Undercover_Man

Hello everyone. I haven't been here in a LONG while. I actually haven't been to ANY Of my regularly visited forums in a long while. I'll try to visit here more often again.

Well I have a problem. I am working at Disney and I am not getting along with a certain new CP. Well one day I came to my car and I had a flat tire. I could see that there was a hole in it. I put on a spare and have been driving on it for a while cause I've been working like crazy ever since then.

Yeah well today I go to my car and my tire is flat again. I was working in the same shop and with the same person that I had suspected in the first place. Coincidence? I think not.

Now I didn't see a hole or anything in my tire. I'll have to determine that in the morning. Now if it's true that the tire has been slashed, then I need to figure out a way to can catch someone in the act. I have recieved no threats or anything. I just go to my car and there is my flat tire. A tire just doesn't go flat for no reason. Especially one that is new.

Any ideas on what I can do about my situation? I need proof that my tire is being slashed.

- Undercover_Man

El Pollo

So is there a reason your suspect is a suspect, or is it just because this person was present during both flat days? I hate cars. I know nothing about them. But I do know that anything on your car can break for no good reason at any time, even tires. I went through a 2 month period where I had about 5 flat tires, all for different reasons and all in very different locations. Even new tires can go flat, just like the new tire I got during that 2 month period. I'm guessing there's more to this story that makes you suspect foul play, though. But if somebody really is messing with your tires, then that's pretty low. Hope you figure this out.

timalkin

If you're working at Disney, I'm sure there are cameras all over the place. Try talking to security and see if they can help you.

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Undercover_Man

No "cameras all over the place". There are only two that I know of and I don't even think one of them works. The other one (actually 4 in each corner of a small room) is there because it's the money room. No cameras in the parking lots. How do I fight someone slashing my tires? I can't just sit back and shell out money for replacment tires every few days. I've gotta do something.

maleficent

Do you think you know who's doing it? Talk to them.

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Undercover_Man

Would it be safe to slowly drive 8-9 miles to a Wal-Mart since I've already used my spare tire?

maleficent

driving 8 -9 miles on a flat tire? you will probably kill the rim completely... that's a much more expensive job to fix than just repairing a tire.

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Undercover_Man

Is there a way to temporarily fix a flat? I could easily go to Wal-Mart and get an air compressor (which I used to have and need to buy anyways), but is there any ways to fix a slash/hole? Otherwise, I'll have to have it towed to Wal-Mart and I don't know who to call to have it towed and it'd cost a lot.

The_Jazz

There are products that will let you fix a flat for 40 or 50 miles. They reinflate the tire with a sort of foam, but you pretty much need to drive directly to your tire repair place. Pretty much any auto shop will sell this, although I don't know about Wal-Mart since I don't shop there as a rule.

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shakran

if the tire's SLASHED the fix-a-flat products aren't going to help you. The hole will be too big. But unless you haven't updated us, you still don't know if the 2nd flat is caused by a slash.

What kind of hole was in the first tire? Sometimes tires get holes for reasons other than being slashed. And if a second tire also let go I would suspect they're old as hell, unless your coworker is truly psycho and has it in for you. If he does, and you can't either set up a security camera or watch it constantly, there's not much you can do.

raeanna74

A spare is not meant to be driven on for very long. You said you'd been driving on it for a while so I'm not sure what you meant by that. We had a flat tire last summer and replaced it with a spare. The spare went low a few times and had to be filled again to go to the store. It would stay full for a few hours but by the next morning was flat again. Some spares, especially if they're older and have been sitting around for a while, don't stand up to much use. They get you home but don't do much more than that.

Find out what the holes are like before you worry about what/who did it. Then if you want to catch someone - stick a video camera under your car (I dunno - duct tape it on the underside after you get to work so it's not real visible) and leave it running - maybe aim it at the same tire since it seems they'd be targeting the same one each time.

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Undercover_Man

The first tire had a hole in the threads. It wasn't a straight hole though. It was jagged looking and about maybe 1/2" - 3/4". It was parked when it happened and had to have happened withing 5 hours because I always go to my car on my break. I still need to take a look at my spare tire. I haven't seen a hole or anything yet. I know I'm jumping to conclusions, but the situation with this one person that I had last night and the night that the first tire incident is the same.

