TPS will alert to.
Stop worrying about what 'can' happen - go on the side of your own history, driving style, hazards in your 'normal' route..that sort of thing.
Yeah, If I lived in a brand new subdivison or had to go thru big construction zones to get from A to B, that may raise the risk level a notch. My terror threat level
.
.
.
.
.
IS LOW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 25
From: Texas
TO THE OP.....
When is the last time you had a flat? Probably can't remember.
That's the logic I applied and dumped the runflats for some real tires. No spare, no jack, no slime, no compressor - nothing but my cell phone and knowledge that unless you have a catastrophic blow-out, most will be slow leaks which your TPS will alert to.
Stop worrying about what 'can' happen - go on the side of your own history, driving style, hazards in your 'normal' route..that sort of thing.
Yeah, If I lived in a brand new subdivison or had to go thru big construction zones to get from A to B, that may raise the risk level a notch. My terror threat level
.
.
.
.
.
IS LOW
When is the last time you had a flat? Probably can't remember.
That's the logic I applied and dumped the runflats for some real tires. No spare, no jack, no slime, no compressor - nothing but my cell phone and knowledge that unless you have a catastrophic blow-out, most will be slow leaks which your TPS will alert to.
Stop worrying about what 'can' happen - go on the side of your own history, driving style, hazards in your 'normal' route..that sort of thing.
Yeah, If I lived in a brand new subdivison or had to go thru big construction zones to get from A to B, that may raise the risk level a notch. My terror threat level
.
.
.
.
.
IS LOW
funny
I have non runflats on mine, and have thought about just carring a plug kit, a small compressor, maybe a small jack, and if all else fails a can of fix a flat.
that's why I read these threads, to look for suggestions on the above.....
i would hope to never have to use this, but as someone mentioned above, what if you were somewhere that you could not get a cell signal?
I know most of the time it is just a small leak, but it's better to be safe than sorry and sitting on the side of the road.....
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,119
Likes: 672
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
OK, I was wrong, you can find the stuff to change a flat tire. But why? There are some runflats that arn't so noisy, but never the less, why would you want to carry all that stuff around with you? If you want to run non-runflats, a simple plug kit and compresser will work. I just don't see a reason to carry a load of repair crap in a car designed to be drove without it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
You guys that are planning on using slime are in for a surprise IF you leave your TPMSs in.
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
I don't know it it is "different" -- just a small scissor jack. Here's some pix of the kit, how it fits in the front jack cut-out (don't puke, people, just filthy from NE winter and no cleanup 'til this weekend) and how the compressor, kit (in black bag) and plugs easily fit in the stowage area. I had the compressor; the plugs plus jack cost maybe $50 total.
Last edited by Rapid Fred; Feb 5, 2009 at 03:46 PM. Reason: I'm stupid
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 1
From: Eureka California
You guys that are planning on using slime are in for a surprise IF you leave your TPMSs in.
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
THANKS!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 688
Likes: 107
From: Long Beach SoCal
You guys that are planning on using slime are in for a surprise IF you leave your TPMSs in.
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
I'm not talking about them ruining the sensors, I'm talking about getting the Slime into the tires. Read your directions, they want you to remove the tire valve "inner workings" (i.e. the valve core) and squeeze the bottle to allow the Slime to go into the tire after a flat. BUT our sensors have a small air restriction and will not allow the Slime to pass freely. GOOD LUCK !
This comment made me think why Slime would advertise their product as being TPMS compliant, but then possibly not being unable to put the sealant into the tire. So I emailed them. Their reply was, along with their "TPMS Statement of Compatibility" (http://www.slime.com/index.php?p=faq...11#answer_1111), they added at the bottom,
"It is also important to note that you may not be able to install the product, as valve mounted TPMS may serve to prevent the sealant from passing through the tire valve. I hope this information has proven helpful."
So they only said "may serve to prevent" and not definitely "won't." If I ever do encounter a flat I'd still try to use it and see.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Let me preface my post by saying "to each his/her own"
I'm with Oldvetter, if the possibility of the slime ruining my TPMS or my wheel or not being able to fully penetrate the valve is there, then why bother.
People forget that they are driving a car that was designed and built to not have to carry a spare. That is added weight (and less speed). It also was not built with jacking it up on the side of the road in mind. IMHO, its not worth the trouble to try to carry a jack and spare or use the slime.
Nothing wrong with going with non-runflats if that is what you desire. Just have a good roadside assistance service and a cell phone and you will be fine.
I personally don't see anything wrong with the OEMs, but the Michelin runflats are very good alternative. Less noise, all-season capability, and better treadwear.
Putting a jack and a spare in a C5 or using the slime on a coupe or vert with TPMS is like putting a round peg in a square hole. It don't fit
Let me add that runflat technology has come a long way since the OEMs for our C5s were developed (even the C6Z and ZR-1 have runflats). Personally, I am waiting for the new Michelin runflat for the C5to come out (don't know if it hasn't come out already).
