I've read through all the old threads about which tire to buy as a replacement to the stock tires and I realize the pros and cons of run flats vs. non run flats but no one ever mentioned the option of carrying a can of Fix-A-Flat with non Run Flats? Is this a no no? or would this be a good option if I decide to buy non run flats?

 

If you are still going to keep using your tire pressure sensors, then its discouraged because it will ruin the sensors. I carry a compressor, and a good plug kit. I also have a cell phone.

 

I was concerned with this issue also, but reading all the post I decided to switch to 18" (4ea) and the Michilins (non runflats)

I recieved these from Nate@extreme

the rims/tires are here but now car until next week

 

Hi,

How much for the 18's and the michelins? Which type of mich's did you get?

I am considering the same...

Joe

 

Hi,
In an emergency can you still use a Fix-a-Flat bottle and get home if I am willing to replace the sensor? Non run flats are maybe $200 cheaper so I can aford to destoy a sensor during the life of the tires. Has anyone sucessfully used Fix-a-Flat with the sensors or do the sensors in the valve stop the liquid getting into the tire?
:confused:

 

You are absolutely right. I think no one here has ever used Fix-a-Flat and had a look on the sensors afterwards. Nor did I, but IMO: the sensor has two holes: through the one the air comes in to fill the tire. The other one is to measure the pressure. But there is no flowing of air, so the Fix-a-Flat fluid will not be able to enter this hole and destroy the sensor.
Frederik

 

A fellow forum member used fix a flat in a wheel with sensors and had no damage issues to sensor. I was told that the key is to purchase a brand that is water based. Tire was taken off the rim after using it to see if any damage occured. All that was done was a quick rinse of the fix o flat that remained in the tire . The stuff came off easily with no residue.

 

Any idea who made the water based stuff or where to get it?

 

I think penzoil makes it...but I'll check when I get home.

 

According to some, one way to really get stuck is when the tire's bead completely separates from the rim. There is no way a can of fix-a-flat or a 12 volt air compressure can quickly build up enough pressure in the tire to re-seat the rim. On the other hand, most times when a flat occurs it's because an SAE standard street nail has puctured the tread and stays there. In this scenario, the tire very slowly leaks. So if you're driving, the pressure sensor will give a warning allowing you to either go get the tire patched or keep filling it up, provided you have a 12 volt air pump or can find a gas station (convenience store) with air. Of course, if you park overnight without the pressure dropping to 25 psi, you could wake up the next moring with the rim separated. I'd like to see more on the design of the air passages of the pressure sensors. It seems quite obvious that the steel stem with external nut is an efficient method of mounting the pressure sensor. It could quite easily have a straight through passage for filling and another tiny hole for the sensing mechanism. If so, putting in fix-a-flat with the valve stem anyplace by 6 o'clock should be a fairly low risk of clogging the sensing hole(if one exists). Once you gett rolling, most of the fix-a-flat goop gets slung to the inside of the tread area, away from the sensor. :cool:

 

This is great info. I am planning on changing my run craps for something with a smoother ride. This info makes the NON runflat approach much more attractive. As long as there is some method to drive the car home. From what I have read on the forum, NON runflats are lighter, smoother , quieter and cheaper. It sounds that the worst case scenario is to have to replace the sensor (and even this may not be required).
Does this sound reasonable?

Sometimes the Vette may be going fast (100mph). If there was a blow out at speed the runflat may be safer. On the other hand this may be an unlikely event. It has never happened to me or someone I directly know. Should I worry about this?

 

I run non run flats. They perform better, and are quieter. I also have a cell phone to call AAA. It might be a pain to have to wait for them, but that might only happen every once in a while. To me it's worth the trade off for better performance and a smoother and quieter ride.

 

I should probably knock on wood ... but when is last time anyone here has had a flat tire? I haven't had a flat tire in over 10 years!

 

Two weeks ago, I had a flat and was glad to have the runflats ... but since the car is a daily driver ... I wouldnt even think of switching ...

 

A tire guy told me that he's had nothing but trouble when trying to balance a tire that had had Fix-o-flat sprayed in it. He warned me to stay away from the stuff if at all possible.