Run-flats Rock!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Well, when it comes to runflats, you have to ask yourself several questions.
1. What kind of driving am I going to be doing? local, long distance, racing, city, major traffic driving, at the track, etc.
2. Am I doing it to save money? runflats are more expensive by far
3. Who will be driving the car? just me or maybe my wife
4. Do I know how to repair (plug) a non-runflat? Many have no idea how to do this. Some haven't even thought of trying to get that tire up in the air and put the plug in. What they haven't thought about is how they will get the jack under the car with the car now lower than before, doing all of this while on the side of the highway.
5. Are they doing this because they acted on the spur of the moment and from what they have heard? I say this because it basically encompasses just about everything asked above but answers the question that some people may not know any better.
Many times people will say they got rid of the runflats for the better handling, which is great. We all know that non-runflats weigh less, handle better, but what we should be telling these people is to make sure you have a contingency plan in case you have a flat. I have heard of some talking about how they will use a can of "Fix-A-Flat" and here henceforth known as "Ruined TPMS in a Can".
To the poster of the thread, I have had so many flats that I freaking think I am jinxed. I do make long trips and because of that I will continue to use runflats. My wife also drives the car and I like the added piece of mine knowing she will be ok and not stuck on the side of the road in traffic.
1. What kind of driving am I going to be doing? local, long distance, racing, city, major traffic driving, at the track, etc.
2. Am I doing it to save money? runflats are more expensive by far
3. Who will be driving the car? just me or maybe my wife
4. Do I know how to repair (plug) a non-runflat? Many have no idea how to do this. Some haven't even thought of trying to get that tire up in the air and put the plug in. What they haven't thought about is how they will get the jack under the car with the car now lower than before, doing all of this while on the side of the highway.
5. Are they doing this because they acted on the spur of the moment and from what they have heard? I say this because it basically encompasses just about everything asked above but answers the question that some people may not know any better.
Many times people will say they got rid of the runflats for the better handling, which is great. We all know that non-runflats weigh less, handle better, but what we should be telling these people is to make sure you have a contingency plan in case you have a flat. I have heard of some talking about how they will use a can of "Fix-A-Flat" and here henceforth known as "Ruined TPMS in a Can".
To the poster of the thread, I have had so many flats that I freaking think I am jinxed. I do make long trips and because of that I will continue to use runflats. My wife also drives the car and I like the added piece of mine knowing she will be ok and not stuck on the side of the road in traffic.
And I am driving from Florida, to New York, to Los Angeles, through Chicago and Colorado. On non run flat tires
Florida - Ralleigh done, NC to New York tomorrow, NY to Chicago Thursday, Chicago, Denver Sunday, Denver LA Monday. Not expecting a flat, but if it happens I know how to fix 'em.
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
Z06(C5) corvettes don't have a TPMS
And I am driving from Florida, to New York, to Los Angeles, through Chicago and Colorado. On non run flat tires Florida - Ralleigh done, NC to New York tomorrow, NY to Chicago Thursday, Chicago, Denver Sunday, Denver LA Monday. Not expecting a flat, but if it happens I know how to fix 'em.
And I am driving from Florida, to New York, to Los Angeles, through Chicago and Colorado. On non run flat tires
Florida - Ralleigh done, NC to New York tomorrow, NY to Chicago Thursday, Chicago, Denver Sunday, Denver LA Monday. Not expecting a flat, but if it happens I know how to fix 'em.Good luck on your trip (sincerely)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
RUN-FLATS....YES Don't always count on your cellphone to work for you as there are MANY places in California that DO NOT get coverage no matter WHAT carrier you have and chances are you could get that flat tire in a NO SERVICE area and then what? 
Don't always count on your cellphone to work for you as there are MANY places in California that DO NOT get coverage no matter WHAT carrier you have and chances are you could get that flat tire in a NO SERVICE area and then what?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
Talk about deja vous. Today a friend called me and said he was repairing someones flat tire. If the person who had the flat had run flats, he could have driven it somewhere and had the tire fixed. The other point is in reference to those buying regular tires and not knowing how to fix a flat (plug a tire). Obviously this person didn't know how to fix the tire but he did have the typical plug kit. What alot of us are trying to say, is make an educated guess when you decide what tires you are going to get. Some people just go out and buy the non-runflats because they hear they are cheaper and ride better. These same people never realize that they may have to change the tire or repair (plug) the tire.
Also, alot of new C5ers should know both sides of the story.Some of these people have no idea what repairing a tire entails. All they hear are stories from people on here saying how much better non-runflats are without ever thinking about how they will change that flat tire.
