Running gear, axles, steering · Wheels, tyres, vehicle geometry · Vibration due to wheels/tyres – causes and rectification

Determining flat spots on tyres

What is a flat spot?

The terms flat area and flats are also used for the term flat spot.

Flat spots caused by storage or handling also cause vibration in the same way as incorrectly balanced wheels do. It is important that flat spots on the tread are identified as such.

Flat spots caused by storage or handling cannot be balanced and they can reoccur at any time due to various circumstances. Flat spots caused by storage or handling can be eliminated without complicated special tools. Assuming it is not a flat spot caused by full braking ⇒ Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information; Rep. gr. 44; Rolling noises due to tyres, locked-brake flat spots.

Reasons for flat spots caused by storage or handling:

  • The vehicle has been left standing in one place without being moved for several weeks.
  • The tyre pressure is too low.
  • The vehicle was placed in a paint shop drying booth after being painted.
  • The vehicle was parked with warm tyres in a cool garage or similar for a long period of time. In this case, a standing flat spot may even occur overnight.

Eliminating flat spots caused by storage or handling

  • Flat spots caused by storage or handling cannot be eliminated from the tyre using workshop equipment.
  • Flat spots caused by storage or handling can be removed only by running the tyres warm.
  • The method described below is not recommended in cold and wintry weather.

Requirements and conditions:

  • If necessary, check tyre pressure and correct.
  • If possible, drive the vehicle onto a motorway.
  • Traffic and road conditions permitting, drive a 20 to 30 km stretch at a speed of 120 to 150 km/h (where legally permissible).