I don't want this to sound like a whine, but I do seem to be in the habit of having unusual things happen. Thankfully no real harm so I am very thankful.

I took my Kia Soul for servicing and tire rotation after work, (I work 4 nine hour days and 1 four). I was debating either bike riding or grocery shopping afterwards, but the afternoon had other ideas for me.

Do you know what happens when the mechanic doesn't tighten the lugs on a tire properly? The wheel falls off Actually they told me this is a very rare occurrence for it to go this far, but they would likely say that.

Thankfully I started hearing strange noises as I pulled out on the street, so I made a U-turn at the first possible opportunity. As soon as I straightened out of the turn my front drivers tire fell off. Completely. I was still in front of the dealer, and that entire street has 4-5 locations owned by the same dealer, just different car "brands". I called the service number and they were with me in about 5 minutes. I initially thought that they had forgotten the lugs entirely, but they were all there.

There is body damage of course, hopefully the brake rotor is fine since THAT is steel, but we will see. They appear to be making every effort to take care of this properly. They gave me a Kia Sorento as a loaner for however long it takes them to fix my car, and they promised to do right by me on this. I've done business with this dealer for years now and have never known them to not do things right, so I will be satisfied if they simply take care of things and do the repair. They have a collision body shop right there.

I am unashamed to admit that this incident shook me a bit. I was on my way to the interstate to head to Whole Foods, and if I had been going any faster (or even on the interstate) when that wheel fell off... well, I am thankful that things weren't any worse. It seemed best to hold off on shopping until rush hour dies down, I don't want to risk getting stuck in it driving a larger and unfamiliar vehicle. I thought about going for a ride, but I am a bit too shaken for that. I will relax with book and soothing herbal tea and just be thankful. I do think I need to get out later though, I need to get around people and not spend all evening n my apartment thinking about this.