Just a quick note for those who want non-runflats. Imagine you are driving on that road trip /cruise and it is late at night and you have a flat. Now tell yourself, I have to repair this tire. Hmmm, first I have to jack up the car to get the tire off. Why do you have to take the tire off? Well you aren't going to plug that tire with it on the car unless you have some magic way of applying enough force to sink that plug in. Second of all, do you have that extra low profile jack that you are going to need to raise the car up? And are you in a good location to raise the car up as well? Remember, once that tire is flat, the car is now lower and getting that jack under the wheel is going to be difficult.
Hey some people love to gamble. I will do my gambling in a casino. I just like to minimize the possibility of problems when I go on road trips. Any time I can remove a problem from the equation I will.
Also, alot of new C5ers should know both sides of the story.Some of these people have no idea what repairing a tire entails. All they hear are stories from people on here saying how much better non-runflats are without ever thinking about how they will change that flat tire.
Just a quick note for those who want non-runflats. Imagine you are driving on that road trip /cruise and it is late at night and you have a flat. Now tell yourself, I have to repair this tire. Hmmm, first I have to jack up the car to get the tire off. Why do you have to take the tire off? Well you aren't going to plug that tire with it on the car unless you have some magic way of applying enough force to sink that plug in. Second of all, do you have that extra low profile jack that you are going to need to raise the car up? And are you in a good location to raise the car up as well? Remember, once that tire is flat, the car is now lower and getting that jack under the wheel is going to be difficult.
Hey some people love to gamble. I will do my gambling in a casino. I just like to minimize the possibility of problems when I go on road trips. Any time I can remove a problem from the equation I will.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
OK, I can't take it anymore. I've seen so many of these threads that turn argumentative because of the runflat vs. non-runflat debate, so I thought I'd put in my cheap, un-endorsed $.02.
First of all, GM didn't put run-flats on the new C6Z06s because run-flats are better performing tires. Whether we like it or not, it was a business decision. Big tires are more susceptible to getting punctures, simply because there's more tire on the road, plain and simple. The previous generation C5 Z06s are no exception, and that cost GM more money trying to abate those that complained when they got flats. Let's face it, Fix-a-flat, plug kits, portable compressors, and the like are not always equalizers for flats, and customers that complained had to be placated.
Thus, it is better for GM to also put run-flats on C6Z06's. In hindsight, GM should never have gone to EMTs to begin with, but they had to compromise somewhere if they wanted to reduce weight and save space, and when they did go run-flats with some late C4s, it initially made sense, and seemed to work.
Future vehicle models are planned years in advance, so when they saw that this run-flat model made sense in terms of cost savings, performance improvements of the car itself (because they could reduce size, weight, etc.), the C5s were designed without accommodations for a spare, jack and tire tools.
However, GM knew that normal tires were superior in terms of performance, hence the Z06 came with regular tires. They did NOT add EMTs to the new C6Z06's because they enhance performance.
Now, some may say EMTs are safer, but they are not safer just because they're better for the car. As many members of this forum have pointed out, RELATED safety may be enhanced as a result of an EMT being on the car when loss of air pressure it experienced. You're not stranded in a remote, crime-ridden area, or worse, on the side of an L.A. freeway just after happy hour when those who "knew their limits" are swerving home.
Sure, some people may argue that if run-flats weren't so good, why doesn't GM just re-design new Vettes with a spare again? Because, they're not stupid, that's why. It would cost them a heckuvalot to redesign and tool up just to add a spare, and Vettes are already way too expensive for what they are already, and they know it!
Sure, they're less money than other high-end sports cars like Ferraris, Porsches, etc., but come on, Vettes are not even in the same league as those cars. Until recently, Vettes were what's left of American Muscle, and that's what they have going for them. And, that's always been the excuse to skimp on many accoutrements which enabled GM to keep the price comparatively low.
Think about it, the interiors could have been alot better, all the squeaks, creaks, and moans could've been eliminated, along with the cheap plastic among other things, but GM knew that in order to do all that, they would lose their place in the market as the cheapest high-performance sports car, and many of us wouldn't have bought them then.
Now, as far as whether or not run-flats are indeed a superior tire, just look around at other cars that are often matched in shoot-outs with Vettes and come to your own conclusion. Check out the foreign cars in the Vette class. Which of them have run-flats?
I, personally, switched to non-runflats, well aware that I would be sacrificing the convenience factor if I got a flat, and I get flats ALOT. I usually get between 6 - 10 flats over the life of a set of tires. In fact, I got a flat already on my new PS2s, less than a month after I put them on. But, then again, every time I got a flat when I had run-flats, I checked at the tire shops I went to and not one stocked the run-flat I needed. Thank goodness all my flats had been reparable, 'cause apparently, MANY shops don't even stock them.
