Patch Firestone Runflats ?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I do carry a plug kit too, but consider it only a short term fix so I can get someplace for a proper repair (probably a new tire).
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
...
as far as Firestone runflats being too conservative or not enough warranty or whatever, I'd say klaus96's list of items that would knock out a Firestone tire will also knock out a Goodyear or Michelin runflat tire.
for instance, if there's noticeable deterioration on the outside or inside of a tire due to a "flat" and being run in the runflat condition, your tire is toast no matter who makes it.
as far as Firestone runflats being too conservative or not enough warranty or whatever, I'd say klaus96's list of items that would knock out a Firestone tire will also knock out a Goodyear or Michelin runflat tire.
for instance, if there's noticeable deterioration on the outside or inside of a tire due to a "flat" and being run in the runflat condition, your tire is toast no matter who makes it.
We're waiting to see about Michelin.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 50
From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09-'10
I agree that a plug is a quick fix only until you can get it properly repaired, but it may save the tire if you get a low pressure warning as happened to me went I had my C5.
I suspect that Firestone's sidewalls are not as stiff as GY's. Consequently, they give a better ride at the expense of possible damaging heat build up from running at low to no pressure. Michelin may have solved the problem with a more expensive construction method. So it becomes a matter of choice.
I suspect that Firestone's sidewalls are not as stiff as GY's. Consequently, they give a better ride at the expense of possible damaging heat build up from running at low to no pressure. Michelin may have solved the problem with a more expensive construction method. So it becomes a matter of choice.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
The fact is that due to the Corvette's somewhat unique dual sizes you will always run the risk of being stuck out there in the middle of no where for days. It doesn't matter if it is run flat or not. However Firestone says their tire is no good if used while the pressure is below 15psi so that increases your chances of being stuck over say Michelin or Goodyear.
I usually buy Michelins for my cars. Depending on how/where you drive the Mich ZP A/S tire might be an option which is pretty close in price to Firestone. Yeah people wonder why put an A/S tire on a Vette but if you live in higher altitudes or cold climates they may help someday. Also the real world driving performance difference is pretty close.
I usually buy Michelins for my cars. Depending on how/where you drive the Mich ZP A/S tire might be an option which is pretty close in price to Firestone. Yeah people wonder why put an A/S tire on a Vette but if you live in higher altitudes or cold climates they may help someday. Also the real world driving performance difference is pretty close.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 443
Likes: 12
From: KITCHENER ONTARIO
Firestones Vastly Superior to Goodyears
I have had 3 sets of Goodyears runflats on C6 and C5 Vettes and one set of Michelin runflats and one set of Firestone runflats. The Goodyears were all terrible. The Firestones were vastly better for smooth ride, noise and traction. I consider the need to pro-rate the tire if it goes below 15 psi an acceptable compromise.
I had a nail one of the Goodyears, but did not lose any air. The tire was patched by a Goodyear dealer.
I had a nail one of the Goodyears, but did not lose any air. The tire was patched by a Goodyear dealer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: dallas tx
i have the firestone for over 10K miles. I have 2 plugs on one of the tires with no problems. I just buy a plug kit from walmart...and it held up since then....
I think it's another way for them to make money.
I think it's another way for them to make money.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Wolfdogs just retired from a long career as a tire expert, you might wish to get his opinion on plugging tires as compared to the mushroom patch from inside...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 3
From: Maple Grove MN
This is from the Firestone RFT Q&A.
Is it possible to repair a Run-Flat tire that has been punctured?It depends on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture was sustained. Repair is possible only if deemed so by the tire sales store.
Preconditions include a puncture of less than 6mm for both side-reinforced type and support-ring type Run-Flat tires, plus minimal damage to the support ring in case of the latter.
However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired.
I would buy a new tire.
Is it possible to repair a Run-Flat tire that has been punctured?It depends on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture was sustained. Repair is possible only if deemed so by the tire sales store.
Preconditions include a puncture of less than 6mm for both side-reinforced type and support-ring type Run-Flat tires, plus minimal damage to the support ring in case of the latter.
However, it is strongly recommended that the tire is replaced as its durability will have been weakened after being repaired.
I would buy a new tire.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
