So, maybe don't pump your tires to sidewall maximum.

[Xist]

Definitely get odd tire noises checked out.
I paid $250 for a beautiful car. I did not even test drive, the parts were worth more than that. When I took it to a mechanic he said one front wheel was slightly larger than the other, but he said they were the right size.
He didn't mention they were cheap tires and after the tread came off and damaged my car I realized two tires, including the one that blew, were one size too small.
Well, there is another shop I will never visit again.
If you have vibrations, pull over while you still have four tires, and an intact car.
The mechanic said I lost the air intake box. It also damaged the inside of the headlamp. Discount Tire says they were cheap tires and those were not load-rated.
Two Michelin Defenders cost more than I paid for the car.

[ECO-AKJ]

Ouch

[redpoint5]

Tire probably would have let loose sooner had you not filled to sidewall maximum. The tire has to flex more when it has lower pressure, and tread separation doesn't happen from air pressure blowing it off, but rather tire deformation.

[MetroMPG]

That sucks!

On the other hand...

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...0-a-35111.html

[California98Civic]

Ooooff! That sucks, hey. Good news is that if you have receipts and pictures you can tell that dude to give you your money back or go sue him for the cost and damages in small claims court.

[redpoint5]

delete

[Saskwatchian]

Who should he sue? Some guy sold a car for $250, you can pretty much expect it to need some work/new parts before long. A mechanic pointed out the size difference in his tires.

A part broke (cheep tire), which in turn broke other stuff. Sh*t happens. It wasn't anyone's fault, though it does suck.

The OP gave the best advice. When something changes (vibration) pull over and check it out. Just last week that's how I noticed one of my front wheels had somehow gotten loose, which could have been very expensive if it had fallen off.


EDIT: on the subject of filling to maximum, it was probably a non-factor in your tire failure. Personally I don't go to max for better wear characteristics and ride.

[rmay635703]

Last night stopping for supper at the Liberty Bell Chalette I stopped got out heard hissing
turned car on 24psi
Bleh Sunday 6pm
Caught a guy trying to close his full service gas station (must be some sort of alternate universe)
9psi
Bothered him until he agreed to plug
He shoved a rubber plug in aired up and charged $20, would have given a tip but that's normally a $5 task at fleet farm

Determined it was a arrow shaped razor, located the source as a strange sharp long strip of metal in the intersection to the chalet.

I've always been lucky enough and slow enough to catch my blowouts before they happen, this is the 3rd patch on that set of tires.

Ah well

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Ooooff! That sucks, hey. Good news is that if you have receipts and pictures you can tell that dude to give you your money back or go sue him for the cost and damages in small claims court.

Nope. Reminds of the time Judge Wapner ROYALLY screwed up and awarded a buyer of an ancient Microbus his money back because it had problems. IT'S AN OLD USED CAR THAT YOU INSPECT... unless the seller made some specific false declarations of fitness they owe nothing.

[freebeard]

Did he get to keep the bus?

Xist — But at $250 you're still ahead, right?