I would never try to encourage anyone either way on whether or not to go run-flat or non-runflat because it is a very personal thing.
So to those that are trying to convince others over which is better, shut the heck up, because you are wasting your time. It's a matter of personal preference. For example, if YOU are all about performance and are willing to risk a flat, it doesn't matter what you say to someone who lives in a rural area and shares the car with someone else.
Conversely, those of you prefer run-flats for admirable reasons such as safety, peace of mind, because GM had them stock on the car, whatever, shut the heck up, too, because that's not reason enough for someone who's not you to jump back on the run-flat bus!
Both camps are not doing anything to contribute to threads like these. The OP was merely stating his experience, that's it! Nowhere in his post did he try to convince anyone of anything, he's just sharing, for Pete's sake, and by adding argumentaive posts added to a thread like this, all you're doing is hijacking the thread!
BTW, who is Pete, anyway?
First of all, GM didn't put run-flats on the new C6Z06s because run-flats are better performing tires. Whether we like it or not, it was a business decision. Big tires are more susceptible to getting punctures, simply because there's more tire on the road, plain and simple. The previous generation C5 Z06s are no exception, and that cost GM more money trying to abate those that complained when they got flats. Let's face it, Fix-a-flat, plug kits, portable compressors, and the like are not always equalizers for flats, and customers that complained had to be placated.
Thus, it is better for GM to also put run-flats on C6Z06's. In hindsight, GM should never have gone to EMTs to begin with, but they had to compromise somewhere if they wanted to reduce weight and save space, and when they did go run-flats with some late C4s, it initially made sense, and seemed to work.
Future vehicle models are planned years in advance, so when they saw that this run-flat model made sense in terms of cost savings, performance improvements of the car itself (because they could reduce size, weight, etc.), the C5s were designed without accommodations for a spare, jack and tire tools.
However, GM knew that normal tires were superior in terms of performance, hence the Z06 came with regular tires. They did NOT add EMTs to the new C6Z06's because they enhance performance.
Now, some may say EMTs are safer, but they are not safer just because they're better for the car. As many members of this forum have pointed out, RELATED safety may be enhanced as a result of an EMT being on the car when loss of air pressure it experienced. You're not stranded in a remote, crime-ridden area, or worse, on the side of an L.A. freeway just after happy hour when those who "knew their limits" are swerving home.
Sure, some people may argue that if run-flats weren't so good, why doesn't GM just re-design new Vettes with a spare again? Because, they're not stupid, that's why. It would cost them a heckuvalot to redesign and tool up just to add a spare, and Vettes are already way too expensive for what they are already, and they know it!
Sure, they're less money than other high-end sports cars like Ferraris, Porsches, etc., but come on, Vettes are not even in the same league as those cars. Until recently, Vettes were what's left of American Muscle, and that's what they have going for them. And, that's always been the excuse to skimp on many accoutrements which enabled GM to keep the price comparatively low.
Think about it, the interiors could have been alot better, all the squeaks, creaks, and moans could've been eliminated, along with the cheap plastic among other things, but GM knew that in order to do all that, they would lose their place in the market as the cheapest high-performance sports car, and many of us wouldn't have bought them then.
Now, as far as whether or not run-flats are indeed a superior tire, just look around at other cars that are often matched in shoot-outs with Vettes and come to your own conclusion. Check out the foreign cars in the Vette class. Which of them have run-flats?
I, personally, switched to non-runflats, well aware that I would be sacrificing the convenience factor if I got a flat, and I get flats ALOT. I usually get between 6 - 10 flats over the life of a set of tires. In fact, I got a flat already on my new PS2s, less than a month after I put them on. But, then again, every time I got a flat when I had run-flats, I checked at the tire shops I went to and not one stocked the run-flat I needed. Thank goodness all my flats had been reparable, 'cause apparently, MANY shops don't even stock them.
I would never try to encourage anyone either way on whether or not to go run-flat or non-runflat because it is a very personal thing.
So to those that are trying to convince others over which is better, shut the heck up, because you are wasting your time. It's a matter of personal preference. For example, if YOU are all about performance and are willing to risk a flat, it doesn't matter what you say to someone who lives in a rural area and shares the car with someone else.
Conversely, those of you prefer run-flats for admirable reasons such as safety, peace of mind, because GM had them stock on the car, whatever, shut the heck up, too, because that's not reason enough for someone who's not you to jump back on the run-flat bus!
Both camps are not doing anything to contribute to threads like these. The OP was merely stating his experience, that's it! Nowhere in his post did he try to convince anyone of anything, he's just sharing, for Pete's sake, and by adding argumentaive posts added to a thread like this, all you're doing is hijacking the thread!
