Do Radials Have A "Memory"?
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
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From: NY
Do Radials Have A "Memory"?
I'm sure that this is just as debatable as anything else, but I have received conflicting opinions over allowing steel-belted radials to sit for 4 to 6 months at a time.
I think we all can agree that when a tire sits for an extended period of time, it is likely to develop a "flat spot". The question is this: does that "flat spot" permanently damage the tire (as in the tire has a "memory" because of the steel belts, and it will no longer be exactly the same) or...once you drive on the tires for a distance the flat spots even out, and the tire has not been altered in a detrimental way.
I know many guys put their cars up on jack stands for Winter storage, but some do not.
What do you guys think about this? :confused:
I think we all can agree that when a tire sits for an extended period of time, it is likely to develop a "flat spot". The question is this: does that "flat spot" permanently damage the tire (as in the tire has a "memory" because of the steel belts, and it will no longer be exactly the same) or...once you drive on the tires for a distance the flat spots even out, and the tire has not been altered in a detrimental way.
I know many guys put their cars up on jack stands for Winter storage, but some do not.
What do you guys think about this? :confused:
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
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Re: Do Radials Have A "Memory"? (rubyred93)
Tires, particularly speed rated types with nylon belts, will flat spot - even overnight, but they round out again when warmed up from driving although it's possible for them do develop a permanent out of round from extended stroage.
If the car is placed on jackstands the bushings are strained in torsion and can be damaged. That's why the AIM and service manual state to tighten the bushing bolts with the car at normal ride height.
Since it's easier/cheaper to change tires than suspension bushings I do not recommend storing cars on jackstands. Store them on the ground and inflate the tires to at least 35psi or the maximum cold pressure listed on the sidewall placard.
Duke
If the car is placed on jackstands the bushings are strained in torsion and can be damaged. That's why the AIM and service manual state to tighten the bushing bolts with the car at normal ride height.
Since it's easier/cheaper to change tires than suspension bushings I do not recommend storing cars on jackstands. Store them on the ground and inflate the tires to at least 35psi or the maximum cold pressure listed on the sidewall placard.
Duke
