So a couple weeks back I was driving home from my parents on the 57 South. I was in the #2 lane and there were cars flanking me in the #1 and #3 lanes. The car ahead of me swerves quickly from the #2-3 lanes and I see a tire lying dead center of my lane. I was traveling at 70mph, and I started to hit the brakes but I didn't want the front of my car to dip too low, so I let off the brakes. With cars on both sides of me there was nothing else I could do but run over it. I hit the tire and it didn't seem too bad. I pulled over and inspected the outside and the lower grill was slightly bent in but other than that I couldn't see any damage.
It wasn't until the next day when I started my car. There was squeaking, oil, coolant, and a/c coolant slowly leaking on my garage floor. Long short of it my insurance is replacing the oil pan gasket, a/c condenser, radiator, radiator frame, front spoilers, and the front underside plastic shielding. I am trying to get them to cover the crank pulley as that is the cause of the squeaking, which wasn't present prior to the tire strike. Anyways, they have to inspect the part to make sure it isn't due to wear and tear. We'll see.
I'm just glad my car isn't in shambles. Here are some pics.

















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Ouch, ouch and d*mn! I am glad that the situation did not come out much worse however - you retained control.

My son had a similar experience in the #1 lane of US 1 a couple of years ago, with enough traffic to block his escape routes and a last minute swerve of the driver ahead of him as his only warning.

Unfortunately in that case it was not a tire blocking his lane - it was a parked Chrysler.

By the grace of God he escaped without serious injury.

Good luck with your repairs mate.

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

Thats actually not too bad, I actually hit a chicken (not a joke.... really.....an f'n chicken) on the way the way back from the Dragon one year and it damaged my a/c condensor and broke the core support.

 

If the insurance company is replacing the oil pan gasket on a 5-yr old MCS on their dime, count yourself lucky; looks like an old leak (probably from the crank position sensor gasket) to me. Spend the money out of your own pocket on a new crank pulley and your car will be good as new.

 

That pretty much looks like shambles to me.

Following distance is not enough these days........ I always try to stay back....... Problem is then everyone changes lanes on top of you constantly.

 

I was thinking the same thing...

 

For the record, I was never aware of a leak from the oil pan gasket when I had my oil changed in March Fortunately, the insurance company has already paid to replace the oil pan gasket as part of the accident.
With regards to the crank pulley, I have already purchased the ATI Super Damper and replacement bolt from Way and it is currently in transit to Mynes. The adjuster will inspect the old crank pulley this week. If they agree to cover the crank pulley I will consider myself extremely lucky. I know I am lucky to have the oil pan gasket covered so I'm not going to hold my breath.