Quote:
|
Originally Posted by JinnKai
Probably already solved your problem, but I echo the sentiments above. Ask the tire experts; my tire store will replace all 4 tires for free within 6 years, UNLESS it was vandalism and not a "road hazard" or just "tire wear." They're very good at telling what's a legitimate "Oh shit! Curb!" and what's someone slashing your tires -- they see holes all day long.  oooh, dirty.. |
Yeah, the shop I used to work for had a similar policy.
I'm disinclined to think that this was an act of vandalism. From what you've said, it just doesn't seem to jive.
Most folks slashing a tire will do it on the sidewall - modern radial ply tires tend to have thick treads, not to mention that nice radial belt made of steel; someone cutting through the tread would have to put a lot of effort into it. The sidewalls are much easier to cut of stab through.
The easier way to cause a tire to go flat is to pull the valve with a pair of needle nose pliers. A new valve only costs a couple bucks, but if I were going to give someone a flat, that's still the way I'd do it; the time and inconvenience is enough for me.
Not that I've ever done anything like that.
A jagged tear on the tread usually happens like this : a small crack penetrates the rubber and belt, allwing a small leak to form. Because the area around the crack is already weakened, it's relatively easy to cause further damage, which the 30-35 psi of air inside the tire is more than capable of doing. The whole thing lets go and the tire deflates.
If the tires are old and worn, that's probably your culprit.. Tires most definitely can and will go flat of their own accord, although it's relatively rare for a new tire to do this and usually is caused by either manufacturing defect or improper installation if it does (that or a damaged rim).
As for donuts, they're not intended for any more than the bare minimum of use. A donut shouldn't be taken above more than about 35-40 mph and shouldn't be left on for more than the bare minimum time necessary to get the car in for the tire to be replaced. Although I have seen them last, they're best not left on, especially not on the front (since they can throw your alignment out of whack if they're up there, causing future tires to wear out faster).
And do not under any circumstances drive on a flat. I realize it's probably after the fact now, but it's worth stating all the same. A new rim generally will run you about $150-200, which is more than the tow truck. And that's assuming you don't get pulled over - I can't imagine a passing cop being okay with that. A car on a flat is difficult to control even at low speeds, so best case scenario is really that you create a traffic impedence while you limp to the shop. At worst, you could put yourself out several hundred more from further damage caused.
Those tire repair deals tend to be about 50/50 for effectiveness, in my experience, although as has been stated there is a maximum size for the damage; too big a hole and they can't do their job. Even if they could, it would be a bad idea to drive on a tire with any more than a small hole, since the integrity of the tire is ruined - above any more than low speeds and you risk the thing tearing itself apart. I've never seen a blowout that ended well.
What I would do in the case of a flat with no visible damage is to try to refill it. If it has a slow leak you should be able to fill it and drive - overfill to compensate for air loss en route. The tire may just need to be reseated (which requires a professional) or may have a hole small enough to be patched (which requires a bit of technique, but no special tools outside of the kits available). If you're unable to fill the tire with air even for a short trip, then it's definitely junk and you're going to need a tow truck - at that point, there's no avoiding it really.
As a final note, one of the biggest reason tire slashing remains a popular form of revenge is that it's very difficult to track the culprit. Outside of a car alarm (which is marginally effective at best) there's not a whole hell of a lot you can put out there as deterrence. And if there's no video surveillance, there's no way of catching the slasher except in the act.
Anyway, good luck with all that.