Which Flat Kit do you recommend?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Valencia CA
Which Flat Kit do you recommend?
I've ordered non-run flats (Toyo R888) for my C6 and I need to order a Fix-a-Flat kit. What's the board consensus on the best kit out there? I see Tire Rack has a fairly inexpensive one from Continental. Is it any good? What's been your personal experience?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
A little pricey but then you get what you pay for and dealing with a flat is not the time to find out the el cheapo Wally World stuff doesn't work as described.
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
It's a good one. I have one in my Z06, and have used it on one of my other cars which did have a flat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I'm running stock Goodyear's on the steet, but Hoosier R6's on the track so thought it was a good idea to put together a good repair set up. Got a Patchboy 12-210 vulcanizing mushroom plug kit that uses a metal gun to shoot these in. Compressor is a Vi-Air 90P that clamp's directly to the battery terminal's and really put's it out. This set up cost's the better part of $200 buck's, but is the real deal. I've never had to use it yet, but some of the track guy's have, and most are amazed by how quickly the 90P fill's large racing tires. Also, if using an emergency kit that inject's goo, figure in the added cost for a new TPMS sensor you just messed up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,515
Likes: 646
From: Silicon Valley and Yosemite, CA
Think of the absolute worst conditions for getting a flat and prepare for it. When you get your patch kit, make sure the tools are T handles, and they are good and solid, these are tough tires.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,142
Likes: 1
From: SE Coast FL
Think of the absolute worst conditions for getting a flat and prepare for it. When you get your patch kit, make sure the tools are T handles, and they are good and solid, these are tough tires.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Ill stick with the run-flats 
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Think of the absolute worst conditions for getting a flat and prepare for it. When you get your patch kit, make sure the tools are T handles, and they are good and solid, these are tough tires.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,515
Likes: 646
From: Silicon Valley and Yosemite, CA
I have RF's on my C6, but when I had my C5, I was non-RF for 12 years, and only had 2 flats.
It cracks me up when I see guys say they have a cell and AAA. That works, but in my case it was a 2+ hour wait for a flatbed... no thanks.
Many of the places I go, Yosemite, Death valley, and the Sierra high country, there is no cell coverage. That is why I stuck to RF's on the C6.
I am very, very happy with the Michelin ZP's. But had no qualms driving on Nitto 555's on my C5 as a daily driver either.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
It's really not all that bad, you just need to be prepared for the absolute worst, and you will be set. Took me 35 minutes to pull a tire, patch it, get it to hold, and put it back on.
I have RF's on my C6, but when I had my C5, I was non-RF for 12 years, and only had 2 flats.
It cracks me up when I see guys say they have a cell and AAA. That works, but in my case it was a 2+ hour wait for a flatbed... no thanks.
Many of the places I go, Yosemite, Death valley, and the Sierra high country, there is no cell coverage. That is why I stuck to RF's on the C6.
I am very, very happy with the Michelin ZP's. But had no qualms driving on Nitto 555's on my C5 as a daily driver either.
I have RF's on my C6, but when I had my C5, I was non-RF for 12 years, and only had 2 flats.
It cracks me up when I see guys say they have a cell and AAA. That works, but in my case it was a 2+ hour wait for a flatbed... no thanks.
Many of the places I go, Yosemite, Death valley, and the Sierra high country, there is no cell coverage. That is why I stuck to RF's on the C6.
I am very, very happy with the Michelin ZP's. But had no qualms driving on Nitto 555's on my C5 as a daily driver either.
Both have a place, it's up to the individual to determine what's important.
For a DD that doesn't go far from home I could live with a non run flat, but if you travel far and to off beat locations I'd think twice about that.
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
QUOTE=Gearhead Jim;1573759724]Good start. Also add:
Cellphone with car charger.
AAA membership
Glock[/QUOTE]
Glock?
Which one? G-17 or G-21
Griot's Garage has one it maybe overkill at $99.00
Cellphone with car charger.
AAA membership
Glock[/QUOTE]
Glock?
Which one? G-17 or G-21Griot's Garage has one it maybe overkill at $99.00
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,142
Likes: 1
From: SE Coast FL
Yeah, but its supposed to gunk up the TPMS, however, Im told it can be cleaned off. But now youve got to go to a mechanic/dealer, pull the wheel off, pull the tire off, etc... The TPMS then may have to be recalibrated as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Hey, this is some great advice. Very useful!
RMX
RMX
Think of the absolute worst conditions for getting a flat and prepare for it. When you get your patch kit, make sure the tools are T handles, and they are good and solid, these are tough tires.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Something else to really think about, and I have had to fix two flats in the field, is to go to a local junkyard and get a small jack. The one I have is self contained and has a nice head on it that fits perfectly in the area for the pucks. I also have a 1/2 breaker bar, and a lug socket. I had a screw on the inside rear, and it was bad enough to allow the air to leak out pretty quickly, so driving on it was not an option. It was also in a place where it was very difficult to get to. I had to remove the tire.
The other situation was a screw buried deep with the head broken off. The only way I could get it out was with needle nose pliers.
Also add a blanket to lay on
Rubber Gloves, this is a filthy job
A small bottle of water to check the patch, and to drink.
A headlamp for those dark moments
Needle Nose Pliers
A flat head screwdriver
All of this sounds like a lot, but all of mine would fit in the two cubby's. I have a nylon stuff sack from REI that holds everything.
For those that think they can simply call their road Service, double check your coverage as most, if not all, will NOT PATCH a tire, but put on a spare, leaving you SOL. My AAA agreement spells that out very clearly.
Another reason to be fully prepared, is I called AAA for a tow on a flatbed, the only one available in my area was already booked for two tows in front of me, so it was a minimum 2+ hour wait. All bets are off for a time guarantee, when you have to ask for a specific type of tow/flatbed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
I'm getting non-RF's because of the above logic.. but RF's have their place.. If I did a lot of out of town traveling, etc... I would stay with RF's.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 7
From: Port St Lucie Florida
Loud- I can't hear tires over my exhaust
Poor Handling- You can't push that car hard enough in the street to get poor handling and If you track it you should use track tire.
noisy- see loud