**RUN AWAY** From Run Flats On Your Corvette

[@csvette]

CHECK OUT OUR NEW PRODUCTS HERE kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3KrgZ2brL5lrZI

[@keithp115]

I changed out my run flats three years ago to Continentals because of your advice. My’99 and I love them and thank you Lyle!

[@jwnrocks]

I ran Continentals on my Camaro SS, and a can of fix-a-flat in the trunk. I hated the Goodyears on track, but these were great. Waaay better in wet conditions for daily driving too.

[@stevedolan5065]

I recently switched from Goodyear Eagle F-1 run flats (OEM) on my C6 to Michelin Pilot sport all season ZP (run flats) I love them. They are much quieter and the ride is smoother. I don’t track the car, but so far, in spirited driving on canyon roads, they take corners about the same as the old tires.

[@richarddobreny6664]

My second set was the ZP Michelins as well. Unfortunately the rubber went hard before there as any significant treadwear. Decided to save some money so for the third set, got the Firestone Indy 500, which are basically Bridgestones, made in Japan and as non run flats, they ride really well.

[@stevedolan5065]

@ if that happens I’ll try those next…at my age getting another set of tires might not be a issue.

[@jeffstephenson4156]

I had a friend put some non run flats on his C6 and he got a flat on day. He called for a flat bed to tow his car to a tire store and the goofball that came tore his front end off his car because he didn’t know what he was doing. I’ll stick to my Pilot Sport 4s ZPs. I have to admit I’m really liking them on my 2010 Grand Sport. They ride great and they are awesome in the rain.

[@IrishYoga]

Had the same thing happen to me. Went back to run flats.

[@rrf6747]

Plug kit with a compressor works great

[@jeffstephenson4156]

@@rrf6747 run flats work better

[@alanhassall]

@@IrishYogaI have a Taurus SHO and Ford decided not to include a spare. They included a mobility kit which was a compressor that came with tire sealant. When I had a puncture, it didn’t work. The Taurus does have the ground clearance to look the tires over for screws and nails, so a plugging kit would be easily utilized. When it came to new tires on my 2006 C6, I didn’t want to risk a flat on the Highway and Iowa doesn’t believe in shoulders on county roads. The car doesn’t get a lot of miles, so I anticipate that they will age out before they wear out. I guess that I will decide whether to continue to use them again then.

[@mikerisner]

A little over a year ago, I bought new tires on my '17 GS at the same time I replaced my cracked OEM wheels. I, uh, went with run-flats again. I don't even put 2K miles on my Vette each year, so I put up with the relatively rough ride and road noise. But I didn't want to risk ruining a new forged rim. That said, I *totally* understand why someone would avoid run-flats!

[@Carl-un1rr]

Great advice as always. No more run flats on my C5. Big difference!!

[@edblevins8764]

I’ve used Michelin ultra high performance tires for the last 8 years on my C-6. The tread is a little hard but the wear is awesome with “normal” driving (I’m 75 years old), however they do have more “road” noise. My car stays inside if it’s raining so I really can’t comment on how good they are on wet pavement. Of course in West Texas rain is usually not a problem! LOL.

[@rjs2005]

Oh man, did I love the Sam Behr reference at the beginning! I lived in Orlando in 1981 and again 1988-1991 (yes, I was Navy) and just loved his commercials for Allied Discount Tires. On the subject of runflats- my '01 C5 (I bought it used in '14) did not have runflats, so I can't speak to how it affected handling, ride quality, etc by changing over, but I can definitely speak for my '09 MINI Clubman S. The switch from runflats to Bridgestone Potenzas was a revelation. R55 Mini S models were notoriously stiff, bordering on pure uncomfortable, in no small part to the sidewall stiffness of the runflats. Going to the Potenzas gave the car a much more compliant ride and the handling was improved by leaps and bounds. I would never put a set of run flats on any sports car I own, ever again.

[@donwatterson8343]

Good information Thank you

[@tomd6103]

I bought a set of those Contis this year for my 2010 and I couldn't be happier with them. I had Michelins, which were fine but these are rated for longer tread wear, they are quieter and just as sticky.

