2015 run flats

[Joe L.]

Re: 2015 run flats

Not much point in renting a car for a long trip, Joe, as odds are they will have runflats or the detestable mini-spare. At the rate I have flats, I've got over a decade until the next one comes on; might as well drive the car.

Patrick-----

Yes, but if you have a problem with tire on a rental car that leaves you stranded, you simply call the rental car company and they've have to get you out another car. More important, they have to deal with getting a new tire on the car and getting the car recovered.

And, yes, I've had VERY few flat tires over the years, too, and I've never had a blow out. However, the thought of having to deal with obtaining a new tire out in the "sticks" just terrifies me. I like what I could do with my 1969-------putting on the spare tire, completing my trip, and dealing with getting a new tire when I get home. That's how it's supposed to be.

[Gary S.]

Re: 2015 run flats

My issue with RF tires was on a BMW 3 series and now an X5. They have a HORRIBLE ride after the first 10000 or so miles. Once I put the non-RFs on my cars, I had my ride back. It might be different with the Corvette but I am no ready for RF tires yet.

[Joe L.]

Re: 2015 run flats

My issue with RF tires was on a BMW 3 series and now an X5. They have a HORRIBLE ride after the first 10000 or so miles. Once I put the non-RFs on my cars, I had my ride back. It might be different with the Corvette but I am no ready for RF tires yet.

Gary------

Run flat tires are, basically, a cross between a solid rubber tire (i.e. a "no flat") and a pneumatic tire. A solid rubber tire would have a horrendous ride and that's why they would never be used on an automobile. Since they are a cross between these two tire types, they deliver a ride somewhere between these two tire types.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 2015 run flats

That's simplifying it probably too much. Due to the very short sidewall height of the Corvette tire, there is not a huge difference between a runflat and a non-runflat with regard to sidewall construction. Each version has to be quite stiff due to the performance level of the tire plus the small amount of space. Thus, as the engineer related, you're most of the way towards a runflat when you engineer any Corvette tire on the current models.

Putting a runflat on my full size truck? I'm sure that would be much different. However, that vehicle has a full size spare, and I've only had 1 flat (actually, only low and it never got all the way flat) in 19 years of truck ownership.

As I mentioned previously, each version I've had seems to be better than the last. The Michelins of the late C6 era as well as those now on the C7 consistently get far better reviews than the Goodyears that preceded them, and that's a lot of the reason I switched brands.

[Joe L.]

Re: 2015 run flats

That's simplifying it probably too much. Due to the very short sidewall height of the Corvette tire, there is not a huge difference between a runflat and a non-runflat with regard to sidewall construction. Each version has to be quite stiff due to the performance level of the tire plus the small amount of space. Thus, as the engineer related, you're most of the way towards a runflat when you engineer any Corvette tire on the current models.

Putting a runflat on my full size truck? I'm sure that would be much different. However, that vehicle has a full size spare, and I've only had 1 flat (actually, only low and it never got all the way flat) in 19 years of truck ownership.

As I mentioned previously, each version I've had seems to be better than the last. The Michelins of the late C6 era as well as those now on the C7 consistently get far better reviews than the Goodyears that preceded them, and that's a lot of the reason I switched brands.

Patrick-------


I don't think it's too much of an over-simplification. You'll note that I did not say that the ride quality was half-way between a theoretical solid rubber tire and a conventional pneumatic tire. I just said it's somewhere between. And it is. Of course, it's closer to the pneumatic tire than the solid rubber. However, as you mention, the pneumatic tire in this case is a pretty rigid, inflexible tire due to its sidewall width. So, the ride quality of the runflat of similar size is somewhere between the theoretical solid rubber tire and the conventional pneumatic tire and, without a doubt, much closer to the pneumatic than the solid rubber. But, still, not quite as good as the conventional pneumatic.

In my opinion, the quest for performance has gone too far and these tires are a perfect example. These tires are hard riding, expensive, difficult to find when you need them, and a complexity due to the fact that there are different sizes front and rear and they're often directional making each tire unique to a position on the car. Sure, they provide a high level of performance but it's a level of performance that's really of little value for a street car operated in anything near a legal and RATIONAL manner.

While I obviously love Corvettes and always will, I don't think I'll ever buy a new one. I'll keep the ones I have, though. So, what will my next car be? Most likely a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Back to the beginning.

[Bill M.]

