I’m homeless living in my car and today I got a flat tire.

Submitted by Adventurous_Air2867 t3_10paa8e in Connecticut

I go to look in my car for the tools I need for the job. Only thing I have is the spare. I have no functioning Jack and no wrench. I’ve never stranded for almost 6 hours and have asked everyone around me and not one person has bothered to help me. Can somebody please have a heart and help a fellow human being in desperate need? I’m in Southington right now

Update: I was able to get the tools I needed and got the spare on. The flat tire can still be salvaged

250

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Ilikecrazypeople t1_j6jbtsc wrote

If you're somewhat stuck in the middle of the state, I can offer a place to sleep. Just please don't kill me in the middle of the night.

187

[deleted] t1_j6k2f98 wrote

Am I a bad person for laughing 😆

17

Ilikecrazypeople t1_j6kj627 wrote

It is what it is. Sorry if I'm willing to offer a roof if someone is struggling. Ngl, I'd probably laugh too.

16

laceyourbootsup t1_j6kcqv5 wrote

Hey bud,

I just saw your post and read through your profile.

I can’t address the flat tire situation but

If you have a car and are employable - Sodexho in New Britain is hiring at a solid rate per hour (no degree necessary). Also Target in Southington or there is a new Trader Joe’s in glastonbury opening up next week. Instacart is not sustainable.

CT is a very expensive state and not a place to live in your car.

If you need help finding a job to apply for or with your resume, message me.

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6jem1x wrote

Where in Southington are you?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jetqm wrote

Near Motel 6

44

showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6jfq3d wrote

I'll be there in 20. I'm in Berlin.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jg3kn wrote

Ok

33

showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6jgwc0 wrote

I'll be in a white civic. And the dude with two giant dogs. Don't worry. They cool 😎

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condor_gyros t1_j6kwmds wrote

>I'll be in a white civic

You mean your TARDIS?

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6l6ij4 wrote

Alonze!

8

gahgs t1_j6mgx4r wrote

Allons Y* … sorry, am Whovian.

4

merryone2K t1_j6nbp0h wrote

Don't ever apologize for being a Whovian. 'Specially not while quoting Ten.

4

showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6nkf53 wrote

Arrgghh! I was trying to be cool!!! Dammit lol Source- casual fan/ developing "whovian"

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6jj4ah wrote

Here. Motel 6 lot. Where u at

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jjfmj wrote

Near the backside towards Dennys

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6jjx0a wrote

Parked behind dennys

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TrafficAble1854 t1_j6jm8dn wrote

How’d it go?

28

showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6jnbnw wrote

My wrench didn't fit his lugs :(

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LazyUpvote88 t1_j6jwtg2 wrote

Well it’s noble that you’d go out of your way to help him like that

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GetHyped85 t1_j6k0e0r wrote

What size wrench do you have/think his lugs are? Wanna make sure I have correct ones before I offer

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6k7gny wrote

Alas I'm not mechanically inclined. I drive a civic and it's the wrench that came with it if that helps? I believe he was driving a early 00s oldsmobile?

22

tdigren t1_j6kgtek wrote

I think it’s 17mm. Not 100% but almost certain.

9

glockster19m t1_j6l5qng wrote

Helpers civic will be 19mm, Oldsmobile is likely 21mm, a half size may be needed as they could well be swollen

9

GeigerCounterMinis t1_j6lg4z4 wrote

GM commonly uses 22mm

1

TinOfCopenhagen t1_j6liwzw wrote

For the older trucks and SUVs it was an SAE size, however 22mm worked on then. Stuff from the past 10 years or newer I have no idea

2

EmEmAndEye t1_j6l4ccq wrote

Are you still stuck out there? It’s been 7 hours.

