Flat Spot Preventer???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 2,355
From: Allison Park, PA
Flat Spot Preventer???
I've noticed recently that after my car sits for a while (a week at least) that the tires are flat-spotted and seem to take a few miles to smooth out. It's pretty annoying and I found these on amazon. I'm thinking of asking Santa for a set for Christmas! Anybody use these (or similar), and do they work? Thanks!
Tom
Tom
Racer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 475
Likes: 218
From: NE Ohio
I have two sets of radials that have terrible flat spots. But it's my fault. I know I let them sit way too long.
But I have a set of bias plies that sat about the same amount of time that give NO indication of flat spots.
Drive em safe
Leo
But I have a set of bias plies that sat about the same amount of time that give NO indication of flat spots.
Drive em safe
Leo
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,478
Likes: 2,647
From: Really Central IL Illinois
I gave away a set of bias ply with 100% tread that were flat spotted. Very common. I am guessing they set 8 years or more.
I have never had the problem with radials.
If you put it up on jack stands or a lift during long periods of storage, you can save your tires. I don't have much faith in your pads under the tires.
I have never had the problem with radials.
If you put it up on jack stands or a lift during long periods of storage, you can save your tires. I don't have much faith in your pads under the tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I bought a set of those flat spot preventers for my 72 when I had bias plies on it. They really didn’t help and as others have mentioned it was a little dicey getting the car on them with a 4 speed.I’d give them to you if you were local.
P.S. my sister lives in Elllicott City.
P.S. my sister lives in Elllicott City.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 488
Likes: 206
From: Indy `O=o-
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
For storage I usually up the pressure to 45 psi or whatever the max pressure listed on the tire plus a little. If not driving on them (thus heating them up causing the pressure to rise further) the higher pressure should be fine and not dangerous.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,140
Likes: 4,248
From: US-PNW
I also over-inflate my radials when storing but that's to cover 4 or 5 months. It would be a pain to inflate/deflate/inflate if storage is only a couple weeks. Odd that the OP's tires exhibit this tendency over short periods.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 488
Likes: 206
From: Indy `O=o-
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Skip Shift
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 419
From: Citrus Hills, Florida
Yep, I use these on my 2018 GS to keep the tires round. Works pretty good as I have no issues. Going to get another set for my 65 as when it sits on the lift in the summer for a while ( 2-3 weeks ) I notice that I get minor flat spotting especially on the front tires ( BB ), Takes a few miles and turns for them to straighten out. - Fred
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 2,878
From: Western Massachusetts
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C2 of Year Finalist (stock)
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
My best client is a regional tire chain (Town Fair Tire). My 2 best car buds are independant Goodyear dealers. I listen to tire history, tire minutia, tire tech and tire warnings all the time.
Radials do not flat spot. They will thump until warm if parked on cold concrete.
Bias-ply tires flat spot. In some cases, if sat long enough and the tire crappy enough it won't resolve.
Best advise, drive it. Next best, jack stands. After that, radials.
Dan
Radials do not flat spot. They will thump until warm if parked on cold concrete.
Bias-ply tires flat spot. In some cases, if sat long enough and the tire crappy enough it won't resolve.
Best advise, drive it. Next best, jack stands. After that, radials.
Dan
