New Owner- Time for New Tires! Help!
04-19-2018, 02:07 PM
#1
New Owner- Time for New Tires! Help!
Hi All,
I tried posting a thread last night, but I guess it never actually posted.
As of last week, I finally got my dream car (Black/Black C6 Vette w/ Z51 Package) for a great deal with only 16k miles! I've been starting to do my research on maintenance and taking care of it properly. It is in pretty pristine condition and I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up. One thing I noticed, is that the tires are the originals on the car (It's a 2007, so 11-12 years old)! Through my research (this article: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/140...-need-to-know/) it seems that regardless of miles, tires should be replaced every 6 years AT MOST. I was then researching if I should get the same ones that came with the vehicle or if people tend to prefer another make/model, which it seems based on this article (https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repla...orvette-916402) that there indeed is another generally preferred set: Michelin Pilot Sport ZP or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. However, both of those are considered summer tires, I believe, which leads me to my questions:
Edit- Added that the Vette has the Z51 package
I tried posting a thread last night, but I guess it never actually posted.
As of last week, I finally got my dream car (Black/Black C6 Vette w/ Z51 Package) for a great deal with only 16k miles! I've been starting to do my research on maintenance and taking care of it properly. It is in pretty pristine condition and I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up. One thing I noticed, is that the tires are the originals on the car (It's a 2007, so 11-12 years old)! Through my research (this article: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/140...-need-to-know/) it seems that regardless of miles, tires should be replaced every 6 years AT MOST. I was then researching if I should get the same ones that came with the vehicle or if people tend to prefer another make/model, which it seems based on this article (https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repla...orvette-916402) that there indeed is another generally preferred set: Michelin Pilot Sport ZP or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. However, both of those are considered summer tires, I believe, which leads me to my questions:
- I'm planning on getting my tires changed very soon, but until then, is it safe for me to drive on the current ones?
- Would you all recommend I get one of these Michelin's? If so, which one and why?
- I'm from FL, but currently live in OK, so it gets pretty cold (or at least relative to what I'm used to) and it snows occasionally in the winter. It seems, from what I've read, you don't want to drive your Vette in snow/rain anyways, but what about a cold, yet sunny day? Is the temperature a factor/concern as well or really just the weather conditions? If cold out, it's probably dryer, so maybe it does impact as well.
- If you don't drive your Vette during the winter, due to weather, what do you do to keep it "healthy"? Turn it on 1-2 times a week and open the garage, just to get it running a bit? Anything I should keep in mind during that time of year?
Edit- Added that the Vette has the Z51 package
Last edited by BlackMamba89; 04-19-2018 at 03:22 PM. Reason: Additional Info
04-19-2018, 02:46 PM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: S/W ,Fla-Ohio State Football isn't a matter of life or death,Its Much More serious than that
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#1 tire on Tirerack for your car is the Firestone Wide oval RunFlat !!!
I know some people that got these and love them.
I recommend getting RUNFLATS although some people won't.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...SortCode=57950
I know some people that got these and love them.
I recommend getting RUNFLATS although some people won't.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...SortCode=57950
04-19-2018, 02:55 PM
#3
Race Director
6 years at most is being a bit excessive. But tires do age and lose grip. If you manage that, it' not a huge deal. But if you can' manage the lower grip, the car can get out of hand.
I would just think about what your use for the car is and gonfrom there. Will you drove it in cold? Will you just cruise in it? Track days? Drive it hard on mountain roads? Lots of questions before you can really decide what the tire for you is.
I would just think about what your use for the car is and gonfrom there. Will you drove it in cold? Will you just cruise in it? Track days? Drive it hard on mountain roads? Lots of questions before you can really decide what the tire for you is.
04-19-2018, 03:01 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Summer tires and low temperatures do not mix! They will get hard as rocks and have no traction below 40 degrees. Some of them will even break. You need 3 season tires if you want to drive in low temps.
Only thing you really have to worry about during the winter if you don't drive it is keeping the battery charged up. Either leave it on a battery tender or charge it once a week. Starting the engine without getting it fully warmed up does more harm than good.
Runflats are a matter of personal choice. Many chose to forgo them and carry a compressor and plug kit.
Only thing you really have to worry about during the winter if you don't drive it is keeping the battery charged up. Either leave it on a battery tender or charge it once a week. Starting the engine without getting it fully warmed up does more harm than good.
