Tire Replacement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 592
From: Olathe KS
I have not been a fan of Run-Flats and promptly switched them out to better tires on both my C5 and C6. Better ride, handling, and so much quieter.
For my C7, I have been VERY surprised how well the RF's perform and how quiet they are. I cant make a decision until I see the choices when it comes time to change shoes, but the OEM RF's are going to be a part of the mix.
For my C7, I have been VERY surprised how well the RF's perform and how quiet they are. I cant make a decision until I see the choices when it comes time to change shoes, but the OEM RF's are going to be a part of the mix.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 6
From: San Antonio Texas
On my Z51, at 3,500 miles, I changed to Pilot Sport A/S 3's (non run flats) and I'm convinced they are the better all-around street tire. Less unsprung weight, much better tread wear, better gas mileage, less road noise, less flying debris, no tire hop, more capable in all weather conditions. I'll save the Super Sports and their incredible traction for the track.
I also now carry a small 12V compressor and plug kit onboard. That sucks.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Michelin Run Flats are State of the Art
Inside Michelin run flats are a second "tire", which provides the structure when there is loss of air.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing your next set is that Michelin tires are OE for the first time ever with the C7. Lots of R&D went into their development.
When the time comes, I will replace my tires same as OE. I have 4,500 miles on them and have been very impressed with both grip and smoothness, as well as quiet. Don't see a reason to change.
I just hope Michelin can keep up with the demand!
And my C7 A6 vert is totally awesome!
One thing to keep in mind when choosing your next set is that Michelin tires are OE for the first time ever with the C7. Lots of R&D went into their development.
When the time comes, I will replace my tires same as OE. I have 4,500 miles on them and have been very impressed with both grip and smoothness, as well as quiet. Don't see a reason to change.
I just hope Michelin can keep up with the demand!
And my C7 A6 vert is totally awesome!
Jukebox Graduate
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 857
Likes: 3
From: Saint Louis MO
That's an easier choice when you live in the South. Summer only tires are a different matter the further North you live.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 4
From: Nor Cal
Tires?
If you have a NonZ51 C& are you planning on taking tires off? I'm looking for a "like new" set of the Michelins for my 09' Z51 (same size)
Please let me
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
As you all know all season run flats are not currently available.
At the Ron Fellows Driving School last week it was announced that Michelin is working on the AS RFs ... available date not yet known ... If that is what you want ... try and hold on for a while.
Sam
At the Ron Fellows Driving School last week it was announced that Michelin is working on the AS RFs ... available date not yet known ... If that is what you want ... try and hold on for a while.
Sam
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,548
Likes: 176
From: Upstate NY
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Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 545
Likes: 286
From: Lords Valley PA
4 blown tire events in my BMW 550 this past year on GoodYear run-flats due to deplorable road conditions in NJ and Pa this past year. In all cases, no loss of control as the tire blew out from the pot hole impact and I was able to drive home and deal with the proble in my warm, dry, well lit garage... not on the side of a dark road. Also, Spring Mountain Corvette Driving School uses Michelin Run-flats on their track cars where us 'students' burn up a set of tires in a matter of a few days. If non-run flats offered more performance, at a lower cost, I would guess the Spring Mountain crew would be using them. I'm a fan of run-flat technology and capabilities.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 50
From: Prosper TX
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 920
Likes: 81
From: Frankfort Kentucky
This is a continually debated item on the forum and there are proponents of both types here. It is an individual choice and most likely will always be a debatable issue. I gave the run flats a shot for 1200 miles and found them by far the best run flats I have experienced, but they are still run flats and for street cruising are inferior for ride comfort and noise, perform lousy in cold weather, and were short-lived compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3s that I replaced them with. I do carry a quality 12 volt compressor and Dynaplug kit with me as well as a can of slime if necessary. I will spring for a new sensor if required. I also replaced the run flats that came with on our Mini JCW. I may have to wait for a roll back at some point, but that is a risk that is acceptable to me.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Hmmm, ZR1s & 427 Convertibles both came with Michelin PSS tires as original equipment. Also an option on Z06s, IIRC.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
That is why they call it a run flat. The PSS run flats are quite good from a performance stand point although the GY EMTs on the C6Z weren't bad getting around a corner when warm. Michelin used to advertise their tire by drilling a large hole in the sidewall and running the car.