BTW, who is Pete, anyway?
Last edited by MrLeadFoot; Oct 22, 2007 at 01:55 AM.
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
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
OK, I can't take it anymore. I've seen so many of these threads that turn argumentative because of the runflat vs. non-runflat debate, so I thought I'd put in my cheap, un-endorsed $.02.
First of all, GM didn't put run-flats on the new C6Z06s because run-flats are better performing tires. Whether we like it or not, it was a business decision. Big tires are more susceptible to getting punctures, simply because there's more tire on the road, plain and simple. The previous generation C5 Z06s are no exception, and that cost GM more money trying to abate those that complained when they got flats. Let's face it, Fix-a-flat, plug kits, portable compressors, and the like are not always equalizers for flats, and customers that complained had to be placated.
Thus, it is better for GM to also put run-flats on C6Z06's. In hindsight, GM should never have gone to EMTs to begin with, but they had to compromise somewhere if they wanted to reduce weight and save space, and when they did go run-flats with some late C4s, it initially made sense, and seemed to work.
Future vehicle models are planned years in advance, so when they saw that this run-flat model made sense in terms of cost savings, performance improvements of the car itself (because they could reduce size, weight, etc.), the C5s were designed without accommodations for a spare, jack and tire tools.
However, GM knew that normal tires were superior in terms of performance, hence the Z06 came with regular tires. They did NOT add EMTs to the new C6Z06's because they enhance performance.
Now, some may say EMTs are safer, but they are not safer just because they're better for the car. As many members of this forum have pointed out, RELATED safety may be enhanced as a result of an EMT being on the car when loss of air pressure it experienced. You're not stranded in a remote, crime-ridden area, or worse, on the side of an L.A. freeway just after happy hour when those who "knew their limits" are swerving home.
Sure, some people may argue that if run-flats weren't so good, why doesn't GM just re-design new Vettes with a spare again? Because, they're not stupid, that's why. It would cost them a heckuvalot to redesign and tool up just to add a spare, and Vettes are already way too expensive for what they are already, and they know it!
Sure, they're less money than other high-end sports cars like Ferraris, Porsches, etc., but come on, Vettes are not even in the same league as those cars. Until recently, Vettes were what's left of American Muscle, and that's what they have going for them. And, that's always been the excuse to skimp on many accoutrements which enabled GM to keep the price comparatively low.
Think about it, the interiors could have been alot better, all the squeaks, creaks, and moans could've been eliminated, along with the cheap plastic among other things, but GM knew that in order to do all that, they would lose their place in the market as the cheapest high-performance sports car, and many of us wouldn't have bought them then.
Now, as far as whether or not run-flats are indeed a superior tire, just look around at other cars that are often matched in shoot-outs with Vettes and come to your own conclusion. Check out the foreign cars in the Vette class. Which of them have run-flats?
I, personally, switched to non-runflats, well aware that I would be sacrificing the convenience factor if I got a flat, and I get flats ALOT. I usually get between 6 - 10 flats over the life of a set of tires. In fact, I got a flat already on my new PS2s, less than a month after I put them on. But, then again, every time I got a flat when I had run-flats, I checked at the tire shops I went to and not one stocked the run-flat I needed. Thank goodness all my flats had been reparable, 'cause apparently, MANY shops don't even stock them.
I would never try to encourage anyone either way on whether or not to go run-flat or non-runflat because it is a very personal thing.
So to those that are trying to convince others over which is better, shut the heck up, because you are wasting your time. It's a matter of personal preference. For example, if YOU are all about performance and are willing to risk a flat, it doesn't matter what you say to someone who lives in a rural area and shares the car with someone else.
Conversely, those of you prefer run-flats for admirable reasons such as safety, peace of mind, because GM had them stock on the car, whatever, shut the heck up, too, because that's not reason enough for someone who's not you to jump back on the run-flat bus!
Both camps are not doing anything to contribute to threads like these. The OP was merely stating his experience, that's it! Nowhere in his post did he try to convince anyone of anything, he's just sharing, for Pete's sake, and by adding argumentaive posts added to a thread like this, all you're doing is hijacking the thread!
BTW, who is Pete, anyway?
First of all, GM didn't put run-flats on the new C6Z06s because run-flats are better performing tires. Whether we like it or not, it was a business decision. Big tires are more susceptible to getting punctures, simply because there's more tire on the road, plain and simple. The previous generation C5 Z06s are no exception, and that cost GM more money trying to abate those that complained when they got flats. Let's face it, Fix-a-flat, plug kits, portable compressors, and the like are not always equalizers for flats, and customers that complained had to be placated.