Runflats are a matter of personal choice. Many chose to forgo them and carry a compressor and plug kit.
04-20-2018, 10:53 AM
#5
Instructor
I have a 2016 GS and replaced the original tires with Bridgestone Potenzas pole position and have been very very pleased with ride handling and wear. I will replace with same when time comes. Hope this helps
04-20-2018, 11:10 AM
#6
Race Car Tech
Tire Rack has a great selection, and allows the user to input the Performance package when searching for tires.
Depending upon the usage, and how much $$ you want to spend, as previously mentioned, the Firestone Wide Ovals are a good tire for the price. The other option is the Michelin tires. Any tire but Good Year are a better option IMO.
I personally never get more than 3 years out of my tires due to the mileage I put on the car. I replaced the OEM GY F1 supercar tires when they were half worn due to them losing grip in wet weather and getting loud tire noise.
At that time I bought the Firestone WO Indy 500 tires (non runflat) and loved them instantly. They were great in wet weather, very quiet tire and great grip in warm weather. I have since replaced those tires two more times, with the exact same tire. They don't make those particular Indy 500's anymore in the same thread patern, so I don't know which tires to purchase when the time comes again, in a few years.
I may go back to RF tires and go with either Firestone or the Michelin tires. I'm not a big fan of the new Indy 500 thread pattern, but the reviews have been good on Tire Rack. I guess I'll make that decision when the time comes.
Good Luck with your purchase
Depending upon the usage, and how much $$ you want to spend, as previously mentioned, the Firestone Wide Ovals are a good tire for the price. The other option is the Michelin tires. Any tire but Good Year are a better option IMO.
I personally never get more than 3 years out of my tires due to the mileage I put on the car. I replaced the OEM GY F1 supercar tires when they were half worn due to them losing grip in wet weather and getting loud tire noise.
At that time I bought the Firestone WO Indy 500 tires (non runflat) and loved them instantly. They were great in wet weather, very quiet tire and great grip in warm weather. I have since replaced those tires two more times, with the exact same tire. They don't make those particular Indy 500's anymore in the same thread patern, so I don't know which tires to purchase when the time comes again, in a few years.
I may go back to RF tires and go with either Firestone or the Michelin tires. I'm not a big fan of the new Indy 500 thread pattern, but the reviews have been good on Tire Rack. I guess I'll make that decision when the time comes.
Good Luck with your purchase
04-20-2018, 11:16 AM
#7
Team Owner
For run flats Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+ run flats are hard to beat. Bridgestone Potenza RE 960AS Pole Position RFT are also good.
Shop around on the internet..prices can vary and you may catch something on sale.
Shop around on the internet..prices can vary and you may catch something on sale.
04-20-2018, 11:16 AM
#8
Race Car Tech
Hi All,
I tried posting a thread last night, but I guess it never actually posted.
As of last week, I finally got my dream car (Black/Black C6 Vette w/ Z51 Package) for a great deal with only 16k miles! I've been starting to do my research on maintenance and taking care of it properly. It is in pretty pristine condition and I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up. One thing I noticed, is that the tires are the originals on the car (It's a 2007, so 11-12 years old)! Through my research (this article: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/140...-need-to-know/) it seems that regardless of miles, tires should be replaced every 6 years AT MOST. I was then researching if I should get the same ones that came with the vehicle or if people tend to prefer another make/model, which it seems based on this article (https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repla...orvette-916402) that there indeed is another generally preferred set: Michelin Pilot Sport ZP or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. However, both of those are considered summer tires, I believe, which leads me to my questions:
Edit- Added that the Vette has the Z51 package
I tried posting a thread last night, but I guess it never actually posted.
As of last week, I finally got my dream car (Black/Black C6 Vette w/ Z51 Package) for a great deal with only 16k miles! I've been starting to do my research on maintenance and taking care of it properly. It is in pretty pristine condition and I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up. One thing I noticed, is that the tires are the originals on the car (It's a 2007, so 11-12 years old)! Through my research (this article: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/140...-need-to-know/) it seems that regardless of miles, tires should be replaced every 6 years AT MOST. I was then researching if I should get the same ones that came with the vehicle or if people tend to prefer another make/model, which it seems based on this article (https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repla...orvette-916402) that there indeed is another generally preferred set: Michelin Pilot Sport ZP or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. However, both of those are considered summer tires, I believe, which leads me to my questions:
- I'm planning on getting my tires changed very soon, but until then, is it safe for me to drive on the current ones?
