ExRedRacer

I discovered today that I need some new front tires really soon. The inside edge is down to the cord or wire or whatever it is and I'm going down tomorrow to get some new ones. This time I'll have them properly aligned. I'm trying to decide whether or not to get a run flat tire or "risk it" with a non RF. My question is this:

How many of you replaced your original run flats with a non RF? Did you ever get into a situation where it left you stranded after getting a flat? How many of you have never had a flat and never needed the RF capabilities?

Decisions decisions.

EDIT: I just saw another thread on this same topic. Sorry about the dupe. I'd still like to see the poll results so if you could just make your selection, that would be great.

s'noJob

I replaced the OEM GYs with Michelin Pilot Sport runflats. Never had a flat. When those were ready to go, I bought Nitto NT555 non-runflats. Have had them for several thousand miles and never have had a flat.

That said, it makes me nervous to think about being left stranded and counting on AARP Motoring properly flat-bedding my car, so I am thinking of getting a portable inflator and a can of slime.

.

owc6

I had some non RFs installed by mistake, and I didn't catch it right away. I loved the ride but I only had them on the car for a short time. I was lucky and didn't get anything in the tires.

A week after I had them replaced, I had a huge gash in my LR tire out in the middle of nowhere, in the rain, on a road that had no shoulders, and was a TMobile dead spot (yes, I know the only thing missing was the dead of night, in the snow both ways uphill ). I a grateful that I was running RFs when it happened.

This is not the only time in a remote area that I have had a flat, just memorable because I had just switched out the non RFs.


lisa

Dendk

Run-flats...got stranded out in the boonies "Nevada" with a tire that went down, 0 pressure as they say in 110 deg plus weather. The tire got me back in to town without having to deal with the weather, adding goop, plugging etc...everyone has a reason/opinion I will stick with what worked for me. Ordered the new pilot super sport ZP's used for the C7 to replace the current ZP PS2's this week.

Torchsport

In for the info. I'm about ready to replace my oem run-flats.

Impulse20098

Not a fan of run flats I will be replacing mine here shortly for good. No traction wet or dry, and pretty loud (exhaust is now louder). I live in the city so being stranded in a cell phone dead area or deserted area won't happen.

richard emmanuel

NO run flats for me. they cost 3 times as much and only last 20,000 miles. I got nearly 70,000 miles out of a set of Nitto's. Also the Nittos handle better. Just remember this a run flat is only good for 75 miles before it starts to shread itself so you would be better putting air and a plun in a non run flat. Also not all run flats can be plugged.

wayback

I have had 2 sets of Nitto Invos and am on my 2nd set of Hankook Evos. Never had a flat, knock on wood. Like the ride and performance of non RF tires better. I will take my chances. Have 2 roadside assistance options if needed.

Soon to be 118k flat free miles.

Seadawg

Mine's a daily driver, and I seem to be a bolt and nail magnet since I've had vettes. I've had 4 flats since 2011, and never an issue getting them repaired, after a 15 - 20 mile drive to do it. 2 were very fast leakers, down to 0 psi in seconds. I didn't get over 55 - 60, but the car drove as if the tire was inflated. One of the 0 psi flats was a front, and the other was a rear. The other 2 slow leakers made it home for some air, then a drive to the dealership for repairs.

I also take my vette on long trips (700 miles each way), and I like the security of run flats. Never had a flat on one of those trips, but it's nice to know I can keep driving until I get to a location to repair them.

I've also tried to help friends get non runflats installed on vettes and other cars (BMWs), and many places now will NOT install them, for fear of liability reasons. Meaning, they fear the owner will come back on them if they get a flat and somehow damage their car, blaming them for not putting on what the factory recommends. Our crazy lawsuit happy age strikes again........

I'm also going on 30k miles on my Bridgestone RFs (with excellent, all weather, 30's to 100's degree temp traction), so I can't justify the switch for me.

EDIT - They also use RFs at Spring Mountain Corvette driving school, and we hung them out pretty good there too, so RF's will hold up well to "street car" track abuse too.

rdrunner

Wife had a flat while visiting Miami. Run flat saved me a lot of long distance problems. Had 1000 miles on new Michelin Ps2's when I had another memorable event with a roofers razor. I'm not a track driver so the extra performance in my case does not warrant the loss of convenience and feeling of security. I also bought the tire insurance for $500 witch I've used for over $1300 so far. In this case a good investment.

Cyber Greg

I personally have never had a blow out on any car I have ever owned. I have picked up the occasional screw or nail but those just present slow leaks which are easily dealt with by using a mini compressor which I keep in a cubby in the back. That provides me sufficient time to get to a garage either right away or the next day by using the mini compressor again to top off the air pressure.

AORoads

the way this car sits and the fact that it came w. runflats, I would not go with non-runflats. that's just me. but I read Gearhead Jim's long trip back on his runflats with a flat. if it were me, that's how I'd like to get to somewhere that can replace my tire if needed without ruining my wheel. everyone else can, and may have a different experience.

car2fast4you

I have Continental ExtremeContact DW tires (non run flat) on my C6.....and I love them.

I got a nail in one within the first month. Just a slow leak - no big deal. When I had the time, I took it back to Discount Tire to be repaired. It turned out that the damage was too close to the sidewall; and they had to replace it. It's been about 7,000 miles since, and no issues.

I'm 51, and only had a blowout 1 time, due to a pothole. That was a mile from my house. My wife has never had one. I'm willing to take my chances.

In my opinion, there is a greater chance of being stranded due to a mechanical failure, than a tire blowout.

Vette_DD

I've had Run Flats on all of my C6s. They saved me twice on the interstate from being stranded. For that reason, I'll never even think about buying Non-Run Flats.

Run N. Gun

I have Gen2 Goodyears RF on the car with 9000 miles and had a flat last night and literally watched the tire pressure go to "0 PSI" as I was pulling back into my garage. Thankful that I didn't have to sit on the side of a farm road or leave my car there because I didn't have the RF tires. As much as I'm not a fan of the RF tires, I need dependability. I have new Michelin PS PS2 Runflats being installed this afternoon.

Thank you for the different points of view shared and the wealth of information shared on this forum.

peter pan

My non runflat days go back to my C5 and will continue them as I take a patch kit, air pump and slime

L82Brake

^^^^ This

Scuba Ghost

I purchase runflats for peace of mind.

Bill Dearborn

I don't understand these comments as my experience with the EMTs is just the exact opposite. Plenty of traction in the wet (75 mph in pouring rain with lots of water on the road and not hydroplaning) very good at cornering and a well worn set will corner faster than a set of Nitto NT05s and provide reduced lap times compared to the Nittos. The only advantage I saw with the Nittos was an extremely long life.

Bill

phileaglesfan

It seems like a lot of RF owners have blowouts, because that is the only way I'll be stranded with non RF. Slow leaks are nothing