Avoiding Flat spots on your tires during winter storage?? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Camaro Freak · 10-23-2010, 05:46 AM

Any ideas how to avoid getting flat spots on your tires from storing your car in the winter?? I hate that sound when you get in it during the spring and all you here is thump thump thump. Any ideas??

My car stays in a carport, so it is not fully closed like a garage. I use a outdoor car cover as well.

*SSE 4 2SS* · 10-23-2010, 05:51 AM

Put it up on jackstands the minimum amount you have to to get the tires off the ground. Preferrably put the stands under the frame members and it allows the suspension to relax not that this part is a big deal...

ckaram · 10-23-2010, 05:53 AM

Drive it periodically! I have a '68 Camaro that I've stored in my garage for over a decade during winters. I would say the longest I've gone without driving it was maybe 8 weeks.

On nice, clear, dry winter days in the 30's, I would take it out and "stretch its legs". I've never had a problem with flat spots.

Just my 2 cents.

You're in NC, right? If so, drive it!

Memphis SS · 10-23-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro Freak

Any ideas how to avoid getting flat spots on your tires from storing your car in the winter?? I hate that sound when you get in it during the spring and all you here is thump thump thump. Any ideas??

My car stays in a carport, so it is not fully closed like a garage. I use a outdoor car cover as well.

I've seen these at a few sites for Corvettes over the years. I've never used them myself but thought I would pass the info along

Tire Storage Flat Stoppers

Cars that sit for months on end in one place flat spot tires, it’s a fact. You can prevent tire flat spotting with Flat Stoppers. Flat Stoppers go underneath your tires to insulate them from temperature extremes and the special lightweight polystyrene construction eliminates uneven pressure points regardless of how long your car sits. Use Flat Stoppers to put an end to ruining expensive tires.

Sandor · 10-23-2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro Freak

Any ideas how to avoid getting flat spots on your tires from storing your car in the winter?? I hate that sound when you get in it during the spring and all you here is thump thump thump. Any ideas??

My car stays in a carport, so it is not fully closed like a garage. I use a outdoor car cover as well.

Abount once a month move the car forward about a foot, then the next month move it back about a foot. It will prevent flat spots.

VictoryMuscleCars · 10-23-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckaram

Drive it periodically! I have a '68 Camaro that I've stored in my garage for over a decade during winters. I would say the longest I've gone without driving it was maybe 8 weeks.

On nice, clear, dry winter days in the 30's, I would take it out and "stretch its legs". I've never had a problem with flat spots.

Just my 2 cents.

You're in NC, right? If so, drive it!

Totally agree with you... stretch it's legs and drive on nice days.

UncleBenny · 10-23-2010, 08:51 AM

I parked my car in a friends backyard for about 5 months last winter, all I did was put plywood under all 4 tires so it didn't sink into the ground when the snow melted and everything was wet back there. I didn't have any noticeable issues when I took it back out in the spring.

Does it really get that bad in NC that you need to park there car? Main reason I do it up here is because of the salt on the roads.

AlohaBR · 10-23-2010, 09:26 AM

Have never had an issue. Usually parked from Nov-March/April.

danhr · 10-23-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSE 4 2SS

Put it up on jackstands the minimum amount you have to to get the tires off the ground. Preferrably put the stands under the frame members and it allows the suspension to relax not that this part is a big deal...

Incorrect batman.

You want to car to sit ON the suspension. The suspension is designed to have a load on it.

PAUL SS · 10-23-2010, 09:38 AM

After 5 months of storage last winter I had no flat spots and no thump thump thump.

Mach · 10-23-2010, 09:41 AM

Modern tires are hard to flatspot unless in storage for a LONG time. 4 months wont hurt them. You def dont want to put the car on jack stands. Shocks and struts dont like that.

vinman · 10-23-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis SS

I've seen these at a few sites for Corvettes over the years. I've never used them myself but thought I would pass the info along

Tire Storage Flat Stoppers

Cars that sit for months on end in one place flat spot tires, it’s a fact. You can prevent tire flat spotting with Flat Stoppers. Flat Stoppers go underneath your tires to insulate them from temperature extremes and the special lightweight polystyrene construction eliminates uneven pressure points regardless of how long your car sits. Use Flat Stoppers to put an end to ruining expensive tires.

I think that was probably the most straightforward, helpful post I've ever seen on here!

superstockcam · 10-23-2010, 09:52 AM

Most tire manufacturers will advise you to inflate your tires 10-15 lbs over the maximum air pressure indicated on the tire to get them ready for storage. This helps prevent flat spots from forming. This over inflation is only for storage. When you're ready to hit the road make sure to bring the pressure back to normal.

