Tag Archives: Spare tire

Chevy Corvette Tires – 2011

Leave a reply


Replacement Tires for Your 2011 Chevy Corvette

We’re sure that Corvette owners will agree that Corvettes are one of the best value sports cars on the market today! They are a lot of fun to drive but it’s important to note that their ride quality can depend significantly on the type of tires you install.2011 Chevrolet Corvette Replacement Tires The 2011 Chevy Corvette can have several different tire sizes and styles depending on the sub-model.  If you’ve driven your Corvette over 20,000 miles since you bought it, those tires are probably getting near the end of their life, and you’re probably starting to think about replacement tires.  Because tires for your ’Vette can be very expensive, we at AutoSquad thought it would be a good idea to look at the available options and explore some alternatives that can save you money while still maintaining the performance you expect and enjoy.

All models of the 2011 Chevy Corvette came standard with run-flat tires, and had bigger wheels on the rear of the vehicle than the front. The standard tires on the C6 were Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-2 EMT, 245/40-18 on the front, and 285/35-19 on the rear. If you have the C6 with the performance handling package, your tires were stepped up to the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT, in the same size set. This upgrade increased the handling capabilities of the tire, but in turn, increased the level of road noise. It also reduced the tread wear rating by a little over 26% (from 300 to 220). (Click here to learn what these UTQG ratings mean.)

For the C6, run-flat replacement tires are fairly abundant, with 8 different models (including the OEM) at roughly $1100 – $1700 per set plus installation. Most of the non-OEM summer tires will provide better handling, but only get about 75% of the tread wear compared to the OEM Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-2 EMT. Of the available replacement options, the Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval RFT is worth discussing specifically – it has a 10% better tread wear rating (320) than the OEM, and costs roughly $1100 per set. If you are willing to give up a little bit of driving performance to increase tread wear, there is an all-season options: the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP (tread wear 500) for roughly $1200 per set.

The Grand Sport model came standard with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT max performance summer tires (just like the C6 with the performance package), but had a larger size set – 275/35-18 in the front, and 325/30-19 in the rear. The Z06 model came with the same size set, but the standard model was the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G: 2 RunOnFlat extreme performance summer tire. Replacement options for this size set are more limited. To replace the OEM tires on either car, you will pay roughly $1750 per set for the Supercar EMTs, and roughly $2150 for the Supercar Gs. The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP, with equivalent specs for tread wear, speed, and traction (220 AA A) can be purchased for around $2100 per set.

The Z06 Carbon, Z06 w/Z07 Performance Package, and ZR1 models all came with tire sizes 285/30-19 in the front, 335/25-20 in the rear, and the standard tire was the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP max performance summer tire. For run-flat tire replacement on any of these models, the OEM Michelin is the only option, which costs roughly $2500 for the set.

Another option for any of these Corvette models is to replace the OEM run-flat tires with non-run-flat tires. The sporty handling of the tires will remain the same, but road noise is often reduced by switching to a non-run-flat tire. The price will drop substantially as well – sometimes as much as 40%. Of course, this switch comes inherent with the risk of getting a flat and not having a spare tire. If you are considering the switch, make sure you understand all the benefits and risks of doing so. If you missed it in the beginning of the article, click here to learn more about run-flat tires vs. non-run-flat tires.

Regardless of your tire size, driving preferences, and budget, when it comes time to replace tires on your 2011 Chevy Corvette, be sure to check out AutoSquad! We offer all of the tires mentioned here, plus many others and all are priced very competitively. Additionally, the professionals at AutoSquad will bring the replacement tires to you, and change them while you work or relax at home, saving you valuable time and money.

Contact AutoSquad at 877-847-3826, or visit their website at www.AutoSquad.com to see their selection of tires and make an appointment online. Please note that AutoSquad’s service is currently available only in the Washington DC & Philadelphia metro areas.

MINI Cooper Replacement Tires: Run-flat vs. Non-Run-flat?

