Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Running gear, axles, steering

Determining flat spots on tyres

In this manual: Running gear, axles, steering
General body repairs, exterior — 230General body repairs, interior — 279General information, paint — 133Vechile- specific paint information — 27Heating, air conditioning — 156Auxiliary heater — 58Air conditioning system with refrigerant R134a — 1297- speed dual clutch gearbox 0CW — 544- cylinder injection engine(1.4 1 direct inction. turbocharger) — 182Fuel supply system - Petrol engines — 59Running gear, axles, steering — 221Brake system — 92Wheels and Tyres guide — 12Guide for using trailers — 11Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information — 121Brake system (hybrid) — 73Electrical system — 326Communication — 65Electrical system, general information — 111
~2min read

What is a flat spot?

The terms flat area and flats are also used for the term flat spot.

Flat spots caused by storage or handling also cause vibration in the same way as incorrectly balanced wheels do. It is important that flat spots on the running surface of the tyre are identified as such. Flat spots caused by storage or handling cannot be balanced and they can reoccur at any time due to various circumstances. Flat spots caused by storage or handling can be eliminated without complicated special tools. This does not apply to flat spots caused by hard braking. Note Flat spots caused by hard braking cannot be repaired. Such tyres must be renewed.

Reasons for flat spots caused by storage or handling:

The vehicle has been left standing in one place without being moved for several weeks.

The tyre pressure is too low.

The vehicle was placed in a paint shop drying booth after being painted.

The vehicle was parked with warm tyres in a cool garage or similar for a long period of time. In this case, a standing flat spot may even occur overnight.

Eliminating flat spots caused by storage or handling

Flat spots caused by storage or handling cannot be eliminated from the tyre using workshop equipment. Flat spots caused by storage or handling can be removed only by running the tyres warm.

The method described below is not recommended in cold and wintry weather.

Requirements and conditions:

  • If necessary, check tyre pressure and correct.
  • If possible, drive the vehicle onto a motorway.
  • Traffic and road conditions permitting, drive a 20 to 30 kilometre stretch at a speed of 120 to 150 km/h.
WARNING

Do not endanger yourself or other road users during this road test.

Observe the highway code and speed limitations in force when performing the road test.
  • Jack up the vehicle immediately after the trip.
  • Unbolt wheels from vehicle.
  • Balancing wheels on stationary wheel balancer → Chapter.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.