Tire Flat Spotting

Flat spotting occurs when a section of the tire's tread develops a flat area rather than maintaining its round profile. There are two main types: temporary (soft) flat spotting, where the tire deforms slightly from sitting in one position under load—very common after winter storage or long periods of parking—and hard flat spotting (semi-permanent), caused by ABS or locked-wheel braking that generates a flat worn spot on the tread during an emergency stop, or by storage in extreme conditions (overinflated, in heat).

Temporary flat spotting almost always resolves within 15–20 minutes of driving at highway speeds. As the tires rotate and warm up, the rubber relaxes and returns to its round profile. If vibration persists beyond 20–30 minutes of normal highway driving, the flat spotting may be semi-permanent and should be inspected. Hard flat spots from emergency braking do not go away—the rubber has been physically removed or deformed permanently, and tire replacement is required.

• Store unmounted tires standing upright (not stacked or hung) to avoid deformation.

• Store mounted tires hanging or stacked horizontally—never standing upright on the rim under load.

• If storing a vehicle long-term with tires on, place the car on jack stands to relieve weight from the tires.

• Keep tires at the correct inflation pressure during storage—not overinflated.

• Store away from heat sources, sunlight, and ozone generators (electric motors).

• Avoid chemical exposure (oils, solvents) that can degrade rubber.

Almost certainly yes. This is one of the most common and recognizable tire symptoms: a thumping or vibration that appears on startup and fades within 5–15 minutes of driving. It's caused by the tires sitting in contact with the ground overnight, developing a slight flat at the contact patch. In cold weather, it's more pronounced because the rubber is stiffer. This is normal and self-resolving—it does not indicate a defective tire. If the vibration doesn't resolve or worsens, have the tires inspected.

No. Michelin explicitly advises against overinflating to prevent flat spotting—it can actually make the condition worse in some storage scenarios. The correct approach is to maintain placard pressure and follow proper storage procedures. Theoretically, tire cradles (curved supports that match the tire's profile) could help during storage, but Michelin has not verified their effectiveness in practice. The most reliable prevention is to store tires properly (off the vehicle, at correct pressure, in a controlled environment) and rotate them regularly during the driving season.