11 Replies

The new tires that come standard on the Mini Cooper are run-flat tires. AutoSquad recommends weighing this information carefully before buying the car.

The Mini Cooper comes standard with run-flats equipped as the new tires.  Run-flat tires are a good option for some, but you should consider carefully the future replacement costs associated with these new tires before you invest in the Mini Cooper as your next vehicle.  They can add substantially to the cost of ownership of your car.

The new tires that come standard on the Mini Cooper have a UTQG (government rating) tread wear rating of between 240 and 320, which means that the tires will last 24,000 to 32,000 miles under normal driving conditions.  They are either high-performance summer or grand touring summer run-flat tires. These types of tires tend to perform well in three seasons (summer, fall, and spring) but will not offer much traction in snow or ice.  For the purpose of this article, let’s look at the MINI Cooper Clubman with 17” tires as an example. A set of high performance summer tires will cost $1000 per set plus installation or more to replace when they wear out.  If you live in an area where snow and ice are a problem, summer tires won’t be enough by themselves, and you’ll also need run-flat winter tires at $1000 per set plus installation.

Now compare the summer run-flat high performance summer tires to a set of non-run-flat high performance (HP) summer tires. The cost for a set of new non-run-flat HP tires today is between $400-$500 plus installation, and these will last around 30,000 miles as well.  That means that over a 150,000 mile driving cycle of the car, you will spend more than $2500 extra for the run-flat tires than for non-run-flat tires with identical speed, load, and temperature ratings.

As an option, the Mini Cooper can be purchased with all-season non-run-flat tires.  When the time comes to replace those tires, you will find that they are even less expensive, and last even longer than high-performance summer tires.  With a tread wear rating of 540 (54,000 mile tread life), they will be on the car 80 percent longer than the high-performance run-flat tires.  And since they only cost around $400 per set plus installation, you will save over $4000 in the same 150,000 mile driving cycle.  The advantage of these tires over other options is that you won’t need a second set of winter tires if you live in a snow- or ice-prone area.

Run-flat tires can be beneficial if you want the security of being able to get to the next town with a punctured tire.  But because of the size variation, cost per tire, and relative rarity, they are not commonly stocked at many tire retailers. That means you may make it to the next town, but you might be stuck there while they order a replacement from out of town.

Run-flat tires are unusually noisy due to their stiffer sidewall construction, and in owner forums on sites like Mini2.comand NorthAmericanMotoring, among others, Mini drivers complain about the noise as well as a rough ride in their lightweight vehicle.  Many owners convert to non-run-flats for these reasons. Before converting to non-run-flats, however, you should understand that there is no room for a spare tire in the Mini, and one is not provided.  This means you’ll either have to run without one, or keep a can of flat-fix and a portable compressor in the car. If you’re thinking about buying a Mini Cooper or already have one sitting in your driveway, consider these facts before you have to buy new tires.

We would love to hear from you. Do you prefer run-flat or Non-run-flat tires for your Mini Cooper?

AutoSquad offers one of the largest selection of  both run-flat and non-run-flat tires for your Mini in the Washington DC &  Philadelphia metropolitan areas.  If you have any questions about tires for your MINI, please leave us a comment below. For more information on optimal tires for your MINI Cooper, visit www.AutoSquad.com or call 888.516.8074.

Spare Tire or No Spare Tire – That is the Question

6 Replies

According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, 12 percent of the new cars sold at the beginning of 2011 came with no spare tire.  Tightening fuel economy standards have forced carmakers to find creative ways to cut weight, and eliminating the forty pounds added by a tire and jack is an easy way to do it.  Unfortunately, spare tires have been standard equipment for so long on vehicles that many new car buyers don’t even realize they don’t have a spare tire until they need one, which can be dangerous, time-consuming, and costly.

As an alternative, manufacturers are replacing spare tires with run-flat technology or a can of fix-a-flat and a portable air compressor.  While these may seem acceptable, they, too, have drawbacks If you elect to drive
a car with no spare tire, there are some things you should
consider before you hit the road.