2

comish4lif t1_j6jf688 wrote

Do you just need your car jacked up? u/Adventurous_Air2867

10

Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jfm7f wrote

I need my tire changed. I have a flat with a nail in it. I have no tools for the job except for a spare. No wrench and the Jack doesn’t even look like I would be able to Jack my car with it

23

kkirchoff t1_j6ke63f wrote

I think that town fair tire will fix the hole for you for free as long as the mail isn’t through a sidewalk if you can get the car or tire there.

13

tookerken t1_j6j9bqz wrote

So I just called your local southington AutoZone. The way that the policy is is you buy the tool you can use it and then you're returning get your money back. That's obviously not going to work for you.

They also don't loan out Jack's, and they don't loan out anything to do with the lug nuts. So no lug wrenches or anything like that.

I asked them if they had any better suggestions, they didn't have any period at this point I'm kind of stuck. I'm surprised that nobody has a jack or a basic lug wrench that can work for you.

Sorry but I'm kind of at a loss for suggestions at this point. If I was local I'd help you out I'm in California sorry.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j9gfj wrote

Thanks for trying. Might just have to abandon my car

7

tookerken t1_j6j9lbg wrote

If the car is otherwise in decent running shape. Then I wouldn't abandon it, I would continue to ask every single person who came within my view to help me change a tire.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6ja0gq wrote

I’ve been trying for almost 6 hours and nobody has even bothered. It is in excellent condition but with people are being so cold blooded towards me when I simply am asking for help, I might have no choice but to abandon the car or sell it if I can

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Alert-Ad687 t1_j6k7lv8 wrote

Is the nail in the center of the tire? If it’s repairable, Town Fair Tire repairs tires for free.

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teknic111 t1_j6kyu07 wrote

Is that a new policy? I had them repair tires for me twice and they always charged me. I think it was about $30.

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Lyrehctoo t1_j6lhl1z wrote

Last time I was there, they charged $7. They said the service was free and the charge was only for the plug.

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Krynn71 t1_j6klujx wrote

How do you suggest he gets it there?

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bunkerbash t1_j6jiogj wrote

OP this isn’t tire related but do you have a plan other than sleeping in your car for Friday and Saturday? It’s going to be dangerously cold.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jj4v7 wrote

I have no options just my car. I usually go out and barely make enough (Instacart deliveries) to put myself up in a motel room to keep warm. I was gonna go do some Instacarts today until this came up now I have no money nor a way to make any money. Im simply am stuck

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bunkerbash t1_j6jkrd8 wrote

Can you message me your PayPal? And if you find come Friday that you don’t have a place other than your car to stay will you let us know so we can help you find a place for the night? I cannot impress upon you enough that it will be life threateningly cold. I expect, or at least hope, some places will open up additional warming shelters so you may not need to pay anything.

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IndicationOver t1_j6jlug6 wrote

https://www.211ct.org/search?page=1&location=Connecticut&taxonomy_code=10107&service_area=connecticut

I think warming centers will be a thing this weekend

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bunkerbash t1_j6jmbc4 wrote

Thank you for looking that up! Maybe someone should make a post with the info. Given how relatively mild it’s been so far, I worry this cold weather is going to catch people unawares.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jnooo wrote

Check your DM

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bunkerbash t1_j6jqnm6 wrote

Sent. I hope your day gets a bit better!

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jqz1w wrote

Thank you and once this flat is dealt with it will be a better day

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Spartansam0034 t1_j6k0a7k wrote

I can help too if you have cashapp/venmo/PayPal. Nobody should be stranded in the cold.

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lanretsr t1_j6k14k2 wrote

Dmed you and I'm here, where you at?

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DannyZ28 t1_j6kfklb wrote

Hey man I’m in Farmington I have a Jack and an impact with sockets. I’ll drive over as soon as you respond

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[deleted] t1_j6lhrlx wrote

[deleted]

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showmeyourtardisCT t1_j6n4j7j wrote

Or and not saying this is the case, just lending some insight. Perhaps OP might have debilitating mental health issues, autism, or just shell shocked from life. Not everyone can be as pragmatic as most. I do agree that it's lame that no update as given ( I was the original helper) especially after many offered help and solutions but who knows what happened. While Noble, not sure if sending him Venmo would be the right move. I would hope that he did the right thing with the cash but something about him gave me the feeling that he might be in recovery or actively engaged in some sort of opiate use. I dunno

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6lk5ny wrote

You need to change your attitude too. Good advice but, damn, your nasty attitude is oozing through my screen.

