• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

New Tires Losing Pressure

C6 Corvette - SRQ

C6 Corvette - SRQ

New member
After doing a search, I just read some interesting info here on the forum regarding using nitrogen to fill tires. That does sounds good... But, the tires on my '07 C6 Coupe have regularly lost air pressure and require a weekly addition. Done that since the time I picked it up at the museum. Actually the right front and left rear experience pressure loss more than the other two tires. Obviously (?) I have those "dreaded" Goodyear run-flats that came with the car (3,500 miles). Are they called run-flats because you can drive them after they go flat or BECAUSE they go flat so frequently? ;)

My question: Is this typical / normal with Corvettes? I did check the valve stems but they are all snugged up... Not sure why, but I need to add about 2 - 3 pounds of air to those tires every week. I've never had tires lose pressures so regularly & rapidly before...

Comments & suggestions appreciated?

Thanks, Ed
 
Well, we've had the C6 since the first of January and not had to top off the air in any of the tires yet. Sounds like maybe the tires aren't seated properly on the rims? Try taking off the caps on the valves and put water in to see if you see bubbles to indicate a bad valve. Worse comes to worse take it to a dealer and claim a defect. Losing air like that is not normal.
 
Thanks Rich. I'll use a soapy solution to check for leaking valve stems, but I suspect that such a small leak probably wouldn't show? Losing, say, half a pound of pressure a day isn't really all that significant --- except that it's from the tires on my precious Corvette. I have gotten so that I leave the DIC on the tire pressure read-out...

If I can get these things to stop deflating, I'd go with filling them with nitrogen as others have discussed in other threads.

I hate to take "my baby" into the dealer <sigh>, but I guess that might be what I have to do.

I've never had a problem with any other vehicles tires like this pesky (nitpicky?) problem. Tires do of course lose air and need a squirt every couple of months or so --- but not on a weekly (or sooner) basis.

Thanks again for the info.

Ed
 
Could be a bead problem where the tire seats on the rim, also I have seen new rims be porous causing slow tire pressure loss. I had a 97 Riviera that had chrome plated aluminum rims. Over time the rim bead corroded from filling the tires with air from a compressor that didn't have a water trap on it. Being that your car is new I would say the problem is either the rim itself or the stem is leaking where it fits into the rim.
 
Nytro said:
Could be a bead problem where the tire seats on the rim, also I have seen new rims be porous causing slow tire pressure loss. I had a 97 Riviera that had chrome plated aluminum rims. Over time the rim bead corroded from filling the tires with air from a compressor that didn't have a water trap on it. Being that your car is new I would say the problem is either the rim itself or the stem is leaking where it fits into the rim.
Click to expand...

That makes sense... One or the other or maybe some of both? :)

I can still remember, as if it were only yesterday, watching as the tires dropped down the conveyor belt at the assembly plant... I never suspected the darn things wouldn't hold air!

By the way, I have chrome wheels. Not that it should have anything to do with the loss of pressure...

Guess I'll have to take the plunge and meet the service manager at the Chevy dealership in Venice... I've read here on the forum that not all service departments are equal. Hopefully they won't rip the rocker panels off by jacking it improperly...
 
As a long time Parts and Service Director I would advise that before you let them touch your car express your concerns to the service manager about jacking the car up etc. Let him know that you know there is a procedure and caution must be exercised when lifting the car. Make sure that you tell him you consider your car an investment and you would prefer to have a Corvette experienced person drive and work on it. Don't be afraid to ask about the tech's credentials before he gets behind the wheel. If you don't feel comfortable or get bad vibes from his responses take it somewhere else.
 
Nytro said:
As a long time Parts and Service Director I would advise that before you let them touch your car express your concerns to the service manager about jacking the car up etc. Let him know that you know there is a procedure and caution must be exercised when lifting the car. Make sure that you tell him you consider your car an investment and you would prefer to have a Corvette experienced person drive and work on it. Don't be afraid to ask about the tech's credentials before he gets behind the wheel. If you don't feel comfortable or get bad vibes from his responses take it somewhere else.
Click to expand...

This is the very reason I have been dreading the "It's time to have the experts work on it".

It seems to me that any Mr. Goodwrench should already know all about the need for pucks to avoid damaging the rocker panels when lifting the 'Vette. Of course, that's probably a faulty conclusion, based on the horror stories I've read on the forums.