If your new car comes with a can of tire sealant and an air compressor instead of a spare tire, you need to understand that a lot of tire damage occurs in the sidewalls of tires, which can rarely be fixed with sealant. This means you will likely be stuck on the side of the road until help arrives, and then have to pay to have the vehicle towed.  Even if the flat is repairable on the road with the sealant, it will often damage the tire internally, requiring it to be replaced rather than repaired when you do get it to a shop.  Also, the chemicals in the sealant lose their effectiveness over time, so you must remember to replace the can on a regular basis.

Run-flat tires can be a better option to driving without a spare tire. They allow you to drive safely even after a blow out for up to 50 miles. This way a driver can find a safe spot to stop rather than getting stuck in an unsafe place or on the side of a highway. However, run-flat tires do have limitations.  Since a run-flat tire is only good for up to 50 miles (after air pressure loss), it won’t help much if you’re out in the middle of nowhere, even if you know the exact moment it lost pressure.  Run-flats are also usually more expensive and are made of softer compounds that usually offer a shorter tread life as compared to conventional tires.  This means that even though you may save $1000 in fuel over the 150,000 mile life of your vehicle without the added weight of a spare tire (according to AAA), the 30,000 mile run-flats could cost you an extra $2500 in more frequent tire replacements versus a standard 60,000 mile tire, a net loss to you!

Having a spare tire in-and-of-itself doesn’t preclude problems, either.  Unless you check it regularly for proper air pressure, and know how to change it when you do have a flat tire, just owning it will do you little good. But having it available in an emergency remains the best option.  Unfortunately, the biggest problem will be figuring out where to store it if the vehicle was not designed to carry a spare to begin with.

For more information about the importance of spare tires, visit our website and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Comments?

At AutoSquad, we appreciate your feedback and try to respond to any questions. Please share your thoughts on this article, or ask us questions you may have on this or other tire topics.

Related Posts

Does AutoSquad Offer Road Hazard Warranty Coverage?

Replacing less than 4 Tires: What You Should Know About Mixing Tires

Tire Codes On The Sidewall – What Do The Numbers Mean and How to Read Them?

What are Run-Flat tires?

13 Replies

Run-flat tires are – like the name implies – tires that provide limited vehicle mobility in the event of a puncture and sometime even after tire pressure is completely lost.  Generally, flats happen at the most inconvenient times, and repairing a flat (or putting on a spare) can take precious time that you may not have at the moment.  Loss of pressure while driving at high speeds is not only inconvenient but can create real safety hazard for the vehicle occupants and other cars nearby. Whatever the situation, one thing is certain – having a flat tire is not a pleasant experience. This is why many people believe in the benefit and value of having a run-flat tire. Aside from the safety and convenience benefits, run-flat tires offer other advantages. They eliminate the need for a spare tire, providing a vehicle manufacturer with more undercarriage space for items such as folding seats. The elimination of spare tire and equipment reduces weight resulting in improved fuel economy.

The first run-flat tire was introduced by Goodyear in 1978, which named it a “self-sustaining” tire or SST.  Pirelli, Dunlop and Michelin followed in the early 1980s with their own run-flat tires primarily used in race cars. Chevrolet was the first to offer a run-flat tire as optional factory equipment on a stock vehicle (1994 Corvette) and by 1997 run-flat tires were being offered as standard original equipment on the Corvette. Today, vehicles from sports cars to minivans come equipped with factory run-flats.  They are most common on vehicles where the manufacturer was looking to eliminate the space required for a spare tire.

Technological advances and competition have led tire companies to create many versions of run-flat tires.  There are 3 basic types that people often call “run-flat”, although they do not all provide the same advantages nor work in the same way.  These types are self-supporting tires, self-sealing tires, and auxiliary support systems.

