Took out a rear tire Friday around noon. The flat happened on a bridge on the major north/south truck route in Chicago. With next to no shoulder I had little choice but to drive it off the bridge. The tire was shredded but luckily the rim survived. Anyway got towed out of there with no more harm done.

Was towed by the towing outfit that owns the state contract for that stretch of expressway. Was found by a state cop before I could call the the 24 hour towing assistance number. He calls the towing company - no discussion. They set us down in their lot.

Turns out there is no stock of these tire to be found in the Chicago area. Time estimates to get a tire ranged from 2 to 8 days. Still waiting but looks hopeful for tomorrow.

Chrysler couldn't help me because the car needed to be at a dealer before they could spring into action. The 24 hour towing assistance would not tow it because the tire was shredded. That was the end of their help.

The person from my local dealer's maintenance desk told me to put on the spare. That was the end of their help.

There are several lessons to be learned from this, but the major one seems to be that if anyone has to to tow your car, don't let them set it down anywhere but a Chrysler dealer. Another lesson seems to be that regardless of what one may have been told about service and assisstance it doesn't take much to be on your own. There is also still some reason for concern involving spare parts.

Love the car. Not discouraged but am disapointed.

black/auto/gray-2565