First off I know about run-flats. So we don't need to go there. I'm uncomfortable going on long trips in my 13 GS with no spare. Searching the WWW I came across this site, modernspares.com. Has anyone tried this? My question is will my rear tire fit in my hatch?

 

You really need 2, one for the front and a different one for the back. If you don't match the existing diameters the active handling, traction control, and antilock brakes will become confused. Search for threads where people have just tried to change tire sizes and run into these issues. The size they are selling (135/80/R18) is about 2% off for a rear tire and 3% for a front. You might get away with it if you drive slowly for short distances at slow speeds with all the TC/AH turned off. Most people, however, just opt for a cell phone and credit card. Others choose the slime knowing they will have to replace the tire pressure sensor if and when they ever get a flat.

As far as fitting a flat into the rear, the minimum size of a box that will fit in the rear is 37"x42"x11. But if you are on a trip, won't you have luggage in there also so...

 

Here is the reply I got from modernspare -


"Thanks for contacting us about a spare tire kit for yourCorvette. We do offer a kit that willfit your 2013 Grand Sport.Thedimensions of the kit are 27" tall and 6" wide which will easily fitin the trunk of your car.The sparewheel will work as a replacement for any of the 4 wheels on your car".


Cell, Credit Card, slime would all be back-ups. Trying to make the spare my first and immediate choice. Yes I would have to limit luggage. Driving with the spare will have it's own set of issues but I wouldn't be driving hard or even at the posted speed limit most likely. I appreciate your thoughts, thank you.

 

Are you going somewhere that you anticipate not having a tire store or dealer near by. I don't get the "I have to have a spare or run flat tire thing". A pair of dikes/pliers, plugging kit and small compressor in the cubby will take care 99% of your potential flat issues.

 

....although I think I might drop that % down to about 80 - 85%.....

 

I think that tire slime is your answer. It will ruin your sensors but a small price to pay. I wouldn't want loose spare tires flying around in the cabin in case of a wreck!

 

I carry a 12v air compressor in one of the back cubby's. Of course, if it's a massive blow out, a flatbed truck would be the answer. But, putting air pressure back in the tire and keeping an eye on it should be good enough to get you to a repair shop or tire shop. I also have some of those pre-glued tire repair plugs if the hole is too large to just drive on.

 

I assume you mean in addition to all the luggage, tools, food, drinks, cameras, and souvenirs.

 

I find it extreme to be carrying a spare tire where a RF tire will get you to any tire shop, even with a flat tire.

Just in case, as others have mentioned, carry a can of slime, or a compressor, plug kit, even if you run RF tires.
Slime will work wonders in case of a nail or screw and a slow to medium leak.

Heck, I've been running non RF tires, and go on long trips all the time. I never worry about it. I carry everything listed, but not a spare tire.
I've picked up 1 screw in all the years and 85K miles of road trips.
I pulled it out, plugged it, and it got me through another week of the trip, and back home.

Whatever gives you peace of mind, will be what you need to do.

Good Luck

 

This is what I do, most leaks are not fast enough that you won't be able to get to the nearest Wal-Mart before the air escapes again. I keep one of these in every car I own even if they have a spare. This option is much easier than changing a spare especially if your flat is on a sloped gravel drive way where jacking the car up wouldn't be practical.

 

So if you have a spare tire where are you going to carry the jack and tire tool needed to change the tire?

 

I carry the plug thingy and a small compressor, but i would imagine that a small scissors jack and a handle that fits it and your lugs would fit somewhere fairly easily.

 

I have run non-runflats for nearly 10 years and 100K miles on my 05. I take a 17" GTO spare and sizzors jack and socket with a breaker bar when I go out of town. GM part number for the GTO 17” Spare Rim - 92156731. I got it on ebay for about $50 when I switched over to non-runflats. You also need a couple of spacer washers to clear the rear brakes. Make sure you do a test installation of the spare when you first get it before you take off on a trip. I have had 3 flats in the last 10 years. Two of them were just slow leaks so all I had to do is take my 12V pump out and fill them back up and continue on my way for a few more hours. That is my first and simplest and fastest line of defense. I also carry slime and a plug kit but my next choice is just to put on the spare. I had to do that once when I hit something on the highway that put a big hole in the tire and it deflated totally in about 3 minutes. There is no problem driving the vette on a freeway at 60mph for several miles with the spare on either the front or back - no messages or warnings. The car does not ride nearly as well as it normally does but it runs fine. I also have used the spare around town for a couple of days when I had to wait for a replacement tire from tirerack to arrive. This is my daily commute car so I just drop off the wheel with the bad tire at the local shop on the way to work and pick it up when the new tire is ready. No waiting around at the tire shop that way.

 

I have found that most of the problems that I have had with tires involve running over a nail or screw in the tread which can be plugged very easily in most cases (at least to get you to safety). In that case, your tire pressure monitor should warn you of low pressure and allow you to get somewhere to get it fixed. i did have one blowout which involved a cut sidewall which could not be repaired. in that case, I used my roadside assistance through my insurance which covers towing the car to a tire shop or removing and replacing the tire on the side of the road. Even thought I do carry a tire plug kit, the roadside assistance gives me the biggest piece of mind.

 

Don't forget about the tire/rubber smell if you're going to carry a spare.

 

Did you happen to get a product or kit # from them? i'm curious about it too but I didn't see an option for a c6 Grand Sport.

 

Have you ever dealt with a flat tire on the side of the interstate with cars going by at 75 mph?

Trust me, you never ever want to do it!

Tom

 

Been there and done that on my car trailer and it was not fun. If you had your Corvette jacked up the wind from the big trucks may blow it off the jack. Some people go to sleep on the interstate and run off the road in the tire changing lane.

 

and if the flat is on the rear, you'll need to put that 12" wide rear tire in the hatch when then the spare goes on.

 

I carry a "Stop and Go" plug kit and Slime compressor.

The C6 is so close to the ground that it might be difficult to find the puncture.