Luckily (proper preparation, actually) we have AAA memberships. I called them and help was there within about 15 minutes. The spare tire was mounted and off she went. Impressive.
A few days later I swung by to take care of getting the tire repaired (these Kumho tires only had about 3k miles on them, with 9/32” tread left). Unfortunately, I had to order a replacement from Tire Rack and have it shipped to the local installer because the flat tire was ruined.
Why? As can be seen from the pic the puncture was caused just a small piece of metal and could have easily been plugged. However, because my Mom drove on the tire for about half a mile or so, it compromised the strength of the sidewall structure. Notice how the lettering is scuffed off all around. It’s not from a bad parallel parking move but from the wheel riding on the sidewall because there wasn’t any air to hold the weight up.
Fortunately, because of the remaining tread and a road hazard guarantee, Tire Rack will take the tire back and credit the purchase. So it’s basically an exchange, plus the cost of labor to get the new one mounted (about $22) and shipping.
The car is fine now. I’ve just been slack getting to UPS to return the tire.
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