[@prplpasn]

I have the Indy 500 tires on my C6. front 245/35/19, 295/30/20 on the rears. Love them. I know there are better but no complaints for the money. I have been up to 172mph on the autobahn and have full confidence in them. Used them at Circuit De Spa(dry and wet), Nurburgring, Redull Ring Austria, and Hockenheimring. Tires still look good, maybe 5k miles. Of course, on the track I am not going full stupid, driving at a spirited pace but no crazy.

[@kurtthomas4746]

I couldn’t agree more, I have 7 corvettes, 2010 ZR1, 2012 GS,2017 GS, 2019 ZR1, 2-2020 C8s, and 2023 Z06. I have taken run flat tires off all for most of the reasons you said, noise and ride quality mostly. I have a lot of take off run flats if anyone wants a smoking good deal. Most have less than 1000 miles on them. Thanks for sharing the information.

[@jamesw.6931]

Your collection is impressive, having owned a 1968 427 convertible in 1969 and one of every platform, excluding the C-5, ever since. If you don't mind, why so many Corvettes? Do you have a museum or something? In my opinion, the 2010 ZR-1 is the best. When the Corvette went over $100k and was no longer affordable to the backyard mechanic and a nightmare to work on, I ceased purchasing them.

[@kurtthomas4746]

Hi, No I don’t mind you asking. The 2 2020 C8s was not really planned only 1 was, but of a long story on C8s. Just purchased 1 every year or 2 for the last several years, just ones of different colors, etc. The 2 ZRIs are my pride and joy, and I do drive them both a little. I also have a 2018 ZLI CAMARO, 1987 ElCamino with 10k actual miles and 3-4 other pickups that are kinda different models that I have put superchargers on. I guess I fall into the car / truck guy category. Take care.

[@jamesw.6931]

@@kurtthomas4746 I am also a motorhead with a lift in my shop; the bottom of the Corvette is assembly line clean, and the aluminum is polished. My wife says I like my machines more than her. I'm the kind of nut who washes and waxes the JD Diesel tractor and JD riding lawn mower before parking them in my shop. My "Mall Crawler" F-350 SuperDuty is as spotless as the Z06, even washing under the fenders, Fox Racing Shocks and the suspension; with a 6" lift rolling on 37s, I had a custom drop hitch made, then had it "show chromed." The daily driver is a 2018 Fiesta ST, a capable little pocket rocket that surprised a base C7 in the twisties one evening coming home in the country; he was unable to follow, although when we hit a straight, he did go by. Personally, I would have been too ashamed to pass after the failure to follow in the twisties...

[@Cando79]

I have C7 need 245/30/19 & 285/35/20. What the price? 32218 Jacksonville Florida

[@kurtthomas4746]

@ not sure that will work, not set up to ship them, I am in Bangor Me 04401

[@columbusmotorhead596]

I bought my C5 new and put runflats on it the first time I replaced the tires, but after 35,000 miles I finally put Michelin PS4’s on it and it feels like and handles like a different car. Totally worth the money.

[@ZZ48UUP]

Fantastic vid Lyle. I learned a ton!

[@matthewrea5892]

I have the Michelin all season sport 4 on my c7 and love them.

[@matthewrea5892]

They are also not run flats

[@danlaur7973]

I'll stick with my Michelin pilot super sport ZP's, Michelin makes really good run flat tires that are light years better than the original run flats , not the cheapest but you get what you pay for

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I ditched runflats on my C6Z, years ago. No one will fix them, they are stiff and expensive. I have a plug kit and small air comp in my rocket.

[@kfh1]

The first thing I did when I bought my C6 was go buy a new set of tire... Non run flat tires, the car rides great!!!

[@danabbene6507]

7 years! You haven't changed a bit but I surely did. LOL

[@rogermillard3677]

How to change flat? What equipment do we need to carry wih us?

[@bobbybenn8275]

I have michelin run flats on my c6. I thought the noise i heard was bearings. Tkx for the heads up.

[@angelosmyth7186]

I ditched the RF's on my '12 GS and never looked back. I got Michelin brand tires. While I was at it, I put together a nice emergency kit: portable low profile jack, good quality 12v air pump, flat repair kit (for the fixable flats), and some assorted tools. So, this is for stuff that I can handle on my own. For bigger problems, a cell phone and CC would be in order.

