Tire Adventures

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My truck is 11 years old.  I take maintenance seriously.  That is why when I got a got a flat tire (front right) a few months ago, I immediately took it into a local tire shop for repairs.  The shop was able to patch it, and sent me on my way.  All was good, and I have driven several hundred miles on the repaired tire.

Last night, I attended a Toastmasters meeting.  As I was setting up the audiovisual equipment, one of the other members came in and mentioned that I had a flat tire (front right again!), but offered the use of an air pump.  After the meeting concluded, we stepped out to the parking lot, and we set about reinflating the tire.  32# of pressure later, I was good to go...  until I wasn't.

That Toastmasters meeting is held at a church 3 1/2 miles from home.  But I had only driven about 2 miles before I could feel that the tire going flat again.  I pulled into a side street, and called for a tow truck to help with changing the tire.  Yes, I know how to change a tire, but I have a real problem getting the spare out from under the pickup bed.  The tow truck driver, when he arrived, also had a problem getting the tire out, since we couldn't locate the tool kit used to lower the tire.  He finally ended up crawling under the truck, and using a pair of pliers to unmount the spare.  Total time, including waiting for him to arrive, was about 90 minutes.

With the spare tire mounted, and the flat in the bed of the truck, I drove the remaining mile to my house.  As I ate a late dinner, I got on the computer and made an appointment to get (a) new tire(s).  Unfortunately, I can't get in until Wednesday, and since I am hesitent to drive without a spare handy, I will be working from home today and tomorrow.  Fortunately, we have the flexibility at our lab, with a hybrid 3 days in the office, 2 days remote policy.

The Tire Adventure is not over yet.  On Wednesday, I need to replace the old tire.  I am debating if I should do the same with the matching tire on the left, since the general rule is that tires should be changed in pairs.  Either way, its going to be expensive.  


 

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