Question for those without RunFlats?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 73
From: Sumter, SC
Question for those without RunFlats?
Looking into a C5 and not hearing a lot of good things about the runflats. For those that got rid of them, what do you do if you have a flat since there is no spare or jack in the car?
Fix a Flat?
AAA?
Tow Truck?
Just curious cause it sounds like everybody that has went away from the RunFlats is very pleased with the improved ride and handling.
Thanks,
Mike
Fix a Flat?
AAA?
Tow Truck?
Just curious cause it sounds like everybody that has went away from the RunFlats is very pleased with the improved ride and handling.
Thanks,
Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (Curtis629)
Looking into a C5 and not hearing a lot of good things about the runflats. For those that got rid of them, what do you do if you have a flat since there is no spare or jack in the car?
Fix a Flat?
AAA?
Tow Truck?
Just curious cause it sounds like everybody that has went away from the RunFlats is very pleased with the improved ride and handling.
Thanks,
Mike
Fix a Flat?
AAA?
Tow Truck?
Just curious cause it sounds like everybody that has went away from the RunFlats is very pleased with the improved ride and handling.
Thanks,
Mike
See: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...=295586&page=1
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (Curtis629)
Folks make it sound easy, but first you have to locate the object in the tire. Try that at night when your by your self. Then you'll need something to lay on since your going to have to get down on the ground to make the repair. Cell phone a AAA are good if there is a facility near by they can tow it to. Then there are horror stories about cars being damaged being pulled up onto the flat-bed by untrained or ill equipped tow truck drivers.
Maybe it's the military in me but I always plan on the worst case, then see how the plan will actually work in the real world. So try this - you and the misses are coming home from a late night dinner wearing appropriate dinner attire, your 30 miles from home, it's 11:30 and you both have to work in the morning and the baby sitter was told you'd have her home by mid-night. Oh did I mention it's raining. DING DING DING the DIC announces low tire pressure in the left rear tire (I chose that as that's closest to moving traffic when you pull onto the shoulder). Now put your plan in motion. You tell me how it'll turn out. I'm betting not good.
But there is a very small percentage of vette owners that will scarifice their safety and security for a little more grip (it's not like the car is a cripple on EMT's all the car mags seem to get it to perform with the best from around the world nicely) or less road noise.
I had a bad experience and the EMT's saved my bacon. In fact I drove the car two days with ZERO pressure while the dealer ordered me a new wheel that was damaged when I hit a rain filled pot hole on the way to work. I kept all my appointments, didn't have to take time off of work and kept my mobility which I cherrish. That tire is still on the car too with 17K miles on it.
But as they say do what your comfortable with. Good luck.
Tom
USAF Retired
Maybe it's the military in me but I always plan on the worst case, then see how the plan will actually work in the real world. So try this - you and the misses are coming home from a late night dinner wearing appropriate dinner attire, your 30 miles from home, it's 11:30 and you both have to work in the morning and the baby sitter was told you'd have her home by mid-night. Oh did I mention it's raining. DING DING DING the DIC announces low tire pressure in the left rear tire (I chose that as that's closest to moving traffic when you pull onto the shoulder). Now put your plan in motion. You tell me how it'll turn out. I'm betting not good.
But there is a very small percentage of vette owners that will scarifice their safety and security for a little more grip (it's not like the car is a cripple on EMT's all the car mags seem to get it to perform with the best from around the world nicely) or less road noise.
I had a bad experience and the EMT's saved my bacon. In fact I drove the car two days with ZERO pressure while the dealer ordered me a new wheel that was damaged when I hit a rain filled pot hole on the way to work. I kept all my appointments, didn't have to take time off of work and kept my mobility which I cherrish. That tire is still on the car too with 17K miles on it.
But as they say do what your comfortable with. Good luck.
Tom
USAF Retired
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 1
From: Honolulu Hawaii
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (AFVETTE)
Good Post Tom,
I think some of the reports on the other brand EMT's have been encouraging. Yokohama's get some pretty good reviews.
