don't ignore subtle tire failure signs

[kevinkatz]

my experience that i hope can help others.

recently went on a 5 week trip from texas through new mexico and arizona.
when heading home, just out of alburquerque, i noticed my trailer bouncing just a little more than normal. as i looked in my rear view mirror i could see a high frequency movement of the window that wasnt there before. i couldnt feel it at all in the vehicle or steering.
i stopped and checked the hitch but couldnt see anything unusual. i blamed the rough road.
about three hours later i heard a thud and pulled over quickly. my tire had separated and fortunately not lost air. spare on and off to discount tire for new tires. the moral of the story is that if something looks like it has changed then you really need to investigate and think hard as to what it could be. obviously my tire was starting to separate 150 miles before it actually broke down and i was lucky.

btw the tires were bought on line in a wheel/tire deal. they were cheap chinese tires that had aged. all in all a bad combination and poor judgement on my part. a learning lesson.