snagitseven

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22753/tire_damage.jpg"></center><p>
So I was cruising at 80 on I-95 in RI today in the left lane while passing a big semi behind another car and suddenly, without any warning, big time "BAM" - I hit a highly unexpected pothole (didn't even see the damn thing). It felt like a foot deep monster and I knew immediately I had damaged the tire and probably bent the wheel (been there before).

After I negotiated to the shoulder while trying to avoid the big rig on my right (never lost any control whatsoever), I saw this on my front left wheel. Had my first experience with the new jack and donut spare. Went pretty smoothly (other than the fire plumes coming from my ears). Took about 20 minutes to change.

Surprisingly, it looks like the 18" Prestige wheel held up - at least I don't see any damage. I'll know for sure when my replacement tire comes in on Monday and I get the wheel on a Hunter force balancing machine at my tire place.

After quickly determining that a tire patch or duct tape repair would be out of the question, I started calling around, unsuccessfully, to find the Pirelli P6 245/40R18 Four Season. I finally ordered the tire from Tirerack on my iPhone right from the side of the road for Monday delivery. $157 incl shipping and I'm guessing about $25 for my tire guy to mount and balance.

The donut spare actually drove reasonably well considering and I crept home while keeping speed below 50-55 mph as is stated on the spare. I've got my fingers crossed on the wheel. I figure that would set me back $650-$700 unless it could straightened. I might get lucky and the wheel is ok. If so, the Prestige 18" wheel is one strong piece of work considering the force of the hit.

Reggie

Sorry - glad you are ok

Mobilehavoc

So there's a jack and the tool to remove the cover from the rims in the trunk underneath the spare? I'm guessing it's there but haven't taken the spare out to check. I wasn't sure where/if there was a jack and the tool for removing the cap. Anything else down there apart from that?

snagitseven

The jack and tool kit is underneath a plastic housing beneath the spare. I didn't take the time to examine all the tools as my immedite goal was to change the wheel but I quickly found the folding jack handle crank (it looks cheesy but worked ok), a looped handle wire thing to remove the cap, a steel screw in eye bolt (I presume it's a towing hook that screws into a recess in front bumper behind the round cap), a lug wrench and some other tools, i.e. screwdrivers, etc.

No other surprises in there like heated folding side mirrors, superchargers, full sized spare, adaptive swiveling headlights, or 3G Nav systems were noticed, however.

AudiTX87

Darn.. glad you're ok.

audi40

from a recent article in the Prov. Journal:

"Drivers who have had vehicles damaged by pot holes on state roads may have up to $300 in repairs reimbursed. Vehicle owners must submit a letter stating the exact time, date and location within seven days of the incident to the Department of Transportation Highway and Bridge Maintenance, Attention: pot hole claim, 360 Lincoln Ave., Warwick, RI 02888. Then DOT requires within 60 days a police report of the incident or a tow receipt, a copy of the registration, and itemized receipts and proof of payment for the repairs.

* To file a claim, call 734-4817

* To report a pot hole, call 222-2378"

BTW, whereabouts on 95 were you?

snagitseven

Since I didn't think to clock the distance exactly, and have no proof of location, I wonder if it's worth the effort. I tried to file a claim in MA a few years ago without success.
I'll call the number and see what they say. Thanks for the head's up.

A4AdMan

turn up. I've seen many be fixed but this has been a bad winter for the roads. BTW - I drive between Exit 7 (Mansfield/Foxboro) and Exit 25 in RI (Smithfield Ave.).

Glad the "widow maker" jack worked OK for you. You could have always called Audi Roadside assistance or AAA (assuming you are a member).

snagitseven

so I decided to change the wheel myself. Wasn't too bad except for the incessant semis flying by a few feet away. A bit nerve wracking especially when one A-hole trucker hit his air horn at me as he flew by - I came right out of my socks.

BTW, I live in Mansfield about 4 mi SE of Exit 7, south of 140. You? I was coming home from a business trip in NJ when I hit the hole.

A4Driver

... and I bent two rims on my passenger side. I was going about 65 mph. I didn't know the rims (which were aftermarket) were bent except that I was getting a humming noise from the back of the car. I took the car to the dealership and they confirmed the damage.

I took the car to a guy who straightens rims, and he said he couldn't fix them. The rims were more warped than dented, and wobbled from side to side.

Not wanting to cough up the price of two new rims, I filed a claim with the state highway department. After several phone calls and letters, they wrote me back saying the state is not liable unless personal injury is involved.

I should've faked whiplash.
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