I'm with Oldvetter, if the possibility of the slime ruining my TPMS or my wheel or not being able to fully penetrate the valve is there, then why bother.
People forget that they are driving a car that was designed and built to not have to carry a spare. That is added weight (and less speed). It also was not built with jacking it up on the side of the road in mind. IMHO, its not worth the trouble to try to carry a jack and spare or use the slime.
Nothing wrong with going with non-runflats if that is what you desire. Just have a good roadside assistance service and a cell phone and you will be fine.
I personally don't see anything wrong with the OEMs, but the Michelin runflats are very good alternative. Less noise, all-season capability, and better treadwear.
Putting a jack and a spare in a C5 or using the slime on a coupe or vert with TPMS is like putting a round peg in a square hole. It don't fit
Let me add that runflat technology has come a long way since the OEMs for our C5s were developed (even the C6Z and ZR-1 have runflats). Personally, I am waiting for the new Michelin runflat for the C5to come out (don't know if it hasn't come out already).
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Just have a good roadside assistance service and a cell phone and you will be fine.
When was the last time you called for a tow ?
I have called for two in the last two years (neither for the Vette) and each took well over 2 hours to show up........and this was in the city !
I shudder to thing how long it would take to get a tow in the rural parts of the US.......like in a desert, or the mountains. What about areas where there is no cell coverage ?
I will stick with my Michelin ZPs as long as my C5 makes long trips from home.
When was the last time you called for a tow ?
I have called for two in the last two years (neither for the Vette) and each took well over 2 hours to show up........and this was in the city !
I shudder to thing how long it would take to get a tow in the rural parts of the US.......like in a desert, or the mountains. What about areas where there is no cell coverage ?
I will stick with my Michelin ZPs as long as my C5 makes long trips from home.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
Just have a good roadside assistance service and a cell phone and you will be fine.
When was the last time you called for a tow ?
I have called for two in the last two years (neither for the Vette) and each took well over 2 hours to show up........and this was in the city !
I shudder to thing how long it would take to get a tow in the rural parts of the US.......like in a desert, or the mountains. What about areas where there is no cell coverage ?
I will stick with my Michelin ZPs as long as my C5 makes long trips from home.
When was the last time you called for a tow ?
I have called for two in the last two years (neither for the Vette) and each took well over 2 hours to show up........and this was in the city !
I shudder to thing how long it would take to get a tow in the rural parts of the US.......like in a desert, or the mountains. What about areas where there is no cell coverage ?
I will stick with my Michelin ZPs as long as my C5 makes long trips from home.
The last time I needed a tow was about 3 years ago when I had my old mag red vert. I have USAA and I must say they have great roadside assistance. I only needed to wait about 30 minutes for the truck to arrive and they properly flatbedded my car to the dealer (I didn't call for a flat tire as I had Michelin runflats on this car just like I have now, my ETC died. I traded this car right after this incident
) Anyway, you can have the same issues as you describe above on a car with runflats (like I had with the ETC). You have to plan your trip carefully and hope fate doesn't step in and deal you a problem in a remote area with no coverage. Honestly, how many times has the scenario you described above ever happen to you? What if you catch a flat and are more than 50 miles from assistance on your Michelins? You would have essentially the same problem as someone with non-runflats, no?
That said, I have same tires on my C5 that you do and don't plan to ever put non-runflats on my car. I just feel that in most situations, the runflats would come in handy. What you described is an extreme case that I don't wish on anybody.
Peace
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Wife's dd C5 has original runflats. Mine has non-runflats, cell phone and auto club along with the following:
Mercedes mini-jack from Frederick.
Tire patch kit, 12V compressor with built-in light, etc.
Kept in the center compartment with a plastic sheet to lay on the ground
I have had flats in other cars in the past and have either plugged them on the spot or fixed them at home because they were slow leaks.
I'll probably always keep runflats on the wife's vette for safety although I have always noted that a jack and spare were worthless on any car she drives since she can't use them anyway.
Mercedes mini-jack from Frederick.
Tire patch kit, 12V compressor with built-in light, etc.
Kept in the center compartment with a plastic sheet to lay on the ground
I have had flats in other cars in the past and have either plugged them on the spot or fixed them at home because they were slow leaks.
I'll probably always keep runflats on the wife's vette for safety although I have always noted that a jack and spare were worthless on any car she drives since she can't use them anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I feel ya, Bro.
