Tires - Flat-Spotting After Extended Park, Vibration

NO.:
92-T-31

DATE:
June, 1992

GROUP:
Chassis

CORP. NO.:
283001



SUBJECT:
Information on Tire Flat-Spotting

MODELS
AFFECTED:
All Saturns

CONDITION:
Some customers may comment on vehicle vibrations at highway speeds of 72-85 Km/h (45-55 mph). This vibration is apparent after the vehicle has been parked and disappears while driving.

CAUSE:
The vehicle's vibration may be caused by "Tire Flat - Spotting." Tire flat-spotting is a temporary condition caused by the rubber in the tire, and other internal components, flattening out during extended parking (usually 24 hours or greater). Flat-spotting can occur on one or more of the vehicle's tires.

Most standard automotive tires will flat-spot under the above conditions. The degree of the flat-spotting and subsequent vehicle vibration varies depending on tire design, road surface, temperature, etc.


Driving the vehicle eliminates the flat-spot. However, the number of miles required to eliminate the flat-spot is dependent on the length of time the vehicle was parked under the above conditions and the ambient temperature during driving.


NOTE:
Balancing tires will not eliminate the vibration caused by tire flat-spotting.