Hit a big pothole tonight and blew my left rear tire.

I have Pirelli p Zero's 285/30 ZR18 N4... guess I will get these or something else that is available at a local discount tire or something. This is my daily driver, so do need to get the tire changed quickly.

Questions:

- how long can you drive on the spare?
- When I get two new rears, do I need to allign, balance, etc??
- Any thoughts on Pirelli versus another brand?

Thanks.

 

You really need to maintain the same brand front & rear. Get off the spare as soon as you can.

 

tirerack.com

You need to have the tires mounted and balanced but shouldn't need an alignment.

You need to stick with the same tire if your not going to change the fronts.

The spare is good for lots of clicks, just can't go hwy speeds.

 

have you considered getting a second spare? That would look like the shiznit.

 

P Zero Rosso's at local discount Tire are 4323/piece. Including balancing, disposal fees, certificate for free replacement, and tax $829... what do you think?

- Should I do the free replacement certificate??


Via Tire Rack it's $780 (including local installation). Not sure that this includes free replacement certificate, but even if so... for $50, I rather go local and get it done asap... thoughts?

 

When do you need an alignment?

 

For $50, support your local tire guy. Get to know the manager like I did over the last 5 years at my Discount Tire store. When it comes time to get tires for your wife's car, go to the same place and make sure you talk with the manager each time, even if it is just to say "Hi, good to see you again." Remember my story about "loyalty" at my tire shop? It will pay off in the long run.

 

exactly my thinking Tim. Did you get the replacement certificates? Also, did you stay and watch to make sure they didn't F up your rims?

 

check the wheel for bending

 

I did stay at the shop on all visits except this last one. Two visits ago they scratched one wheel, but they got it touched up by a wheel soecialist and it looks good. I asked the manager to put his best tire guy on it last time and everything was fine. Yes, I got the road hazard certificate on these tires.

 

How can you check?

 

Here some pics of the damage... also, looks like the thread was gone anyhow and new tires were needed...

 

I agree, for $50 I would use the local guys. If you haven't used them in the past, I would stay with the car. Question the manager in a polite way if he has the right equipment and personnel to handle your low profile tires. He should get the hint your a bit **** about the car and may let you hang out in the garage bay while the guy does the work.

I did this with a local shop when I needed to have a slow leak patched from the inside. I have polished wheels and asked a couple of the right questions. The manager let me stand around and watch the guy do the work without me having to ask point blank. I tried not to act like a nosey jackass and asked the guy questions as he was working like I was interested in the process. (Which I actually was.) Also, I think most of these guys like to work on something like a P-car. It probably breaks up the monotony of the average daily drivers they see all day.

 

I agree. Go local.

I went local last time - in fact to my local dealer and after the PCNA discount it was only about $50 more. I also needed it done immediately so was prepared to pay the extra. I also had confidence that they would have the right equipment and experience. Give yours a call........

 

Well, got my tires fixed today at th local Discount Tire. Spent a good amount of time talking to the store manger (Tim Wiley). He ended up doing my tires and did a great job. I watched him do everything and they explained the whole process... excellent job.

All the guys in the shop wanted to work on the car... guess it beats changing some rubber on a minivan!

Thanks for all your help.