The last time I needed a tow was about 3 years ago when I had my old mag red vert. I have USAA and I must say they have great roadside assistance. I only needed to wait about 30 minutes for the truck to arrive and they properly flatbedded my car to the dealer (I didn't call for a flat tire as I had Michelin runflats on this car just like I have now, my ETC died. I traded this car right after this incident)
Anyway, you can have the same issues as you describe above on a car with runflats (like I had with the ETC). You have to plan your trip carefully and hope fate doesn't step in and deal you a problem in a remote area with no coverage. Honestly, how many times has the scenario you described above ever happen to you? What if you catch a flat and are more than 50 miles from assistance on your Michelins? You would have essentially the same problem as someone with non-runflats, no?
That said, I have same tires on my C5 that you do and don't plan to ever put non-runflats on my car. I just feel that in most situations, the runflats would come in handy. What you described is an extreme case that I don't wish on anybody.
Peace
The last time I needed a tow was about 3 years ago when I had my old mag red vert. I have USAA and I must say they have great roadside assistance. I only needed to wait about 30 minutes for the truck to arrive and they properly flatbedded my car to the dealer (I didn't call for a flat tire as I had Michelin runflats on this car just like I have now, my ETC died. I traded this car right after this incident
) Anyway, you can have the same issues as you describe above on a car with runflats (like I had with the ETC). You have to plan your trip carefully and hope fate doesn't step in and deal you a problem in a remote area with no coverage. Honestly, how many times has the scenario you described above ever happen to you? What if you catch a flat and are more than 50 miles from assistance on your Michelins? You would have essentially the same problem as someone with non-runflats, no?
That said, I have same tires on my C5 that you do and don't plan to ever put non-runflats on my car. I just feel that in most situations, the runflats would come in handy. What you described is an extreme case that I don't wish on anybody.
Peace
I was just saying that we all live in different places with different conditions. What works for one area, may not in another. I stay with RFs because of the possibility of the rare situation and because I hate waiting multiple hours.......for anything.....guess I would make a lousy Socialist
Well I did wait in line once for 36 hours......but that was 1968 and it was for Stones tickets 
BTW, if I had to drive more than 50 miles on my ZPs....I would
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I would not presume to tell anyone how to equip their car.
I was just saying that we all live in different places with different conditions. What works for one area, may not in another. I stay with RFs because of the possibility of the rare situation and because I hate waiting multiple hours.......for anything.....guess I would make a lousy Socialist Well I did wait in line once for 36 hours......but that was 1968 and it was for Stones tickets
BTW, if I had to drive more than 50 miles on my ZPs....I would
I was just saying that we all live in different places with different conditions. What works for one area, may not in another. I stay with RFs because of the possibility of the rare situation and because I hate waiting multiple hours.......for anything.....guess I would make a lousy Socialist
Well I did wait in line once for 36 hours......but that was 1968 and it was for Stones tickets BTW, if I had to drive more than 50 miles on my ZPs....I would
Just playing devil's advocate
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Just noted that the OP mnfmkf lives in my area......Portland. He likely knows that there are MANY areas in Oregon that have no cell coverage.......this is what I was talking about......with no cell coverage, having AAA and a cell phone is useless.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
Thanks for everyones input. 
So this is where I am at .
I plan to go with Non Run-flat tires ( less noise ) .
I will buy a Slime kit.
If you can find a hole big enough to plug, then I guess you might be able to squirt " slime " into the tire through the hole ??
Mike
Portland Oregon
So this is where I am at .
I plan to go with Non Run-flat tires ( less noise ) .
I will buy a Slime kit.
If you can find a hole big enough to plug, then I guess you might be able to squirt " slime " into the tire through the hole ??
Mike
Portland Oregon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Thanks for everyones input.
So this is where I am at .
I plan to go with Non Run-flat tires ( less noise ) .
I will buy a Slime kit.
If you can find a hole big enough to plug, then I guess you might be able to squirt " slime " into the tire through the hole ??
Mike
Portland Oregon
So this is where I am at .
I plan to go with Non Run-flat tires ( less noise ) .
I will buy a Slime kit.
If you can find a hole big enough to plug, then I guess you might be able to squirt " slime " into the tire through the hole ??
Mike
Portland Oregon
Besides, without a jack and lug wrench (to take the tire off), you stand little chance of plugging a 10 inch wide tire with only 2-3 inches of ground clearance. You would be lucky to just find the hole/object, and have to do this by pushing the car and looking at tread. Even finding a jack capable of fitting under a C5 with a flat tire is difficult !
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
Thanks " ESCAPE POD " .
I guess a picture is worth a million words.
And CORRECT INFORMATION is a valuable thing.
Maybe I just need a non run flat tires , a GTO spare, a jack , and some type of removal device for the lugnuts !!
Mike
Portland Oregon
I guess a picture is worth a million words.
And CORRECT INFORMATION is a valuable thing.
Maybe I just need a non run flat tires , a GTO spare, a jack , and some type of removal device for the lugnuts !!
Mike
Portland Oregon
Last edited by mnfmkf; Feb 7, 2009 at 04:24 PM.