New Owner Question

[Nader]

I am taking delivery of my 04 Viper next Wednesday and I have a question regarding the tires and flat spots.

In my previous car, 2002 911, If I let the car sit for a week or two, it would develop flat spots on the tires and cause a small vibration at speed. Has anyone had the same issue with the Viper and run flats?

Also can you give me some recommendations on maintenance in the winter. Since it will see the road less frequently, I do plan to start it every two weeks, but is there anything else I should do to maintain the car?

 

[KaiPL]

I've never experienced flat spotting with my Viper from just sitting. The stock runflats are so stiff, I can't imagine this would be an issue with the stock tires.

Can't really speak to winter maintenance. I just start mine occasionally and drive it around a bit. Seems to work ok.

 

[FLYNLO]

First, it would be ideal if you started the car at least once a week. It wouldn't hurt if you could also take it around the block for a quick spin. As for the flat spots in the tire, i have never experienced such an occurrence. The run flats however are terrible tires, and should be replaced as soon as you get the vehicle

 

[Nader]

Thanks for the comments. I keep hearing about the run flats and how terrible they are. I guess a wheel and tire change are in my future.

 

[Viperfreak2]

The Vipers ride is so firm it's hard to tell the difference between flat spots and the normal road. I used to drive 911's a lot so I also noticed they were bumpy after sitting a while. I think it has to do with the tire and the balance. With very little weight on the fronts, a slightly flat spotted tire wil transmit it up through the steering wheel. Add to that the awesome feedback the 911 has to the road surface....

 

[Mastiff]

Tires on the Viper are wider, therefore, the PSI is less which means its less likely to flat spot. I've let mine sit for weeks and never noticed any flatspotting.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Before you get concerned about the run flats and buying more rims and tires, drive and enjoy the car first. Quite a few folks run on these in Vettes and Vipers with little complaint, and they do offer you a modicum of safety. We have found a bunch of tires overinflated from the factory, and often when customers come in. Just make sure your tire pressure is correct and go scare the neighbors with your new beast.

 

[NK BREKR]

Also can you give me some recommendations on maintenance in the winter. Since it will see the road less frequently, I do plan to start it every two weeks, but is there anything else I should do to maintain the car?

Welcome! I believe there was a very detailed article from Pa Viper in the Summer issue of Viper Magazine that listed several tips for the winter months, not sure if the information is online too.

Does anyone recall the article or have access to an electronic copy?

 

[Nader]

What is the correct tire pressure?