However. I can almost just as easily blame it on myself. The first tire from old age. The damn thing has cracks on it for goodness sakes. And the spare had very little air in it when I took it out of the trunk. I hope it is my fault because I don't know how to deal with someone taking his/her anger out on my tires at work. Dealing with getting new tires is much easier.

fastom

Leaning a nail up against a tire is an easier way to ensure a flat, it'll only go down once they start driving. Cutting a tire on a parked car is much more malicous and takes a pretty sharp blade... not what you want a person you confront to be brandishing! Maybe get the security (Goofy?) to watch the lot. I suppose catching the perp in the act would be a surefire method of stopping the carnage.

raeanna74

When you go to get the new tires and they take the old off the rims have the guys look at the splits/cuts and ask them what they think. The tire technicians have seen every kind of wear, puncture, and cut and would most likely be able to tell you if they thought it was an intentional cut or just wear.

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xepherys

a) A jagged hole on the treads? That sounds more likely to be something that was run over. Go to a junk yaerd or something and try to make a hole through the treads. Slicing a tire anywhere isn't easy without a VERY sharp instrument. But going through the sidewall alleviates a lot of physics issues with it regarding pressure and distance through the tire wall.

b) As said above, spares can EASY get into crappy shape quickly. They are meant for a one-time trip to the tire shop my friend... nothing more.

c) If you USE something like Fix-A-Flat, make sure you tell the mechanic when you get to the shop. It shouldn't matter since it's a spare and they won't be popping it off the rim, but it's good measure anyhow. The stuff in those canned inflation products is VERY explosive/flammable.

Jinn

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..

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Martian

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.

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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

Undercover_Man

Ok. Next problem. Finding a tire place. The only place I can get to without a car would be Wal-Mart. I live in Orlando Florida 32821. How do I know what tire specific shop is reliable. I only have about $400 to go towards some new tires (excluding a new spare). Buying tires is new to me. What should I know about buying tires?

Martian

I can't say much about Florida in regards to pricing. I know in my part of the world $400 would maybe buy two new tires or four used ones.. I have a hunch that it'll be cheaper there but I can't say by how much.

Basically the big concern when it comes to tires is the sort of weather you'll be driving the car in. My very basic knowledge of Florida leads me to believe that you'll be facing warm weather with a fair bit of rain - for those sorts of conditions you'll probably want a good set of all seasons. Summer tires aren't really grippy enough to make driving in suboptimal conditions comfortable, but you really don't need anything too fancy.

My preference tends toward Goodrich rubber, as it's served me well in the past. Brand preferences when it comes to tires is like anything else; everyone has one. Toyo, Goodrich, Michelin, Bridgestone, take your pick.

Selecting the proper tire isn't too complicated, as it's basically a game of matching numbers. You'll find the size on the sidewall of the old tires; when you get the new ones, they have to be the same. For example, mine are P225/60/R16, so if I buy new tires they have to be the same (the numbers are track width in millimeters, sidewall ratio and rim size in inches, if you're interested). Most street tires are omnidirectional, so there's no specific front, back, left or right tires. It doesn't matter which way they're facing. This is as opposed to a good set of off-roading tires, for example, with a tread designed to offer maximum grip when the tire is turning in a specific direction and must be mounted in order to have them facing forward.

If you buy used, be aware that it's going to likely be a case of caveat emptor. Things to watch out for on used tires are tread depth and any damage.

Damage is self-explanatory; look the tire over with a particular eye for bulges and cracks. Either one can indicate that the tire is on the way out. Bulges in particular are bad; if someone tries to sell you a tire with a bulge, look elsewhere. Any scrupulous dealer will scrap them.

Tread depth is a bit trickier, but not by much. You first want to check the wear indicators; they're a set of small grooves cut into the tread. When they're gone, it's time to replace the tire; any tire you buy should have them. The other way to look at tread depth is with a penny. Stick it into the tread upside down; on a good tire the top of the president's head should be fully covered.

Finally, look at the tread with an eye for any unusual wear. A properly used tire should wear evenly across the entire width of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tire. Worn edges or a worn centerline indicate a tire that was run under- or over-inflated, respectively, while unusual bald spots indicate other abuse; they're most commonly caused by locked wheels.

Umm, I guess that's about it. Any questions, you know the drill.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

Carno

Depending on the type and size of tire you need, $400 should be about enough to get you four new tires. Don't go looking at four $100 tires though, because there's tons of fees that come along with buying new tires.

I personally would buy only two tires, then save up some more money and buy two more at a later date. Never buy just one tire though, unless it is to be used as a spare, because it will wear faster than the others.

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poundpuppy34

its much easier to just let out the air in the tire other than slashing them I dont think your tire was salashed though.

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Carno

Nah, it's not hard at all to stab someone's tire.

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