Thus, it is better for GM to also put run-flats on C6Z06's. In hindsight, GM should never have gone to EMTs to begin with, but they had to compromise somewhere if they wanted to reduce weight and save space, and when they did go run-flats with some late C4s, it initially made sense, and seemed to work.
Future vehicle models are planned years in advance, so when they saw that this run-flat model made sense in terms of cost savings, performance improvements of the car itself (because they could reduce size, weight, etc.), the C5s were designed without accommodations for a spare, jack and tire tools.
However, GM knew that normal tires were superior in terms of performance, hence the Z06 came with regular tires. They did NOT add EMTs to the new C6Z06's because they enhance performance.
Now, some may say EMTs are safer, but they are not safer just because they're better for the car. As many members of this forum have pointed out, RELATED safety may be enhanced as a result of an EMT being on the car when loss of air pressure it experienced. You're not stranded in a remote, crime-ridden area, or worse, on the side of an L.A. freeway just after happy hour when those who "knew their limits" are swerving home.
Sure, some people may argue that if run-flats weren't so good, why doesn't GM just re-design new Vettes with a spare again? Because, they're not stupid, that's why. It would cost them a heckuvalot to redesign and tool up just to add a spare, and Vettes are already way too expensive for what they are already, and they know it!
Sure, they're less money than other high-end sports cars like Ferraris, Porsches, etc., but come on, Vettes are not even in the same league as those cars. Until recently, Vettes were what's left of American Muscle, and that's what they have going for them. And, that's always been the excuse to skimp on many accoutrements which enabled GM to keep the price comparatively low.
Think about it, the interiors could have been alot better, all the squeaks, creaks, and moans could've been eliminated, along with the cheap plastic among other things, but GM knew that in order to do all that, they would lose their place in the market as the cheapest high-performance sports car, and many of us wouldn't have bought them then.
Now, as far as whether or not run-flats are indeed a superior tire, just look around at other cars that are often matched in shoot-outs with Vettes and come to your own conclusion. Check out the foreign cars in the Vette class. Which of them have run-flats?
I, personally, switched to non-runflats, well aware that I would be sacrificing the convenience factor if I got a flat, and I get flats ALOT. I usually get between 6 - 10 flats over the life of a set of tires. In fact, I got a flat already on my new PS2s, less than a month after I put them on. But, then again, every time I got a flat when I had run-flats, I checked at the tire shops I went to and not one stocked the run-flat I needed. Thank goodness all my flats had been reparable, 'cause apparently, MANY shops don't even stock them.
I would never try to encourage anyone either way on whether or not to go run-flat or non-runflat because it is a very personal thing.
So to those that are trying to convince others over which is better, shut the heck up, because you are wasting your time. It's a matter of personal preference. For example, if YOU are all about performance and are willing to risk a flat, it doesn't matter what you say to someone who lives in a rural area and shares the car with someone else.
Conversely, those of you prefer run-flats for admirable reasons such as safety, peace of mind, because GM had them stock on the car, whatever, shut the heck up, too, because that's not reason enough for someone who's not you to jump back on the run-flat bus!
Both camps are not doing anything to contribute to threads like these. The OP was merely stating his experience, that's it! Nowhere in his post did he try to convince anyone of anything, he's just sharing, for Pete's sake, and by adding argumentaive posts added to a thread like this, all you're doing is hijacking the thread!
BTW, who is Pete, anyway?
The Corvette (stock) was designed to appeal to a wide demographic (mostly older people) Most who post up on CF are the hardcore modder crowd who are trying to build an 11-second car and I fully acknowledge that you can't do that on stock run flats (or any run flat). I have no issues with OEM tires at all, but it seems that other would like to tell me otherwise so I call them on it.
