Can someone point me to the thread about the product that prevents tire flat spots? | FerrariChat
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Can someone point me to the thread about the product that prevents tire flat spots?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by 348SStb, Feb 16, 2006.

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  1. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
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    Apr 9, 2004
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    #1 348SStb, Feb 16, 2006
    Hi guys,

    I remember reading about some sort of product that will protect tires from acquiring "flat spots" if the car is allowed to sit for too long. However, I can't find anything in a search.

    Can anyone point me to the thread or the product?

    Thanks...
     
  2. Dopplemax

    Dopplemax Formula 3

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    #2 Dopplemax, Feb 16, 2006
    I think they're called "keys". JK ;)
     
  3. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
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    #3 348SStb, Feb 16, 2006
    That was clever. :D

    But nice try! And before others jump on that bandwagon, and for those who haven't seen my posts, my car probably ranks up there with the most NOT garage queen F-cars on this board! :cool:
     
  4. chris marsh

    chris marsh F1 Veteran
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    #4 chris marsh, Feb 16, 2006
    Funny, but just yesterday a freind who has a few hot rods said "Go to Lowe's and buy 4 small throw rugs and make sure they have rubber backing, put them under the tires and this will prevent flat spots". I have no idea if it is true.
     
  5. Dopplemax

    Dopplemax Formula 3

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    #5 Dopplemax, Feb 16, 2006
    :D You have to admit you asked for it!
     
  6. asn

    asn Rookie

    Nov 29, 2004
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    #6 asn, Feb 16, 2006
  7. 348SStb

    348SStb F1 Rookie
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    #7 348SStb, Feb 16, 2006
    Thanks.

    Does anyone have any experience using those cradles or comments about them or similar products?
     
  8. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

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    #8 don_xvi, Feb 16, 2006
    It sounds conter-intuitive, but the automaker I work at only recently discovered (!) that REDUCING your tire pressure will help prevent flatspots. Just drop your pressures (say into the 20s). We now ship some vehicles with the tires inflated to a minimum needed for safe operation and inflating the tires is a part of the dealer prep.
     
  9. dstacy

    dstacy F1 World Champ
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    #9 dstacy, Feb 16, 2006
    Is this guy kidding? (not you asn, but the guy at "tirecradle") $344 for a set of flat pieces of plastic? This is like selling a "pet rock".

    Flat spots are EASY to avoid; if storing for a long time place the car on jackstands and remove the tires so you don't stress the suspension. Shorter periods; just "bump" the car forward 1/2 foot every 4 or 5 days or jack it up and spin the tire just UNDER 1/4 of a turn.
     
  10. mgtr1990

    mgtr1990 Formula 3

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    #10 mgtr1990, Feb 16, 2006
  11. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    #11 Meister, Feb 16, 2006
    Go to Home Depot and get a 4'x8' sheet of 2" Pink foam insulation which is about $20. Cut it into some nice 2'x2' squares (enough for 2 sets of 4) and put the squares under the tires... jacking is prefered to driving onto the foam.

    This is an upgrade to the throw rug solution.
     
  12. mike

    mike Formula Junior

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    #12 mike, Feb 16, 2006
    My understanding is that flat spots are caused by, 1. sitting for a period of time, 2. hot tires, then parking for a period of time. In both situations on cold concrete/hard surfaces..

    If this is correct, why not use a dense foam rubber instead of the tire cradles?
     
  13. psmaia

    psmaia Karting

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    Paul Marchese
    #13 psmaia, Feb 16, 2006
    i design alot of large garages for guys with amazing car collections...they all use 18" round , 1/4" or 3/8" thick flat pieces of cork...even for museum quality stuff that practically never moves...works especially well on steel lifts...can be found at home depot...
     

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