For the record, I *highly* endorse (a) Just Tires (or at least the location on Hwy 55 in Durham) and (b) their Road Hazard Protection Plan (which is the sort of “Extended Warranty” that I normally frown upon).

In this case, however, Just Tire’s Road Hazard Protection Plan (which I think cost me <$15/tire) covered sending someone out to put on the MINI's little spare (when I called them to tell them that one of my tires had a big bubble in it) *and* is going to cover replacing the tire *for free*.

Seriously! I just called them up and said: "I have the tire protection plan and I've got a big bubble in my tire." And they said: "You shouldn't drive on that — it's too dangerous. Let us send someone out to swap it out for your car's spare tire."

So someone came out to work (they work through the same system as AAA, I think) and swapped out my tire. I have to remember to take the back roads home and drive slowly, though…

The amazing thing is that they do this for the lifetime of the tire. Even if it's your fault. Even if someone slashes your tires. Or if you run over a nail. Or if you got a little distracted and veered up onto a curb a bit…

I like them. :-)