My point is, I like to debate with the best of them, but I don't like being attacked because I prefer to keep my car mostly stock
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Oct 22, 2007 at 04:13 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 12
From: Ft. Lauderdale Florida
I got rid of my run flats and glad I did. First of all new one EACH will cost you about $270 each. What a rip off. If you have $1200 plus to blow on tires every year or so good for you. I'd rather use the money saved to take my family on a vacation once a year 
I bought a set of non run flats installed and balanced for $650 for all 4. I carry a can of fix a flat and I have a tire plug just in case. The noise the run flats make is horrible and loud. The non run flats are much smoother and you can hear yourself talk in the car with them. Run flats are so loud you wanna scream when u talk. Ill take the $650 non run flats and a can of $1.99 fix a flat and $1.99 tire plug. As far as the tire pressure sensors being ruined by fix a flat as I have heard, I don't have any sensors. The guy I bought the car from changed rims from a 2000 to a 2005 (not ones in pic) and the sensors in the tires didn't work with my 2000 computer. As far as flats, yes everyone gets them but knock on wood I have only had 1 flat tire in 23 years driving. I'll take my chance with non run flats and save $1200 a year on tires 
I bought a set of non run flats installed and balanced for $650 for all 4. I carry a can of fix a flat and I have a tire plug just in case. The noise the run flats make is horrible and loud. The non run flats are much smoother and you can hear yourself talk in the car with them. Run flats are so loud you wanna scream when u talk. Ill take the $650 non run flats and a can of $1.99 fix a flat and $1.99 tire plug. As far as the tire pressure sensors being ruined by fix a flat as I have heard, I don't have any sensors. The guy I bought the car from changed rims from a 2000 to a 2005 (not ones in pic) and the sensors in the tires didn't work with my 2000 computer. As far as flats, yes everyone gets them but knock on wood I have only had 1 flat tire in 23 years driving. I'll take my chance with non run flats and save $1200 a year on tires
Last edited by mbella2000; Oct 22, 2007 at 12:43 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Did the C5 Z06s come with run-flats? No, they didn't. Should all the Z06 guys run out and change to EMTs because they MIGHT be stranded in some remote/dangerous location or they MIGHT not have cell-phone availability? Would a decision by them (or any other C5 owner) to NOT use EMTs be taking "the Vette back to 1970" as you say? Being "attacked" because of tire choice is a two-way-street.
NocarbutaVetteforme and MrLeadFoot both make the (obvious to me) case quite well. It's a personal decision, pure and simple.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I got rid of my run flats and glad I did. First of all new one EACH will cost you about $270 each. What a rip off. If you have $1200 plus to blow on tires every year or so good for you. I'd rather use the money saved to take my family on a vacation once a year I bought a set of non run flats installed and balanced for $650 for all 4. I carry a can of fix a flat and I have a tire plug just in case. The noise the run flats make is horrible and loud. The non run flats are much smoother and you can hear yourself talk in the car with them. Run flats are so loud you wanna scream when u talk. Ill take the $650 non run flats and a can of $1.99 fix a flat and $1.99 tire plug. As far as the tire pressure sensors being ruined by fix a flat as I have heard, I don't have any sensors. The guy I bought the car from changed rims from a 2000 to a 2005 (not ones in pic) and the sensors in the tires didn't work with my 2000 computer. As far as flats, yes everyone gets them but knock on wood I have only had 1 flat tire in 23 years driving. I'll take my chance with non run flats and save $1200 a year on tires
I bought a set of non run flats installed and balanced for $650 for all 4. I carry a can of fix a flat and I have a tire plug just in case. The noise the run flats make is horrible and loud. The non run flats are much smoother and you can hear yourself talk in the car with them. Run flats are so loud you wanna scream when u talk. Ill take the $650 non run flats and a can of $1.99 fix a flat and $1.99 tire plug. As far as the tire pressure sensors being ruined by fix a flat as I have heard, I don't have any sensors. The guy I bought the car from changed rims from a 2000 to a 2005 (not ones in pic) and the sensors in the tires didn't work with my 2000 computer. As far as flats, yes everyone gets them but knock on wood I have only had 1 flat tire in 23 years driving. I'll take my chance with non run flats and save $1200 a year on tires From my research, tire plugs are no longer legal in many states. They tend to fail. How would you like to have a blow-out at 150 MPH while just tring out your vette on a private stretch of road? Not me! I talked to a Goodyear dealer when I had my flat, and he told me they are no longer allowed to plug tires. They have to remove the tire from the rim, and patch it on the inside.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
From my research, tire plugs are no longer legal in many states. They tend to fail. How would you like to have a blow-out at 150 MPH while just tring out your vette on a private stretch of road? Not me! I talked to a Goodyear dealer when I had my flat, and he told me they are no longer allowed to plug tires. They have to remove the tire from the rim, and patch it on the inside.
My plan of attack would be to plug the tire so I could get to a tire shop, then have it patched and plugged.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 7
From: Bucks County Pa
My 1.5 cents
Hi Guys, Just thought I'd post my observations on the Stock Runflats on my vette. In a nutshell they stink. It is an 03 vert with 14000 on the clock. The tires have probably about 30% usable tread left and wearing perfectly even. I keep about 30psi in them. At a little over 70mph they have started to shimmy, indicating they need balancing. Not going to do it this season because I definitley plan on getting new treads next spring, and the vette driving season is just about over in this neck of the woods for me. They are by far the noisiest tires I have ever driven on. And they ride quite rough, as in hard. On the other hand I realize the value of having runflats on the car , mainly for the following reasons.
