Back

@Swede1952 I can still open the hood, but I'll be damned if I can get a wheel off now, even jumping on the wheel brace...

@thecampbell

Hmmm ... good point. I haven't had to take a wheel off in over a decade - maybe more.

@Swede1952 fix a flat is my best friend

@thecampbell

I'm not familiar with "Fix a Flat." Unless you're saying that you enjoy fixing flats. :-)

@Swede1952 @thecampbell that latex stuff in an aerosol can that fills small holes in tyres, widely available in various forms/brands.

If you are having difficulty removing wheel nuts/bolts, It may not be the case you are getting old, but lazy fitters in tyre garages inappropriately using impact wrenches for tightening them (rather than a torque wrench, these fasteners should normally only be at 100-130 Nm (75-96 ft/lbs) no more)

@vfrmedia @thecampbell

Oh yea, I used to use that now and then in a pinch. Tires nowadays are pretty rugged - I mean if you buy good tires. Always avoid used recaps . I once drove around for a day with a bolt sticking out of the side wall of a tire - the tire was almost new. I usually just pump some air in a leaky tire and drive to a place to have it repaired or replaced. The situation with the bolt I spoke of was while I am visiting away from home, I had to replace the tire, but they didn't have the same brand - Michelin. So, we finished our travels with one Goodyear tire, which I had replaced when we got home. Unlike when I was young and might drive around with four tires each of different brands and perhaps sizes, I insist on matching tires.

@Swede1952 @thecampbell retreaded tyres are unusual here for cars (more common on commercial vehicles). Part worn tyres are available, but their usage is strongly discouraged (we have compulsory yearly inspections on vehicles and monthly random checks on commercial drivers, and having sub par tyres results in fines and points on your driving licence)

@vfrmedia @thecampbell

I think they are unusual here as well. Also, as you said often used on large commercial vehicles, hence remnants of treads along the highway. I heard that retreads are still available for cars, though I've no idea where to get them. Somebody in a financial crunch might buy retreads or used tires, I suppose. It's been a long time since I've been in a situation like that. We have periodic safety inspections where I live, either annual or biannual - it's an option. There is generally no fine involved if a safety problem is found, including tires. They just won't issue an inspection sticker until the problem is corrected. The police, however, may issue a citation if they notice a problem especially if the inspection sticker isn't up to date.

@Swede1952 @vfrmedia I'm not averse to buying used tires for my old Ford Explorer that leak a little, because I only do about 1000km a year on it, and that's mostly around town, in winter. Here in small town Pennsylvania, public transport is patchy, and much more time consuming than it ought to be, so a backup car is often essential. I'm retired, so it's not like I'm in a rush to go anywhere. As long as it passes the annual inspections I'm happy, and a good frame truck is hard to find...

@thecampbell @vfrmedia

I understand that. I'm retired and even when I think of someplace to go, I usually decide that it's too much trouble. ;-)

@the5thColumnist

I've no doubts about that being the case.

@lewis

Changing a taillight bulb on a newer car can be challenging.

@Swede1952 Far more time-consuming than I was expecting! But still slightly less time than driving it to a garage and back.