Entries Tagged 'Flickr' ↓

Front Passenger Tire- Tread Wear 2; Originally uploaded by c2jupin

Man, I know my alignment has been off for some time but c’mon! I’ve rotated these tires every 10,000 miles and have had two alignments done (and I only have 28,000 miles).I think I’m going to ditch the runflat tires and getting something a little nicer from the boys at Kauffman Tire (and get an alignment while I’m at it). Whereas before I was thinking about getting some performance tires I’m realizing that, due to buying a house, the budget for expensive tires is rather slim.  That being said- I’ve got two questions:

1- What would be a good replacement tire for my car? I want something that will last at least 30,000 miles, is not a run-flat, and has to be17″ (and obviously fit the MINI).

2- Should I purchase either a can of fix-it-flat for $6 or purchase the OEM spare wheel/tire combo for $229 (plus shipping)? I’ve heard and read varying reports on whether tire shops can remove that foamy crap after it’s been applied. I’ve enjoyed the (relative) security of the runflats but I can’t justify the price to replace them. Also, I’ve got roadside assistance from AAA so I can get towed anywhere - however, that doesn’t mean that’ s my preferred method if I blow a tire..I do live/work in a metro area and that could take a while come 5PM rush hour.

So, I need advice. New tires being purchased this weekend no matter what. DB/Josh- I’m sure you’ll weigh in.

Update: I’m the brand new owner of 4 Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tires! I was hoping to Kumho Ecsta’s but thoese were a little steep…and, I didn’t have the time to order them from tire rack and wait to get them installed (I mean, did you see the picture above?).  And, I even had an alignment thrown in for free for the purchase (not bad!). So, how does my car drive? One word: “butter.” The steering wheel is SO MUCH LOOSER than before (a welcome trait) and the ride is easily 40% softer. I’m a little worried about not having the extra safety of the run flats but I’ll just pick up a can of fix it flat and call it a day.

I’m so glad the run flats are gone…let’s hope these tires last longer than 28,000 miles- here here!
 

In case you haven’t heard there’s a drought here in Georgia- and especially here in metro Atlanta.  Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s premiere water source, sits 16 feet below where it should be this time of year. By year’s end it’s expected to be 36 feet below normal, making it unusable.So, what does this mean? Well, it means some people are out of luck…The governor has instituted restrictions on all things from landscape watering to car washes (more on that in a second). While I do empathize about the situation- how in the world did it get this bad?From what I’ve read it’s between the lack of rain nationwide (global warming?) and, the ultimate reason, a lack of water management. The Army Corp of Engineers monitors the water level at Lake Lanier and how much water it feeds into the natural streams of Alabama and Florida. According to a recent MSNBC article:

More than a billion gallons of water is released from Lanier every day. The Corps of Engineers bases its water releases on two requirements: The minimum flow needed for a coal-fired power plant in Florida and mandates to protect two mussel species in a Florida river.

I can understand the coal-fired power plant (I suppose)- but a billion gallons for two species of mussels! Gimme a break.So, why am I complaining about this? Well, I am 100% unable to wash my car. As someone who rents (not for long), I don’t have the luxury of attaching a hose and going to town. Not only did my apartment complex shut off the water supply to the car-wash section of our complex- but two local car washes also have closed up shop until the drought is lifted.So, unless I want to go to Target, purchase about ten 5-gallon plastic buckets, fill them with water, and then schlep down to my car- it ain’t getting clean anytime soon.With that I leave you with a couple pictures I snapped outside the Best Buy yesterday. The nastiness just stopped me in my tracks. The car used to be white. So, until I can steal some an uninterrupted water supply anytime soon- this will be what I’m driving around town in until the drought in georgia is lifted.

Items I Carry, originally uploaded by c2jupin.

Inspired by the Flickr group..check it out.