I don’t like all of the negatives about run flats. I have C6 19s x 18” which I guess would have nothing to do with it.
Anyway, I don’t race the car or even drive it in the rain.
When I do drive it I like to push it hard. It’s just a toy that I don’t need, but I would like to enjoy the car
when I do take it out. From what I’ve been reading, it sounds like summer performance tires would be
the best for my circumstance.

I have read bits and pieces about a small air compressor that can be kept in a storage compartment. Although, if the hole in the tire is big enough the air will just leak back out.
Beyond that, I don’t like the idea of working on a flat on the side of a freeway with cars blasting by at 200 MPH. So, how do you guys who are using regular tires handle a flat?

 

Well you can look for your size Run-Flats or get a AAA membership !

 

I carry a small, good quality 12 volt air compressor - and AAA. No fix a flat. No problems so far with the Michelin PS3's, and the C5 is a different car with them as compared to the run flats. We're prepping the C5 for the Corvette caravan trip from the Seattle area to Bowling Green in 2029. Of course if I win the lottery - or hit it big in a few stocks that could change.

 

I've never had run flats on my car.

I don't carry a pump or a plug kit.

Now, don't take this the wrong way but I do look at it as a law of averages. I have probably driven close to a half million miles as an adult and I have never in my life been stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire.

So I guess it is just one of those things I don't worry about. and I have a truck and a car trailer if the **** really hit the fan.

 

When I bought my car and upgraded to C6 wheels and standard summer perf tires, I bought the small compressor along with the bottle of sealant, I also fixed up a donut spare tire and jack kit for long trips, and on top of that I have roadside assistance on my insurance, it is super cheap, like $12.

I also pray I will never need any of those solutions.

 

I have a 12v air compressor. This works well for most punctures. It doesn't fix the tire, but it DOES allow you to drive it to somewhere safe. The vast majority of tire failures are due to some sort of road debris like a screw or a nail. I have had this happen multiple times. Every single time, the pump has been enough to get me to a shop. It only takes a moment to attach and start the pump. You can then wait in the relative safety of the car for the few minutes it takes to reinflate the tire. If you take proper care of the tires, and replace them every 6 years, or if the tread gets low, then they are very unlikely to blow out to the point that you can't use the pump to at least get to a safe place.

In the VERY rare occurrence that the pump isn't going to cut it, you get a AAA membership. They have roadside assistance and towing services. The advantages of non run flat tires FAR outweigh the risk of a flat.

In general, non run flats are cheaper, offer better traction, are quieter, and offer a better ride. In addition, if they do get damaged, there's a very good chance they can be effectively repaired as long as the damage isn't too close to the side wall. Run flats cannot be repaired if damaged. Typically, they will take you about 50 miles after a puncture and then they're useless.

More food for thought, the C5 Z06 didn't come with run flats from the factory. They came with a tire repair kit (which you can carry in addition to the pump). I highly recommend you either get a set of Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 or Michelin Cup tires. You'll need to limit your driving to when it's over 40°, but it seems like you do that already. The performance difference is significant.

 

I haven't had run flats in my C6 over decade I'm AAA Premier member and carry portable compressor and plug kit.

 

I have owned two 2002 verts and immediately got rid of the run flats. They were old, noisy and lacked traction. Replaced with Hankook V12 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5. No regrets. Buy at Costco and get a good price along with road hazard protection included. I have AAA plus a 12v compressor and plug kit for emergency. On a dry summer day, the runflats would break loose to the point they were dangerous and the road noise was bad. If you plan to drive it do some tire research.

 

100k+ miles on C-5 with non run-flats. Active TPMS, scissor jack, tire slime, compressor, plug kit, cell phone, credit card.

 

Using tire sealant such as fix a flat,slim etc. will screw up your TPM sensors in the wheel.

 

The label says TPMS safe. But, the tire, wheel and sensor will have to be cleaned after use. Better than being stuck.

