My first flat tire

Pixie · 12-09-2004, 12:19 PM

A camper I was passing dropped this under my rear right tire (the low friction ones the dealer supplies on delivery) the other day. Eh, it happens. Unfortunately, I was on a long, over water bridge at the time with posted signs that read "do not stop anywhere on this bridge [or we will happily pitch you over the side and send the traffic ticket to your next of kin]". All I could do was get into the right most lane and crawl the rest of the way across at 10 mph (posted limit was 50). Any faster and I started to hear a really loud thumping sound on the side of my car as the rubber end smacked its way around.

There was a utility truck right behind me who called a tow truck while we clawed our way across. By the time I got to the other end, a police officer was there to follow me off and make sure I was okay (not the best part of town for a petite woman alone to be broken down with a new car in) until the tow truck showed up seconds later.

The tow truck guy changed my tire (I could have done it myself but he was there, so I let him), explained the rules of driving on a donut (under 50 mph, fewer than 50 miles) and pointed me toward the tire repair shop a block and a half behind me. Before leaving, he asked how long I had waited for my car (7 months). Apparently, a friend of his almost bought one but couldn't handle the wait and ended up buying a Camry instead.

Moments later, I pulled into the repair shop's driveway to be greeted by the proprieter, who was playing an accordian decorated in sparkly red, white and green. I couldn't help but smile. We chatted while he fixed my tire and replaced it. Total cost? Six bucks. He's just starting up, so if you're in the area and need his services...

Brothers Luna Tire Shop #3
(Used tires, flats fixed, balancing.)
2276 National Ave.
San Diego, CA 92133
(619) 544-9129

So, if you're still here after this long-winded story, a few things of note.

1. I must have driven almost two miles on the flat (the bridge is 2.2). Aside from a few rubber marks on the hub cap, everything looks like it came out okay in the wheel department. Nothing bent; the tire looks okay.

2. The paint on the car was sealed a few weeks ago. Thanks to that, the mild scratching didn't reach it and it's hardly even noticable unless you have your nose three inches away.

3. My faith in humanity has been restored. It's so easy to get jaded living in the city.

IsrAmeriPrius · 12-09-2004, 02:34 PM

The tire may have internal structural damage which can cause dangerous problems in the future.

Go to your nearest Goodyear dealer and have it checked. I am not sure if they came with a road hazard warranty. It may pay to check the documentation that came with the car.

**efusco** · 12-09-2004, 02:44 PM

All US OEM tires come with a road hazard warranty. If it does need replaced that should cover it. It should also cover the cost of repair....if the hassel is worth $6 to you..it wouldn't be to me.

The Accordion story is priceless!!

DanMan32 · 12-09-2004, 03:31 PM

Efusco, I'd like proof of that. I paid extra for mine. If it comes with the car, I want my money back.

**efusco** · 12-09-2004, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Efusco, I'd like proof of that. I paid extra for mine. If it comes with the car, I want my money back.

I'll look for it...I'm certain that Michelle Vande..whatever posted the info over on PriusOnline...that was the first I'd heard of it too.

betshsu · 12-09-2004, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Efusco, I'd like proof of that. I paid extra for mine. If it comes with the car, I want my money back.

I'm almost positive that my Goodyear tires can with the warranty. I vaguely recall the brochure being shown and explained to me with all my other warranty stuff. I definitely didn't pay extra for it. Did you maybe pay for something that goes beyond the standard tire warranty? I have no idea where there is proof that the tire warranty is included with the car, maybe on the Toyota website?

**efusco** · 12-09-2004, 03:39 PM

Here's the Thread at PriusOnline.... I find Michelle to be incorrect far less frequently than I am! :wink:

ops:

Sufferin' Prius Envy · 12-09-2004, 03:44 PM

Quote:

My faith in humanity has been restored. It's so easy to get jaded living in the city.

You really must be a PIXIE if you consider San Diego "THE CITY" which could make one jaded.

From the sound of your flat tire story, you must have sprinkled a dose of your magic Pixie Dust on the situation right after you got the flat.

Either that, or an APB "Code Pink" [distressed cute gir] was crackeling through the emergency radio frequencies.

I'm surprised you didn't say that the Navy had a Search & Rescue Helicopter hovering above . . . and that the Marines from Camp Pendleton were storming over the hill.

Magic Pixie Dust . . . is that the reason for the towel between you and the Prii in your Avatar? :wink:

**efusco** · 12-09-2004, 03:45 PM

From the Prius FAQs at Toyota.com under Warranty

Prius customers are covered by roadside assistance and road hazard insurance for 36 months/36,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date. Examples of this service include flat tire, vehicle lockout and jumpstart. See your Toyota dealer for details.

Pixie · 12-09-2004, 07:36 PM

I did find the Goodyear warranty in the glove box when I finally pulled over and actually did attempt to reach them at two of the numbers listed on it. The first number was a recording that said I couldn't use it because I didn't live in the right area (???) and the second was a voicemail that gave the office hours (8-5 Eastern, so they were already closed).

One of my co-workers also cautioned me about internal damage. So, if I can find a local Goodyear shop, you can bet I'll be having it looked at. Thanks for confirming his suggestion.