If you're going to be storing your car for over a year it's advisable to reduce the tire pressure below normal, or to remove the tires altogether and support your car on jack stands. This will relieve pressure from the wheel bearing and suspension. Your tires should also be stored in a dry cool place, and must be kept out of direct sunlight.

What I have done for 30 years...

Camaro Freak · 10-23-2010, 10:06 AM

Thanks guys for all the replies. I hate driving my car around here once the salt trucks go out. But everyone has give me some good ideas.

Lucky SOB · 10-23-2010, 10:07 AM

Your car will be fine, these tires have a stiff sidewall. Flat spots was a problem with the OLD bias ply tires

MyIBMssRS · 10-23-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis SS

I've seen these at a few sites for Corvettes over the years. I've never used them myself but thought I would pass the info along

Tire Storage Flat Stoppers

Cars that sit for months on end in one place flat spot tires, it’s a fact. You can prevent tire flat spotting with Flat Stoppers. Flat Stoppers go underneath your tires to insulate them from temperature extremes and the special lightweight polystyrene construction eliminates uneven pressure points regardless of how long your car sits. Use Flat Stoppers to put an end to ruining expensive tires.

Those are really cool!

zen · 10-23-2010, 11:37 AM

Flat spots are caused because the tires have Nylon belts. The Nylon takes a set when in one position for any length of time. Especially bad if parked when temps are warm and then drop down to lower degrees. Tires without Nylon belts normally don't have any problems.

pumpkinrancho · 10-23-2010, 12:18 PM

These pirellis flat spot very easily. I have noticed it in as little as 10 days. I have tried parking it on carpet and that didnt help. Looks like I will be ordering the foam things above. Very good idea. When is my turn for a good idea? Damn am I actually going to have to work until I retire..haha. The pirelli flatsspotting is actually mentioned in the Post about gm's 50 plus vibration cure. Have a good weekend.

zen · 10-23-2010, 01:29 PM

Buy some closed cell (the white stuff) styrofoam 1 inch thick or 2 inch better. Cut 4 pcs 1 foot square. Drive up on the styrofoam and the tires will compress the foam and settle into the proper radius.

Cyber/Orange10 · 10-24-2010, 12:25 AM

Flat stoppers are $260 and a waste of money. Store our Corvette outside all winter, add 10-12 psi over normal and never had a problem. Old bias tires used to have this problem. Just my $.02.

jbp-ohio · 10-24-2010, 01:05 PM

My brother has these for his '73 Cutlass Supreme. That way you avoid flat spots (modern radials are supposed to resist flat spots unless left for a long time) and can move car into the corner of the garage and maximize floor space..........

10-23-2010, 05:46 AM	#1
Camaro Freak Drives: 2010 IOM 2LT 334HP Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NC Posts: 1,724	Avoiding Flat spots on your tires during winter storage?? Any ideas how to avoid getting flat spots on your tires from storing your car in the winter?? I hate that sound when you get in it during the spring and all you here is thump thump thump. Any ideas?? My car stays in a carport, so it is not fully closed like a garage. I use a outdoor car cover as well. __________________

10-23-2010, 05:51 AM	#2
SSE 4 2SS Boosted Moderator Drives: LS-3 429 TT with other odds-n-ends Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kyle Tx Posts: 11,445	Put it up on jackstands the minimum amount you have to to get the tires off the ground. Preferrably put the stands under the frame members and it allows the suspension to relax not that this part is a big deal... __________________

10-23-2010, 05:53 AM	#3
ckaram Drives: 2011 2SS RS, 1968 ragtop Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,507	Drive it periodically! I have a '68 Camaro that I've stored in my garage for over a decade during winters. I would say the longest I've gone without driving it was maybe 8 weeks. On nice, clear, dry winter days in the 30's, I would take it out and "stretch its legs". I've never had a problem with flat spots. Just my 2 cents. You're in NC, right? If so, drive it! __________________ Current Camaros: 1968 convertible, original 327, Iron Eagle heads, DT headers, Magnaflows, Muncie 4-speed, 3.08 posi, 17" Torque Thrusts, 2011 2SS/RS, LS3, M6, IOM in and out, factory Hurst short throw, GMPP axleback exhaust Delivered 5/14/11

10-23-2010, 09:38 AM	#10
PAUL SS The Mark of Excellence Drives: 2010 ABM 1SS RS LS3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Smallest State in the Union Posts: 7,615 View My Garage	After 5 months of storage last winter I had no flat spots and no thump thump thump. __________________ The Few, The Proud, The Aqua Blue Metallics 709 of 3903 New England Camaro5 . My Camaro Journal Heritage Grill, Cold Air Inductions Intake, Elite Engineering Catch Can, BMR 1" Lowering Springs, Sway Bars and End Links, Clear Image Jet Hot Ceramic Coated headers and High Flow Cats, Hurst Billet 2 Shifter, LSR Billet Strut Washers, DynoMax Axle Back Exhaust, JANNETTY MAGIC!

