Hello,

I have a 1999 C5 convertible with aftermarket Z06 chrome wheels and new Dunlop tires (non run flats). I am thinking about taking a trip with the car and may not have quick access to a replacement tire in case of a completely damaged tire. I would like to bring a spare tire with me on the trip. The rear wheels are 18 inch and fronts are 17 inch (stock sizes). I have access to a C5 17 inch wheel and tire. Before I purchase it, would this wheel/tire fit on the rear properly should the rear tire be damaged beyond repair ? This would only be a short term fix until I could purchase the correct replacement tire. Are there offset or other problems that might occur ?
I appreciate all replies.

Charles

 

You might want to check these guys out

https://modernspare.com/search-page/...vette&cfy=2001

 

Brutally honest when this topic comes up I think people look a little too much into it.

I've been running non-run flats for quite some time, have gone on quite a few trips, and all I carry is a 12v compressor. If you have a leak or tire that goes down, a 12v is likely going to air it up enough to get you to service. If you have a super serious gash or sidewall damage, which in all honesty is unlikely to happen unless you blatantly hit something, then you'll need a flatbed anyway. And unless your in the middle of Death Valley you'll likely have cell coverage unless your carrier is junk.

The problem with a staggered tire setup and one of the reasons why a spare is not OEM is a single tire size for the spare may account for one end of the car but not the other, i.e., if you have a 17" spare and have a flat on the rear then you're putting yourself in an exceptionally dangerous situation putting the wheel on the car should you choose to drive it. The other issue will be how will you secure the spare to the car? It's an absolute no-no to just lay it in the back (if you get hit or hit something, what's the one object that's going to go flying?) and even strapping it down, if you can reasonably, would be very questionable.

I think your best recourse is to simply carry a portable 12v compressor and a AAA membership.

 

Would work for the front. It wouldn't be advised to use different size tire/wheels on the rear. You risk damaging the limited slip differential.

 

If you are that worried about getting a flat you may want to go this route:




I have taken several 1500 mile road trips and one 3500 mile trip with my C5. I carry a can of sealer, compressor and plug kit. Have not needed them. If I get a flat I will deal with it.

 

Carry a plug kit, air compressor, cell phone and either AAA or emergency road service on your car insurance.

 

 

This.

There is no real way to tie down or secure a full-size tire and wheel in a C5 either a coupe or 'vert. If you were to brake hard to avoid hitting something or got hit hard from the rear, that wheel/tire could become a missile bouncing around the rear storage area.

And even if you did have a flat and carry some kind of wheel and tire, it would be a PITA to jack the car up and swap the wheel/tire. And you would have to carry some sort of jack that will raise the car so you can get the wheel swapped.

 

+1 on an AAA card and cell phone.

 

If you do a search here you may find some discussions regarding a temporary spare (the skinny wheel and tire kind) that would work in an emergency. If memory serves it may have been from the Pontiac GTO cars. I took a road trip with a couple of friends years ago (up into Canada) and we took along one of these because we were passing through some fairly desolate areas. It was strictly to let you limp to the next town. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

Thanks, I just bought a DC tire inflator and a can of fix a flat

 

That's VERY true, and a good piece of advice. Therefore, if the OP is completely committed to carrying a spare, carry one the same OD as the rear tires.....

 

Plug kit, compressor, AAA card and a lot of spare time because AAA is the slowest in the industry.