If the puncture is in the tread area the tire can be driven up to 50 miles at 55 mph and still be repaired. However, if you need to go further than that you can go a very long way as long as you check the tire once in a while to make sure it doesn't catch fire. A hell of a lot better than the slime or plug ideas especially if you are out on a rainy night trying to get your body under the left rear of the car to put a plug into the tread on a non run flat that has collapsed down on the rim. Might be a good way to get your legs run over by another car.
With a non run flat you have to repair the tire before moving or ruin the tire. If you are traveling and have to replace a non run flat tire you will have just as hard a time finding a replacement for a Corvette as if you were looking for a run flat but you don't have the option of moving the car on its own if you can't find one.
Bill
If the puncture is in the tread area the tire can be driven up to 50 miles at 55 mph and still be repaired. However, if you need to go further than that you can go a very long way as long as you check the tire once in a while to make sure it doesn't catch fire. A hell of a lot better than the slime or plug ideas especially if you are out on a rainy night trying to get your body under the left rear of the car to put a plug into the tread on a non run flat that has collapsed down on the rim. Might be a good way to get your legs run over by another car.
With a non run flat you have to repair the tire before moving or ruin the tire. If you are traveling and have to replace a non run flat tire you will have just as hard a time finding a replacement for a Corvette as if you were looking for a run flat but you don't have the option of moving the car on its own if you can't find one.
Bill
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
The Michelin tire that is on the C7 is the "Super Sport" tire which is the next generation past the "PS2" and offers about 12% more lateral grip and tread wear index has increased from about 200 to 300. The engineers said that the outer compound on the "SS" is the same as the one they run at Le Mans for grip and durability.
Michelin has broken the code on how to make a run flat tire all the rest are posers!
I've been through two sets of the Super Sports on my Audi A4 and love them.
Also the tires for the C7 Z06 will be the same sizes as the C6 ZR1 too!
Michelin has broken the code on how to make a run flat tire all the rest are posers!
I've been through two sets of the Super Sports on my Audi A4 and love them.
Also the tires for the C7 Z06 will be the same sizes as the C6 ZR1 too!
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
My bad - I was not clear about that. The C7 is the first time for Michelin to be OE for all models.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 416
From: hardyston new jersey
St. Jude Donor '09-'25
Never thought much about it until yesterday. Picked up a nail on the GSP here in Jersey and was able to get to the tire dealer without stopping. $35.00 and half an hour later was back on the road. Without Run Flats who knows how long I would have been on the parkway even with AAA. 
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 55
From: Maryland
I drive my vettes everyday. The last thing I want is to get stranded with a flat. In 150,000 miles on runflats I have had 7 flat tires and have never been stranded.
One time while on a drive from Florida to New Hampshire in my C6 I hit a pot hole the size of a Volkswagen on the Pennsylvania / New York state line and blew the bead. It was 4:30 in the morning on a Sunday. I drove 300 miles (at 55 MPH) on a completely flat tire.
I will always use run flats....
One time while on a drive from Florida to New Hampshire in my C6 I hit a pot hole the size of a Volkswagen on the Pennsylvania / New York state line and blew the bead. It was 4:30 in the morning on a Sunday. I drove 300 miles (at 55 MPH) on a completely flat tire.
I will always use run flats....
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Never thought much about it until yesterday. Picked up a nail on the GSP here in Jersey and was able to get to the tire dealer without stopping. $35.00 and half an hour later was back on the road. Without Run Flats who knows how long I would have been on the parkway even with AAA.
If it was for a plug, you might consider a patch as well if you and your ride are planning any high speed excursions???
my .02
Sam