1, No tire repair kit that I know of is going to fix a glass cut in a tire. So if by chance the never gonna happen flat that I may get is a glass cut, at least the runflat will get me home, or somewhere out of the dangers of the side of the road and the elements.
2, On the occaisions that my wife drives the car, if she gets a flat, glass or any other kind, she is defintely not gonna be able to use the "Repair Kit", and I definitely don't want to see her relying on the kindness of strangers, stalkers, or other pervs that may be lurking on the highways. With the runflat, she will simply drive home, and then just dump the whole situation in my lap.
All that being said, I know that a non runflat tire would probably be less harsh, and possibly handle better at the limits, and may be a bit quieter, but I have to err on the side of safety. But When I do get new treads next season I am going to get the Michelin runflats, as I hear quite a bit about them being far superior to the Goodyears as far as noise and harshness. I also hear that the Michelins are rated for only 50 miles as opposed to my tires 200 miles in a flat condition, indicating a bit less stiff sidewall. I was talking to a friend this weekend that has just got a 2008 vette, and he says that his stock Goodyear runflats are rated for only 50 miles in a flat condition,(not sure if he is correct or not), indicating that GM has heard our cries and asked Goodyear to make the tire less stiff, and less noisy, so I'll look into that before I make my final decision about the new tire brand next spring. But I have Michelins on my other cars and have always found Michelin to be a superior tire to others that I have used.
So tear me apart if you will, it's just my 1.5 cents
Good Luck to all.
1, No tire repair kit that I know of is going to fix a glass cut in a tire. So if by chance the never gonna happen flat that I may get is a glass cut, at least the runflat will get me home, or somewhere out of the dangers of the side of the road and the elements.
2, On the occaisions that my wife drives the car, if she gets a flat, glass or any other kind, she is defintely not gonna be able to use the "Repair Kit", and I definitely don't want to see her relying on the kindness of strangers, stalkers, or other pervs that may be lurking on the highways. With the runflat, she will simply drive home, and then just dump the whole situation in my lap.
All that being said, I know that a non runflat tire would probably be less harsh, and possibly handle better at the limits, and may be a bit quieter, but I have to err on the side of safety. But When I do get new treads next season I am going to get the Michelin runflats, as I hear quite a bit about them being far superior to the Goodyears as far as noise and harshness. I also hear that the Michelins are rated for only 50 miles as opposed to my tires 200 miles in a flat condition, indicating a bit less stiff sidewall. I was talking to a friend this weekend that has just got a 2008 vette, and he says that his stock Goodyear runflats are rated for only 50 miles in a flat condition,(not sure if he is correct or not), indicating that GM has heard our cries and asked Goodyear to make the tire less stiff, and less noisy, so I'll look into that before I make my final decision about the new tire brand next spring. But I have Michelins on my other cars and have always found Michelin to be a superior tire to others that I have used.
So tear me apart if you will, it's just my 1.5 cents
Good Luck to all.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Hi Guys, Just thought I'd post my observations on the Stock Runflats on my vette. In a nutshell they stink. It is an 03 vert with 14000 on the clock. The tires have probably about 30% usable tread left and wearing perfectly even. I keep about 30psi in them. At a little over 70mph they have started to shimmy, indicating they need balancing. Not going to do it this season because I definitley plan on getting new treads next spring, and the vette driving season is just about over in this neck of the woods for me. They are by far the noisiest tires I have ever driven on. And they ride quite rough, as in hard. On the other hand I realize the value of having runflats on the car , mainly for the following reasons.
1, No tire repair kit that I know of is going to fix a glass cut in a tire. So if by chance the never gonna happen flat that I may get is a glass cut, at least the runflat will get me home, or somewhere out of the dangers of the side of the road and the elements.
2, On the occaisions that my wife drives the car, if she gets a flat, glass or any other kind, she is defintely not gonna be able to use the "Repair Kit", and I definitely don't want to see her relying on the kindness of strangers, stalkers, or other pervs that may be lurking on the highways. With the runflat, she will simply drive home, and then just dump the whole situation in my lap.
All that being said, I know that a non runflat tire would probably be less harsh, and possibly handle better at the limits, and may be a bit quieter, but I have to err on the side of safety. But When I do get new treads next season I am going to get the Michelin runflats, as I hear quite a bit about them being far superior to the Goodyears as far as noise and harshness. I also hear that the Michelins are rated for only 50 miles as opposed to my tires 200 miles in a flat condition, indicating a bit less stiff sidewall. I was talking to a friend this weekend that has just got a 2008 vette, and he says that his stock Goodyear runflats are rated for only 50 miles in a flat condition,(not sure if he is correct or not), indicating that GM has heard our cries and asked Goodyear to make the tire less stiff, and less noisy, so I'll look into that before I make my final decision about the new tire brand next spring. But I have Michelins on my other cars and have always found Michelin to be a superior tire to others that I have used.
