Tire Flat Spot preventative
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 28
Likes: 7
From: Outer Banks NC
Tire Flat Spot preventative
Looks like cold weather is finally heading south. That means cold flat spots to me. I would like to get some ramps to help prevent tire flat spots. I have been looking at the Race Ramp flat spot stoppers 14”. What are you all using to prevent flat spots? If you are using the Race Ramp type, are you happy with them?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 449
From: NJ
I recently had an issue with my Nittos flat spotting on me constantly. I bumped the pressure up to 37/35 front/ rear and it cured it immediately. Over the winter I’m likely going to get the car in a spot where I don't need to move it and pull the wheels. I have to do the brakes this winter anyway so it makes sense. I also looked into the race ramps as an option but they were a bit pricey for me but seem like a nice product. I was able to locate some much cheaper alternatives on the web that were definitely not as nice but looked like they would serve the same purpose.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Fredonia WI
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As others have said, for winter I raise the pressure.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
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I would buy from Home depot rubber mats, and cut them to size of tire, keeps it off the cold cement floor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 829
Likes: 192
Im not sure from 30 to 35 is going to be all that different.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 428
Likes: 182
From: Green Bay WI
Exactly what I do. Move the car every 30 days or so, (without starting it). Tires, which are summer only, to about 42 lbs. Never had a problem.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
I put jack stands under the frame rails when I'm not driving the car. Started to do this after experiencing flat spots and before contoured anti-flatspotting pads were invented.
Not sure about overinflating. If you inflate enough to actually do much, the tires will probably be over their recommended maximum. To my way of thinking, going to 35 or 40 psi ....only 5-10 psi over normal operating pressure....isn't going to keep the tire 'round' with the weight of the car on them. But, I've been wrong before.
Not sure about overinflating. If you inflate enough to actually do much, the tires will probably be over their recommended maximum. To my way of thinking, going to 35 or 40 psi ....only 5-10 psi over normal operating pressure....isn't going to keep the tire 'round' with the weight of the car on them. But, I've been wrong before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 247
From: Carterville Il
I've never had a problem with flat spots that 5 minutes of driving didn't fix.... If your Vette is up for the winter, just go out and start the car once every few weeks. And move the car forward or backwards a foot or two.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,203
Likes: 1,323
From: LeClaire Iowa
I just pumped my Continental Extreme Contact Sports up to 40 yesterday. I don't know if it really helps but the tire does look rounder. My compressor is right next to the car so it only takes a few minutes. Dan
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
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From: Southlake, TX
This is the right idea. Are you in a position to pull the car in and out on a nice day? A full warm up and a 20ft pull in and out will do wonders.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
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From: N. Alabama
I put those on the '96. Really bad about flat spotting while sitting even if only for a few days. Doesn't take too long to round out after a few miles. I may cobble up a form from wood one of these days. The store bought under the ZR1 is just too expensive for me to consider a second set.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Second on flat spotting Contis, mine would always flat spot after a few days. ECS or DWS, they just tend to spot a bit.
I had Conti DWS06s on my Cayenne, also flat spotted after 3 days. Thankfully it works out fast on the road.
I had Conti DWS06s on my Cayenne, also flat spotted after 3 days. Thankfully it works out fast on the road.