It is the "etc" that has me perplexed. What exactly are the "other" things the service technician (previously referred to as a mechanic) needs to be careful with? Would it be unreasonable of me to want to stay with my car during servicing. I might have questions or even suggestions... and surely I could even be a great helper? :yesnod:

Perhaps an even better question would be, which Gulf Coast dealership's service department is the best? Say, within a hundred or so miles of Sarasota... I certainly wouldn't mind driving a bit farther if it was going to mean having superior service. I don't think of this car as an investment though, more like a member of the family. At least on par with my best friend, my dog! :lmao:

Something I'm really not looking forward to is the whole: "Whataya mean the tires are losing error? They don't look flat to me!" Just my luck I guess... If there were leaky wheels to be had, I had to get 'em! :shrug01:

So, if anybody can point me towards a particularly good service department for my Corvette, my entire family would truly appreciate it! I've heard there are several shops to avoid, and that the Punta Gorda and Venice shops are good. Input?

Thanks all...

Ed
 
One question or observation that may be relevant is whether or not the Corvette tech uses fender covers when going under the hood of your car. I'm thinking seriously about carrying my own in the truck with me, and whenever I need service POINTEDLY insist that they be used. Even finding a drop of oil on the fender after an oil change gets me pretty torqued up... But I'm not sure what is worse, finding the oil drop, or having the oil change guy try to wipe if off with some abrasive rag stuck in his pocket... :eek:
 
C6 Corvette - SRQ said:
This is the very reason I have been dreading the "It's time to have the experts work on it".

It seems to me that any Mr. Goodwrench should already know all about the need for pucks to avoid damaging the rocker panels when lifting the 'Vette. Of course, that's probably a faulty conclusion, based on the horror stories I've read on the forums.

It is the "etc" that has me perplexed. What exactly are the "other" things the service technician (previously referred to as a mechanic) needs to be careful with? Would it be unreasonable of me to want to stay with my car during servicing. I might have questions or even suggestions... and surely I could even be a great helper? :yesnod:

Perhaps an even better question would be, which Gulf Coast dealership's service department is the best? Say, within a hundred or so miles of Sarasota... I certainly wouldn't mind driving a bit farther if it was going to mean having superior service. I don't think of this car as an investment though, more like a member of the family. At least on par with my best friend, my dog! :lmao:

Something I'm really not looking forward to is the whole: "Whataya mean the tires are losing error? They don't look flat to me!" Just my luck I guess... If there were leaky wheels to be had, I had to get 'em! :shrug01:

So, if anybody can point me towards a particularly good service department for my Corvette, my entire family would truly appreciate it! I've heard there are several shops to avoid, and that the Punta Gorda and Venice shops are good. Input?

Thanks all...

Ed
Click to expand...


Ok the first thing you have to understand about car dealers is that they are driven by bottom line. Mechanics are flat rate, that means that every procedure pays him only so much time. It's a complex system and I will try to explain. If a warranty job pays one hour and it takes him two he doesn't get paid for the second hour. If he does the job in half an hour he still gets paid for the full hour. Customer pay work is the most profitable for the dealership and the tech, with 15, 30, 60, and 75,000 mile services paying the most, that type of work is called gravy work because it is the easiest and pays the most money. When a warranty customer brings in a car with a list of 3 or 4 or five things wrong with the car chances are the tech isn't going to make much off that job, so no one really wants to do it. If a tech does a one hour job in half an hour, he then grabs another job and literally gets paid twice for that second half hour. A lot of times a tech with two bays or lifts will have two jobs going at the same time getting paid from two customers for the same allotted time period punching on and off. Its a double edge sword as I said for if it takes him longer he loses money. Chances are the best Vette tech in the shop isn't going to do your car as it is a pritty simple case, it's either the stems, the wheels or the tires. They are not going to put a tech that is capable of doing complex repairs and money generating work to do this kind of job. There are all different level tech's, some get $30.00 per hour, some get $15.00 per hour and some get $10.00 per hour. The less they get paid, the less skilled work they get. So a guy getting $10.00 per hour isn't going to get any gravy work or complex warranty work like electrical problems. It just isn't profitable to either the company or the tech. It really isn't fair to you as your car is the second largest investment you will ever make, but all things said and done it is a business that is driven by commissions and bottom line profit. If the service manager is really concerned about customer satisfaction he will understand your delima, if not it will be like a puppy mill for cars.