0

oprahlikescake t1_j6llcjl wrote

I don't think anything they typed was "nasty". brutally honest and to-the-point, sure

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6llsci wrote

You must share the same attitude.

−8

oprahlikescake t1_j6lt6uj wrote

Comment from your history:

> People don't understand stupid people like you. Go ahead, block me like you blocked everyone else who doesn't agree with your level of stupidity. You're the one who needs more education. Shut up.

I think we figured out who's the nasty one here. xD

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6ltlx4 wrote

Absolutely. I am nasty to people who are disrespectful to me over stupid aita posts, not to people who are homeless, scared asking for help and ready to give up. Anything else?

−4

[deleted] t1_j6lvqyr wrote

[deleted]

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6lwilz wrote

He did accept help and he expressed he didn't want to ask money of anyone. Also, two people went out there to help him, but they weren't able to because they didn't have the right tools. Have a splendid night.

2

savory_thing t1_j6m5cjy wrote

No, don’t drive it like that. The tire is probably fixable with a puncture from a nail, driving on it flat will make it not fixable.

0

merryone2K t1_j6jr7u2 wrote

What's the make, model, and year of your vehicle? Could help to know this as maybe just maybe somebody has same/similar and can loan you their proper size lug wrench?

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Stezo45 t1_j6jc4lv wrote

Hey you still stuck?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jcd9e wrote

Yes I’m still stuck

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jpagano664 t1_j6jtfl8 wrote

Abandoning your car is def not the move. I can’t get there til tomorrow mid morning, so if you still need it changed let me know and I’ll stop by

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Yaldeh t1_j6krgxz wrote

Do you still need help? I have a 300 piece socket set and can help ya

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GetHyped85 t1_j6k9oc7 wrote

I can be there in about 25-30 if you still need help...just need to know asap

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buried_lede t1_j6kbi3a wrote

Try DMing him. Or maybe he is off line at the moment

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Particular_Form6135 t1_j6jb4db wrote

Try a Southington Facebook page? People on those pages are sometimes willing to help out!

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jb75t wrote

I deleted my Facebook a while ago

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GameofOhms959 t1_j6lisnb wrote

I understand your situation I do but please if you are asking for help on the internet Justin you don’t have to lie . You clearly have facebook .

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TheKnifeEdge t1_j6jb5p2 wrote

Lug nuts are always either a 19mm or a 21mm socket, wrench, whatever, almost always one of those two sizes so that would work for the lug nuts. Still need a jack though. Alternatively depending upon what caused the flat, if it's just a nail....get a 5 dollar plug kit from autozone fill the tire with air and plug the nail hole with the tire still on the car.....sorry....nowhere near southington today. Good luck.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jbc3w wrote

I don’t have any money for any sort of supplies for this, but thanks for the suggestion

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schickehose23 t1_j6jbvwi wrote

Do you have a venmo? People might not be near southington but we can still help you get what you need to fix your car

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jcpcb wrote

I have Venmo but haven’t used it in years so I doubt I could even get on. I have cashapp and PayPal

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schickehose23 t1_j6jdxxc wrote

Would the $5 plug kit idea work or is the puncture a lot bigger than that?

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Ordinary-Ride-1595 t1_j6kfcdx wrote

I wouldn’t do the roadside plug if you help it cause that essentially ruins the tire and should be only a temporary last ditch fix. A tire center should be able to fix the tire for almost nothing.

