M11 Free rubber today

[brucemillar]

In my C55, Northbound on the M11 this morning, traveling at a nice pace. Boom Bang a Bang, Slight Tank Slap. Underpants deployed, hard shoulder found without too much distress to other road users. Front OS Tyre shredded. No damage to car. Underpants not so lucky.

Biggest drama was inflating the space saver wheel/tyre then changing the wheel on the hard shoulder. I managed to get the NS onto the verge so was pretty far over on the shoulder. Each truck still managed to push my shirt over my head with its slipstream.

Oh. I damaged a finger nail and got my hands all dirty. Dratt.

 

[219]

Space saver = time waster , when you're in danger .

No thanks . If the well can accommodate a full size spare , that's what I'll be keeping in there ; otherwise that car isn't for me .

First thing I did when I got the C270 was to get rid of the space saver/life destroyer wheel and get a proper spare .

 

[Giantvanman]

For off side tyre changes on the motorway, unless there is a refuge further in than the hard shoulder, always call for a fend off or a recovery if on your own…sounds like hassle (and is) but the risks are too great IMO. If carrying a passenger, their sole purpose would be to watch traffic and shout when anyone drifts over towards the hard shoulder at which point you dash over the barrier WITHOUT pausing to check if they are correct.
Some drivers tend to steer towards what they are looking at and anything on the hard shoulder is worth a look to them. Just saying.

 

[merc85]

what caused the tyre to shred?

 

[moonloops]

what caused the tyre to shred?

Impact damage from a foreign body ? Bit like the morning after visiting Mikado in Helsinki

 

[brucemillar]

Agree with all the comments on space/saver. It is a pain and possibly a safety issue. Sadly the C55 will not take a full size wheel due to the exhaust system.

I did manage to coast under the nearest bridge, which had a nice paved area off the hard shoulder. I got the car onto that area which was both flat and slightly further off the carriageway. Interestingly, whilst I was changing the wheel a Highway Patrol Discovery cruised past with both occupants having a good look. I did wonder if they would stop. They didn't. I assume they figured I was well on with the job and not in need of assistance also I was off the carriageway.

All ended well and safe if not a little stressed.

As to the cause. I have no idea. I did not feel any impact or see anything that I hit. I just felt a very sudden rumble and the steering immediately pulled hard left and was not easy to correct as the car wanted to continue to the left. Not a panic situation as there was no loss of control and it registers quickly that you have probably lost a tyre. Probably more worrying for those behind.

 

[Mike Walker]

Pleased you are still in one piece Bruce - not the best experience to have. By the way did you get my PM recently?

 

[brucemillar]

Mike. My apologies. I did get it and promptly forgot about it. I got waylaid with another health scare.

My 124 is off to Wrightec next week to start it's final restoration. All going to plan it should be back with my end of August. Lets aim for then to meet up?

 

[Conquistador]

It's not a pleasant experience at all. Had my o/s/r tyre blow out in the middle lane of the M3 before when a nail tore through the sidewall. Felt the car all of a sudden drop a little bit, steering tugged the right then a crescendo of rumbling and road noise all happening within 2 or 3 seconds. Changed to the full size spare as quick as possible while my passenger watched for traffic behind the car.

As you say, you don't panic but know exactly what is happening as just need to pull over swiftly and safely.

 

[a111r]

I had a front tyre blow out on my C250 just after I bought it.
On the M6 but fortunately in a 40 mph roadworks section.

The cause? S*** budget tyres, inappropriately branded 'Kings Tyre'.
Getting the spare out was slightly troublesome with a motorcycle in the back.

 

[Mike Walker]

Happened to me when the M25 was being widened and hit a chunk of metal in lane 1 just before the M3 junction. Somehow got across the junction and sat on the hard shoulder until AA man arrived. Waiting makes you appreciate how fast 70 mph really is.

Contacted the Contractor doing the works who denied any liability whatsoever.

 

[grober]

I offer these as a primary source of tyre shredding debris. Annual UK timber pallet production stands at around 55 million units per annum. While no doubt built to an exact standard at point of manufacture-- what's their projected life --- is their condition ever inspected after being made? Who condemns them as unfit for purpose.

 

[Mike Walker]

I need a couple of those to make compost containers on my allotment........

 

[moonloops]

I offer these as a primary source of tyre shredding debris. Annual UK timber pallet production stands at around 55 million units per annum. While no doubt built to an exact standard at point of manufacture-- what's their projected life --- is their condition ever inspected after being made? Who condemns them as unfit for purpose.

A mainstay for office walls in London's hipster offices