Turns out that after having a bad control arm bushing (which started the wacky tread wear) and going months without an alignment (which continued the wacky tread wear, not to mention the car vibration at 65 mph and up), caused the metal bits in the tire to start poking through.

But only in some places.

So, off I go to get an alignment (finally) and a rotation. really should have had my hide for as long as I’ve waited. Anyway, it should be obvious that a pidgeon-toed car gets crappy gas mileage and is not happy. So, Spartan Tire recommends four new tires, but I put it off, because I don’t have the money right then. They align and rotate and my car is happier than it’s been in a looooong time. At about 70, my rear end starts to vibrate a bit, thanks to that wacky wear pattern on the one tire, but I’m riding high because the steering wheel is stable.

At this point, decided to quote . “This won’t do.” So, for an early Nikki Love Day (don’t you dare call it Valentine’s Day), she bought me four new tires.

I should have had these earlier. Even a Sunfire can handle the snow with four new tires. I look back on the wintery events that I’ve missed and curse my lack of car knowledge. Ah, well. Live and learn. In the end, I and my passengers are safer, and that’s good.