 

I don't have a membership as costco.
I looked at TIRE RACK just to get some ideas on cost. Do you think they have good pricing?
They ship to the shop that will install them.

 

Thanks guys for all of the replies.

It looks like I have enough info to feel comfortable. I've had some health issues over the last few years and put only a couple of hundred miles on it in that time period. When I drove it last year to run the old gas out I noticed a problem. My body was vibrating like I had been driving on a rough gravel road or something, and that was only 40 or 50 miles.
I pulled into a parking lot to check the tires, even though they were all at proper inflation.
They all seemed to have correct torque measured by my yanking on them.
I got home, vibrating even more and made sure all of the lugs were tight. That’s when I started remembering what everybody always had to say about run flats.
I can't imagine what it would have felt like if I had driven a super excessive 200 miles.

Maybe like James Bond 007, he liked his martini shaken, not stirred. And a set of non run flats for my Aston Martin.
Now I’m going non run flats.

 

I previously did business with TireRack, never again. Used their recommended installer and was overcharged. TireRack offered me a refund/credit that never happened. Today I use them for price comparison and get a local dealer to match or beat their price. Lesson learned, never again.

 

sounds good/smart

 

it is better than being stuck! I carry a compressor,jack and plug kit.

 

12 volt compressor and plug kit. On a road trip you are 50 to 100 miles from AAA. And if the puncture encroaches on the sidewall most people will not fix it for you. And tire sizes become problematic. AAA for in town, especially the freeway.
George.

 

I absolutely love tire rack! I buy all my tires from them. Most come with a free road hazard warranty in addition to the regular warranty. Several years ago I got a set of Michelin Pilot Sports from them. I got a giant screw right next to the sidewalk about a week after I got them. They replaced it quickly with absolutely no hassle at all. I called them as soon as the shop told me the screw was too close to the sidewalk for a repair. They asked to speak to the tech, and I had a brand new tire installed on the car less than 48 hours later. I will say that I've never used any of their installers. I've always gone to a shop that I trusted. However, they have good tires at good prices, with great warranties, and free shipping. I've never had a bad experience with them.

I first heard of tire rack long ago when I was talking to a shop about getting new rims and tires to go with them for my old Mustang. The guy there was super cool. He basically said, "we can do that for you, but to be honest we're just going to order them from tire rack. You can order them yourself and save some money". I've used tire rack ever since.

 

Michelins/Continentals are just expensive, so shop around town for the best price and bight the bullet. They ride great, quiet (comparatively), and wear like iron. They will probably date out before wearing out. I can’t even remember ever having a road flat, but am a member of the sheep herd and carry the plug kit and 12v inflator.

AAA is so slow these days I gave up my 40 Year Diamond Jim Imperial Commander level membership and just use my car insurance roadside assistance if needed.

 

Never use Fixaflat. That stuff is vial.

Often it will only fix small leaks and a plug will take care of that if needed. But anymore most tires will take an object and just slow leak so you can fill it and just drive to a service place to get it fixed. Flats are very rare today and the use of a spare is even more rare,

I gave only had three flats in my life. Two were in the same year on the same set of tires. Ran over a lock key for a wire hub cap and another I must have hit sharp ice as it damaged the side wall. It was a cheap set of General tires.
I had one about 6 years ago on my wife's car and it was a slow leak and I just filled it up and drove it to a tire shop in Canton. Had it plugged and went on. Even with a spare I never use them.

There was a time that flats were so very common. The old cars with two spares were not always for show as they could count on several flats on a long drive. Even in the 50's if you drove from Detroit to Atlanta you may see several flats on Bias and or tube tires. With he narrow window we drive these cars in and limit limited miles 99% of us will never see a flat. The only place it makes much sense is if you driving cross country in areas with few resources. Even then you still would be faced with the issue of where to carry the tire if you have luggage and the limited range of a compact spare. Odds are you may have to stop a day or so to find a tire to be shipped in if it can't be repaired. .