Cost of Corvette Tires: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost of Corvette Tires: A Comprehensive Guide

The cost of tires for a Corvette can vary widely depending on the model and type of tires you choose. As of August 2023, here are some general price ranges:

Standard Performance Tires

Performance tires for models like the C7 or C8 Corvette typically range from $150 to $300 each. These tires are designed for enhanced grip and handling, making them ideal for performance driving and everyday use.

High-Performance or Racing Tires

If you're looking for specialized high-performance or track tires, prices can go up to $400 or more per tire. These tires provide maximum grip for track days and race events, but they may not be suitable for regular street use.

All-Season Tires

If you prefer all-season options, prices might range from $200 to $350 each. Like other car tires, Corvette all-season tires offer balanced performance in various weather conditions. Installation costs, which can add another $20 to $50 per tire, should also be considered.

Are Corvette Tires Different?

Corvette tires, while similar to other car tires in some aspects, are purpose-built for the specific needs of the Corvette. My 2008 C6 model comes with 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels to avoid contact with the upper control arm when the car is raised. Thus, the rear wheels are larger, resulting in what is known as offset wheels. The tire specifications for this model include 245/40ZR18 in front and 285/35ZR19 in the rear.

The car comes stock with runflats, as no spare is carried. The stock tires are Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMTs, costing $336 each in the front and $403 each in the rear, for a set cost of $1478. Knowing what I do now, I’d opt for Continental Extreme Contact Sports, which cost $171 each in the front and $255 each in the rear, amounting to $852 for a set. These tires are non-runflat and are suitable for the street, providing better wear and traction than the stock tires.

Track Tires: A Special Case

For track use, I have 18-inch wheels on all corners with Hankook RS4 tires. The front tires are 275/35R18, and the rear tires are 295/40R18. These tires have a treadwear number of 200, indicating superior grip for the track while still being suitable for street use. The treadwear number on the tire indicates that a higher number means better wear but worse traction. These tires cost $302 for the front and $310 for the rear, totaling $1224 for a set.

Always check the treadwear and the mysterious four-digit number on the side of the tire, which indicates the year and week of manufacture. This is important because tires age and should be checked accordingly.

Where to Buy Corvette Tires?

You can find Corvette tires at reputable online retailers such as or Tires and Wheels Online. Additionally, there are great sites for tire compatibility, such as Compare Tire Sizes and Specs and Wheel Compatibility Reference Guide. These resources can help you find the perfect tire for your Corvette model.

Remember, the quality and type of tire you choose can significantly impact your car's performance and safety. Always consult with experts or conduct thorough research before making any decisions.