10-23-2010, 09:41 AM	#11
Mach Drives: White M6 1LT RS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 1,666	Modern tires are hard to flatspot unless in storage for a LONG time. 4 months wont hurt them. You def dont want to put the car on jack stands. Shocks and struts dont like that. __________________ Pfadt Sway Bars - FE3 Suspension - Barton Shifter - IdealG's Clutch Master Cylinder - Trifecta - Vmax TB - Vararam Intake - MACE 25mm Insulator - Plenum Insulator - Ported/Gasket Matched Intake Manifold - Rx Catchcan - AAC DRL's - 4 Pack Aux Gauges - Steering Controls - AAC Afterburners - DIY Led Sidemarkers - ZL1 Front End Next mod: Done!

10-23-2010, 08:51 AM	#7
UncleBenny Drives: 2009 G8 GT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New York Posts: 162	I parked my car in a friends backyard for about 5 months last winter, all I did was put plywood under all 4 tires so it didn't sink into the ground when the snow melted and everything was wet back there. I didn't have any noticeable issues when I took it back out in the spring. Does it really get that bad in NC that you need to park there car? Main reason I do it up here is because of the salt on the roads.

10-23-2010, 09:26 AM	#8
AlohaBR Drives: Camaros...is there anything else? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Great Lake State Posts: 858 View My Garage	Have never had an issue. Usually parked from Nov-March/April.

10-23-2010, 09:52 AM	#13
superstockcam Member Drives: a Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: here Posts: 932	Most tire manufacturers will advise you to inflate your tires 10-15 lbs over the maximum air pressure indicated on the tire to get them ready for storage. This helps prevent flat spots from forming. This over inflation is only for storage. When you're ready to hit the road make sure to bring the pressure back to normal. If you're going to be storing your car for over a year it's advisable to reduce the tire pressure below normal, or to remove the tires altogether and support your car on jack stands. This will relieve pressure from the wheel bearing and suspension. Your tires should also be stored in a dry cool place, and must be kept out of direct sunlight. What I have done for 30 years... __________________ .

10-23-2010, 10:06 AM	#14
Camaro Freak Drives: 2010 IOM 2LT 334HP Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NC Posts: 1,724	Thanks guys for all the replies. I hate driving my car around here once the salt trucks go out. But everyone has give me some good ideas. __________________

10-23-2010, 10:07 AM	#15
Lucky SOB Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 760	Your car will be fine, these tires have a stiff sidewall. Flat spots was a problem with the OLD bias ply tires __________________

10-23-2010, 11:37 AM	#17
zen Drives: 2011 CTS CPE & 2010 2LT/RS CGM Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 337	Flat spots are caused because the tires have Nylon belts. The Nylon takes a set when in one position for any length of time. Especially bad if parked when temps are warm and then drop down to lower degrees. Tires without Nylon belts normally don't have any problems.

10-23-2010, 12:18 PM	#18
pumpkinrancho COMPULSIVE CAMARO OWNER Drives: 13 ZL1,67 & 69 Camaros, 73 ta 455 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SE. WYO & Northern CO, W NEB Posts: 1,110 View My Garage	These pirellis flat spot very easily. I have noticed it in as little as 10 days. I have tried parking it on carpet and that didnt help. Looks like I will be ordering the foam things above. Very good idea. When is my turn for a good idea? Damn am I actually going to have to work until I retire..haha. The pirelli flatsspotting is actually mentioned in the Post about gm's 50 plus vibration cure. Have a good weekend. __________________

10-23-2010, 01:29 PM	#19
zen Drives: 2011 CTS CPE & 2010 2LT/RS CGM Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 337	Buy some closed cell (the white stuff) styrofoam 1 inch thick or 2 inch better. Cut 4 pcs 1 foot square. Drive up on the styrofoam and the tires will compress the foam and settle into the proper radius.

10-24-2010, 12:25 AM	#20
Cyber/Orange10 Drives: 2010 2SS 96 CE LT4, 90 Beretta Indy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wheaton,IL Posts: 118	Flat stoppers are $260 and a waste of money. Store our Corvette outside all winter, add 10-12 psi over normal and never had a problem. Old bias tires used to have this problem. Just my $.02.

10-24-2010, 01:05 PM	#21
jbp-ohio Drives: '11 IBM 1LT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 54	My brother has these for his '73 Cutlass Supreme. That way you avoid flat spots (modern radials are supposed to resist flat spots unless left for a long time) and can move car into the corner of the garage and maximize floor space..........

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