What Should You Do If You Flat Spot a Tyre?

Have you ever heard of the phrase "flat spot" in relation to tyres? You may need to investigate the subject if you're experiencing issues during your daily drive and feeling vibration or other strange sensations through the steering wheel. What should you know about this phenomenon, how is it caused and what should you do next?

Understanding the Flat Spot

A flat spot is a small section of the tyre that is badly worn in contrast to the area around it. It may be not visible during a routine inspection as it could be hidden out of sight, but you may certainly notice it when you begin to drive.

Temporary Problem

Flat spots can be triggered in several different ways. Sometimes, you may notice an issue if the vehicle has been parked in one position for a lengthy period of time. In this situation, the tyre may not have developed a conventional flat spot but may simply have moulded into a different shape instead. The tyres may have reacted to the temperature of the ground beneath, the ambient temperature of the air and the vehicle's weight above. Although you may certainly notice vibration and bumping when you drive away, this particular condition should rectify by itself.

Stressing

Do you have a habit of turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is not in motion? It's best to avoid this where possible, although some people tend to do this before they manoeuvre out of tight confines. You will create a great deal of friction on one particular area of the tyre that comes into contact with the surface, and this can sometimes create a flat spot instead.

Skidding

Perhaps you've had to conduct an emergency manoeuvre in recent times? You might have had to brake sharply to avoid something in the road, and in this case, you may have locked the brakes momentarily. When this happens, the wheel will come to a halt even though the vehicle will be moving forward. This can definitely cause a flat spot, as that section will wear down quickly in relation to the rest of the tyre.

Annoying Issues

If a flat spot is significant, it can certainly affect the way the car handles and even the onboard ride. You may notice a lot of vibration, and at higher speeds, the tyre may "bump" once per revolution, which can certainly be off-putting.

What to Do Next

Unfortunately, you will need to get the tyre changed if the flat spot is significant. Talk to your dealer, and they will have a close look at all your tyres and advise accordingly.