It is that time of the year again: dodging potholes. The winter rain has once again revealed the absolutely sorry condition of our roads. Craters are everywhere, ready to ruin your day. The problem is that the municipality never goes beyond filling the potholes. The holes get covered only for the next winter rain to wash it all away. Thus the cycle continues.
I remember one year this particularly gnarly pothole ruined the evening of five cars. I drove by to many emergency flashers, the drivers flabbergasted at what to do with a broken rim in this heavy rain. Best strategy would be to carry a AAA membership. You might have to wait a bit for a tow, but at least it’s a problem for someone else to deal with. $99 per year is worth not having to change a wheel in the pouring rain.
Not that you can change a tire in modern cars anyways. A substantial amount are not equipped with a spare tire. My old BMW M2 did not have one. It was outfitted with a can of goo instead. In the event of a tire puncture I would plug the can into the tire valve. The foam then fills the injured tire, keeping air long enough allow the car to get to a service point.
I’ve never had the pleasure, but the goo reads like really messy business. Nothing beats physical replacement tire and wheel. That’s why I am glad my current VW Golf GTI comes with a honest to goodness spare tire. Pro tip: make sure to periodically check the tire pressure on your spare tire. Last thing you want is to have to use it, only to find it severely under-inflated. A life saver turning into salt on the wound.
To the drivers behind me perhaps wondering why I am darting side to side on the road: I’m trying to avoid the potholes! Replacement tires in this economy!?
Stuck in the middle.