As for San Diego, I do realize that I live in one of the nicest cities around. I also have a number of friends who live in that smog pit two hours north, just in case I ever forget it. However, even a nice city is still packed with too many people, too close together for my taste. I much prefer the small towns of my childhood, but there's very little work for me there.

... and as for the towel, it's time I came clean about that. It's a scarf. I did make sure I wasn't wearing anything even the least bit scratchy before going in for the hug, but that's all. If someone had suggested waiting until a towel was found, I would have said "are you kidding? I can't wait that long!" *HUG*

12-09-2004, 12:19 PM	#1
Pixie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 51 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	My first flat tire A camper I was passing dropped this under my rear right tire (the low friction ones the dealer supplies on delivery) the other day. Eh, it happens. Unfortunately, I was on a long, over water bridge at the time with posted signs that read "do not stop anywhere on this bridge [or we will happily pitch you over the side and send the traffic ticket to your next of kin]". All I could do was get into the right most lane and crawl the rest of the way across at 10 mph (posted limit was 50). Any faster and I started to hear a really loud thumping sound on the side of my car as the rubber end smacked its way around. There was a utility truck right behind me who called a tow truck while we clawed our way across. By the time I got to the other end, a police officer was there to follow me off and make sure I was okay (not the best part of town for a petite woman alone to be broken down with a new car in) until the tow truck showed up seconds later. The tow truck guy changed my tire (I could have done it myself but he was there, so I let him), explained the rules of driving on a donut (under 50 mph, fewer than 50 miles) and pointed me toward the tire repair shop a block and a half behind me. Before leaving, he asked how long I had waited for my car (7 months). Apparently, a friend of his almost bought one but couldn't handle the wait and ended up buying a Camry instead. Moments later, I pulled into the repair shop's driveway to be greeted by the proprieter, who was playing an accordian decorated in sparkly red, white and green. I couldn't help but smile. We chatted while he fixed my tire and replaced it. Total cost? Six bucks. He's just starting up, so if you're in the area and need his services... Brothers Luna Tire Shop #3 (Used tires, flats fixed, balancing.) 2276 National Ave. San Diego, CA 92133 (619) 544-9129 So, if you're still here after this long-winded story, a few things of note. 1. I must have driven almost two miles on the flat (the bridge is 2.2). Aside from a few rubber marks on the hub cap, everything looks like it came out okay in the wheel department. Nothing bent; the tire looks okay. 2. The paint on the car was sealed a few weeks ago. Thanks to that, the mild scratching didn't reach it and it's hardly even noticable unless you have your nose three inches away. 3. My faith in humanity has been restored. It's so easy to get jaded living in the city.

12-09-2004, 03:39 PM	#7
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,248 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 50 Thanked 260 Times in 156 Posts Friends: 37	Re: My first flat tire Here's the Thread at PriusOnline.... I find Michelle to be incorrect far less frequently than I am! :wink: ops:

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12-09-2004, 02:34 PM	#2
IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 4,338 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	The tire may have internal structural damage which can cause dangerous problems in the future. Go to your nearest Goodyear dealer and have it checked. I am not sure if they came with a road hazard warranty. It may pay to check the documentation that came with the car.

12-09-2004, 02:44 PM	#3
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,248 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 50 Thanked 260 Times in 156 Posts Friends: 37	All US OEM tires come with a road hazard warranty. If it does need replaced that should cover it. It should also cover the cost of repair....if the hassel is worth $6 to you..it wouldn't be to me. The Accordion story is priceless!!

12-09-2004, 03:31 PM	#4
DanMan32 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Posts: 3,775 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Efusco, I'd like proof of that. I paid extra for mine. If it comes with the car, I want my money back.

12-09-2004, 03:45 PM	#9
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,248 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 50 Thanked 260 Times in 156 Posts Friends: 37	From the Prius FAQs at Toyota.com under Warranty Prius customers are covered by roadside assistance and road hazard insurance for 36 months/36,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date. Examples of this service include flat tire, vehicle lockout and jumpstart. See your Toyota dealer for details.

12-09-2004, 07:36 PM	#10
Pixie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 51 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I did find the Goodyear warranty in the glove box when I finally pulled over and actually did attempt to reach them at two of the numbers listed on it. The first number was a recording that said I couldn't use it because I didn't live in the right area (???) and the second was a voicemail that gave the office hours (8-5 Eastern, so they were already closed). One of my co-workers also cautioned me about internal damage. So, if I can find a local Goodyear shop, you can bet I'll be having it looked at. Thanks for confirming his suggestion. As for San Diego, I do realize that I live in one of the nicest cities around. I also have a number of friends who live in that smog pit two hours north, just in case I ever forget it. However, even a nice city is still packed with too many people, too close together for my taste. I much prefer the small towns of my childhood, but there's very little work for me there. ... and as for the towel, it's time I came clean about that. It's a scarf. I did make sure I wasn't wearing anything even the least bit scratchy before going in for the hug, but that's all. If someone had suggested waiting until a towel was found, I would have said "are you kidding? I can't wait that long!" HUG