Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) Grrr! Bl**dy Potholes !

I was out in my Mini, which sports 205:45:17 run flat tyres
Failed to avoid a local pothole and scuffed the alloy wheel rim.

Annoyed with myself, but in recent months post my health issues, my attitude has altered.
In the past it would have caused me to get really upset.

I’ll get it sorted, or have a go myself, when I feel ready.

Never a problem in my 20+ year old 4/4 or even Susie’s Fiat Panda Cross.

I remember travelling to France in the 1970s when their roads were pretty rough and they drove cars that suited their conditions.
As a result we had such wonderful cars as the Citroen DS.
Yet here in the UK, the trend seems to be lower profile tyres and less durable wheels and suspension.
Fashion vs common sense?
Your thoughts?

Bud
4/4 - Stanley

Sorry to read of your mishap, though some years back I coaxed my good lady out of her SLK and into an Evoque as the result of our ever worsening road surfaces... No surprise then to see so many 4x4 on the road then..? Prior to the SLK she had a Mini with run flats...expensive little tyres..!

Like you, a decade ago (perhaps even less), that would have annoyed me and I would have allowed it to alter my mood for awhile. I also agree that life can provide reasons to look at things in a new light and gain a different perspective. Call it perspective or whatever someone wishes, I’m all for it. As an aside, as someone who always “tried to keep things in nice condition” I now also try to embrace the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi - in short, and probably butchered Western explanation - the belief that there is beauty in imperfection. In the case of material possessions, that patina, wear and tear and signs of use tell the story of the item and thus have value and beauty. Personally, and as someone who cherished aesthetic perfection in objects, this resonates with your first point and about ‘trying not to worry about inconsequential things’.

Anyway, you didn’t ask about that! You asked about tyres thickness, rims and bad roads…

100% agree - any classic I have owned has had lovely thick tyres, even on cars that were considered sports cars, and not only were most relatively comfortable but also avoided damage far easier. Car makers have added run flats, made more and more vehicles run on low profile tyres and then tried to engineer in ride quality with expensive suspension components. I am sure there will be a justification of fuel economy/manufacturing costs/handling or some other claim but it does seem counterintuitive, especially when the general conditions of the roads is taken into account.

Fully agree Bud I had a Merc c class AMG with narrow wall tyres. The potholes kept causing punctures & the ride was horrible. One year I bought winter tyres & alloys so I have a nice side wall. The car was transformed.

As Budster, BMW Mini Cooper S with runflats, wheel damage and a tyre getting out of shape, plus the internal self levelling headlight mechanism sheared by a pothole jolt could have cost £600 had it not been for an Ebay Breaker. Dire road surfaces here in Devon. Unable to find good old fashion steel wheels with plump softish rubber.

As well as potholes there is the problem of flying stones from when Highways resurface. Not only stonechips but dangerous skid conditions due to their not being swept to remove the large amount of excess loose stuff. Recently a friend had a Ducati written off when he crashed. There were several bikes crashing on that stretch despite experienced rider being careful and slowing. No chance on two wheels.
I use my car so accept that it will develope a patina from stones. I just touched up a couple on Friday. It's a price to pay from enjoying the miles. There are local roads I avoid due to potholes and stupid Ozzy potholes, (speed bumps). No negative vibes to Oz just that they are up not down. Our council love them.

Wabi - sabi personified by this Gallic historic racer, I love this car and his character shines through. When racing he normally sports a fag on the go



In reply Simon it's fashion over practicality definitely. I would go for steel every time.

During the later part of my wkg life it involved visiting farms in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset and I had to replace SIX alloy rims and tyres in 3 years fortunately it was a diesel Fiesta Titanium and I could offset the cost against mileage allowance but it was inconvenient. I still have the car and it is a faithful brilliant workhorse.

Having lost both my brother and Heather's pre 40's we have had a different perspective for 30 years now and miss them badly but thank them for that lesson.

We both lost our Father's at 64 albeit ten years apart, so we are thankful for every day and enjoy them while we can

Got a flat yesterday on the +4 right rear. Took it off and examined water butt etc. No damage found believe it could have happened on the very rough forecourt outside the butchers must have squeezed the sidewall. No real probs re potholes or sleeping policemen185/70/15. Fingers crossed.

Talking of wheel/stone damage - Aero owners are you aware of the oil cooler being exposed inside the front wheel arch (2013 Coupe 4.8L Auto)

The S2 has inch smaller alloys and has a better ride and dare I say grip with higher sidewalls then the 19" AeroMax alloys on the Coupe.

I noticed a puddle under the Aero last time I took it out so checked the water level. Nothing in the reservoir at all and it took a lot of anti-freeze to fill it back up again. I took it to our friendly local garage and they highlighted the oil cooler radiator which is in the front wheel arch had been beaten to death by stones. Good news was that the oil side of it was intact so no mixing and engine death.

I realise the narrow pointy end means locating things is a challenge but the oil cooler in the front wheel arch? Did they change this for the Plus Four/Six ?

It is worth putting it up on a ramp and inspecting it from time to time and especially if you have an issue with water level.

Only the air filter is under the wheel arch on the Plus four but an inner wing protects it.