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I just thought I would remind everyone to put an air pressure gauge on their spare tire every few months...
When I do an oil change, I always check the often overlooked things (belts, hoses, lighting, washer fluid, lube the hinges, etc...) Shame on me for neglecting the spare tire.
Last night I was driving home on the interstate with nearly a full load in the car (three people, a dog, bunch of stuff in the cargo area, and a heavy piece of furniture strapped to the top. I must say I was a proud Volvo owner...
At about 70 MPH I lost air pressure in the right rear tire. luckily it slowly deflated over the course of 15 seconds or so, allowing me to safely slow down and pull over. I figured I would make quick work of the tire problem, having easy access to the tire and proper tools. I mounted the tire and started to lower the car; much to my chagrin the spare was VERY low on air. (not safe to drive on)
AAA made me walk 1/2 mile in the cold and dark to find the closest mile marker (telling them I was 47.8 miles past a major cross street wasn't good enough) After two flares and two police officers, AAA finally showed up (with no compressed air). Another 1/2 hour in the AAA truck searching for a gas station with an air compressor, and finally I was back on the road. Nearly two long cold hours later.
Obviously things could have been a lot worse (blowout at 70 MPH with a fully loaded car could have been a disaster), but the whole situation was not very fun. You can bet your sweet bippy I won't overlook the spare tire again.
For those of you who check it regularly, you deserve to be smug; you won't get stuck like I did. For those of you who haven't checked it in a while, do it so you don't end up stuck.
-Steve
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