2002 AC and 2001 Bent Wheel

08/13/08: Took the '02 to Top Tech to check the AC because my coworker and parents were complaining it wasn't cold enough. The mechanic added 2 containers worth of freon (at $20 each) and it runs cold now. Total bill: $69.64

08/14/08: Took the '01 to Discount Tire to check the wheels, in particular the front right one that is obviously bent that might cause the high speed steering wheel vibration. They ordered a wheel from California and called Dad today. Total bill: $72.10

Need to rotate the '02 tires since diagnosing that uneven tire wear will be time-consuming and expensive. It's also had an alignment a couple of years ago and that is what the mechanic said our first step was. Back then, the alignment showed one problem which couldn't be fixed so I won't chase this.

Spent almost $400 on these young Corollas last month and the parents think I should replace the 2002--overreacting! (The only remotely-possible car in my future is the 2010 Prius or whichever year has the solar panels on the roof and 85 mpg.)

2002 Corolla Wheel and Tire Replacement

Coworker noted one of my tires might have a bubble in it. I had always attributed the vibration to road imperfections. Took the '02 Corolla to Discount Tire in Austin off 183. They discovered three bent wheels (potholes) and the right front wheel was bent more than the others, even creating the start of a bubble in that tire. They also discovered one tire, the Left Rear, had a flat part in the center of the tire, causing stress on the sides of the tire. The flat part could be due to a suspension problem, according to the guy. That tire was replaced and I will ask our trusted mechanic in Houston about the possible suspension problem causing the uneven tire wear.

Total cost: $257

Initially, I'd gotten 3 aluminum wheels. However, when my car was ready, they made my little econobox look like it was some wannabe race car so I asked them to switch to steel wheels. They were really patient and nice about it, not even charging me for the labor. :) I knew nothing about wheels before and assumed the aluminum wheels would've had hubcaps over them.