jmgtp

Title basically says it all - my front tires seem to flat spot in as little as 1 week of being parked. They are 275/40/17 on z06 wheels (I might be off on the aspect ratio). The tires are about 5 years old and have less than 5k miles. At low speeds I don't really notice it but over 50 and on the highway the front end shakes violently. The tires workout the flat spot in 10-15 minutes and then the ride is smooth. I checked the pressure before driving and they have 30psi each which is where I keep them.

Are the tires just bad? Anything I can do to prevent this from happening on a week to week basis? Not sure what to do about winter storage, I usually just over air them by 10psi but it seems like that may not be the solution any longer.

antfarmer2

You have had them 5 years? Look at the code they might be much older.

cv67

a good radial shouldnt do that
I have some on a truck that are over 9 yrs old and flat spot quick also need to be replaced.

Kevova

You could park car on jack stands with tires off the ground, or replace tires. Flat spotting is all about the tire, it's construction or in this case possible deterioration. Cars that sit for several weeks at a time many times flat spot tires. Once back in service; tires will return to being and staying round. If car is going to be out of service for several months car should be parked with tires off the ground. Owners manual has information related to storing car depending expected duration.

BOOT77

Race Ramps makes flatstoppers, I have a set of front runners that does the same thing and been meaning to buy a set myself.

cv67

Make sure they work before buying them
Have M/T fronts also and no matter what Ive tried the only way to keep them from flat spotting is to drive it once a week or take them off the car

QCVette

I have a set of Cooper ZEON 2XS tires that flat spot some overnight and after a week they shake the whole car. They were only about 2 years old when I bought the car and it did it then. They are the worst tires I have ever had (both for flat spots and no traction). I still have them and park on them in the winter when it will sit a long time. It feels like I have square tires in the spring, but I don't leave them on very long.

I found a little higher pressure helps some, both for how bad the flat spot is, and how quickly it goes away when driving it.

I think it is just due to the type of tire. I go through a lot of tires and most do not flat spot or very little. I wouldn't by the same brand and model again.

gerardvg

Hi
30 psi is a bit on the low side but people run them low for a smoother ride, I run 35 to 38 psi and have not experienced flat spotting.
Even if the car is not used for a month, replace the tires and you will be happy.

jmgtp

The code on the tire indicates they were manufactured in the 21st week of 2010. So not too old yet. I saw the race ramp flat stoppers but it's a tough pill to swallow given that i don't know if they really work. Any first hand experience?

I'll try upping the pressure some, maybe 35 psi to see if it helps. The one saving grace is that they always work themselves out, just if I immediately get on the highway it's a bumpy ride.

JrRifleCoach

6 year old tires at freeway speeds with known problems.
The best recommendation I can offer is buy new tires.

jmgtp

I wanted to check back in and say that my car just sat for about 10 days and when I drove it last night all was well. The only change I made was to up tire pressure to 35 psi in the front (a 5psi increase) when I parked it last. Hard to believe that a small change like that could make a difference - could also be coincidence. I'm still considering new tires in the spring for piece of mind

Oddly, the BFG KDW2s in the back never have a problem and they're always at 30 psi but I have to believe they are better tires than the off brands that are up front. I'm always tempted to air them down a few more psi for more off the line traction but running that low on the street wouldn't seem too smart.

A Peter C4

Never said what brand front tires are,would you tell us?

Bo and Doc

More than once I have seen disastrous results from people mixing brands/types of tires on a car...