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GetHyped85 t1_j6k6p72 wrote

I thought that too until my buddy's Envoy needed a 22mm the other day and I don't own that type of 22 🤣

1

justagay27 t1_j6kz443 wrote

This makes me so sad. I'm wondering how OP is managing car insurance in CT 💀

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gatogrande t1_j6nlj7r wrote

or phone/plan, creditcards linked to PP and a bank, something is odd

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mianrezooy t1_j6m0gkd wrote

I hope you got your issue with the tire solved. Many people in here offered money and sent money.

People gave ideas of driving slowly to one of the stores for help.

I know when something like this happens you feel discouraged and people in public don’t want to help.

But you also have to be able to maneuver through all the manure. You have a phone. It was a very good idea to post to this sub-Reddit. The help here was plentiful. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

With the help of whatever was sent you your PayPal you should’ve been able to fix the tire.

Why would you abandon your car/place you sleep?

I hope you got the tire fixed and also hope you’re able to find a place to stay this weekend. There’s good people out there. Be thankful !

Also, there’s jobs out there if you’re able to work. Hope you can have a better outlook on things because you will be more progressive.

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shopjinkies t1_j6k5ahr wrote

Hi! My bf DM’d you. He can buy a jack if you’re still in need and if you’re able to pick it up from an autozone or something

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drmoney3 t1_j6kcxim wrote

Is it solved or do you still need some help?

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tookerken t1_j6j83ry wrote

Most automotive stores like AutoZone, or pep Boys etc will let you use their tools for free.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j89o1 wrote

No they don’t. Tried that already. Autozone wanted to charge me $60 just to borrow a wrench

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tookerken t1_j6j8i8f wrote

They wanted to charge you or for you to put down a deposit.

I understand you don't have the money for either one. But there's a significant difference between the two.

There's no other AutoZone's within walking distance, there's no pep Boys, there's no O'Reilly's?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j936r wrote

I just spoke with AutoZone for a second time. They told me they do rent out tools but they don’t rent out jacks nor lug nut wrenches so back to square 1

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bbyduck21 t1_j6lar20 wrote

Hey OP I hope you got it all worked out by now :( sending luck your way my friend

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Socko67 t1_j6j7nbm wrote

Is there no home depot harbor freight or lowest anything like that walking distance? It happemed to me but lucky I was about mile amd a half away from home depot amd I took a hike there and back

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j7tl8 wrote

Did I mention that I’m homeless and have absolutely no money?

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Socko67 t1_j6j7zek wrote

Just cus ur homeless don't mean u got no money. Since u have a car I assumed u had money

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j85zb wrote

I do Instacart. That’s my only source of income right now. Without my car I can’t do Instacart and without that I have no money. I’m completely broke right now. Trying to get this fixed so I can go out and make some money

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crazybipolarbabe t1_j6lkka5 wrote

Just seeing this post OP. Let us know how it worked out. I have a mechanic in Southington who will come help if you're still in need.

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Upstairs-Sky7015 t1_j6mjtpq wrote

People that’s a scam , a dude tried to get money from hundreds of people on FB with the exact same story and excuses . Scam alert

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GameofOhms959 t1_j6n74hh wrote

Yes sadly , his name is Justin and I know a few women whom he’s conned into sending money

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Unremovable_Cortana t1_j6o64b6 wrote

If this is true then karma will get him and everyone that blessed him will also be blessed.

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Loyaljr t1_j6n5he5 wrote

I don’t understand why you would want to abandon your car because of a flat tire and that’s where you sleep I’m totally lost on that idea and makes no sense. Something seems like it’s not adding up

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Light_of_the_Star t1_j6n6r2h wrote

I feel the same way. Abandon his car to walk where? To do what? I think he should call the police. I am sure they have a slew of free tools at their disposal and would help.

0

stultifera-navis t1_j6nmw6o wrote

He shouldn’t be stuck. I bought a jack and a lug wrench for him at the autozone which was confirmed picked up.

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bobupvotes t1_j6k3x60 wrote

Any updates? Do you have plans for shelter this weekend aside from your car?

