Monday morning, my rear passenger tire went partially flat on the way to work.

I was working at a different location today, due to a training class I’m in (RHCE), so I couldn’t just call in late. I had to drive on the tire for about 20 minutes in medium traffic.

At lunchtime, I got the tire changed (thanks AAA) and had a few minutes left over to grab a bite to eat.

After my class, I took it to the closest place near where I was at (410 / I-10), which happened to be a Discount Tire.

After inspecting the tire — it had a long cylindrical object in it, but it wasn’t a nail — they showed me the inside of the tire, where the rubber sidewall was frayed. They informed me that they couldn’t fix it, due to the fact that it had “run flat”, even though the hole was in a place that’s normally very conducive to patching. The tire was ruined.

I had informed them before they looked at the tire that if they could not patch it, I would take it to where I bought it, and claim my road hazard warranty that I had purchased. I did not tell them where I bought the tires. They still offered to patch it for free, if they could, and didn’t end up charging me anything.

I then drove (still using my spare) to the NTB close to my house, where I had purchased the tires, and asked them to replace the tire under road hazard warranty. Now, according to NTB, road hazard is pro-rated, based upon tread depth and mileage.

After waiting over an hour for them to inspect my tire, NTB informed me that they were fixing the flat.

What?!?

I asked the manager what was going on, and he told me there was no damage to the inside of the tire, and that it was simply a “heat ring”.

He brought out the tire a few minutes later, for me to inspect. He showed me the inside of the tire, and where there was prevously a whitish ring, there was now a dark ring. There was also a strong smell that reminded me of spray paint.

Even after I asked for the road hazard warranty again, the manager said he can’t do a claim on it, because the inside sidewall isn’t damaged. They then put the tire back on the car, and put my spare in the trunk.

I was too flabbergasted to be angry.

I don’t feel comfortable driving on the tire, and I wish Discount Tire was open later.

Here’s what I did, I’ll just link to the forum post I made, over at Acurazine… look for my username “DMoyes” it’s the 5th and 6th posts in that thread.

http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173870

I purchased an Acura TL 3.2, a 2004 model, pre-owned, for around $21,000. I should have some pics up in a few days, as soon as I get a chance.

I’ve been driving it for a few days now, and it’s been great. So far I’ve driven to Seguin once, and to New Braunfels twice. It’s wonderful to drive. Much more comfortable on extended trips than my old ride.

I still own the Mustang, though, if you know anyone who’s interested in it.