I think some of the reports on the other brand EMT's have been encouraging. Yokohama's get some pretty good reviews.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (AFVETTE)
Well said Tom. I got rid of the Goodyear EMT's but replaced them with Firestone Firehawk run flats that I like a lot better. The EMT's saved me once also. Another thing to consider is the possibility of the bead of the non runflat breaking down from the rim when the tire goes flat. This happened to me on my Cadillac after I had hit a pot hole in the road. The tire could not be inflated because the bead was no longer sealing against the rim. My fix-a-flat and on board compressor were useless.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 153
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From: Overland Park KS
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (AFVETTE)
Folks make it sound easy, but first you have to locate the object in the tire. Try that at night when your by your self. Then you'll need something to lay on since your going to have to get down on the ground to make the repair. Cell phone a AAA are good if there is a facility near by they can tow it to. Then there are horror stories about cars being damaged being pulled up onto the flat-bed by untrained or ill equipped tow truck drivers.
Maybe it's the military in me but I always plan on the worst case, then see how the plan will actually work in the real world. So try this - you and the misses are coming home from a late night dinner wearing appropriate dinner attire, your 30 miles from home, it's 11:30 and you both have to work in the morning and the baby sitter was told you'd have her home by mid-night. Oh did I mention it's raining. DING DING DING the DIC announces low tire pressure in the left rear tire (I chose that as that's closest to moving traffic when you pull onto the shoulder). Now put your plan in motion. You tell me how it'll turn out. I'm betting not good.
But there is a very small percentage of vette owners that will scarifice their safety and security for a little more grip (it's not like the car is a cripple on EMT's all the car mags seem to get it to perform with the best from around the world nicely) or less road noise.
I had a bad experience and the EMT's saved my bacon. In fact I drove the car two days with ZERO pressure while the dealer ordered me a new wheel that was damaged when I hit a rain filled pot hole on the way to work. I kept all my appointments, didn't have to take time off of work and kept my mobility which I cherrish. That tire is still on the car too with 17K miles on it.
But as they say do what your comfortable with. Good luck.
Tom
USAF Retired
Maybe it's the military in me but I always plan on the worst case, then see how the plan will actually work in the real world. So try this - you and the misses are coming home from a late night dinner wearing appropriate dinner attire, your 30 miles from home, it's 11:30 and you both have to work in the morning and the baby sitter was told you'd have her home by mid-night. Oh did I mention it's raining. DING DING DING the DIC announces low tire pressure in the left rear tire (I chose that as that's closest to moving traffic when you pull onto the shoulder). Now put your plan in motion. You tell me how it'll turn out. I'm betting not good.
But there is a very small percentage of vette owners that will scarifice their safety and security for a little more grip (it's not like the car is a cripple on EMT's all the car mags seem to get it to perform with the best from around the world nicely) or less road noise.
I had a bad experience and the EMT's saved my bacon. In fact I drove the car two days with ZERO pressure while the dealer ordered me a new wheel that was damaged when I hit a rain filled pot hole on the way to work. I kept all my appointments, didn't have to take time off of work and kept my mobility which I cherrish. That tire is still on the car too with 17K miles on it.
But as they say do what your comfortable with. Good luck.
Tom
USAF Retired
!!!!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City MD
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (Curtis629)
Plug kit and AAA card, just incase :lol:
But I ordered my pilot sports from Discount tire direct so I also bought the certificates....if any tire is non repairable from a flat, etc... they will send you a new one for free(you just pay shipping). I like that deal :cheers:
It was about $30 per tire for the certificate
Also...like I said I went with the Pilot sports. Love them so far but only had them on for a couple hundred miles...next friday i'm going to try and get to the track and see if I can lower that 12.98 now withouth the runflats.
[Modified by USMUSCL, 12:25 AM 7/20/2002]
But I ordered my pilot sports from Discount tire direct so I also bought the certificates....if any tire is non repairable from a flat, etc... they will send you a new one for free(you just pay shipping). I like that deal :cheers:
It was about $30 per tire for the certificate
Also...like I said I went with the Pilot sports. Love them so far but only had them on for a couple hundred miles...next friday i'm going to try and get to the track and see if I can lower that 12.98 now withouth the runflats.
