Avoiding Flat Spots

[opensesame]

I currently have my stang parked in my garage with a car cover and battery tender. This is the first time I've had two cars and just learning about storing the car for the winter. Someone mentioned that if I do not move the car the tires will create flat spots. How often should I move the car to avoid this? Its been 2 weeks since I last moved her. I do not have the hardware to lift her off her wheels.

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[Coaster]

Just flip it over, saves space too.

 

[BONESTOCK]

They don't get flat spots unless to are running slicks. But if you are worried just push the car forward 6 inches and then a week later push it back 6 inches. me? It's fine for the 4 months it sits. Never had an issue.

 

[opensesame]

They don't get flat spots unless to are running slicks. But if you are worried just push the car forward 6 inches and then a week later push it back 6 inches. me? It's fine for the 4 months it sits. Never had an issue.

Not enough room to push it around 6". Will have to drive it around the block on a warm day (above freezing)


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[SVTFreak]

Drive it. That'll avoid flat spots.

 

[dgc333]

My Barracuda sits every winter and has for the past 17 years that I have owned it. The tires have never flat spotted

 

[tsunami]

Non-radial tires used to develop flat spots if left sitting to long. None of my radials have ever had flat spots from sitting to long. However, I don't like tires to sit too long in the same position. With a Mustang, you have about 800-900 pounds of weight pressing down on each tire sidewall, even if the tires are slightly over-inflated.
My 2010 GT sits on jack-pads for about six months each year (Minnesota...ice, salt, sand!) That way, there is no compression on the sidewalls at all. I also spin the tires a couple of times each winter. My dad suggested this years ago, keeps the axle grease spread out.

 

[badass03ragtop]

Use four jack stands and let 'em hang.

When my '03 sits for several weeks, the tires will develop "flat spots," but they are not the tire ruining ones of bias plies past. In fact, drive it enough to bring the air in the tires up to normal temps and the condition is gone.

 

[opensesame]

Drive it. That'll avoid flat spots.

Would love to drive it. I'm in Canada and my mustang has summer tires. The wether is way below freezing. To dangerous to drive it.


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[Swoope]

Would love to drive it. I'm in Canada and my mustang has summer tires. The wether is way below freezing. To dangerous to drive it.


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dont worry about it. when you take it out of storage the tire will vibrate a bit. once they warm up all will be fine again..

beers

 

[turtleboy]

I usually add extra air pressure if I know its going to sit. Worked for me.

 

[tsunami]

Long term storage on bare ground or concrete...

If you plan on storing your car for long periods of time, you should try to prevent the tires from sitting on 'non-sealed' concrete or bare ground. Concrete can literally wick ground moisture up to your tires. Over time, the tires can absorb moisture which can cause the elasticity of the tire to become more stiff and brittle, which in turn can cause cracking of the side walls. If I can't jack-stand my car up for storage I place water-proof vinyl strips under the wheels, to block any moisture from coming up from the concrete. All rubber tires should be protected from long-term contact with untreated concrete or bare ground.

 

[njarmstrong]

Don't put it on jack stands, this will put strain on your suspension. If you are really keen you could get these:

http://www.raceramps.com/10inch-flatstoppers.aspx

Honestly, unless you are storing for more than a year at a time, only a few months, don't worry about it. I agree on the unsealed concrete comment however, next year perhaps some race deck flooring or epoxy coating on the floor.

 

[RobHunt]

Try wheel dollies, keeps shape of wheels and allows you to roll the car about. I have these, allows me to push the car right to the edge of the garage leaving more usable space.

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[KilluminatiDre]

I've had a car sit in one spot for 6 months without moving and did't get flat spots.

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