NCLivingBrit
Well-Known Member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
So since I own a Mazda 5, I have had two of the TPMS stems break off while I was putting air in. This is apparently a really common problem and you have to replace the whole sensor not just the valve! The first time it happened I had the guy replace the sensor with a plain rubber one for $10 and went about my business with my TPMS warning light on.
This afternoon was the second time and I had to throw the donut spare on. Like a Muppet I didn't move it to the back with a regular wheel in front and drove home about 5 miles. Soon as it cools down outside I'll go swap it to a back wheel.
Problem I have is this. The guy who only charged me $10 to swap the valve is in Danville VA. I'm in Kernersville. Normally I'd just suck up the higher price and go local but the tires are on the verge of needing replacement and I know a random local shop is going to say they're too old (they are a little crappy looking on the sides but have tread) and refuse to do it on "safety" grounds unless I buy a new set, but I'm broke as a joke so that just isn't an option right now.
I'd be commuting (16 miles each way) a few days before I could make a run to Danville, then there's the run itself (90 odd miles), will a donut tire survive that if I keep my speed down?
This afternoon was the second time and I had to throw the donut spare on. Like a Muppet I didn't move it to the back with a regular wheel in front and drove home about 5 miles. Soon as it cools down outside I'll go swap it to a back wheel.
Problem I have is this. The guy who only charged me $10 to swap the valve is in Danville VA. I'm in Kernersville. Normally I'd just suck up the higher price and go local but the tires are on the verge of needing replacement and I know a random local shop is going to say they're too old (they are a little crappy looking on the sides but have tread) and refuse to do it on "safety" grounds unless I buy a new set, but I'm broke as a joke so that just isn't an option right now.
I'd be commuting (16 miles each way) a few days before I could make a run to Danville, then there's the run itself (90 odd miles), will a donut tire survive that if I keep my speed down?
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