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Synapse82 t1_j6kfuex wrote

Hey, next time just call AAA or even local police station. They should help out. Just seeing this now

Also, for anyone else, anyone with a AAA membership can help other people using it. It no longer attached to a car.

Also best of luck, I have confidence you will come through and get out of your current situation. Just need a support system, I would call CHD. The mental health place, they also offer guidance and services in your situation.

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Barrayaran t1_j6ktc5y wrote

OP, are you still stuck?

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steelyourself t1_j6ji2oy wrote

This won't help you with your tire but may help you get a roof over your head and back on your feet. Have you tried calling 211?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jialq wrote

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve called 211. They are no help. Shelters a filled to capacity this winter which is understandable. I’m forced to sleep in my car because there’s nowhere in CT that will put me up

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ZaggahZiggler t1_j6jpfge wrote

Keep trying, Shelters have high turnover rates due to people not following the rules and getting kicked out for being fucked up and causing problems.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jpmg3 wrote

What dogs? I don’t have any dogs

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ZaggahZiggler t1_j6jpske wrote

My bad, I thought you made mention of two big dogs, maybe that was the guy that helped you.

5

Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jpz5y wrote

It was. He came to attempt to help but he didn’t have the right size wrench to loosen the nuts. So I’m back to square 1

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Stezo45 t1_j6lnpg7 wrote

Hey bud how did you fair? Got it solved?

2

Infamous_Bend4521 t1_j6kdt9d wrote

I have a jack and sockets. Lmk. I dont see my other post

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GreaseM0nk3y96 t1_j6ko8xb wrote

You get it my man ? Don't have to abandon the car what kinda car is it ?

3

HandsomeDevil77 t1_j6l2ffv wrote

Let me know if you're still stuck and send me your PayPal.

3

ChioneG t1_j6j8b6p wrote

AutoZone often has tools you can borrow. Have you checked with them?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j8ed6 wrote

Yes and no they don’t do that. They wanted to charge me $60 to borrow a wrench

1

gatogrande t1_j6j8son wrote

I believe that's a deposit you get back...so folks dont steal their shit

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6j8z0w wrote

I spoke with them a second time just now. They do rent out tools but they don’t rent out jacks our lug nut wrenches. So back to square 1

1

No-Salary-294 t1_j6jd4tb wrote

You are an hour away from me otherwise I woudlve helped someone end up helping you change your tire ?

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jd95o wrote

Nope still stranded and am now contemplating on abandoning my car

1

[deleted] t1_j6kgtuq wrote

[deleted]

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2SticksPureRage t1_j6lbuzv wrote

Yeah I’m not understanding why he keeps mentioning abandoning the car when he lives in it? He’s not abandoning it to go home or anything.

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blaze1234 t1_j6jftqr wrote

I might be able to help get you towed. DM me to discuss

3

sevenfiftynorth t1_j6je7cn wrote

Maybe somebody is a AAA member and could call them to come change your tire? They've done that for me when I was a member and had a flat tire.

2

Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jegfd wrote

But you were a member I’m not

3

Hairy-Memory8069 t1_j6jf3n1 wrote

If you can get ahold of anyone who is a member , my friend has had my car towed a few times. I’m not a member but she is. Had them come look at my car a few times too. Didn’t matter that I wasn’t a member , all they asked for was her name & info and then the cars information. Try posting in r/assistance I’ve gotten help from that sub a lot.

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Adventurous_Air2867 OP t1_j6jfdfo wrote

I’m not eligible for that subreddit. You need to have certain credentials that I don’t have. I can’t afford to have my car towed I live in mine. Without my car I’ll be the real life Jack Frost once we get snow

3

[deleted] t1_j6kgypd wrote

[deleted]

1

Agnaolds t1_j6kks56 wrote

If you click on the r/borrow link, under one of the headings there's a lengthy list of rules to be able to post

2

mdfromct t1_j6lpodu wrote

Hopefully you have car insurance? If you do, call and get Roadside Assistance added on. It’s very inexpensive and just like AAA. Could be as low as three or four dollars a month.

