kclowen

I have a 2007 non-Z06 that needs tires. I am not into racing, so I am just looking for a good set of tires. I currently have Michelin Runflats.


Is there a REASONABLE alternative to runflats? I know I can't carry 2 spares around, but are there cans of sealants that actually work to seal a tire well enough to get home (unless the damage is severe--but then maybe the runflats would not work under those conditions either)?


I have never had a tire lose all air on the runflats and don't know if the sidewalls are stronger to prevent a catastrophic failure (where they would not work).


Could someone please just educate me on runflats and alternatives to using them.


Ken

RocketDawg

There are several threads here about that subject, and the consensus seems to be that you:

1. Carry a plug kit
2. Carry a portable compressor
3. Make sure you have a cell phone to call for a flatbed, and OnStar if you desire
4. Make sure you have AAA and/or insurance coverage for tow expenses
5. Have a can of Fix-a-Flat or equivalent
6. And make sure you don't mind waiting a while for a tow truck to come, or the time to air the tire up yourself.

I have all except the plug kit. I figure if I have a flat that needs plugging, the already low-to-the-ground car will be sitting almost on the ground and I'd never get to it to plug it. It's not as easy as it sounds if you have a year or two on your bod. So if I can't pump it up and go a few miles, and repeat as necessary, I'll just call for a tow. If your wife drives it alone you might want to stick with runflats unless she's a "modern" woman.

The sidewalls are definitely stronger because even with no air in them, they'll still sit up and you can't tell the difference in one that is fully pressurized. But you don't want to drive very far or very fast at zero p because it'll ruin the tire, and would be dangerous to boot. Runflats may be more likely to prevent a catastrophic failure, but I have no data to back that up. Those sorts of failures are rare unless you run the tire well past its lifetime, or run over some large, sharp object (in which case nothing would help).

Regular tires are supposedly quieter and better performance, but personally, I can't really tell the difference until the runflat is about worn out, or you push the car to its limits. I had the same tire on my C5 in both runflat and nonrunflat and they seemed the same to me. I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports now in non-runflat because they didn't make a runflat version when I got them. I'd go runflat now even though they're more expensive.

Ramler

I recently traded my base 07 for a 13 GS but the whole time I had the 07 I ran Michelin AS2 runflats. They work great in all weather and last a very long time. They don't make AS2's in GS size so I'm buying a set of Hankook non-runflats.

Don-Vette

I switched to Hankook Ventus evo2 a couple years ago on my GS, I love them,smooth ride,quiet,great in the rain and in the performance. Treadwear is amazing! Even though I have roadside assistance I carry this in the back cubby...

91RS

I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports on mine. I guess I should get some sort of inflator to keep in it.

RoadkingC6

Depending on where you catch a nail in a tire, i picked up a nail in my rear tire about an in inch in and was slowly losing pressure, i was able to get a plug in that tire without jacking up the car, it wasn't fun but it could be done. It is my understanding that if you use that slime it can ruin your TPMS sensors. And somewhere on this forum i had read that Mercedez Benz makes a small jack that would fit in our cars, but i don't know which model Benz they were referring to.

extrapilot

I have read here that someone reported having a blow out resulting with a good portion of the side wall missing.
It was a run flat, and the owner was able to still drive the car long enough to get it fixed. The tire did stay up with no wheel damage.
Something to be said about them run flats.

jrose7004

For the peace of mind afforded, I'll stick with run flats.

Never-Enough

Slime does not ruin TPMS. It did not ruin the sensor in my old BMW. I'd be curious to know what model MB jacks fit the C6

Richard F

I have had a flat on a rear tire on my 2009 Vert with Michelin Run Flat tires...It was a piece of metal in the tread area that was non repairable due to the size of the cut...I had driven thru a accident scene before they were able to clear the road of debris and apparently ran over a piece of metal from the accident. I was about 75 miles from home when the DIC showed flat tire. I checked and couldn't tell any difference in the tire but stopped to air it back up....it slowly went down to 24 lbs as we drove home at speeds of 65 to 70 mph. Once home it sat overnight and went down to 0 . The next day I aired it back up and drove to town 10 miles to the tire store, then back home due to not having the tire in stock. Then next day aired it up and drove back to town 10 miles with it showing 17 lbs. Didn't have any problems from the tire other than it wouldn't hold air. Michelin was good enough to give me credit on the tire towards a new one due to tread depth. I would stay with the run flats...

Vet Interested

Never-Enough

Some of us need better traction

Knob Jockey

Runflats are kinda like an insurance policy and if I could get them in the size I want I would still be using them.

The non-runflats ride better, are quieter and much cheaper.

I have Nitto Invos and am very happy with them compared to prior GY RF's and Michelin ZP's.

I also now carry a Slime Kit (doesn't hurt TPMS) and AAA.

Ben101er

And if you buy them from Tire Rack, generally, they give free road hazard warranty on most of their tires.

gsflyer2011

Yes the sidewalls on a run flat has to be very stiff (note i am not saying strong) in order to hold the tire up without any air in it however this stiffness is the achilles heel. Besides less comfort it is also makes the sided very brittle and that is why when you hear catastrophic tire failures with portion of the side wall missing, it is run flat. Very bad pot holes, not slowing for speed bumps will do that. Missing sidewalls are unheard of when it comes to conventional tires. Worst they will get is a side wall separation and a bubble on it but not strand you. I know people will argue otherwise vehemently and emotionally, do the search on run flats, not have to go too far, go to tire racks site and read all those catastrophic failures on the run flats. Even some people wrote, if you drive in bad roads, don't buy these tires. Lot of people have lot of problems with run flats, they are chosen to be
One of the worst hated new car technologies by both customers and the industry. Some one here posted some industry reports here on the forum few months ago. I did my research when i switched to michelin ss non run flats. No regrets.

owc6

Is this the one?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-the-win.html

extrapilot

Yes, good fine.

PS just realized it was your post..........

Red08

I have Firehawk rft's on my vette. They are a very quiet, comfortable riding tire, with good tread life. And, they are affordable compared to a lot of other corvette tires. I really don't understand the bias that some folks have against run flat tires.

jrose7004

I too have Firehawks and am satisfied with them.

Richard G.

I am running Kumho's. They are non runflats. My biggest worry is getting a flat and then having to get a replacement tire. Could take several days to get a new tire.
My back tire runflats were needing replacement and the tire shop was unable to get my size.
I believe that runflats are safer, more expensive and rougher riding. Non runflats are cheaper. less expensive and better handing.
I have run Kumho's for 12 years on my Corvettes driving West Virginia roads with no flats.
Last flat tire was in my driveway on my truck with a three inch screw. Sometimes it is just "the luck of the draw".