So my 18 year old car (suv) gets its first flat at home. I debated on calling AAA or DIY. Young son was around so decided on DIY.
It as struggle to get the spare out. Somehow got it out. As suspected, it only had 35 psi as opposed to 60. All those tyre shops that lie to me that my spare was good!
Put my son on a foot pump to pump it. He gets to 45psi with struggle and pump breaks (Schwin, made it China, from Target). I said with 45 of 60 will get to tire shop to patch.
Replace with the spare ( all first time for this suv, in 18 years). Put everything away. Then son(13) puts the valve stem cap. I go and tighten it. It bends slightly, the I hear leak. Yes, the valve stem breaks from where it attaches to the tire.
I guess 18 year old spare, never inspected, plastic/rubber just cracks!
Now will take the tire and patch using the 2nd car and repeat!
Just thankful this didnt happen,
on a family road trip!!!
Or on a way to a kids test or performence or important work event/meeting
Thankful I don't have urgency to commute to work!
Just missed sons evening activity and work I do during that time in a Starbucks
Now sitting and working away to catch up, and wondering how to efficienly get the patch done in the morning between calls/meetings
#crazyday
comments
The pump is normally used for bikes!
Mobile mechanics come to home and do stuff on car - low cost on craigslist
Also they can repair / attach new valve stem on the temporary ( small) spare. That was nice of them. Now, car is on spare so I can drive to get the new tire. Now Iām hoping the 18 year old, never used spare, holds the air overnight.
Now I will remove tire 3rd time and drive the other car to bring the new replacement tire!
I guess the shop Iām going should be checking their work well :(