So I am cruising on the highway doing about 60, and all of a sudden I feel something isn't right - and it gets worse really fast - so I pull over on the shoulder and quickly stop. Turns out my drivers rear tire went flat (later I find out that the base of the valve stem has a leak - must have hit a bump and it finally gave way). Changed it as fast as a Nascar pit crew. Anyhow, easy fix, but would you all feel OK about driving on a tire that was running flat (or near close to it) for perhaps 3-500 feet? These are Continental Vanco 8 (load D) that I got 6-7 years ago so the sidewalls are very stiff by nature. Sidewalls do not have any obvious wear, however I do admit that they all run flat several times a year for 10-15 feet so I can get it in/out of my garage (whole other problem). So what say you - fix the stem and roll with it?
Side note - the crappy spare I have is a standard 14" passenger car tire - and I noticed how much shorter the sidewall is as compared to the load D's....do I dare go back to the dark side just to be able to get in/out of my garage w/o running them flat???
Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway?
- Mr Blotto
- IAC Addict!
- Location: Northern Burbs / Chicago
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Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway?
1978 Sage Green Westy - 2.0 FI - SOLD WITH 109887 miles
- drober23
- Addicted!
- Location: Metro Detroit
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Re: Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway
If the sidewall looks good, I would roll it.
The dark side is to be avoided! (imho)
The dark side is to be avoided! (imho)
DJ
'75 Westfalia, '79 Deluxe
(plus more busses than sense)
In a time of chimpanzees I was a monkey
'75 Westfalia, '79 Deluxe
(plus more busses than sense)
In a time of chimpanzees I was a monkey
- Xelmon
- Sedna of VW lovers
- Location: LA or Portland, OR
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Re: Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway
Let's see...
You always return the side-walls to their nominal pressure, so it's stored at the right pressure.
You also pulled over very quickly and didn't run with it flat.
You likely didn't run with it under pressure for very long.
Overall, I'd say that it's still safe to use.
Aaaand do not return to the dark side... Seriously, it's an overall safety issue, we use LR-C/LR-D tires for a damn good reason.
You always return the side-walls to their nominal pressure, so it's stored at the right pressure.
You also pulled over very quickly and didn't run with it flat.
You likely didn't run with it under pressure for very long.
Overall, I'd say that it's still safe to use.
Aaaand do not return to the dark side... Seriously, it's an overall safety issue, we use LR-C/LR-D tires for a damn good reason.
- SlowLane
- IAC Addict!
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Re: Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway
After repairing the stem and re-inflating to correct running pressure, I'd carefully inspect the tires for bulges in the sidewalls (which would indicate internal damage to the cords). If none found, run with the tire for a couple of days then re-inspect for bulging, inboard and outboard. Maybe have a tire professional (one who has no vested interest in selling you a new tire, if that's possible) take a look and give you an honest opinion.Mr Blotto wrote: Sidewalls do not have any obvious wear, however I do admit that they all run flat several times a year for 10-15 feet so I can get it in/out of my garage (whole other problem). So what say you - fix the stem and roll with it?
'81 Canadian Westfalia (2.0L, manual), now Californiated
"They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance."
- Terry Pratchett
"They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance."
- Terry Pratchett
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- Getting Hooked!
- Location: Birmingham, AL
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Re: Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway
Take a look at the inside of the tire when you have the valve stem replaced. Sometimes there is damage to the inside, but the outside looks fine. If the tire is full tiny balls of rubber, or the outside sidewall is scuffed to the point of losing strength, don't use it.
- Mr Blotto
- IAC Addict!
- Location: Northern Burbs / Chicago
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Re: Would you run a tire again that went flat on the highway
Thanks for the replies - I am sticking with my load range D's, and will check on the interior condition of the sidewalls.
1978 Sage Green Westy - 2.0 FI - SOLD WITH 109887 miles