[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
I was New Jersey, midway up the interchange between Rt. 4W and Rt. 17N in the left lane of the 2 lane interchange. I had a blowout of my right front tire. I did not realize what was happening at the time, only that I was losing control and that stepping on the brake was not slowing me down. There was a car directly ahead so I had to swerve left across the median (2"-3" high) and into the right lane of 17N. By some miracle the other (heavy) traffic was able to avoid me as I brought the car under control and pulled into a parking lot. I changed the tire and went to my mechanic where I was given a full size loaner tire on a steel wheel until the replacement tire arrives. He put the car on the lift and inspected the underside; no visible damage at all. What I thought was a fluid leak of some type turned out to be A/C condensation.
So, I was not injured and the car was not damaged, but the level of fear and adrenaline was amazing. The tire has a 1" tear/gash on the sidewall UNDER the rim near the bead and is a complete loss. Tire Rack said I could send it to them and attempt to get a replacement from the manufacturer but did not think I had much of a chance. They offered me a 20% discount on the replacement tire as an alternative which I took. The alloy wheel has 1 or 2 minor flat spots; my mechanic said he can take car of them.
My tires are Dunlap SP Sport 5000's, ultrahigh performance all weather 205/55-15ZR rated with the asymmetrical tread. I have enjoyed driving on them and by all accounts so have others on Saabnet who have them. This tire was 6-8 months old with approximately 5000 miles on it.
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