[@justinlanglais9825]

That's EXACTLY what I did when I bought my '08 C6M five years ago! 👍🏼

[@robertpeters3526]

My C-8 Z51 has just turned 15,000 after just over 3 years. You're so right. Noisy as heck. Looking at Continental. Thank you for the heads up

[@samgreen1963]

Love my Firehawks!

[@just-me-where-ever-ek8kp]

First order of things after purchasing my ‘07 C6 Conv. back in ‘07, I replaced the “Run-Flats with a set of Michelins (sold the Good Years) I had very good experience with Michelins on previous cars. They’re great, especially on sustained Hi-Speed “Banzai-Runs”!

[@elishapile6461]

I put the Extreme Contacts on my C5 before the Corvette Caravan (from WA). Wow, what a difference!

[@Bob-in4eh]

Where will you put the spare ?

[@dtgnr69]

I have a C5, and have been driving on Nitto NT555s for almost 20 years. Of course, I've bought a few sets in that time. But, it's been a great driving tire for my needs

[@richarddobreny6664]

Changed mine out 2 years ago to the Indy 500’s and all is well. I carry a mini compressor and with the TPMS, I can tell whenever there is a potential issue. Problem get complicated when your TPMS unit in the tire dies, and then your vette gets restricted performance

[@tb5118]

Great video, I run Hankook K120 Ventus V12 Evo 2 on my C6 Z06 Corvette.

[@GregSr]

No spare? No run flats? No problem! My 2003 C5 has premium towing up to 200 miles. (It has never had a flat tire)

[@Glide1992]

I agree but hard to hook up to or load on a flat bed.

[@HusseinWN]

ps4s the best i had it for 2 years still 80% tread left 2000 tho . but its the best even jay leno say's that.

[@danabbene6507]

I ran the Continentals on my 03 Z06 and was happy with them

[@michaelhehir5534]

Great advice, how about a follow up video on the C5 TPMS and what you would suggest as replacements particularly for the older 97-98 units ? Cheers From Australia

[@mikegreendale6936]

What would recommend carrying in case of a flat with non run flats ? Thanks You

[@kallo182]

Back in the late 90s Run Flat Tires was some kind of "James Bond Thing". While a pursuit they shoot your Tires, but you can go on... like James Bond 🤣 But today we know that everything have his Prize, and nothing is for Free. So you change Mobility vs Agility.

[@sherryswisher8911]

Hi I live in Akron Ohio the tire capital. Yes most of their tech centers are here yet. I went with Nitto tires in as close to Z06 sizes I could. I have a friend that was a Goodyear tire engineer. The old retired Corvette tire engineers all meet up every week and talk. They as a group guided me yo the Nitto and the Z06 size. This gives the car the best handling and on center feel. If you go wider the on center gets numb and you need to readjust the alignment. It can create more wear. Sadly Goodyear removed themselves from the Corvette as they did have a better tire for the C6 than the Pilot. But management pulled the plug. The engineers still are not happy. The First Gator back was a major jump in tire design and it was due to the new car. It was even limited by GM. If it were up to Goodyear the F1 would have been on all the Corvettes. Weight is a major issue. Lyle was spot on with that. Designing a tire for GM for years was a tough task as you have noise, mileage and even size restrictions for snow chains on the c3.

[@evanvines1894]

I'm on my fourth vehicle running Firehawk Indy 500's. Sticky, respond well to heat but grip well in cold, track water well enough to autocross in the rain.. Great bang per buck.

[@nikkoalpha2]

Bought 2 C5’s and immediately replaced their older run flats with non run flats. Unreal improvement.

[@user-fq9ug8zl6n]

I have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on my C7. I plan on trying a different brand soon. I've heard good things about the Continental tires. Thanks for the info.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I did the same. But also had an excellent 4wheel alignment also. My car is on rails and so comfortable now :⁠-⁠) Cheers from Canada ehhh :⁠-⁠)

[@davesloat9006]

Having had a blowout on the highway in my C-6 with runflats, I’ll stick with runflats, thank you very much. I fully acknowledge that you can get better performance for the buck from traditional tires, but the runflats blowout was a non-event. A loud pop, and a whistle, but the car remained perfectly stable and got me home safe with no dramas. I personally think the real world benefits of run flats outweigh the negatives, IMHO. To each their own, and I fully respect people who choose not to use them. The fact that you can’t plug them does suck though!

