My rental car's tire blew out on a dirt road in Utah last month.
Was trying to save cash by taking a shortcut to a free campsite. Heard a loud pop and the steering went crazy. Had to pay $300 for a tow truck to get to the nearest town. Anyone know a good way to check if a rental's tires are actually okay before you drive off?
That $300 tow bill is the universe's way of charging a "stupid tax" for that dirt road idea. I usually just kick the tires and hope for the best, which is probably why I'm not allowed at the Hertz in Flagstaff anymore. Maybe check the tread depth with a quarter? Honestly, they probably rent those cars out hoping the tires last just long enough to get off their lot.
Ever think that tow bill was just bad luck, not a stupid tax? Some of those rental tires are actually pretty decent, they get regular rotations and inspections. I've taken plenty of rentals on rough roads with zero issues. Maybe you just hit a one in a thousand nail or something.