So tear me apart if you will, it's just my 1.5 cents
Good Luck to all.
1, No tire repair kit that I know of is going to fix a glass cut in a tire. So if by chance the never gonna happen flat that I may get is a glass cut, at least the runflat will get me home, or somewhere out of the dangers of the side of the road and the elements.
2, On the occaisions that my wife drives the car, if she gets a flat, glass or any other kind, she is defintely not gonna be able to use the "Repair Kit", and I definitely don't want to see her relying on the kindness of strangers, stalkers, or other pervs that may be lurking on the highways. With the runflat, she will simply drive home, and then just dump the whole situation in my lap.
All that being said, I know that a non runflat tire would probably be less harsh, and possibly handle better at the limits, and may be a bit quieter, but I have to err on the side of safety. But When I do get new treads next season I am going to get the Michelin runflats, as I hear quite a bit about them being far superior to the Goodyears as far as noise and harshness. I also hear that the Michelins are rated for only 50 miles as opposed to my tires 200 miles in a flat condition, indicating a bit less stiff sidewall. I was talking to a friend this weekend that has just got a 2008 vette, and he says that his stock Goodyear runflats are rated for only 50 miles in a flat condition,(not sure if he is correct or not), indicating that GM has heard our cries and asked Goodyear to make the tire less stiff, and less noisy, so I'll look into that before I make my final decision about the new tire brand next spring. But I have Michelins on my other cars and have always found Michelin to be a superior tire to others that I have used.
So tear me apart if you will, it's just my 1.5 cents
Good Luck to all.
I couldn't agree with you more on switching from the RunCraps too. There are several different choices that seem to be getting much better feedback than GYs, Michelin being one of them.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,275
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver WA
I'm running Michelin PS runflats, and the road noise isn't no where near the GY tires, ride softer, and grip better. Unless you are drag racing and need a soft sidewall, or need a soft gummy tire for the track, then Run flats are great, providing you pick a good set of tires. I'll probably go to a non-run-flat for my next set. But that's only because I am looking for more traction and handling for HPDE. Run flat tires are heavy. But I may just have two sets of tires and rims. One with run flats, and one set with non run flats. I do like having run flats for when I am not out driving the car hard.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 12
From: Ft. Lauderdale Florida
From my research, tire plugs are no longer legal in many states. They tend to fail. How would you like to have a blow-out at 150 MPH while just tring out your vette on a private stretch of road? Not me! I talked to a Goodyear dealer when I had my flat, and he told me they are no longer allowed to plug tires. They have to remove the tire from the rim, and patch it on the inside.
There are no private roads in Fort Lauderdale and those speeds will put me in jail for reckless driving. I will still keep my $650 new non ride flats 
Last edited by mbella2000; Oct 23, 2007 at 12:34 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Well I am in Florida and plugs are legal here. I didnt' mean I would use the plug forever. Just meant I'd use the plug temporary until I could get it patched. I also carry a portable air compressor that was only $29. As far as 150mph blow out? I'm not a psycho driver. I don't go over 80 in my car There are no private roads in Fort Lauderdale and those speeds will put me in jail for reckless driving. I will still keep my $650 new non ride flats
There are no private roads in Fort Lauderdale and those speeds will put me in jail for reckless driving. I will still keep my $650 new non ride flats 
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30,770
Likes: 41
From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
My plan when I get new tires: non runflats and one of those Mercedes jacks for $60 along with a tire iron. If I get a flat, I jack up the car, take the tire off, and get a ride either by towtruck or whatever to a place that can repair the tire. Nobody touches the car.
Now let's hear the reply, "I'd never leave my car sit on the side of the road!"
Now let's hear the reply, "I'd never leave my car sit on the side of the road!"
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 228
From: Hillsboro OR
I FINALLY REPLACED.... Oh Sorry, I don't need to yell anymore.
I finallly replaced my runflats with the GY GSD3's. The ride is much smoother and quieter. Great dry/wet traction. As stated many time above, it's just a matter of personal choice. I like them. Now it's time to buy AAA, portable air compressor, and a plug kit.
I finallly replaced my runflats with the GY GSD3's. The ride is much smoother and quieter. Great dry/wet traction. As stated many time above, it's just a matter of personal choice. I like them. Now it's time to buy AAA, portable air compressor, and a plug kit.