[@terryspray2319]

I seen a firestone tire blow on by friend vett took out fenter and part of his hood tire had less than 500 miles new

[@tomtom72]

I've never had the run flat experience until now. I remember all my C5 & C6 buddies saying, "run craps have no grip!" I never grasped what they were on about as my C4 had G/Yr. GS-D3's and they were a joy to use. A bit loud, but in the rain, they were great! My C8 has run flats so I guess I will have to wait till I use the car more to pass judgement on their performance. Save the Wave!

[@Chris-Nico]

Thanks Lyle! One of your best video recommendations YET! I’ve bent talking to few other Corvette enthusiasts and they’ve installed the Continentals and tell me it’s a game changer. Once my Michelin Pilot Sports are done I think I’m going with Firestone. Face it, tire technology is such the reliability is not like it was in the ‘60’s/‘70’s

[@eddiponzio5080]

Lyle… I always love the information even though my C3 80 is my first and last Corvette ! Thanks as always! 😊

[@jamesw.6931]

My C-6 Z06 currently with 11k on the clock only goes out in the summer and never spends a night out of my shop. I run Michelin Pilot SS which is not a run-flat tire. In the rear compartment, there is a small 12V air pump with an extended cord and a plug kit. PS If you run over a piece of metal/debris that tears a hole in the side wall or tread you will be calling for a flatbed run flat or not... 😉

[@marko.3531]

My 18 Grand Sport came with Pilot SS runflats, i live in Ohio where the temps in the fall made those tires very unhappy. I switched to the Pilot 4S runflat tires and have no issues. I will take the extra weight over destroying a rim if and when a tire goes down at 70, and the risk of towing damage. Also having swapped out the ride control module, all the “bad ride” associated with runflats has disappeared.

[@antoinemalone9781]

Thanks for sharing you are greatly appreciated 💯

[@James-ro2md]

Extreme contacts are the best!!

[@Kevs442]

I bought my C7Z51 with 2 sets of tires. The original tires and a set of Mickey Thompsons. The MT's are unbelieveably super sticky, and the original tires were getting old and worn. I replaced the originals with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4's. These are my "touring" tires. I'll be replacing the MT's with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2's, for "local" playing around.

[@richardelliott8352]

my car came on kumhos, a favored street tire for longer races at a local track. since they got discontinued, I went with hi pro all weather goodyears. when I picked up my mounted tires, the difficult to find 2003 original rims I had just bought looked like they had won a how many tire weights are possible to hammer on the rim contest. continentals were strongly considered, but like a dummy decided Goodyear would be closest to the oem outside diameter, as if small details mattered that much

[@jeremyhogan5840]

I live in South Texas. There is a lot of debris on the roads and in the parking lots. We have pulled sockets, screws, screw drivers, and other unidentified scrap metal out of my run flat tires. When the run flats get punctured, it is a nice feeling knowing that I can make it home or to Discount Tire. I was able to buy Discount Tire certificates on my factory tires the first day that I bought my Z51 in 2015. Those certificates have saved me a lot of money. With all of that being said, I am interested in trying other tires for better traction like the Toyo 888R. For everyone running non run flats, do you use the fix a flat cans? I remember several years ago that fix a flat was causing injury to tire mechanics. Is that still a problem?

[@robertdavis5714]

Nice Production, have the Continentals on my C6, very sticky.

[@TANGOFIVE]

I now have the Firehawks Indy 500 on the C7, great tires. They do not show wear yet, not as sticky as the Goodyear or Michelin run flats but close enough. I was fed up putting sticky run flats every year at $1300. I have a kit when I get a flat. 1 screw in 3 tire in 3 years.

[@C4VETTELT1]

I had run flats on my 92 C4 and absolutely HATED them!! I was so happy I finally got my Goodyear F1s but was basically instantly disappointed!! The ride went from stiff to hard as a rock!!! Could feel a grain of sand!!! And its a very good idea to add towing to the insurance!!

[@richarprado2235]

Thanks for your share and your knowledge the best 👌

[@jwlee1059]

It is obvious that you are not fond run flats. You did mention the positive side of run flats having the ability to limp back to the tire store to get help. What you didn't mention was for someone who does not choose run flats and goes with a "standard" tire, what are you supposed to do with no spare or jack and stuck in the middle of no where. For some reason, no one ever addresses that scenario.

