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by NeZe from Central Florida

Last Post 92 days Ago


Oh, no!! A blown tire!
Oct 7, 2007 | 8:03 PM
Category: Traffic
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Well, it was bound to happen at one time or another.  A blown tire.  This is the second time this has happened to me in my driving lifetime.

Unfortunately, it happened in the left lane of the busy Hwy. 17-92.  As soon as it happened, I pressed slowly on the brakes, looked in the rear view mirror and saw a whole lot of traffic coming.  There would be no chance for me to cross all the way to the right lane, so I made a decision to keep moving on the left lane for a couple more seconds until I finally stopped, right after the extra left turn lane began.

Thinking about it, this was probably not the best decision because of the danger it presented afterwards when the time came to change the tire.  It was the back tire in the passenger's side.

However, I was always advised that if I get a blown tire, I should not continue driving  because the rim of the tire can get ruined.

So, I ask ... What would you have done in my situation?

I have to say that under the circumstances, I was really blessed in many ways.  First and foremost, no one got injured.  Second, a very nice gentleman in a red SUV and a couple in a small black car stopped by to see if I needed help.  Finally, Deputy Sheriff Bradford showed up in the middle of changing the tire.  After he made sure we were safe, he stayed with us until we were able to drive off.

Thank You, Everyone!!  D/S Bradford, you are the best!!

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Member Comments Total Comments: 6
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DaytonaFrank read my blog view my photos
Oct 7, 2007 | 11:01 PM

Well, if that is a photo of the actual tire, it is treadbare. You had to have had warning you ignored. Vibration, or the car pulling to one side or another. Or other various noises, that were unusual.
They say to check the tread on a tire, stick a penny in between the treads, Lincoln head first. If you cannot see the top of his head, you need new tires! LOL!
DaytonaFrank read my blog view my photos
Oct 7, 2007 | 11:09 PM

This is not always true, however. Those that are hard on thier vehicles, and corner hard a lot of the time, will have tire failure on the outside of the tread, long before the middle fails the penny test.

If you feel any unusual vibration, especially at LOW speeds, you should have a look. The tire may look fine in the middle, but if you see any separation, or steel cords hanging out, the tire should be replaced immediately.
DaytonaFrank read my blog view my photos
Oct 7, 2007 | 11:18 PM

Excuse me. If you CAN see the top of Lincoln's head, you need new tires. An important typo, but not as important as NOT seeing the top of his head, while cutting your fingers on steel cord needles, sticking out of the outside edges, while doing the penny test!
NeZe read my blog view my photos
Oct 8, 2007 | 4:59 AM

LOL, DaytonaFrank,

Thanks for the tip! You may have confused me a little in the beginning, but I think I get it! - LOL

I took the car to the tire shop about a month ago to have it inspected. The guy there told me I did not need new tires yet. He showed me this line that runs across the tire and told me that was the 'marker' I should go by. If I saw that the 'marker' and the lower part of the thread were about the same level, it was time to change the tires.

I should have trusted my gut and changed the tires when I thought I needed to. The car has been driven for over 50,000 miles. Don't tires last approximately that much?

Thanks again! I'll try the penny test today - LOL
DaytonaFrank read my blog view my photos
Oct 10, 2007 | 11:08 PM

You took the car to a tire shop, and they told you that you didn't need tires? Wow! Write THAT down in the record books! LOL!

I bought top of the line 50,000 mile tires for my daughter's first car. They lasted 20,000 without the "marker" becoming apparent. The outside edges of the tire were worn down to steel cord, with the "marker" still in the safe zone. Since I am her mechanic, and know the tires were always inflated to proper pressure, and rotated on schedule, I concluded 50k tires are a myth.
Of course, driving habits contribute the most. The best tires, inflated properly, and rotated properly, are still subject to premature wear and tear. The main reason being driving the car hard, hard cornering, hard braking and accelerating,etc., and especially in FL heat!
The penny test is useless, it is just a guide line. It is 3/32" and the minumum supposed tread you should have. The best indicator of whether or not you need tires, is as I have said. Look at the outside edges of the tread on the tires. If it is smooth, and/or showing steel needles, which is the steel belts separating from the tire itself, get new tires toot-sweet! LOL!
NeZe read my blog view my photos
Oct 11, 2007 | 5:07 AM

LOL, DaytonaFrank,

What I am writing down in MY book is the name of that place. I am also putting a BIG note: "NEVER, EVER, EVER go there again!! - LOL

I think my driving habits have changed over the years. I also believe the type of vehicle one drives makes the difference.

When I was younger, I drove a lot. And I mean A LOT!! I used to have a two-seat sports vehicle and my weekends consisted of driving from Northern New Jersey to Atlantic City and to Virginia Beach through the Chesapeake Bay, among other places. I remember changing the tires on that vehicle more often.

I now drive an SUV. Of course the way I drive has changed, and I also drive a lot less than before. With the exception of a couple of trips to Georgia or Miami throughout the year, I consider my driving minimal.

Thankfully no steel needles were showing in any of the tires of my vehicle until that one blew up!! I know better than to drive with tires like that!! - LOL

My vehicle will have smacking brand new tires this weekend. I am back to being a happy camper!! - ROFLOL
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NeZe

Proud member of the FOX 35 Family. First time working in the television industry, which I find very interesting, exciting and rewarding. Love my children, family and friends; love my job, which allows me to interact with GREAT people and, most of all, love God for all the blessings throughout my life. Hope you enjoy MYFOXORLANDO.COM and don't forget to visit the new ORLANDODATINGPLACE.COM!! Oh, by the way ... Thank You, Sam R., for the nice avatars from Georgia and most recently from Indiana!! ~ USMC ROCKS!! ~ LOL

Member Since: 7/15/2006


 

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