Now to your particular problem. I would start a written diary of dates and how much air you added. Not just once or twice but at least five or six times entries minimun to show him your really experiencing the problem and it is not normal. Make it clear and accurate so you can hand them something to look and hold, not just explaining to them what you had to do. Explain to the manager that you would like a Corvette trained tech to look at the car as you would like to resolve the problem as soon as possible and explain to him how important the car is to you. Ask him where ever the car goes you would like to go. If he says no way then you make the call then if you want them to work on it. Tell him your jacking concerns, tell him you don't want the car test driven without you in it and tell him you are concerned about lot damage when your car is parked. These are all legatimate concerns and should be no problem. If you meet resistance decide then what you want to do, stay or go.

I'm not sure which dealer in your area is the best, but in your owners manual there is a phone number for the local zone office. They keep very explicit records about customer satisfaction. Call them and ask them if they can tell you which dealers have the highest Customer Satisfaction Scores, if they do they your choice should be easier.
 
C6 Corvette - SRQ said:
After doing a search, I just read some interesting info here on the forum regarding using nitrogen to fill tires. That does sounds good... But, the tires on my '07 C6 Coupe have regularly lost air pressure and require a weekly addition. Done that since the time I picked it up at the museum. Actually the right front and left rear experience pressure loss more than the other two tires. Obviously (?) I have those "dreaded" Goodyear run-flats that came with the car (3,500 miles). Are they called run-flats because you can drive them after they go flat or BECAUSE they go flat so frequently? ;)

My question: Is this typical / normal with Corvettes? I did check the valve stems but they are all snugged up... Not sure why, but I need to add about 2 - 3 pounds of air to those tires every week. I've never had tires lose pressures so regularly & rapidly before...

Comments & suggestions appreciated?

Thanks, Ed
Click to expand...
Ed, Dimmit Chevrolet in Clearwater told me that for $60.00 they would take the air out of all of my tires and fill them with nitrogen. They said to come back for more, AT NO COST, whenever the pressure dropped. They told me that all aluminum wheels are porous, and that since nitrogen molecules are larger than air molecules, the nitrogen can't escape from the porousity holes and the tires do not lose pressure. This assumes that the valve stems are good and that the tires are seated fully and correctly. Could be B.S. as far as I know, but it SOUNDS believeable.
Andy
 
I have a 2001 and I've owned it for 3 months. Tires are nitrogen filled and according to the sensor readings, my pressures are the same as when I bought it. It has the stock wheels with new tires.
 
C5Rick said:
I have a 2001 and I've owned it for 3 months. Tires are nitrogen filled and according to the sensor readings, my pressures are the same as when I bought it. It has the stock wheels with new tires.
Click to expand...
Rick, it's good that the pressure is up where it should be, cause you're gonna need it this weekend when you have the mattress on top of the vette! :lmao: :lmao:
Andy :wavey:
 
navy2kcoupe said:
Ed, Dimmit Chevrolet in Clearwater told me that for $60.00 they would take the air out of all of my tires and fill them with nitrogen. They said to come back for more, AT NO COST, whenever the pressure dropped. They told me that all aluminum wheels are porous, and that since nitrogen molecules are larger than air molecules, the nitrogen can't escape from the porousity holes and the tires do not lose pressure. This assumes that the valve stems are good and that the tires are seated fully and correctly. Could be B.S. as far as I know, but it SOUNDS believeable.
Andy
Click to expand...

I wouldn't believe anything the clowns at DIMWIT told me....:yesnod:
 
Hey Nytro
I'm not having any problems with my vette, but that information you gave regarding dealerships and how jobs are paid is very interesting. :thumbsup: Thanks for the education. I've had my share on visits to the dealer and warranty work of my vettes over the years and I had no idea how the jobs were assigned. :shrug01:
 
Nytro said:
Ok the first thing you have to understand about car dealers is that they are driven by bottom line. Mechanics are flat rate, that means that every procedure pays him only so much time.

Chances are the best Vette tech in the shop isn't going to do your car as it is a pritty simple case, it's either the stems, the wheels or the tires.

I would start a written diary of dates and how much air you added. Not just once or twice but at least five or six times entries minimun to show him your really experiencing the problem and it is not normal.

I'm not sure which dealer in your area is the best, but in your owners manual there is a phone number for the local zone office. They keep very explicit records about customer satisfaction.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nytro. Very good points. Spot on...

