Run Flat or Non Run Flat
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 96
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Run Flat or Non Run Flat
Need new tires! Need new TPMS for the tires. I currently have Firestone FRT and I like them. Should I go with them or some other brand? Could I get some opinions about Non Run Flats? What are the advantages and disadvantages? I know the obvious, NO SPARE Tire!! Do the non run flats ride better, last longer, I know they are less expensive! I also could just replace the TPMS in each tire. $250, to change the valve stems. I really don't like that option. Please help!! I am new to this Corvette thing, just bought my first a 06 vert! Love the car! I knew the tires would need replaced in the near future. The tire pressure warning is bugging me!! I like things to work. Thanks,
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,597
Likes: 960
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
I had the GY runflats and changed over to Michelin Pilot Super Sports non-run flats and I love them.
In my opinion, the pros are that they ride much better then any run flat and they are not as loud on the road. They handle better then the original tires also.
The cons, is as you already stated, with no spare, you don't have the ability to continue driving if you do lose air pressure. So many carry a small air compressor and a fit kit. I would recommend an actual tire repair kit as I understand that the Fix a Flat or any other of the in a can fix will screw up the TPMS.
In my opinion, the pros are that they ride much better then any run flat and they are not as loud on the road. They handle better then the original tires also.
The cons, is as you already stated, with no spare, you don't have the ability to continue driving if you do lose air pressure. So many carry a small air compressor and a fit kit. I would recommend an actual tire repair kit as I understand that the Fix a Flat or any other of the in a can fix will screw up the TPMS.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 15
From: Tri Cities TN
Need new tires! Need new TPMS for the tires. I currently have Firestone FRT and I like them. Should I go with them or some other brand? Could I get some opinions about Non Run Flats? What are the advantages and disadvantages? I know the obvious, NO SPARE Tire!! Do the non run flats ride better, last longer, I know they are less expensive! I also could just replace the TPMS in each tire. $250, to change the valve stems. I really don't like that option. Please help!! I am new to this Corvette thing, just bought my first a 06 vert! Love the car! I knew the tires would need replaced in the near future. The tire pressure warning is bugging me!! I like things to work. Thanks,
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
Simple deduction needed here...you want to be stuck at midnight,in the rain somewhere waiting on a flatbed because of that flat you just got...or you want to be able to drive home regardless of that nail in your tire?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,408
Likes: 4,214
From: Huskerland
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
It's not really if, it's when are you going to pick up a nail or whatever. I run the Bridgestone Potenza's RFT's on my GS and they ride fine. With your 06 you will have other options. Look at the charts on Tire Rack to get some ideas. You need to have a functioning TPMS system to let you know when you have a slow or faster air leak...
Not long ago the DIC told me I had a low tire on the right rear. 18 lbs. So I filled it up with air and took it down to the tire store and they found this little staple in the rain groove......they patched it on the inside and I was good to go. I need my run flats out in this country.
Not long ago the DIC told me I had a low tire on the right rear. 18 lbs. So I filled it up with air and took it down to the tire store and they found this little staple in the rain groove......they patched it on the inside and I was good to go. I need my run flats out in this country.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,020
Likes: 171
From: Vancouver Island
For the Michelins that I'm running, I'll save $500 each set plus tax going non-RFT. I have never had a blow out in 40 years of driving, and probably have had a half dozen slow leaks. I ended up replacing my last set of Michelins before the tread was gone, because they had noticeably lost grip. So, I have road side assistance (CAA plus Michelin), a compressor, slime and a plug kit. If I get briefly stranded waiting for a tow I'll deal with it if and when it ever happens. Works for me, to each their own
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 488
Likes: 1
From: SC
Previous owner put Falken tubeless on mine (about 2000 miles on them). I replaced the missing TPMS sensors for $65 a piece.
I can call road service for a tow, or patch and inflate a simple nail if needed. I rarely if ever go more than 50 miles from home in the Vette, Usually in town.
Or just use fix a flat and pay $65 for another sensor. Not gonna break the bank either way.
It's a Corvette. If i was going to cut corners, scrimp and save this is not a car I would buy. I already spent $1500 on maintenance just because it is an 05 and likely needed all the fluids changes and the oil pan was "weeping" no drip but I don't want even the possibility, That is how I roll.
I can call road service for a tow, or patch and inflate a simple nail if needed. I rarely if ever go more than 50 miles from home in the Vette, Usually in town.
Or just use fix a flat and pay $65 for another sensor. Not gonna break the bank either way.
It's a Corvette. If i was going to cut corners, scrimp and save this is not a car I would buy. I already spent $1500 on maintenance just because it is an 05 and likely needed all the fluids changes and the oil pan was "weeping" no drip but I don't want even the possibility, That is how I roll.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10,426
Likes: 1,726
From: North Texas
It's not really if, it's when are you going to pick up a nail or whatever. I run the Bridgestone Potenza's RFT's on my GS and they ride fine. With your 06 you will have other options. Look at the charts on Tire Rack to get some ideas. You need to have a functioning TPMS system to let you know when you have a slow or faster air leak...
Not long ago the DIC told me I had a low tire on the right rear. 18 lbs. So I filled it up with air and took it down to the tire store and they found this little staple in the rain groove......they patched it on the inside and I was good to go. I need my run flats out in this country.
