[quicksilverdon]

Had ice on the way in yesterday, so was more intent on staying on the road, and hit a nasty pothole. Tire was down to about 10PSI before I went home - a co-worker had a battery-powered pump & I pumped it up & went to Sears - needed a new tire - bulge in sidewall, a puncture that was more a tear, and a slight dent in the rim!
The good news is that I have road hazard insurance - only cost me $13+ for the tire.
They asked if I wanted an alignment - that triggered a rant from me - after LAST pothole, I asked for an alignment at Sears, and as I'm paying they tell me that one adjustment (I forget whether caster or camber) meeds shims so I'll have to go to dealer - I said they should've gotten the shims, charged me for them, but not just do 1/2 a job and send me to dealer who will charge me for alignment all over again.
I later had alignment done at dealer (and it did need shims).
2 messages -
1) if you're getting an alignment at anyplace other than dealer - ask beforehand about what they'll do if it needs shims - don't pay for 1/2 a job.
2) Get "road hazard " warranty on new tires. This is second new tire I've gotten for next to nothing.