A Little Ruck and Tires

I did a 41 minute ruck around the neighborhood this morning still with the 35 pounds in the ruck, and managed to do almost two miles in that time, missing it by just a bit when I got a call while rucking involving tires.

Not much to see, just some Canadian Murder Chickens giving me the side-eye.

 

So, the ruck got cut short by needing to help a friend add air to their tires.  I have an inflator and the friend does not, and the TPM sensors on the car were screaming.  

Tires are showing low inflation today because since we've had a cold snap recently the air pressure dropped, and so it was time to add air to the tires. The pressure had dropped from the recommended 41 psi (found on the inside of the drivers door frame)  to 35 psi which is a pretty decent drop and enough to set off the warning.

I also checked and topped up my tires as well, as they too had dropped due to the cold below the recommend fill amount down to 38 psi. Not so much that they would kick off the TPM sensors.  Back up to the stated 41 psi they went as well.

Still it was a decent little working to get moving this morning, and everyone's tires are inflated to where they should be, so not a bad start to the day.  

So, if you've had a cold snap in your area now that autumn is here, you might as well check your tire pressure and adjust as required.

The Bother Of The Bulge

On Monday, I took Abby back to her place at the University at night.

On the highway, in traffic I hit a pothole right on with my driver's-side front tire.  The hit was a mighty bang.

However we were able to continue on and get her home and it seemed all was fine.

On Thursday I met up with a buddy for lunch. On leaving the restaurant, we both noticed the front tire was looking kinda odd.

There was the biggest bulge I had ever seen in the tire. So much so that my friend was rather impressed it had yet to blow out.

Luckily we were close to Costco so I called ahead and they had tires in stock in my size so we drove there and my friend followed in case there was a blow-out.

Made it there all-right, trying to keep excessive maneuvers to a minimum.

The Costco tire tech was also of the opinion that the tire had to be replaced ASAP, and it was most likely caused by hitting a pothole, and I know the one I hit. Sigh. That bulge was most huge.

Had to replace all of the tires, which was unfortunate. The old tires had less than 50% of life remaining. The passenger rear tire already had an annoying slow leak from a nail where the puncture fix seems to have worked, but only kinda, with the need to refill it monthly.

Tires were replaced in an hour, and took it back today for the torque check.

So a very unanticipated bother and an unanticipated large expense, but it had to be done.

On the plus side, the new tires are Michellin all season tires and the car shows a seriously marked enhancement in handling and road-ride comfort as well.  Rather impressive what a difference really good tires can make.

New Tires Have A Remarkable Effect

There's been even more snowfall in the past few days, and I've been stuck driving while its falling more often than not recently. 

In regards to slipping in the snow, I found I needed to have new tires as my previous set was down to 2-3 mm, which partly explained some of why I was having problems getting up (and down) the driveway.

I then got some new Michelin tires installed and the difference is rather remarkable.  Much, much more control and traction.  Even with them tires being all-season they're acting like a winter tire.  Drove home in a snowstorm last night with nary a problem and even made it up the Driveway of Doom™and into the garage with over an inch of snow upon it.  Very nice and the old tires would not have done that.

Replacing tires is expensive, but the increase in traction and handling over worn out tires makes it well worth it.  The bank account is not happy, but the safer handling and control is very happy making.

Well That Tire Sure Was Screwed

Picking Abby up from an activity yesterday after work. I park and go get her, we walk back to the car and she tells me the back passenger tire is hissing.

Sure enough there's a very audible hiss coming from the tire.

Ruh Roh.

So it's 8.6 miles to the nearest tire place on a rapidly leaking tire.
In the rain.
In rush hour.
And we're wearing sunglasses.

Hit it.

Sure enough, almost immediately after we start moving, the tire pressure light comes on, telling me what I already know. Great.

So we call ahead and zip through late rush hour traffic, including people that can't drive because it's raining, and make it over to Costco and manage to make it to the tire center while its still open on one very soft tire.

An hour and a half later, after having a bite at Costco and doing some needed shopping, the tire is perfectly patched, refilled, and a very long screw is removed from it and the other tires are all checked and topped off.

All covered by Costco's tire warranty and service policy, which is amazing considering it's not the tire's fault, and we're good to go.

Of Temps And Tires

With the temperature dropping 40 degrees in a day over the weekend it was time to check the tire pressure.

Sure enough, the tires had all dropped to about 26 psi cold from their normal 30 psi. That's quite a drop.

So I went to fill them only to find our tire air compressor was broken and would compress no more. So, I ordered a EPAuto Air Compressor Pump from Amazon and it arrived yesterday.

It's both a lot smaller than my previous compressor and is if anything quicker, and the digital readout is both easy to read and to set for your tire pressure. It worked quite well and takes up very little space.

A cold air swing will likely reduce your tire pressure and it's a good idea to check them and make sure they're up to spec.

Expect A Snowstorm Soon....

Brace yourselves, I just removed the snow tires from the RAV4.

Considering that putting them on resulted in a lack of snow this season, expect a nasty snowfall shortly now that they're off.

Reports of Snowmageddon Were Greatly Exaggerated

So the weather forecasters were predicting a massive snowfall Friday dubbed Snowmageddon.

So much so that schools were preparing to close etc. Well, the snow didn't really begin until after 5:00 starting relatively light but building to a decent amount. Driving home late last night from work was more difficult than a standard commute as road markings were invisible under a layer of the white stuff.

On the upside, the snow tires were fantastic - really excellent traction, control and braking distance. If you're in a snow area I'd highly recommend a good set of Bridgestone Blizzak tires for your car, they make a huge difference and are well worth the price.

So in short, reports of a snowmageddon were rather overrated, but then the prediction concerning the first real snowfall around here pretty much is always blown out of proportion.

My Contribution to Global Warming

Yesterday night, I had a set of Bridgestone Blizzak Snow Tires installed on my RAV4.

This expenditure, as totemic as a carbon offset, should ensure a lack of snow this winter.

You can thank me later.