[@jamesanderson8097]

Can of fix a flat or tow it in

[@Henry-sk2dr]

​I wouldn't want Buba the tow truck jockey trying to figure out how to tow my C7. Nope. ZPs all the time. Oh, fix -a - flat is junk , check the reviews .​@@jamesanderson8097

[@jwlee1059]

@@jamesanderson8097 Did I mention....the middle of no where? Good luck with that can of fix a flat. No jack, no spare....no way.

[@kevinh9970]

I have an AMG with Pirelli P Zero 3 run flats… Guess what I did? I bought a 12v air compressor so I can fill up a tire that has a leak and make it to a tire store for a repair. If it’s worse that a leak, I’ll get it towed.

[@dalejernberg3550]

I carry a low profile jack, plug kit and air compressor..if that doesn't work, then a tow. One thing I've always wondered..when a run flat goes flat, does it have to be replaced? I have a C-5 Z06 and happy with non-run flats.

[@Glide1992]

I really like my Continentals too Lyle.

[@HerbieYeah]

What tyre pressure you put in the Continentals Lyle?

[@richardmajor7701]

Thanks Lyle, good information. What brand and sizes would you recommend for a '93 base coupe with stock wheels? I like keeping it original.

[@Mazak23]

Would you recommend running a 255/40/17 instead of a 275/40/17 for a front tire on a C5 Z06?

[@C4VETTELT1]

If it was a basemodle sure but I'd want the extra rubber up front on a ZO6! But that's me. But I think GM realized it wasn't necessary to have such wide tires up front because the LT1 model C4s came with 275 up front but changed um to 255s on the 96 I believe and the C5 in 97 had 255s upfront. But for me with a ZO6 I'd want the wider rubber up front. My 92 has 275s at all corners from the factory.

[@pukaman1]

I have a 2019 GS and it’s time for tires, it seems like I only have like 2-3 choices because of the 335 rear tire. Help on what I should get. I do not track it. Thx

[@alanrainey8081]

What about run flats? I have Michelin AS3 sport on my 2010 and they handle pretty well. What is your run flat recommendation for people that like the security of getting off the road. If I got a flat on the road I’m pretty sure I would have to be towed off the road or risk damaging the car.

[@csvette]

If I HAVE to pick a run-flat tire, I would pick the Pirelli P-Zero. Best value and solid performance...for a run-flat. :) Lyle

[@doolallyproductions7234]

I have firestone 500 on my c6 and that made my car grip so good it barley spins in 1st gear unless its cold

[@jaytomes8765]

Hey Lyle, 2003 Z06. Doesn’t seem anyone makes the stock front size anymore besides the Goodyear option which are insane, what size do you recommend to be as close to stock as possible that gives several options?

[@dalejernberg3550]

...following...I asked this a few years ago..hoping to see an response.

[@briancorbin3759]

What do you recommend to do if you have a flat with non runflatx?

[@csvette]

If you have a flat WITHOUT damage ot the sidewall, a can of fix-a-flat and as plug-in 12v air pump will solve that problem (just like GM gave buyers of the C5 Z06). If you have a full blowout, you call AAA or your buddy with a trailer. Lyle

[@gordonking4360]

Good you said the intro correct.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

TIRES ARE JUST LIKE PUTTING SHOES ON YOUR FEET. TAKE ARE OF YOUR VETTE, THE VETTE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. MILES OF SMILES. GREAT TOPIC

[@joefilardi523]

hi Lyle, I remember a tire commercial from years ago where the guy said you’re opening line, “TIRES AINT PRETTY !” I think it was a Tire Kingdom commercial but I’m not sure. Was wondering if you remembered it also?

[@NickAcierno]

Can you try to answer this for me I replaced stock tail lights on my c7 stingray with Marimoto lights and now experiencing a faulty light message and they blink 3xs the speed driver side only any suggestions 4 way and break lights work fine o issues only when I use left derectional

[@incog99skd11]

Where the heck do you put the spare on a C7 if you don't buy run flat tires??

[@russelldenbleyker2885]

Run flats recently saved me a large towing bill.