Not long ago the DIC told me I had a low tire on the right rear. 18 lbs. So I filled it up with air and took it down to the tire store and they found this little staple in the rain groove......they patched it on the inside and I was good to go. I need my run flats out in this country.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 212
From: FL
Had a rear losing about 2 psi a week and it took two tries to find the nail by the tire repair point. TPMS yes.
I also plan on staying wht RFT I have replaced two 22.5 inch AL Motorhome rims when they were ruined by a blow out at 65 mph ($400 each) and if you have a tire failure and ruin a OEM chrome rim $$$$ and less likely with a RFT.
Besides not all punctures or cuts can be repaird with a plug. What happens if the bead is seperated from the wheel. I also live in a rural area that has dead areas to the East West for 20 plus miles.
I also plan on staying wht RFT I have replaced two 22.5 inch AL Motorhome rims when they were ruined by a blow out at 65 mph ($400 each) and if you have a tire failure and ruin a OEM chrome rim $$$$ and less likely with a RFT.
Besides not all punctures or cuts can be repaird with a plug. What happens if the bead is seperated from the wheel. I also live in a rural area that has dead areas to the East West for 20 plus miles.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
I just replaced my factory tires, and went with the Michelin run flats. Frankly, it was just for peace of mind.
The logical side of my brain said they were not necessary. The sissy side of my brain didn't want to worry about what "might" happen. Sometimes sissies win.
The logical side of my brain said they were not necessary. The sissy side of my brain didn't want to worry about what "might" happen. Sometimes sissies win.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10,426
Likes: 1,726
From: North Texas
FWIW, I had bad results using the "ropey" type plugs. Granted they were in use on a motorcycle tire, but they did fail within about 5 miles. I've had much better luck with the more solid rubber type plugs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
OP, www.titantpms.com. Much cheaper than the original. I haven't bought from them, but they have posted on the forum before. Maybe someone has bought, and will chime in.
As far as tires I have decided to go with the non-RF's. It's a chance I'll take for a better, and quieter ride. I've bought a repair kit from Wally World, and have a pump I'll carry with me.
As far as tires I have decided to go with the non-RF's. It's a chance I'll take for a better, and quieter ride. I've bought a repair kit from Wally World, and have a pump I'll carry with me.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 721
Likes: 11
From: Lansing and Brighton Michigan
I put new Michelin's on last spring for 1200 total. I didn't think that was too bad for the run flats. I picked up a screw just this Monday and had less than 19 lbs of pressure when I arrived at work. With in minutes it was flat. I filled it up to 35 drove down to the place I purchased the tires from and left a half hour later with it fixed. I'm happy to have the piece of mind with the run flats. I don't think the ride is rough at all with the Michelins.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Personal choice depending on your comfort level both in ride and handling quality and fear of having a flat.
I went with convention tires and carrying a kit. The ride is so much better with less noise.
One flat I had to change on the road since 1964, not even my car!
I went with convention tires and carrying a kit. The ride is so much better with less noise.
One flat I had to change on the road since 1964, not even my car!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,574
Likes: 167
From: Frederick, MD
I had the GY runflats and changed over to Michelin Pilot Super Sports non-run flats and I love them.
In my opinion, the pros are that they ride much better then any run flat and they are not as loud on the road. They handle better then the original tires also.
The cons, is as you already stated, with no spare, you don't have the ability to continue driving if you do lose air pressure. So many carry a small air compressor and a fit kit. I would recommend an actual tire repair kit as I understand that the Fix a Flat or any other of the in a can fix will screw up the TPMS.
In my opinion, the pros are that they ride much better then any run flat and they are not as loud on the road. They handle better then the original tires also.
The cons, is as you already stated, with no spare, you don't have the ability to continue driving if you do lose air pressure. So many carry a small air compressor and a fit kit. I would recommend an actual tire repair kit as I understand that the Fix a Flat or any other of the in a can fix will screw up the TPMS.
I did the same thing. I live in Utah so driving in the middle of no where is common. A run flat owner would have issues also as mechanics that can/will fix a run flat are far apart out here in the west. One big plus of non runflats is that they are generally lighter. Super Sports are generally around 12 lbs lighter a set than PS2 ZPs. 2-3 lbs a tire doesn't sound like much but that is unsprung weight which is a big difference.
I've also driven my Super Sports down to 3F without any issues. Even run flat A/S ZP tires don't like bumpy cold roads when it drops down to around 20 or so.
As far as wear goes, I have 18k on my set right now with around 6/32ds of tread left. I don't track the car but I do enjoy spirited drives with the local exotic car club.
I never had a issue with the run flats, but even with run flats I only had slow leakers which were easy the catch. The fool is the Corvette owner that runs run flats without carrying an air compressor. Some companies even require that you replace the tire if the pressure drops below 15psi with a run flat.
Tolero Apto Victum
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 37
From: Woodlands TX
OP: I have used the Firestone Firehawk RFT for a while and am very happy, I am on my 5th set that I had installed 3 weeks ago. I also had Firestone install (2) new TPMS sensors that were going bad, if they would have had (4) in stock then I would have just replaced them all. Check out this thread - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...k-of-wood.html Good Luck! 
....smooth as glass.....