Steve2150

I know we have run flats and some carry repair kits. Is it worth getting the GM tire inflator kit so if getting a flat could save the run flat by driving it inflated till possibly getting the tire repaired.

docprego

What am I missing here? Isn't the purpose of the runflat to allow you to drive on the flat tire to get it repaired?

owc6

I don't know the price of the GM version, but I bet you could buy the equivalent for less if you shop around. There's nothing magical about having it say "GM" on it. I bought a compact compressor, and a plug kit out in town.

@docprego: If it's a slow leak, having a compressor can greatly extend your range by not having to drive on a flat tire (or at reduced speed). You just monitor the psi, and refill before it gets very low and possible sidewall damage (by driving an extended distance) occurs that could preclude repairing it at the shop when you finally arrive.

Classic-Chevy-Guy

How about a can of Fix-A-Flat. Says on the can that it does not have any effect on the TPIs.

Cheap and compact alternative to compressor.

docprego

nmvettec7

I personally don't worry about the runflats, because that is what they were designed for, is to run flat.

On my other premium sports cars, I carry a tire plugging kit and portable air compressor that plugs into the cigarette receptacle for power. I haven't had a flat tire in probably 20 years, so I carry the plug kit and compressor strictly as emergency items.

Kracka

The Volt includes the GM Tire Inflator Kit in the trunk; it's basically just an air compressor with a built-in can of Fix-A-Flat. It works well though. Can you even use Fix-A-Flat in conjunction with run-flats?

owc6

Yes. If the hole (of the same size and in the same place) would be fixable in a non RF, there is no difference.

Slime brand claims that it is TPMS safe, but I wouldn't leave it in there longer than necessary, though. As soon as you are able to get the tire repaired PROPERLY, I would have the tire cleaned out at the same time.

Vetteman Jack

Plenty of good tire repair tools available outside of a dealership parts department.

Kracka

Good to know, I'll start grabbing it out of the Volt and putting it in the Vette's trunk for roadtrips, thanks.

MikeyTX

This and/or the tire inflation kit sold at Wal-Mart, Auto Zone, Advance Auto, NAPA ,etc. I carry both, be it the Vette or the Acadia Denali.

grandpawmoses

This is my thinking only with no facts to back it up but I believe the runflat was intended to get you to a repair facility where you would replace the tire, not repair it. Running it deflated, even just a few miles, would do some damage to the sidewalls. I did not buy a tire warranty and have a tiny 12 volt compressor I used to keep in my motorcycle saddlebag that fits in the trunk "cubby" with lots of room to spare.

http://www.ridermagazine.com/gear/ai...or-review.htm/

MikeyTX

Run flat tires can be safely repaired if the puncture is smaller than .25 of an inch and within the center portion of the tread. That is why if I can seal the tire effectively with Slime such that it will hold the requisite tire pressure, that sure beats destroying a tire.

meyerweb

They're designed to run flat for a max of 50 miles, at speeds up to 50 mph. Yeah, they can probably go further, but at the cost of destroying the tire.

Can you guarantee you will ALWAYS be able to get to a tire shop that has the right equipment to remove and replace a Corvette tire without damaging the tire or rim, within 50 miles? If not, are you prepared to wait for a couple of days while a new tire is shipped to where ever you happen to be?

If you never drive too far from home, or a major urban area, you can probably rely on the run flat. If you use your car for a long trip, you might decide spending $20 on a slime kit and pump is a worthwhile expense.

Walt White Coupe

If you get a slow leak (95% of problems), letting the tire go flat and driving on it rather than adding air from a gas station or small portable compressor is negligent. Not only do you save the tire but the car will handle normally.

NSC5

I bought a couple of these kits from Amazon, one stays in my daily driver and the other gets transferred to whichever vehicle is being used for a road trip.

iclick

I bought a 12V compressor from Harbor Freight (#69284) for the C6 and have transferred it to the C7 along with a standard plug kit. I keep it in the cargo cubby hole in the left rear corner but haven't had to use it yet. I test the compressor occasionally to make sure it works.

I've also carried these on my Harley for even longer and the two have gotten me out of a pinch more than once, but of course the bike doesn't have RFTs.

carpe dm

Last year we had a flat halfway between Tucson and Los Cruses, NM. It was a large puncture and would never have made it back to Tucson without a dose of sealant and an air pump. BTW, it happened at 4:30 a.m. on I10...... We will NEVER again travel across country without the kit!

carpe dm

Last year we had a flat halfway between Tucson and Los Cruses, NM. It was a large puncture and would never have made it back to Tucson without a dose of sealant and an air pump. (there is no tire/repair facility within 100 miles in either direction) BTW, it happened at 4:30 a.m. on I10...... We will NEVER again travel across country without the kit! I've got this pump/system.
http://www.herringtoncatalog.com/pro...533715e000037d

BigJoe

I carry a compressor that came with the C5 Z06s. About $500 to replace it if I recall. It is very substantially built but as far as getting air in the tire it works as well as the $25 Wallyworld version. (Just probably will last forever.) I've used it several times over the years to keep pressure in a slow leaker until I can get to my local tire shop. Nice insurance to have... Actually I have a screw in one tire right now that is not causing any air loss, but the compressor is ready and waiting if it starts to leak.