We all know Michelin built the stock (summer) tire specifically for the C7 Z51 for GM, and no other tire, including a cold weather tire. The Tire Rack is not specifically recommending a Michelin cold weather tire; rather, for the C7 & Z51, a Pirelli cold weather tire version that is not a run flat. Pirelli has cold weather run flats that the Tire Rack says are available, but the Tire Rack does not specifically recommend those tires, just the non run flat tire for the C7 Z51. Go figure. The Tire Rack offers other choices including the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3, and I shall probably buy that tire if it is a run flat, but some have questioned if it is a run flat. I am sure there shall be aftermarket cold weather tires for the Z51, but again run flats? However, GM is saying to stick only with Chevy endorsed products for tires and wheels. GM has not yet endorsed and/or does not yet offer a cold weather tire, so we are in a Catch 22.
Legit complaint regardless of the world, and I am among good company making it. I am sure most of us buying a C7 have experience with high performance cars and tires. Just because it is a Corvette does not excuse continuing corporate irresponsibly as to tire safety offerings/non-offerings. GM has left us solely to our own devices to figure out a cold weather tire. As a serious safety issue, that is not responsible corporate behavior, and it is worthy of complaint. A $50K advanced high performance sports car, and its buyer, deserve better than that.
I contacted GM by email, and it avoided the issue by advising me to contact my dealer. I'll update when I talk to my dealer. Just talked with Chevy - told me neither does it have a cold weather tire as an option nor could it recommend a specific cold weather tire for my area, and to contact my Chevy dealer. Just talked to my Chevy dealer - told me it could not make a recommedation at this time, discuss later when my car comes in, and maybe ask a tire dealer. Just talked to a tire dealer - told me it could not make a recommendation, and maybe ask Chevy or my car dealer. Catch 22 x 3. Seems no one wants to take ownership of and responsibility for this issue. Certainly, GM can do better than this on such a critical issue as tire safety. Harrumph!
Talk now is that the Paul Walker crash was tire-related.
This just in - See comments about the summer tires on this cold weather drive -
http://jalopnik.com/the-2014-corvett...car-1474670167