Flat tire warning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
From: Manahawkin NJ
Flat tire warning
I am seeking forum wisdom for a flat tire on my 427 vert. It only has 500 miles on it but got in the other day and had a "Left rear tire flat" warning on the DIC. I checked the pressure and sure enough it was only 5 lbs. I filled it to 30 and did the best I could to check for leaks, but couldn't find any. I took it for a ride and came back and checked it a few hours later and it was down to 25 so I guess there is a slow leak. Question is, is it better to lift the car, remove the wheel/tire and bring it to a good tire place to check it out so they don't have to lift the car and possibly damage it, or do you think I should just fill the tire and drive the car a few miles there? I haven't had a flat in forever and certainly never one on any of my Vettes, so not sure what's the best but that's what this forum is all about! Thanks in advance.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 209
Likes: 14
From: Hamden CT
I would take it to a dealer, that tire is under warranty, they may have to replace it. Fill it with air again and drive it in, are you close to a dealer?
Last edited by lonnyh1; Jun 12, 2013 at 11:13 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,921
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From: Huntsville AL
I would take the wheel off the car and take it to a good tire shop, like Firestone.
That way, they can only destroy your wheel and not your entire car.
I would only take mine to the dealer if my warranty covered flat tires.
That way, they can only destroy your wheel and not your entire car.
I would only take mine to the dealer if my warranty covered flat tires.
Last edited by Tonylmiller; Jun 12, 2013 at 11:23 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
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From: Frederick, MD
Just take it to a dealer. I have no worry with my dealer concerning the wheels/tires. As the service manager told me, he is not paying to replace another Corvette wheel but the customer won't be either. He allows his mechanic to take his time though.
The local Firestone dealer would be the last place I go.
The local Firestone dealer would be the last place I go.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 1
From: Danbury CT
If it's a slow leak in all likelihood it has a nail or screw in it. If you can elevate the tire it would be easier to look for the nail. There may be no need to remove it if you find the culprit nor will the repair place have to remove it. If it is a bad valve stem or something worse on the tire needless to say it will have to be removed and fixe which is why I suggest you look for the cause first, if you can't find it then maybe it would be worth removing yourself for "safety" reasons. And if it is a nail let them plug it, those gooey leather plugs heat up and seal great! GOOD LUCK...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 9
From: Long Beach CA
Check your tire warranty in the manual package....
My '08 came with a Goodyear tire warranty when I took delivery. Look for it in your manual package or glove box.
With only 500 miles, your tire should be warranteed even if it is unrepairable damage, as was mine way back when, and Goodyear will replace the tire. If it is repairable, that would also be covered.
Also, check with the dealer that you trust (if any) to see if they will either repair it or honor the Goodyear warranty. The answer is "probably not", you will probably need to go to a Goodyear dealer. Take the warranty with you, most Goodyear dealers have no idea about it and will probably have to call the main office to figure it out.
This may not be necessary for your "slow leak", which is probably repairable. My flat was a 1 1/2" by 1/2" tear in the tread by a piece of metal, and the tire had to be replaced.
Best Luck!!!
With only 500 miles, your tire should be warranteed even if it is unrepairable damage, as was mine way back when, and Goodyear will replace the tire. If it is repairable, that would also be covered.
Also, check with the dealer that you trust (if any) to see if they will either repair it or honor the Goodyear warranty. The answer is "probably not", you will probably need to go to a Goodyear dealer. Take the warranty with you, most Goodyear dealers have no idea about it and will probably have to call the main office to figure it out.
This may not be necessary for your "slow leak", which is probably repairable. My flat was a 1 1/2" by 1/2" tear in the tread by a piece of metal, and the tire had to be replaced.
Best Luck!!!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 86
From: Rocheport Missouri
I had a slow leak in one of my 07s tires. It was the valve stem. I am not sure if the nut at the base was loose or if the schrader valve was loose. You might want to check both before doing anything. A little soapy water sprayed around the valve stem should tell you. That would be an easy fix. If not, I suggest taking it to the dealer as well. It's under warranty and they should easily be able to handle that job.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 86
From: Rocheport Missouri
My '08 came with a Goodyear tire warranty when I took delivery. Look for it in your manual package or glove box.
With only 500 miles, your tire should be warranteed even if it is unrepairable damage, as was mine way back when, and Goodyear will replace the tire. If it is repairable, that would also be covered.
...
Best Luck!!!
With only 500 miles, your tire should be warranteed even if it is unrepairable damage, as was mine way back when, and Goodyear will replace the tire. If it is repairable, that would also be covered.
...
Best Luck!!!
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From: Tonawanda New York
Tech Contributor
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Unless you live in a place where there lots of tire shops with experience handling run flat tires I wouldn't go near a tire store. I have two dealers within a 10 mile radius that can work with run flats. The nearest qualified tire store is a GY store that is 20 miles away. My local GY store won't touch them and none of the other tire stores have the proper equipment or experience (I would have to drive 7 hours to get to the nearest Discount Tire location).
Depending on how far you need to drive it is your choice whether or not to put air in the tire. The stock tires can be driven 50 miles at 55 mph without any air and still be repairable.
Bill
Depending on how far you need to drive it is your choice whether or not to put air in the tire. The stock tires can be driven 50 miles at 55 mph without any air and still be repairable.
Bill
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
From: Manahawkin NJ
Thanks for all the replies. I actually called the dealer and they reminded me I also bought a separate tire/wheel warranty (forgot about that) and I could call to find an authorized center to fix it, so I am going to call and see if there is anyone local that can handle the run flats. Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The dealership for sure, one is they have the proper lifts, two they have the machines to break tire down without damaging wheels, and the balancer which has force variations.
When I worked the service dept, our machines could do anything and not damage wheel, and those machines aren't cheap. We had better then any tire store could afford.
When I worked the service dept, our machines could do anything and not damage wheel, and those machines aren't cheap. We had better then any tire store could afford.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 48
From: Scottsdale Az
Unless you live in a place where there lots of tire shops with experience handling run flat tires I wouldn't go near a tire store. I have two dealers within a 10 mile radius that can work with run flats. The nearest qualified tire store is a GY store that is 20 miles away. My local GY store won't touch them and none of the other tire stores have the proper equipment or experience (I would have to drive 7 hours to get to the nearest Discount Tire location).
Depending on how far you need to drive it is your choice whether or not to put air in the tire. The stock tires can be driven 50 miles at 55 mph without any air and still be repairable.
Bill
Depending on how far you need to drive it is your choice whether or not to put air in the tire. The stock tires can be driven 50 miles at 55 mph without any air and still be repairable.
Bill
*
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Huntsville AL
Thanks for all the replies. I actually called the dealer and they reminded me I also bought a separate tire/wheel warranty (forgot about that) and I could call to find an authorized center to fix it, so I am going to call and see if there is anyone local that can handle the run flats. Thanks again!
My experience (with Michelin tires) at the local Firestone store has been excellent. I'm sure it varies by location. Some places still don't know what TPMS is.