  • Self supporting run-flat tires have a stiff internal construction – especially in the sidewall – which allows the tire to support the weight of the vehicle under limited conditions if the tire loses air pressure. These tires have a special bead that grips the wheel when there is no internal tire pressure to hold it on, and they have reinforced cords in the sidewall with rubber infused in layers to ensure that the sidewall does not disintegrate in the event of air loss. In general, self-supporting tires are only designed to operate at or below 55 mph, and not to exceed 50 miles without pressure.  They are intended to get you to a repair facility but do not provide the operating flexibility and longevity of a normal spare tire.  Self-supporting tires must be used in conjuction with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The TPMS system ensures that the driver is made aware of the loss in air pressure immediately and does not unknowingly damage it by continuing to drive on a flat tire. The following acronyms used by various tire manufacturers are all examples of self supporting run-flat tires: RFT, DSST, ROF, EMT, XRP, ZP, ZPS.  The disadvantage of these tires is their higher cost, and the fact that if you drive on them for any length of time without pressure they cannot usually be repaired (patched) like normal tires but instead must be completely replaced with a new tire.  This can make the cost of a puncture quite a bit more expensive than with a standard tire.  Due to the tires’ stiffness, self-supporting run-flats are also generally rougher in ride quality, with slightly higher road noise.
  • Self-sealing tires are constructed to seal tread-area punctures of up-to 3/16” in diameter – and do so permanently. These tires are of standard construction but with an added inner layer of sealant that provides an instant seal when punctured and works to prevent loss of pressure. The sealant also permanently seals any small open space left behind due to the removal of the puncture-causing object. Examples of self-sealing tires include ContiSeal by Continental tires and NailGard by Uniroyal tires.  Technically, these are not run-flat tires in that they are designed only to help maintain tire pressure following a puncture;   if pressure is lost they cannot provide vehicle mobility like a self-supporting run-flat.  The advantage of self-sealing tires is that for many common punctures, they will keep the tire operable without any repair or intervention for the remaining tread life of the tire.  You may never learn that your tire was punctured.  These tires are somewhat more expensive than a standard tire, and may have reduced fuel efficiency due to a higher rolling resistance and rotational momentum.
  • Auxiliary Support System tires employ a solid inner wheel insert which is connected to the rim and on which the flat tire rests in if pressure is lost. Michelin was the first to use this technology and called it PAV (Pneu accorage vertical) because the tire bead in this case seats vertically on the rim (obvious only if you speak French!). This name was later changed to PAX system (which sounds more meaningful to non-Francophones)  and this name is still in use on PAX tires today. The primary benefit of this run-flat system over normal self-supporting type run-flats is that there is no sacrifice in ride quality under normal pressured operation. However, since this system requires specialized wheels and is not compatible with everyday rims, it is more expensive to replace the tires at the end of their life. Another drawback of this system is that most automotive shops do not possess the specialized custom equipment to repair auxiliary support systems so service is limited only to vehicle dealerships – which makes repair and replacement of these tires cumbersome and more expensive.
In concept, run-flat tires have obvious appeal.  They can reduce the cost and space required to carry a spare.  They can allow you to avoid the hassle of putting on a spare to get to a repair facility if you have a flat. And they provide safety advantages of reducing the likelihood of losing control after a high-speed puncture or blow-out.  However, all 3 types have material drawbacks which the car owner should be aware of. With active cheerleading from tire manufacturers, vehicle makers are moving more toward greater use of run-flats as one part of improving their fuel efficiency and ability to meet US CAFE standards. Run-flat drivers’ attitudes are decidedly mixed – with many who have experienced the downsides of their type of run-flat opting to replace their tires with standard, non-runflat tires.  We can hope that tire manufacturers will refine the engineering and cost of future run-flat tire options to make them less of a trade-off and more of a valuable alternative to standard tires.

Comments?

At AutoSquad, we always appreciate your feedback and try our best to respond promptly to any questions. So, please free to share your thoughts on this article, or ask us questions you may have on this or other topics.

Related Articles

“Plus-sizing” your tires – What should you know?

What is a UTQG rating?

Road Hazard Warranty: Is it worth the money?