After a bad experience, I periodically check my spare tire pressure. As well as carrying a portable air pump in each car.
Many years ago, I was on my way to a job interview. I generally leave 30 to 60 minutes early just to give myself a margin of error in case something unexpected happens. This time, I had left 40 minutes early.
On the way there, while on the highway just before my exit, I got a flat tire. I pulled over onto the shoulder. I was dressed in a white shirt, a suit, and a tie. It was late October, there was a constant drizzle, and the temperature was just above freezing.
I took off my jacket and tie and rolled my white shirt sleeves as high up my arms as I could. I then had a heck of a time loosening the stupid lug nuts. I finally managed to get the wheel off, but when I grabbed the spare donut, I realized there was almost no air pressure in it. Up to that moment, I had never needed to use a spare tire. I had no choice but to put the donut on anyway.
I then drove very slowly, at about five miles per hour, and made it to the company with barely two minutes to spare.
As I was putting my tie back on, I noticed the dirt all over my wet white shirt, my hands, and everywhere else. I put my jacket on and buttoned it up in an attempt to cover the dirt on my shirt.
I walked in and the office administrator greeted me. She turned out to be an absolute sweetheart, and I must add, she was very good-looking too. She looked at me and said, "Wow honey, what happened to you?" I explained the situation, and she said, "Listen, go to the restroom and clean up as much as you can. I will go talk to the interview team and keep them busy."
God bless Georgia. She saved the day, and I did get the job.