Runflats - latest versions are getting better
Discussion
US press has done a side by side evaluation of the latest Pirelli P Zero Nero runflat and conventional tyres. They found the tyres almost identical for performance, ride and noise with any slight difference being more "enhanced communication" than additional harshness. The tests were done using a 3 series BMW so I don't know whether Corvette sizes are available either in USA or Europe. They also said,
Early runflats gave a harsh ride because manufacturers wanted to play safe with their runflat claims. A flat tyre was promoted as good for 50 miles at 50 mph whereas it could have withstood 2,000 miles at 100 mph. With experience on the market they have now felt able to reduce sidewall rigidity so the tyres ride better but would would not have as much tolerance of extreme flat abuse.
Manufacturers still say that runflats should not be repaired after a puncture. This is mainly because they don't know how much abuse the sidewalls will have received between the time of puncture and time of repair. [I didn't know this and certainly had a puncture fixed in one of mine. It was a slow puncture so I just topped up the pressure regularly until the tyre was repaired]
If runflats really are improving that's got to be good news for C5/C6 owners.
Early runflats gave a harsh ride because manufacturers wanted to play safe with their runflat claims. A flat tyre was promoted as good for 50 miles at 50 mph whereas it could have withstood 2,000 miles at 100 mph. With experience on the market they have now felt able to reduce sidewall rigidity so the tyres ride better but would would not have as much tolerance of extreme flat abuse.
Manufacturers still say that runflats should not be repaired after a puncture. This is mainly because they don't know how much abuse the sidewalls will have received between the time of puncture and time of repair. [I didn't know this and certainly had a puncture fixed in one of mine. It was a slow puncture so I just topped up the pressure regularly until the tyre was repaired]
If runflats really are improving that's got to be good news for C5/C6 owners.
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