Tire Deflated by road debris...long

[fwernlein]

While on Rt95 two weekends ago I was in heavy traffic at about 60
MPH when suddenly popping out from a truck IFO our Bird was a 4 foot
section of 4x4 timber in my lane. I steered to avoid but heard/felt
impacts on the bottom of the bus so I pulled off and checked the
bottom of the bus fearing big problems.

Nothing was found as far as damage or big scrapes but the last thing
I checked was from a vantage point behind the RR dual tires...the
tires looked "diffrent" in thier respective sidewall profiles. When
I tapped them with my maglight, the inner tire sounded "dull"
or "flat" while the outer tire "rang" when tapped. Checking the air
pressure, the inner tire was dead flat, outer tire fine.

My assumption was that I must have hit the 4x4 with just the inner
tire...and this caused a momentary break in the seal between
tire/rim, deflating the tire. Tire was reinflated with no problems
using the air chuck and hose.

So my point is that first, a curb hit or other impact could
potentially deflate a tire, if you hit something, check the tires
carefully as part of your whole "after hit" inspection. Second,
clearly my tire is questionable, it may have damage...if this was a
front tire I would replace it and not risk a blowout from hidden
damage. I am gambling with the inner rear dual. Last thing is a
previous thread mentioned quick checking tires by tapping, it is a
good method for a quick check, "tapping" can tell you something,
learn to listen for the "ring" Thankfully I found the flat tire in
this case before running a hundred miles or more on it.

Last comments...my wife got me a cheep jumpsuit from Kmart and some
rubber hospital gloves, I carry these items on the bus for emergency
use...came in handy here, sure saves good clothes...also another
gift that I sort of laughed off when she bought it was a
small "headlight" flashlight. Being able to see with a flashlight
and have both hands free for tools and moving around is a "good
thing", it looks a little wierd...but i love this light. Just a
pair of LED's and a elastic head strap. Works great when riding a
bicycle also.

Frank W.
85FC33
Woodbridge, VA.