There are some common reasons that can cause flat-spotted tyres and some symptoms to look out for if you think your Cheap Tyres Rugby could be at risk of damage. 

In this blog post, we are going to discuss what tyre flat-spotting is, what causes it, and what to do if you have a flat spot on your tyre. If you are interested in knowing more about flat-spotting tyres, then keep reading.

What is Flat-Spotting on Tyres?

The main reason for flat-spotting is when a flat and rigid path develops where the rubber of your tyre meets the ground below it. 

When you park your vehicle for an extended period, your car’s weight and pressure bear down on the same contact patch continuously, which causes flat spots to occur after parking your vehicle for a long time. 

When tyre flat-spotting happens, it can compromise the tyre's integrity, making an entire area worn and uneven.

What Are The Symptoms of Flat-spotting?

We have mentioned a quick checklist that helps you look out for any signs of flat-spotted tyres.

Visible Flat Spots

If you have flat spots in your tyres, you can easily see them, especially if the car has been parked for extended periods. Unlike a deflated tyre that has been punctured, the flat spot in a flat-spotted tyre remains in the same place as the tyre rotates. 

Sometimes tyre flat spots won’t always be visible, in which case you should check the tyre treads side-by-side and compare them to each other to identify unusual wear patterns. If you have left your vehicle parked for a longer period of time, it is better to get help from a professional to look at your tyres.

Vibrations

The major red flag of tyre spotting is when you feel a vibration while driving your vehicle. Depending on your speed, you may feel the tyres shimmy fast or slowly as you drive. But a vibrating sensation in your car can be a symptom of a variety of problems. 

Thumping

When you drive your vehicle, you may notice a bumping noise due to a flat spot in your tyre. As the flat spot comes into contact with the road surface, it may create a rhythmic thumping sound. Like vibrating, thumping can be assigned to different car problems, so it’s better to get expert help before deciding what the problem is in your vehicle. 

Difficulty Steering

Flat spotting is a type of uneven wear that may cause your tyres to become imbalanced. On a flat spotting tyre, you may face difficulty manoeuvring your steering wheel while driving under specific conditions, like when the tyres are cold in the morning or when driving at higher speed. 

What are The Common Reasons Flat Spots Appear on Tyres?

Parking Your Car Too Long

The most common reason a tyre gets flat spots is when you park your vehicle for a longer time. If you are wondering how long you should park your vehicle before tyres get flat spots, trust me, the answer may surprise you. Parking your car for as little as one month may be sufficient to develop tyre spotting. 

If you are planning on parking your car for weeks or months, carefully prepare your vehicle for storage to help stop flat-spotting and maintain vehicle performance. 

Cold Weather May Result in Flat-Spotting

Usually, tyre flat spotting occurs more in cold temperatures or when the temperature changes from high to low. Low temperatures also cause a drop in air pressure, which may result in low tyre pressure. When the tyre pressure is low, especially in parked vehicles, it can make tyres more susceptible to flat-spotting. 

You should check your tyre pressure at least once a month so that you can maintain your tyre's lifespan. During winter months, check your tyres once every week because tyres tend to lose air in cold temperatures. 

Applying Hard Brakes

Applying hard and sudden braking can result in flat-spotting tyres. When you hit the brakes hard enough to skid across the road, the friction from the tyre's contact with the road can wear down tyre treads. 

How To Prevent Tyres from Flat-Spotting?

If you are planning to store your vehicle for longer than a month, you may want to take some tyre flat-spot prevention measures:

Inflate your tyres according to the manufacturer-recommended levels, and check the air pressure once a month and once a week during winter months.

Try to drive your car every couple of weeks if you plan on parking it for months to maintain the tyres’ integrity and stop them from wearing.

Take the weight off of your tyres by carefully putting the vehicle on the block or jack stands.

What to Do If You Identify a Flat Spot?

Flat spots on your tyres can reduce the performance and safety of your vehicle. If you notice any vibrating, thumping, or a loss in steering capacity, visit your nearest garage to have an auto technician diagnose the issue with your Bridgestone Tyres Rugby. So that they can identify the problem and give you the suggestions you need to make a repair decision for your vehicle.