- Would you all recommend I get one of these Michelin's? If so, which one and why?
- I'm from FL, but currently live in OK, so it gets pretty cold (or at least relative to what I'm used to) and it snows occasionally in the winter. It seems, from what I've read, you don't want to drive your Vette in snow/rain anyways, but what about a cold, yet sunny day? Is the temperature a factor/concern as well or really just the weather conditions? If cold out, it's probably dryer, so maybe it does impact as well.
- If you don't drive your Vette during the winter, due to weather, what do you do to keep it "healthy"? Turn it on 1-2 times a week and open the garage, just to get it running a bit? Anything I should keep in mind during that time of year?
Edit- Added that the Vette has the Z51 package
For winter storage, I personally park the car in the garage, pump up thetires to 40 psi, put some dryer sheets in and around the car, engine compartment, and inside the car. It makes the interior smell nice when it's time to wake it up.
Hook up a battery maintainer (Battery Tender Plus ) in my case, and leave it as long as the car is in storage.
I park my car in November and restart it only at the end of March. I have done this for 8 years with no issues. My car now has over 80K miles on it.
04-20-2018, 04:38 PM
#9
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2001
Location: palm harbor/murphy Fl/NC
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C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '11, '14
Old tires are dangerous. They get hard and crack. If you to need to make a quick move it could be trouble.
Run flats are noisy IMHO.
I just put some Continentals on mine I they they are dw’s. Quiet not stupid expensive and great grip.
Run flats are noisy IMHO.
I just put some Continentals on mine I they they are dw’s. Quiet not stupid expensive and great grip.
04-20-2018, 05:21 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Nov 2007
Location: Pittsburgh PA
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St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
I like mine. Good balance of value and performance. I understand why some people don't want runflats, but I like the security they provide.
04-20-2018, 08:11 PM
#11
Instructor
I vote shop reviews on tirerack, then go to discount tire to price match and buy. Runflats aren't the best for performance, but are great for safety. Flip your coin and choose.
04-20-2018, 09:49 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Another vote for Bridgestones...
I also changed to Bridgestone Potenza RE 960AS Pole Position RFT tires from the OE GoodYears and never looked back. I feel secure driving in all temperatures--although I must say I never drive it in snow/ice in the winter--and the ride is quieter than the OE tires. I've got about 5,000 miles on them and they still look like new; they're wearing very well. I also like the security of the run-flat feature.
04-20-2018, 10:25 PM
#13
All-season tires for C-6
Hi All,
I tried posting a thread last night, but I guess it never actually posted.
As of last week, I finally got my dream car (Black/Black C6 Vette w/ Z51 Package) for a great deal with only 16k miles! I've been starting to do my research on maintenance and taking care of it properly. It is in pretty pristine condition and I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up. One thing I noticed, is that the tires are the originals on the car (It's a 2007, so 11-12 years old)! Through my research (this article: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/140...-need-to-know/) it seems that regardless of miles, tires should be replaced every 6 years AT MOST. I was then researching if I should get the same ones that came with the vehicle or if people tend to prefer another make/model, which it seems based on this article (https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repla...orvette-916402) that there indeed is another generally preferred set: Michelin Pilot Sport ZP or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. However, both of those are considered summer tires, I believe, which leads me to my questions:
Edit- Added that the Vette has the Z51 package
I tried posting a thread last night, but I guess it never actually posted.
As of last week, I finally got my dream car (Black/Black C6 Vette w/ Z51 Package) for a great deal with only 16k miles! I've been starting to do my research on maintenance and taking care of it properly. It is in pretty pristine condition and I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up. One thing I noticed, is that the tires are the originals on the car (It's a 2007, so 11-12 years old)! Through my research (this article: http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/140...-need-to-know/) it seems that regardless of miles, tires should be replaced every 6 years AT MOST. I was then researching if I should get the same ones that came with the vehicle or if people tend to prefer another make/model, which it seems based on this article (https://www.thoughtco.com/best-repla...orvette-916402) that there indeed is another generally preferred set: Michelin Pilot Sport ZP or Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP. However, both of those are considered summer tires, I believe, which leads me to my questions:
- I'm planning on getting my tires changed very soon, but until then, is it safe for me to drive on the current ones?