[@KazanskyAlex]

LoL, I not wear anything higher than 200 treadwear on my C6, other way the car like a cow on a ice 😂

[@Vetteman372]

What if you're 70 years old and on the highway and you have a flat in traffic What do you do with them? The flat tires? No spare. and it's hard enough to get out of the car.

[@philwier2786]

Depends on what kind of shape that 70 year old is in. I'm 75 and three times a week I do 200 jumping jacks, 50 squats with 40 pound weights, 50 ab roles, about an hour of weight training along with a stretching routine. At 70, I was still competing in martial arts tournaments as a black belt. Age is a state of mind and I don't have run flats on my 2013 427. I can repair a flat and pump it up with my portable compressor with no problems.

[@jasonmonaco6452]

I bought a set of 4 Michelin pilot sport non run flat for my C6 and most of the tire shops in my area (Massachusetts) would not mount and balance them including the local Chevrolet dealership they said if I didn’t buy them there they wouldn’t install them luckily I found a speed shop that did the job. The dealership people were actually jerks when I dare suggest having tires I didn’t buy from them makes me wonder just how much they mark up their parts.

[@JotaCars]

I put Michelin pilot sport 5 on the front and Michelin pilot sport 4s and cost me 1000 euro (im from EU) hace you ever try Michelin? Which one you think are the Best for a c6 z51?

[@oscarfuentes280]

Thanks for the video!!

[@donhenderson5100]

Stanley Hannin, Allied Discount Tires?

[@csvette]

Sam Behr, but correct on the Allied Discount Tires. :) Lyle

[@moodiblues2]

Lyle, I’m a C4 guy having purchased two new and my present one, in 2016. I have a 94 Coupe with a six speed that needs a rebuild or replacement with a rebuilt transmission. I purchased weather stripping from you a few years ago. Do you have a rebuilt six speed or know where I can get one. Im afraid to buy a used transmission as I wouldn’t know it’s history for sure. Any suggestions would be appreciated. BTW I live across the state from you in Palm Beach. Thanx.

[@williamtricarico6684]

Can't stand the price and performance of run flats. Ditched them about 5yrs ago. I carry a jack kit from a C-4, pucks, and a space saver spare from a 2006 GTO on board. The thing is, when you drive on a run flat that has a problem holding air, you end up destroying the side walls and have to replace the tire anyway. So far, knock on wood, i haven't had a flat since i switched. Theres just so many more, better performing tires in non-runflats.

Had the Michelin ZP’s on my 2010 GS when I bought it this summer. The tires were 9 yrs old and had about 5k miles on them. They showed zero signs of aging in the Florida heat - no cracks and were wearing perfectly on all four. Replaced them recently with new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season ZP’s for several reasons - don’t track my car, security of not dealing with a flat hours from home base, availability at Tire Rack was more consistent than the brands Lyle recommends (and I still had to wait two days to get the Michelins since no one had them in stock), and lastly, if Vettes come from the factory (OEM) with ZPs then they must be good enough for 99% of my driving environment. Oh, I failed to mention that I picked up a nail a month after I bought the car. So glad I had run flats. But it’s your money, buy what you want!

[@Volkswagenplanet]

WHO REMEMBERS THE GOODYEAR GATORBACKS? COMMENT BELOW. I HAVE PILOTS ON MY C4 88 VERT.

[@ryansellers2581]

Tires ain’t pretty, but brakes, they very ugly! Man that brought back memories!

[@Kevs442]

It seems people fall into 1 of 2 camps. They either want the peace of mind that comes from run flats, or they've gone non run flat and love the performance improvements.

[@thomasjhopen6358]

I have the new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season Run Flats on my C6 GS and they have saved my butt on trips several times. For example, a few years back I was in Memphis and I hit a pothole really really hard. I thought for sure I had a flat and bent rim. I pulled over but my right front tire and rim were fine. I drove back to Atlanta and then noticed a tear seveal inches long along the rim. At the tire store the guy told me if I would have had regular tires on I would probably would have had a flat and bent rim. Michelin ZP are a big improvement over the tries that come on the car. Love my Run Flats! Thom

[@chrismunos7741]

The absolute best mod we can do is ditch the run flats! Completely different car.

[@terryspray2319]

Run Crap tires are junk!!!