Bummer, got a flat on the freeway. Have question

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Cruzin' along... heard a CRACK! Thought a rock hit my mirror, but it was fine. Then the card started pulling to the right. Then harder to the right. Had a flat with one of the new Bridgestone RE 790's. Figures.

I had to drive it (albeit slowly) for about a 1/4 mile on a flat because I was in a precarious place. Fortunatley didn't damage the rim at all. Anyway, my question is this.... is the tire still ok, or does that "weaken" the sidewall? Should I replace it, or is no big deal? Anyone know tire technology?

gduke · 06-20-2004, 02:59 PM

You might want to replace it . Especially if its a front tire. First try to determine the cause of the blow-out. I hate plugged tires, they always seemed to leak and if yor side wall ruptured or the hole is near your side wall theres no fixing you tire.

Bill Douglas · 03:25 PM

Who cares about the tire. I'm just pleased you weren't tempted to stop in the breakdown lane and change it. I'd hate us to loose another Pelican Head.

I got one in the Toyota the other day and no way was I going to get run over for the sake of the Toyota so I drove another 3 miles, LOL, wow that even toasted the rim.

Edit: I'd replace it as tires are the bit that saves your ass when things go wrong.

gblumenstock · 06-20-2004, 03:45 PM

Check the inside of the tire for bubbling. I had the same happen to me (lost a valve stem) and the tire was trashed.

GB

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

Chili,
Replace that tire.
If you drove on it flat even for 50 feet I wouldn't trust it in the front or back.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

What Lonewolf said. It was what I was thinking but I thought maybe I was missing something. Besides, why did it just go flat to begin with? Did you get the extra warrantee that covers road damage? If so, it may cost you only a couple bucks to get a new tire.

Zeke · 06-20-2004, 04:43 PM

New tires? I'm sure you can get another and you should. You didn't say if you found something in the tire. A nail or small object won't let the air out very fast. Sounds like your air was going down fast. What did it? If you don't know, then they don't know. New tire time.

I'm not saying Bridgestone can necessarily afford to replace it, but I think they can't afford not to.

Anyway, whether you get an adjustment or not, get a new tire. As I say, "This ain't no disco." You might be out driving on that tire in triple digits someday.

Randy Webb · 06-20-2004, 04:53 PM

This ain’t no fooling around, either.

I completely agree with Zeke's warning (and his penchant for the Talking Heads). YOu don't want to take any chances -- waht is more important than the tires? Not the engine -- and not even the brakes as they only affect you when you need to slow down. A catastrophic tire failure can kill you when cornering, slowing, accelerating... any time at all. And you might not even be going that fast and have trouble.

I had a big blow out in a long sweeper back in the days of Mich. X or XAS on a BMW 2002 - I was going about 65 or 70 and wound up cornering on metal... all of a sudden.

v9ff · v9ff's Garage

Harsh!! I had a blowout a couple years ago in my 911 on the 5 Southbound towards the 10 East... it was fugly!! Hit a pipe that was in my lane with my right front SO-2s! Ouch, that hurt. Took me about 15 min to change it as two tow trucks cruised by and asked if I needed help... for a fee I assume.

heh heh heh

Glad to hear that you made it out alive. I would get a new tire else you'll always be worrying about it in the back of your mind. Just add it to the wedding expenses.

john70t · 06-20-2004, 07:27 PM

Change it and put it on a spare if it looks good and holds air (50lbs for 2 weeks). Double on the tire-change/side of road recommendation.

A strong tire will last longer with 10 lbs more air than less. The reduced friction equals less contact patch=less heat=better economy=more strain on suspension. Heat is what hurts even synthetic rubber most.

Zeke · 06-20-2004, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by john70t
Change it and put it on a spare if it looks good and holds air (50lbs for 2 weeks). Double on the tire-change/side of road recommendation.

A strong tire will last longer with 10 lbs more air than less. The reduced friction equals less contact patch=less heat=better economy=more strain on suspension. Heat is what hurts even synthetic rubber most.

That simply is not true with the kind of tires found most on 911s. The center tread will wear out and real fast on the rears for the same reason you say it will last longer. That being the smaller contact patch. That's less rubber on the road to deliver the power. For the highest mileage, especially on a low aspect ratio tire, the pressure must be maintained carefully and must be correct to start with.

Now, if you are talking about gas economy, I will butt out. I don't know anyone who bought a 911 to save gas. I, for one, am not going to drive around with 4 over-inflated tires in a performance car to save a gallon of gas!

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

Ok, you guys talked me into it. Dang. They ain't cheap!

BTW, whatever I hit then hit the underside or inner fender wall, that's what the "crack" was. They found a big screw in my tire. It's basically right in the center of the tread pattern, so it's not close to the sidewall.

Hmm, myabe Steve (v9ff) is onto something.... maybe I can register at America's Tire Company. Yea, the fiance will love it. LOL