- Would you all recommend I get one of these Michelin's? If so, which one and why?
- I'm from FL, but currently live in OK, so it gets pretty cold (or at least relative to what I'm used to) and it snows occasionally in the winter. It seems, from what I've read, you don't want to drive your Vette in snow/rain anyways, but what about a cold, yet sunny day? Is the temperature a factor/concern as well or really just the weather conditions? If cold out, it's probably dryer, so maybe it does impact as well.
- If you don't drive your Vette during the winter, due to weather, what do you do to keep it "healthy"? Turn it on 1-2 times a week and open the garage, just to get it running a bit? Anything I should keep in mind during that time of year?
Edit- Added that the Vette has the Z51 package
All-season tires are about twice the price of summer tires. The factory says do not attempt to drive summer tires below 50 degrees. None of the tires get very good mileage on the Vette. Realistically, figure on about 15k miles. Even if the tires have a 30k mile guarantee the tire company will warranty a 30k mile tire for 15k max because they are being used on a staggered fitment (back tires bigger than the front) car.
04-20-2018, 10:39 PM
#14
4th Gear
Member Since: Feb 2016
Location: Jackson Missouri
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My situation was like yours. Picked up a '08 with 19k on the clock, with original tires. The tread looked fine and even had the car up to 120 on some back roads. Did a little research and found out that the DOT recommends tires be replaced before they reach 10 yeas of age.
My brother has a C7 and was all about runflats. He gave me several good reasons why he liked them...the safety...security...no spare. But I carry a compressor and fix-a-flat with me and figured if I encountered something they couldn't take care of then a runflat wouldn't help either. I don't track the car and it rarely sees bad weather but I live in Missouri and cold weather is a consideration.
I ended up with BF Goodrich Gforce C2 A/S tires from Tirerack and I'm really pleased with them. Nice looking tread and an all weather speed rated tire. The tire dude that did the installation said my old tires, although they looked good, showed signs of belt separation...good thing I changed them out when I did.
My brother has a C7 and was all about runflats. He gave me several good reasons why he liked them...the safety...security...no spare. But I carry a compressor and fix-a-flat with me and figured if I encountered something they couldn't take care of then a runflat wouldn't help either. I don't track the car and it rarely sees bad weather but I live in Missouri and cold weather is a consideration.
I ended up with BF Goodrich Gforce C2 A/S tires from Tirerack and I'm really pleased with them. Nice looking tread and an all weather speed rated tire. The tire dude that did the installation said my old tires, although they looked good, showed signs of belt separation...good thing I changed them out when I did.
04-20-2018, 11:47 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
#1 tire on Tirerack for your car is the Firestone Wide oval RunFlat !!!
I know some people that got these and love them.
I recommend getting RUNFLATS although some people won't.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...SortCode=57950
I know some people that got these and love them.
I recommend getting RUNFLATS although some people won't.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...SortCode=57950
I'm on my 2nd set.
04-20-2018, 11:57 PM
#16
Cheaper best tires are the FireHawks(680ish).. Mid price are the Continental Extreme Contact Sports(840ish), which I have on my car and love them. Then if you got the money go for the MPSS(1100).
**** runflats, they are a hard loud uncomfortable ride. Get the Conti's.
**** runflats, they are a hard loud uncomfortable ride. Get the Conti's.
04-21-2018, 01:01 AM
#17
Le Mans Master
Cheaper best tires are the FireHawks(680ish).. Mid price are the Continental Extreme Contact Sports(840ish), which I have on my car and love them. Then if you got the money go for the MPSS(1100).
**** runflats, they are a hard loud uncomfortable ride. Get the Conti's.
**** runflats, they are a hard loud uncomfortable ride. Get the Conti's.
04-21-2018, 10:21 AM
#19
Administrator
Member Since: Aug 1999
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CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '24
NCM Lifetime Member
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I don't worry about flats. I have a AAA card, a cell phone, a plug kit and a cigarette lighter compressor.
04-21-2018, 11:12 AM
#20
Pro
I just replaced a set of Michelin tires on my 2011 GS at 19,000 miles with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+ Run Flat tires thru Tire Rack. You might get them on sale at different times, I got a $70 card back from Tire Rack. Some dealers price match. Some dealerships even have better deals, but its hard to beat Tire Rack.