[Modified by USMUSCL, 12:25 AM 7/20/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 962
Likes: 6
From: Jackson MI
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (USMUSCL)
So you are out late at night and you are dressed to the nines, it is raining and the DIC Yells low air. Hmmmmmm, many here always check the Dopler Radar out before they choose the Vette to drive so my Vette only sees rain on long trips. I myself mostly drive my Vette with the top down so no dress-up for me when I am in the Vette. Now I somehow get caught in that exact situation you describe so.................I pull under a gas station cover, an under pass or a closed bank drive thru. I have lights that have an adjustable base and direct the light where it is needed. I always have window cleaner in my car so you use that to find the leak. If the side wall is cut you are screwed no doubt. There are situations where you are screwed with run flats, esp when you are out of town. You should know that there is a ton of difference from the run flats to some real high performance tires. In the ride, handling, comfort and noise alone, makes it a very good choice. If you have no full size spare, everything else is a compromise :lol: :lol: :seeya :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (EMDExpress)
In response to Tom and others - I respect your opinions, and everyone makes their own decision, and I don't have a problem with that. But, on the other hand...
I bought a Corvette for the functionality of the car as the finest sports car I can afford. I want as few compromises as I can afford, and the best of everything. It's my toy and hobby. The run-flats are most definitely a compromise. Read the current issue of Motor Trend's test on the BMW 330. It has a new option - Goodyear runflats. Motor Trend reports that the exact same model tested last year went through the slalom 2mph faster than the new EMT's.
Sure, a flat would be a pain. But I have not had to change a tire along the road in about 20 years. In that time I did have to have a one year old car towed twice. Once for a failed fuel pump, once for a failed ignition switch. Sure it was a pain, but it was not a total disaster.
If you don't feel the need for the extra benefits of better tires, then I think you should stick with the run flats. But if you are like me and want to have the best you can, change them and deal with the flat if it ever happens.
I bought a Corvette for the functionality of the car as the finest sports car I can afford. I want as few compromises as I can afford, and the best of everything. It's my toy and hobby. The run-flats are most definitely a compromise. Read the current issue of Motor Trend's test on the BMW 330. It has a new option - Goodyear runflats. Motor Trend reports that the exact same model tested last year went through the slalom 2mph faster than the new EMT's.
Sure, a flat would be a pain. But I have not had to change a tire along the road in about 20 years. In that time I did have to have a one year old car towed twice. Once for a failed fuel pump, once for a failed ignition switch. Sure it was a pain, but it was not a total disaster.
If you don't feel the need for the extra benefits of better tires, then I think you should stick with the run flats. But if you are like me and want to have the best you can, change them and deal with the flat if it ever happens.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh IN
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (AFVETTE)
Folks make it sound easy, but first you have to locate the object in the tire. Try that at night when your by your self. Then you'll need something to lay on since your going to have to get down on the ground to make the repair. Cell phone a AAA are good if there is a facility near by they can tow it to. Then there are horror stories about cars being damaged being pulled up onto the flat-bed by untrained or ill equipped tow truck drivers.
Maybe it's the military in me but I always plan on the worst case, then see how the plan will actually work in the real world. So try this - you and the misses are coming home from a late night dinner wearing appropriate dinner attire, your 30 miles from home, it's 11:30 and you both have to work in the morning and the baby sitter was told you'd have her home by mid-night. Oh did I mention it's raining. DING DING DING the DIC announces low tire pressure in the left rear tire (I chose that as that's closest to moving traffic when you pull onto the shoulder). Now put your plan in motion. You tell me how it'll turn out. I'm betting not good.
But there is a very small percentage of vette owners that will scarifice their safety and security for a little more grip (it's not like the car is a cripple on EMT's all the car mags seem to get it to perform with the best from around the world nicely) or less road noise.
I had a bad experience and the EMT's saved my bacon. In fact I drove the car two days with ZERO pressure while the dealer ordered me a new wheel that was damaged when I hit a rain filled pot hole on the way to work. I kept all my appointments, didn't have to take time off of work and kept my mobility which I cherrish. That tire is still on the car too with 17K miles on it.