They won’t let you use it right away. They may make you wait 24 hours or so. It depends on the company.

Also, someone posted on the sub that they know a mechanic in Southington that will come and help you tomorrow for free.

1

gwy2ct t1_j6k3vsf wrote

There's a Town Fair Tire about a 5 min walk up the street, you can get your tire repaired there

2

RoundPlum t1_j6m3vt7 wrote

211 is absolutely useless I'm letting everybody know that but I think your best bet is if you haven't gotten out of there explain your situation to the person that owns the parking lot.

2

Vness374 t1_j6myu4v wrote

It’s sad to see how many people recommend calling 211… I guess they’ve never had to. It’s completely useless and needs to be restructured

2

jules13131382 t1_j6mkix5 wrote

This is really sweet you guys. That so many people are willing to help 😊

2

erriiiic t1_j6p2xel wrote

Pretty sure I just saw you on my street getting a jump.

I was homeless in CT for 3 1/2 years but over in the Simsbury/Avon area. The coldest I was ever in was -13° and never left my car running to stay warm while I slept. Summers were actually a lot harder to survive in.

I don’t have the means to help you but some things you should do if you can…

Get a PO Box and forward all your mail from your previous physical address to the PO Box through USPS. This makes getting a job easier.

Get a YMCA membership for low income. Use it to shower.

Go to the library when you have no where else to go to stay warm.

Buy a cheap down sleeping bag from Walmart but wrap it around you unzipped because body heat leaks through the zipper teeth. Tuck your undershirt into your pants to keep body heat in.

Call the local Social Services for surrounding towns to see if they can help you with anything. Sometimes they’ll even have food to give.

Never sleep with your car running.

Try r/vandwellers for survival tips.

2

husky429 t1_j6kwwf9 wrote

Not sure if you're still in need but you can borrow tools from an autoparts store for free! I had to do that before when my brother had taken my.jack without telling me.

1

weirdomagnet99 t1_j6l171d wrote

You’ll need the spare on first so you can get there, but after that, Town Fair Tire will most likely fix the flat for free. If the tire is completely done for, I have a tire for you in good shape if you need it. Not sure if it’ll be the right size, but feel free to hmu and we can figure it out.

1

Terrifinglybeautiful t1_j6lsiyz wrote

A lot of kindness on here 🥲 God bless any and all of you who helped or tried to! 🙌🏻🙏

1

HopefulCabinet5531 t1_j6mc58u wrote

Still stranded I have a mobile mechanic shop in my car for work

1

haikusbot t1_j6mc5rq wrote

Still stranded I have

A mobile mechanic shop

In my car for work

- HopefulCabinet5531

^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^Learn more about me.

^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")

6

Reverentmalice t1_j6mk2xd wrote

It looks like multiple people went to help. I hope everything was resolved.

1

Datguy220 t1_j6jxfxh wrote

Anyone got a plug in conneticut?

0

red_purple_red t1_j6kb7vn wrote

You must have some money at least to pay for gas. You could try buying some temporary sealant for a few bucks at an auto store and then pump up the tire. It could let the tire hold air for a bit while you drive it to a safe location.

From there you could improvise a jack by getting a rock and a long branch and use that as a lever to jack up the car.

−20

MoonFishLanding t1_j6levt8 wrote

“improvise a jack by getting a rock and a long branch and use that as a lever to jack up the car.”

Are…are you serious? This person needs help and you’re offering Looney Tunes logic?

15

HarryMcButtcheeks t1_j6mkzhh wrote

You gotta admit, the thought of using a rock and a stick to jack up a car is hilarious

3

red_purple_red t1_j6mwtr7 wrote

From reading the comments it seemed like he couldn't even afford to rent a jack, so the situation is desperate.

1