Thinking about tires...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 557
From: Newport OR
Thinking about tires...
I've been enjoying my time on this forum, reading and learning as much as I can about corvettes in general, and the 2015 Z51 specifically.
I've learned a lot, and I'm looking forward to delivery of my new-to-me Corvette, hopefully in the next couple of days...
I've been thinking about tires, and I have a few questions and comments, in no particular order. Feel free to chime in with opinions, thoughts, and your experiences.
Run flat v non run flat tires? It seems that the only advantage to RF tires is that they are, well, run flat. I can see the advantage of not having to worry about carrying a plug kit and small compressor, but otherwise? Are the RF tires significantly noiser than NRFs? Reviews on TireRack seem to suggest this.
What about non run flats? There are a number of tires in Z51 fitment, and they are signifiantly less expensive than the OEM Michelins. So, what is the trade off? What about the quality and performance of tires such as the Hankook Ventus, the Potenza S-04, or similar price points?
Does it all boil down to wear, ride quality, noise and gambling about getting a flat?
What are your thoughts?
Cheers.
I've learned a lot, and I'm looking forward to delivery of my new-to-me Corvette, hopefully in the next couple of days...
I've been thinking about tires, and I have a few questions and comments, in no particular order. Feel free to chime in with opinions, thoughts, and your experiences.
Run flat v non run flat tires? It seems that the only advantage to RF tires is that they are, well, run flat. I can see the advantage of not having to worry about carrying a plug kit and small compressor, but otherwise? Are the RF tires significantly noiser than NRFs? Reviews on TireRack seem to suggest this.
What about non run flats? There are a number of tires in Z51 fitment, and they are signifiantly less expensive than the OEM Michelins. So, what is the trade off? What about the quality and performance of tires such as the Hankook Ventus, the Potenza S-04, or similar price points?
Does it all boil down to wear, ride quality, noise and gambling about getting a flat?
What are your thoughts?
Cheers.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
You will get boo-koo opinions on both on here but for me,I would never be caught with my pants down using non run flat tires.There is no way I want to be messing with some tire patch kit or waiting for a flat bed at 2am on some dark street or highway somewhere. The ride may not be as "quiet" as non run flats,but if i was looking for a quiet ride i would drive my Lincoln Town car. I just bought FIRESTONE FIREHAWKS for my coupe,non z51 though. 
NON RUN FLATS is just not worth the risk to me. And by the way,I'm a gambler at the CASINO..not in my car...
NON RUN FLATS is just not worth the risk to me. And by the way,I'm a gambler at the CASINO..not in my car...
Last edited by not08crmanymore; Dec 20, 2015 at 11:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 557
From: Newport OR
You will get boo-koo opinions on both on here but for me,I would never be caught with my pants down using non run flat tires.There is no way I want to be messing with some tire patch kit or waiting for a flat bed at 2am on some dark street or highway somewhere. ...
Everyone will have a strong opinion based on their own experience, beliefs, and comfort level.For me, I wonder about the cost effectiveness on RFs. I guess I'm a gambler about getting a flat; in a four wheel vehicle I had a flat when I was 18, and not one again until a month ago, when I got two in a month! (I'm 64)
As an avid motorcycle tourist (285K miles) I'm very comfortable carrying a plug kit and small compressor on long rides. In all the miles I've ridden, the only flat I've gotten was because of a tire failure, and it left me stranded in a remote area of eastern Oregon, until a deputy sheriff came along and was able to get a flatbed on his radio. I could not have used a compressor and plug on this problem.
The tow was over two hundred miles.
Are both RF and NRF tires readily repairable? What about ride quality between the two types?
Thanks again for the opinions!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 183
From: Maple Ontario
tire pressure monitors will tell you if you have a slow leak, but you have to display them every now and them. Typically, you'll rarely get stuck unless your not paying attention. Carry a mini compressor in your car and that will get you anywhere you need to get to get the tire patched.
I have gotten so good with my plug kit, i can usually patch a front fast, doing a rear tire requires me to pull off the wheel. Does it make sense to suffer from runflat harshness for 99.99% of the time for the .01% chance of using the runflat capability ? and the price, usually means you can replace a non-runflat and still be financially ahead. and runflats are easily buggered if you drive too long... Get a AAA service, it's a better investment.
I have gotten so good with my plug kit, i can usually patch a front fast, doing a rear tire requires me to pull off the wheel. Does it make sense to suffer from runflat harshness for 99.99% of the time for the .01% chance of using the runflat capability ? and the price, usually means you can replace a non-runflat and still be financially ahead. and runflats are easily buggered if you drive too long... Get a AAA service, it's a better investment.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
I plan on going to non-runflat Michelins once these are gone for the weight savings. I already carry a Dynaplug kit and small compressor plus I have AAA. I don't think I have had a flat on the road in 20 years and I drive a lot of miles.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
One point. The stock Michelin ZP tires can take a cut or gash in the sidewall that no plug kit will ever fix, and keep rolling . This could save putting your car at the mercy of a tow service, many of which have been known to damage cars during the process (especially low sports cars.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
One point. The stock Michelin ZP tires can take a cut or gash in the sidewall that no plug kit will ever fix, and keep rolling . This could save putting your car at the mercy of a tow service, many of which have been known to damage cars during the process (especially low sports cars.)
I have had that happen to me with 3 different cars.
Last edited by joemessman; Dec 21, 2015 at 04:05 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
Spend an hour or so reading reviews and surveys on TireRack.com. They have thousands of reviews on many different brands. You can put in your car and search for all tires that are available for your car. They also have lots of information about tires in general. You can also call and speak to one of their sales personnel and they will ask you questions about your driving style and expectation that may help you decide on what tire is best for you. I agree that runflats do offer more security but I have been driving cars with non runflats and without a spare for over 20 years. Maybe it's just dumb luck but I have never been stranded yet. While runflat technology has improved over the years I still prefer traditional tires in terms of overall performance.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
Race Director
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 557
From: Newport OR
Thanks for your response-is it possible that "'Slime," or similar could foul up the Tire pressure monitors in the valve stems?
steve
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 557
From: Newport OR
Spend an hour or so reading reviews and surveys on TireRack.com. They have thousands of reviews on many different brands. You can put in your car and search for all tires that are available for your car. They also have lots of information about tires in general. You can also call and speak to one of their sales personnel and they will ask you questions about your driving style and expectation that may help you decide on what tire is best for you. I agree that runflats do offer more security but I have been driving cars with non runflats and without a spare for over 20 years. Maybe it's just dumb luck but I have never been stranded yet. While runflat technology has improved over the years I still prefer traditional tires in terms of overall performance.
Do most tire places install/repair Corvette tires?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,664
Likes: 49
From: Atlanta GA
Daily driver here. I have a set of Nitto Invos I run as day-to-day tires that are much quieter than RF tires and makes the ride to work and home much better. I also have the original set of runflats for long distance driving..just in case something happens. Contemplate these options in your driving habits. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
Many tire stores can and will repair runflats but usually the damage must be limited to the tread portion of the tire. If it is in or close to the sidewall you have to buy a new tire.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,228
Likes: 4,355
From: Chirper Island
RFs are just a reparable as non RFs.
Identical holes in identical places can be either repaired on both, or not repaired on both. Don't let anyone say that it can't be repaired due solely to the fact that it is a RF.
Identical holes in identical places can be either repaired on both, or not repaired on both. Don't let anyone say that it can't be repaired due solely to the fact that it is a RF.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
I think many folks are shocked when they do have to buy a new tire as RFs are more expensive than non RFs in most cases.