The truth about ZP tires
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 977
Likes: 245
From: San Jose CA
The truth about ZP tires
I have recently discovered that while ZP tires can be an asset and life saver when you are out in the middle of nowhere, but in any populated area and on most not well maintained roads, ZP does little to help you.
I recently had a bolt that went thru my tire, then spit out while driving, which kept the tire from holding any air. I drove it with zero pressure to my race shop to have a new tire put on and well, my rim was bent from that drive there. From now on, if I can't hold tire pressure for at least 20 mins to get to a shop, I will find a different solution.
This is especially true for our super wide rear wheels. They have issues with bending as it is, even with full tire pressure. It is almost guaranteed to bend a wheel if you have to drive with zero pressure if you are on anything but smooth roads.
I once heard that the folks at Ron Fellows suggest to not run the car on the track suspension setting on the street as it increases the chance of bending a wheel. I thought that was BS at the time, but now I get it and believe it.
I recently had a bolt that went thru my tire, then spit out while driving, which kept the tire from holding any air. I drove it with zero pressure to my race shop to have a new tire put on and well, my rim was bent from that drive there. From now on, if I can't hold tire pressure for at least 20 mins to get to a shop, I will find a different solution.
This is especially true for our super wide rear wheels. They have issues with bending as it is, even with full tire pressure. It is almost guaranteed to bend a wheel if you have to drive with zero pressure if you are on anything but smooth roads.
I once heard that the folks at Ron Fellows suggest to not run the car on the track suspension setting on the street as it increases the chance of bending a wheel. I thought that was BS at the time, but now I get it and believe it.
Last edited by CGGS; May 12, 2026 at 03:00 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 545
Likes: 149
From: Texas
I have recently discovered that while ZP tires can be an asset and life saver when you are out in the middle of nowhere, but in any populated area and on most not well maintained roads, ZP does little to help you.
I recently had a bolt that went thru my tire, then spit out while driving, which kept the tire from holding any air. I drove it with zero pressure to my race shop to have a new tire put on and well, my rim was bent from that drive there. From now on, if I can't hold tire pressure for at least 20 mins to get to a shop, I will find a different solution.
This is especially true for our super wide rear wheels. They have issues with bending as it is, even with full tire pressure. It is almost guaranteed to bend a wheel if you have to drive with zero pressure if you are on anything but smooth roads.
I once heard that the folks at Ron Fellows suggest to not run the car on the track suspension setting on the street as it increases the chance of bending a wheel. I thought that was BS at the time, but now I get it and believe it.
I recently had a bolt that went thru my tire, then spit out while driving, which kept the tire from holding any air. I drove it with zero pressure to my race shop to have a new tire put on and well, my rim was bent from that drive there. From now on, if I can't hold tire pressure for at least 20 mins to get to a shop, I will find a different solution.
This is especially true for our super wide rear wheels. They have issues with bending as it is, even with full tire pressure. It is almost guaranteed to bend a wheel if you have to drive with zero pressure if you are on anything but smooth roads.
I once heard that the folks at Ron Fellows suggest to not run the car on the track suspension setting on the street as it increases the chance of bending a wheel. I thought that was BS at the time, but now I get it and believe it.
Last edited by Scottlp; May 13, 2026 at 12:10 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 656
From: No. VA
I have had them on both BMWs I’ve owned and have really come to appreciate and value having them on my car. I think the ride comfort has improved dramatically over the years as well. If you want to reduce weight or have a plusher ride, sure, get the regular tires if you can. But they give me peace of mind. I have also had a flat with one and was able to make it 20+ miles to my dealer without stopping. I couldn’t do that with my 911.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 1,910
From: Missouri City, TX
Having a bolt, nail or screw puncture a tire and then exit the tire is a rarity. I do not recall that happening to me in 60 years of driving. 99%+ times the object will stay embedded if a nail or screw. JMHO Yes there are out of the ordinary punctures such as screwdrivers that can have a good likelihood of being flung free.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 977
Likes: 245
From: San Jose CA
Damn bro you can't catch a break! I wonder if those rubber screw plugs I see on youtube work? Or carry a small jack, plug it with regular plugs via drill and plug/drill bits and portable air compressor? I prefer the non run flat michelin ps4s but now they’re like a thousand a tire. Way lighter than zps and softer compound as well. I prayed for you some better luck D!
I have a new wheel coming the end of the week.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 977
Likes: 245
From: San Jose CA
Having a bolt, nail or screw puncture a tire and then exit the tire is a rarity. I do not recall that happening to me in 60 years of driving. 99%+ times the object will stay embedded if a nail or screw. JMHO Yes there are out of the ordinary punctures such as screwdrivers that can have a good likelihood of being flung free.
Instructor
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 128
Likes: 183
From: Orange County, CA
I hit something crazy in the dark and fog on my last C8Z---it basically split the rim at the tire and ripped the rubber... tpms went to zero but the ZP maintained its shape and I was able to drive the car to the dealer. The rim and tire was toast but I was still able to drive it and the sidewall was not compressed. My first ever ZP tire and Im glad it was there for no other reason than that I could drive the car vs getting it towed.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 977
Likes: 245
From: San Jose CA
I hit something crazy in the dark and fog on my last C8Z---it basically split the rim at the tire and ripped the rubber... tpms went to zero but the ZP maintained its shape and I was able to drive the car to the dealer. The rim and tire was toast but I was still able to drive it and the sidewall was not compressed. My first ever ZP tire and Im glad it was there for no other reason than that I could drive the car vs getting it towed.
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I've had 2 issues in the last 10 years where ZP tires saved me, and one of them was in the back of beyond, middle of nowhere with zero cell service. The ZP tires let me get 40-50 miles to the closest town and get the issue taken care of, so to me, they are absolutely worth it if available. I do also have an ATS-V with non-ZP tires (and no spare), though, and I don't hesitate to drive it across country as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 1,760
I had a car lead weight go thru my C7 Z06 rear tire left a pretty big hole but luckily I was only a few miles from home. When I took the wheel off I noticed 2 cracks on the inside of the wheel at the rim. Don't know if this happen because I drove with no air or it was already cracked. As this was a known issue with C7's.