I have three good friends who are pro mechanics. From an Exotics Car Specialist to a "Sears Grease Monkey". So I have good insight into how the auto mechanic business operates. While I don't expect the best & brightest Mr. Goodwrench to address my excessive tire pressure losses --- I would appreciate not having some idiot working on it. It wouldn't matter if it was a Chevy Aveo. I simply hate the thought of having a totally inexperienced, "I KNOW EVERYTHING", kind of miscreant work on any car I have. And no, I don't own an Aveo... :shrug01:

Which is why I really don't want to play "Mechanic Roulette" with my 'Vette. I would prefer to have someone who understands that my car is "special" and has "special" needs. Case in point, ignorantly slapping it on a floor jack and cracking the rocker panel because they are in a hurry to get me out the door... In a perfect world (which this isn't) every Mr. Goodwrench would have received training on the basics of working on Corvettes. The fact? Some (only a few?) Mr. Goodwrench mechanics have just graduated from the local VoTec auto service training program and have absolutely no knowledge or experience with working on a Corvette. I don't want "MY" mechanic to gain valuable experience by learning from the mistakes he makes from "fixing" my car.

As you point out though, how much training and experience does one need to pull a wheel off to check to see why it isn't holding air? Really not very much... But, it is a Corvette and not an Aveo. Maybe hand-torque the wheel lugs instead of using the faster/easier air impact wrench? I was spoiled by the attention to detail, care and extra efforts that I saw first-hand at the Bowling Green Plant? GM employees with a large amount of pride in their work... balanced against local dealership's novice mechanics. I might be ahead of the game simply adding air every other day? Takes a couple minutes...

:beatdeadhorse5:

I really appreciate your suggestion about documenting my problem. Very LOGICAL! Definitely important to show exactly what I am experiencing rather than a vague "I have to add air to the tires all the time" complaint. I mean, adding air how often is too often? So, starting today, I will keep a log of tire pressures and when and how much air needed to be added. Not sure what would be involved with using my son's tank of nitrogen that he uses for welding... Maybe not a big deal, and he could use to refill his tires too? Maybe go into the tire refilling business? :hehehe:

And, another great suggestion about checking on dealership customer satisfaction ratings too!

Thanks!

Ed

(Already checked the valve stems. They are snug...)
 
From my point of view as a service manager there is only a couple of ways of curing your problem, unfortunately it involves a hit or miss procedure. First the tech would submerge the tires to check for leaks (air bubbles). If none are visible the next step would involve changing the stems and inspecting the beads of the tires. If that didn't work then the next choice is replacing either the wheels or tires. I would suspect before they do that they would get the zone service manager involved. It seems a bit odd that it would be all 4 tires but I have seen stranger things before.

The part you said about hand torquing instead of using an air wrench reminds me of a lesson I learned back in 1970. My mother in laws 318 Plymouth had a blown head gasket. We were allowed to work on our own cars on Wednesday night so I brought it in. I pulled it apart and had just dropped the head back on and a good friend who was a class A tech saw me with the torque wrench out to do the head. He laughed and walked over with the impact and in a matter of 20 seconds he did every head bolt and told me to hurry up so we could leave. I told him that I had to torque the head bolts because I didn't want to do the job again. He smiled and said that he had adjusted the impact to the correct setting and using a torque wrench was unnecessary. I told him I didn't believe him. He then said that if he was wrong he would buy me lunch every Friday for a year, but if he was right I would have to buy his lunch every Friday for a year. I was sure I was right so I made the bet, checked every head bolt with the torque wrench. Well needless to say, I bought him lunch every Friday for a year and whenever we hook up now I always pay. All sixteen headbolts were balls dead on to the correct torque specs. I'm not saying a troque wrench isn't necessary, what I'm saying is that a tech who does it everyday 24/7 and takes pride in his work usually knows what he's doing.

So in closing I will say this, you got a brand new Vette that you really care about, you probably aren't hurting for money, why don't you slip one of your mechanic friends $50.00 to check your car out and see if they can determine what the problem is before you go to the dealer. It might be the best $50.00 you ever spent to save your own piece of mind.

Also keep this in mind. By all means avoid Monday and Friday appointments for bringing your car in. Avoid Monday because people are usually unhappy about going back to work after the weekend, and Fridays because usually it's payday and they just want to cash their check and then they just want to get out of the dealership for the weekend.
 
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