But as they say do what your comfortable with. Good luck.
Tom
USAF Retired
Maybe it's the military in me but I always plan on the worst case, then see how the plan will actually work in the real world. So try this - you and the misses are coming home from a late night dinner wearing appropriate dinner attire, your 30 miles from home, it's 11:30 and you both have to work in the morning and the baby sitter was told you'd have her home by mid-night. Oh did I mention it's raining. DING DING DING the DIC announces low tire pressure in the left rear tire (I chose that as that's closest to moving traffic when you pull onto the shoulder). Now put your plan in motion. You tell me how it'll turn out. I'm betting not good.
But there is a very small percentage of vette owners that will scarifice their safety and security for a little more grip (it's not like the car is a cripple on EMT's all the car mags seem to get it to perform with the best from around the world nicely) or less road noise.
I had a bad experience and the EMT's saved my bacon. In fact I drove the car two days with ZERO pressure while the dealer ordered me a new wheel that was damaged when I hit a rain filled pot hole on the way to work. I kept all my appointments, didn't have to take time off of work and kept my mobility which I cherrish. That tire is still on the car too with 17K miles on it.
But as they say do what your comfortable with. Good luck.
Tom
USAF Retired
No offense intended as you make some very valid points as to the risks you take with non-runflats. But I have a question for you regarding some of your statements.
Did GM purposely ignore the safety and protection of those who would buy their Z06?...No spare, no runflats...Just a plug kit and compressor!
Just curious as to how you take the intentions of GM since they chose to put performance over safetey of the runflats with their own production of the Z06.
Thanks,
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 2
From: Flower Mound TX
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (BAD2BNE)
Just curious as to how you take the intentions of GM since they chose to put performance over safetey of the runflats with their own production of the Z06.
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (C5 StockSwap)
Nothing weird going on here...two different customer profiles.
Soooo, guys like me who chose the non-Z06 compromise are trying to upgrade our car as much as practical (and financial) means allow us to. And that is why guys like me know longer have run-flats on our car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh IN
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (C5 StockSwap)
Just curious as to how you take the intentions of GM since they chose to put performance over safetey of the runflats with their own production of the Z06.
Thanks,
Tom
I don't get it...I think you just answered your own question. Safety in the non-Z06, Performance in the Z06. The 06 is non-compromise for performance. Nothing weird going on here...two different customer profiles.
Thanks,
Tom
I don't get it...I think you just answered your own question. Safety in the non-Z06, Performance in the Z06. The 06 is non-compromise for performance. Nothing weird going on here...two different customer profiles.
That is the safety issue vs performance issue I was referring to.
Take care and be safe.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,950
Likes: 32
From: belleville n.j.
Re: Question for those without RunFlats? (BAD2BNE)
"Did GM purposely ignore the safety and protection of those who would buy their Z06?...No spare, no runflats...Just a plug kit and compressor!"
you 4got to mention that the zo6 doesn't even warn you if the pressure goes below 25psi. at least we have time to pull over to a safe spot when the DIC warns of low pressure.
i have BF goodrich kd's non-runflats for superior dry traction and i don't drive the vette in the rain, that's why i have a second car. i would never go back to runflats. the way it rides now is just too much better now. you have to outweigh the good, the bad, and the "what ifs"
i carry a patch kit, compressor with lights, flares, and c5 federick's jack as soon as i receive it
[Modified by robsvette, 1:16 PM 7/21/2002]
you 4got to mention that the zo6 doesn't even warn you if the pressure goes below 25psi. at least we have time to pull over to a safe spot when the DIC warns of low pressure.
i have BF goodrich kd's non-runflats for superior dry traction and i don't drive the vette in the rain, that's why i have a second car. i would never go back to runflats. the way it rides now is just too much better now. you have to outweigh the good, the bad, and the "what ifs"
i carry a patch kit, compressor with lights, flares, and c5 federick's jack as soon as i receive it
[Modified by robsvette, 1:16 PM 7/21/2002]
