Runflat question/concern
Thread Starter
47 yrs of Vettes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
From: NJ, just outside NYC NJ
Runflat question/concern
When I first got my C6, I unfortunately hit a pothole which tore out part of the sidewall of my tire. The good news - I drove (10 mi) home without a problem; the bad news - the car then sat for 5 days while I waited for a new tire.
So recently I went on a 500 mi. trip, and was worried the whole time about having a tire problem, and potentially being stuck for days waiting for a tire. (actually the trip went fine)
So my question is - is there anything I can do to minimize the potential headaches, especially when traveling?
So recently I went on a 500 mi. trip, and was worried the whole time about having a tire problem, and potentially being stuck for days waiting for a tire. (actually the trip went fine)
So my question is - is there anything I can do to minimize the potential headaches, especially when traveling?
- Should I carry a tire plug kit and compressor?
- Should I carry a bottle of that "Instant Tire Repair" goo that reinflates a tire?
- Anything else?
Last edited by StuSegal; Nov 24, 2008 at 08:23 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 562
Likes: 2
From: Jacksonville FL
I too have the same concern. I have had a few flats but always close to home. Knowing how long it takes an average Goodyear dealer to get a replacement and that the chances of one actually having a tire in stock is nil worries me. I know that Goodyear has very specific instructions on how these tires must be repaired (plug and patch combo) so I am not sure what could be done on the spur of the moment when far from home. How about it all you tire experts, what is the answer?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, Georgia
I just read in the GY warranty manual that if you use "Fix a flat" that it will void the repair/replacement warranty (within the first year or 2/32 of treadwear).
Silly... the warranty brochure also says the warranty if void if you use a tire pen to color in the letters.
So, if you're past the warranty period through time or wear, then the only thing you've got to worry about the fix-a-flat goo is that I hear it can mess your sensors up.
Silly... the warranty brochure also says the warranty if void if you use a tire pen to color in the letters.
So, if you're past the warranty period through time or wear, then the only thing you've got to worry about the fix-a-flat goo is that I hear it can mess your sensors up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
When I first got my C6, I unfortunately hit a pothole which tore out part of the sidewall of my tire. The good news - I drove (10 mi) home without a problem; the bad news - the car then sat for 5 days while I waited for a new tire.
So recently I went on a 500 mi. trip, and was worried the whole time about having a tire problem, and potentially being stuck for days waiting for a tire. (actually the trip went fine)
So my question is - is there anything I can do to minimize the potential headaches, especially when traveling?
So recently I went on a 500 mi. trip, and was worried the whole time about having a tire problem, and potentially being stuck for days waiting for a tire. (actually the trip went fine)
So my question is - is there anything I can do to minimize the potential headaches, especially when traveling?
- Should I carry a tire plug kit and compressor?
- Should I carry a bottle of that "Instant Tire Repair" goo that reinflates a tire?
- Anything else?
...on a wing and a prayer.
That being said, I would not drive without them.
Red Cell.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 148
From: Magnolia Texas
forget 'em and enjoy the car. no worse then thinking you have a spare and then finding out you forgot to put air in it! plus, even with a flat the Vette looks better then a car with the "space saver" in place 
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Chagrin Falls OH
Well, I'm not Redcell, but I carry a plug kit and a little 12VDC compressor in all my vehicles including my '05 coupe. Yes, I know they aren't supposed to be patched that way, but I'm more comfortable with air in the tire while:
1. waiting for a GY replacement
2. getting it to my local tire shop for a proper patch. Eddie at my local tire shop just pulls the plug out and cleans up the inside of the tire before he puts the patch in.
--
Jay
1. waiting for a GY replacement
2. getting it to my local tire shop for a proper patch. Eddie at my local tire shop just pulls the plug out and cleans up the inside of the tire before he puts the patch in.
--
Jay
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
I was on a trip 300 miles from home when I picked up a nail. It was almost an inch away from the sidewall, but they refused to patch it. I then found out the Goodyear Eagle F1 EMT tires were back ordered for three months.
My only choice short of a 300 mile trip on a flatbed was to buy another brand tire. I decided to buy two new Michelin PS2 non-runflat tires. Several other cars use the Michelin and they had them in stock. The ride was so much smoother than the Goodyear I could not believe it. The traction, steering, and handling were also much better. I read that much of the ZR1 improved steering feel is due to the Michelin tire vs the Goodyear that comes on the rest of the C6’s.
I carry a small Craftsman 12v compressor in the one of the rear compartments along with a plug kit. I have had several nails since, but I have always able to drive to the tire store. I have used the compressor, but never the plug kit.
I will never buy a set of the Goodyear runflats again!
My only choice short of a 300 mile trip on a flatbed was to buy another brand tire. I decided to buy two new Michelin PS2 non-runflat tires. Several other cars use the Michelin and they had them in stock. The ride was so much smoother than the Goodyear I could not believe it. The traction, steering, and handling were also much better. I read that much of the ZR1 improved steering feel is due to the Michelin tire vs the Goodyear that comes on the rest of the C6’s.
I carry a small Craftsman 12v compressor in the one of the rear compartments along with a plug kit. I have had several nails since, but I have always able to drive to the tire store. I have used the compressor, but never the plug kit.
I will never buy a set of the Goodyear runflats again!
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Franklin Square Long Island New York
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,642
Likes: 9
From: Dalllas/Ft Worth Area TX
Check your Goodyear 1 year warranty after you buy the car, they paid 100% of the replacement tire, of course I used GY. I don't know about your case, I faxed the invoice after telephone conversation with customer service six months after replacement and they honored it fully. I had forgotten about the 1 year warranty that a CF member reminded me and I thank him very much, again. I will eventually get PS2 cups in the future as replacements.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
Actually if you take out the sidewall of a tire, a run flat will prove to be extremely helpful while non runflats are parking within a few feet waiting for a flatbed with the can of fix-a-flat and air compressor in the trunk. Tires in the Corvette size are usually not in stock unless you are near a major city so you'll be waiting for a tire anyway or flatbedding it to the next city.
Bringing a tire compressor is a real good idea since most leaks are small and you should be able to limp home for long distances. The safety of run flats can not be beat for sidewall damage though.
Bringing a tire compressor is a real good idea since most leaks are small and you should be able to limp home for long distances. The safety of run flats can not be beat for sidewall damage though.
Thread Starter
47 yrs of Vettes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
From: NJ, just outside NYC NJ
Thanks for the feedback:
- Yes, the Goodyear Roadhazard Warranty paid for a new tire, 100%.
- And yes, when I ripped through the sidewall the runflat tire got me home - no problemo.
- I have learned that if I use fix-a-flat I'll probably wreck the tire pressure monitor - so I won't be putting goo in my runflats.
- I have also learned that a lot of you carry tire plugs and a compressor, and I will too in the future.
- And I have learned many of you just drive on your runflats and (lucky for you) just don't worry about these things like I do.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Tire Compressor and plug kit. I personally have removed 2 nails in teh 3 years I have owned my car and plugged the tires back up (rubber cement ofcourse) and have had NO problems whatsoever...
BTW, I plugged the tires WITHOUT even removing the tires OFF the car...it very easy...
BTW, I plugged the tires WITHOUT even removing the tires OFF the car...it very easy...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
I also have a compressor, & two cans of "Fix-a-Flat" but I wont use the cans on any rim that has a sensor in it (Front) I use Drag Radials to go to & from the race track, & those rims don't have any air sensor and the DR's are not Run Flat... so if I should pick up a nail etc in my DR I can use the cans.. if its a front tire, I have to compressor... and everything fits in one of the rear compartments...