Re: 2015 run flats

I think everyone missed my point. Chevrolet is selling 3rd party warranties on the Corvette tire! So if the dealer is selling a solution to a problem they should back it up. If they can stock a hundred cars they can stock 4 tires. All of the car publications rave about the cross country fun in a new Vette. now I have to convince my Queen that we can go more than 50 miles from home.

[Joe L.]

Re: 2015 run flats

I think everyone missed my point. Chevrolet is selling 3rd party warranties on the Corvette tire! So if the dealer is selling a solution to a problem they should back it up. If they can stock a hundred cars they can stock 4 tires. All of the car publications rave about the cross country fun in a new Vette. now I have to convince my Queen that we can go more than 50 miles from home.

Bill-------

I was not aware that Chevrolet was selling an extended warranty on tires. I'm quite surprised that they are. In fact, I'm amazed that they are.

[Richard M.]

Re: 2015 run flats

Interesting reading. My '07 coupe has had 2 sets of NON-EMT's now for 8 years. I've been fortunate not to have a flat. Many miles far from home.

However, this is what I do for security. It takes a little room but I love my NON-EMT Bridgestone Potenzas I bought last year. Less than a Grand for all 4 and quiet and great in rain.

I pack 2 cans of Flat Fix, a Tire Repair kit, a 12v portable compressor, a 12V Car Jack, a long breaker bar and a lugnut socket. Crazy, but I'm ready. Remember the 6 P's? Prior Planning Prevents Pizz Poor Performance (my buddy Chuckie taught me that one years ago)

All this fits in the 2 rear compartments except the jack. If I DO in fact get a "non-catastrophic" tire problem, I'll fix it myself. If I have to, I'll remove it and get it fixed elsewhere with a ride from a buddy. If the tire gets totally destroyed, then a big problem. Then a flatbed.

But then again you heard what happened to me 2 weeks ago in my '07.....when my $1 Automatic Shift Lever Cable Plastic Bushing Thingy broke and left me stranded in a parking lot with no shifter? That was worse than a flat tire. But then again, I could have fixed it right there in a half hour if I had 3 simple tools! I was at a Auto Parts Store and they had the part.

Rich

[Gary S.]

Re: 2015 run flats

Like Richard, I have two cans of Fix O Flat, or similar, a high quality pump like off reading jeeps use, a jack, gorilla jack wrench, and one of those sticky rope plug kits . I had a nail in my sedan a few years ago and I fixed it using these tools in less than 30 minutes. The downside of course is one needs to clean the TPMS once you introduce the fix o flat product depending on what type you have and it all takes up space.

Joe,
The structure of the sidewall of RF tires is well known but I do hope that each generation of them gets better. In my experience, my 2007 BMW ride was harsh with them and then my 2011 X5 was equally harsh. I just wonder if the Mercedes folks put up with a lesser ride to save space?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 2015 run flats

While I obviously love Corvettes and always will, I don't think I'll ever buy a new one. I'll keep the ones I have, though. So, what will my next car be? Most likely a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Back to the beginning.

So are you going to sell a car, or build a bigger garage?

[Joe L.]

Re: 2015 run flats

So are you going to sell a car, or build a bigger garage?

Patrick-------


That's the whole problem. Something has to go. Were it not for that, I'd have the Miata tomorrow.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 2015 run flats

Patrick-------


That's the whole problem. Something has to go. Were it not for that, I'd have the Miata tomorrow.

We both know that the Cadillac has spots #1, 2 and 3 on the "its gotta go" list.

[John D.]

Re: 2015 run flats

Bill
What dealer are you working with ? ...maybe i can help

john

[Bill M.]

Re: 2015 run flats

John

I bought the car at Kerbeck and am having service done at A local Chevy dealer. I am going to check with the 3rd party ins and see if there is a better way to go around the shortage of the tires. maybe I buy a couple and they reimburse me if needed. Supply will catch up with demand. The truth is I never expected a flat I have not had a flat on anything in years. you stil live in new York?

Bill

[Bill C.]

Re: 2015 run flats

Hey

when I purchased my new 535i five years ago I also purchased a tire policy for the run flats.
It is zero deductible and completely free replacement on the tires.
It ran me about $1200 and as good for a full five years, no limits on mileage, and nitrogen inflation too.

I have since replaced four of the tires on the policy. It paid for itself after number two.

I had had to wait a couple days to get it fixed they had to order/locate the tires etc.
it's not just Chevy that has waiting time to get the tires.
The locating of tires was bad the first two years then it was no issue after the tire was used in production for a while. The tire stores started stocking them more later on.

Bill