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In the past, there was a device available called a "curb feeler" Basically it is a piece of metal that connect tot he front right wheel well and sticks out about a foot. When you get near the curb, the metal hits the curb and makes a loud noise. When I had a wife, this solved the problem and avoid the need for a trade in.
You and your wife could try only parking where there are no curbs. Or you could have some one else teach her how to park. Maybe heavy duty commercial tires might help. I would avoid the big wheel/low aspect ratio tires as they are much more sensitive to curbs and potholes than the old balloons.
Your post doesn't explain what was wrong with your Michelin tires.
I think your problem is curbing.
I am not brand loyal. But I have had Michelin LTX M/S tires on three vehicles and these are incredible tires for an SUV or truck. I have had Yokohama, Kumho, and Goodyear tires on various vehicles and never had a problem related to curbing.
What's the deal with yours?
My thought as well.
I've had Michelins on numerous vehicles, including the Pilot Sports I just put on the back of my GTO. With every set, I find another reason to like their products. I'm not blindly brand loyal either. But Michelins always seem to be better than whatever tire they replaced.
OP-why replace all 4 tires? Does this car have AWD?
You could teach your wife to do it herself. It's not that hard.
And like vmax, why replace all four. Two is generally all you'd need to do if you're feeling overly cautious. I mean, I've done all four when the tires were pretty much ready to be replaced anyway just because it was less hassle than doing it twice.
Is the actual tire damaged or cut, or did the curb impact just dislodge the tire bead and let it go flat? I've had that happen a coupe of times on my car when I pulled out of a parking lot and had to hurry up and go. I hit the $%^& curb and popped the tire off the wheel. It was just bad driving on my part, no fault of the tire. Luckily I had road hazard so I got a new tire each time it happened.
My wife has done this twice now. Hit a curb while driving around town and blew out a tire. The first time, I had to put on the donut in the dark, sub freezing temps. This morning it's going to be in the rain. Followed by $550 for four new tires.
Is there such a thing as a tire that can survive hitting a curb? Typically, must the entire tire be replaced or is it common to repair? Can I trade in this wife for one that drives more carefully?
Answers to any or all of these questions gratefully appreciated!
If tire are in good shape and it blows hitting a curb ;your lucky she hasn't damaged a wheel bearing or other suspension part yet.
Low profile tires pop easily when hitting things. On older cars, especially the American tanks, one could run over curbs and not lose a tire.
Since you didn't mention if she does this routine or just within the last 30 days or so, you might want to start looking for the problem instead of dealing with only the symptom.
Has she hit a lot of curbs? Probably not since you'd surely have mentioned that.
Part of being married is taking care of each other. Your wife needs some care. If you don't give her some, someone else will. Find out what the problem is, help her overcome it, if there is a problem at all.
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