Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information

Flat spots (from locking wheels)

In this manual: Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information
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Flat spots can result from an extreme brake application which causes the wheels to lock, so that the rubber is worn off at the contact patch between the tread and the road surface. As the tyres slide over the road surface, friction generates heat, which also reduces the wear resistance of the tread material. Not even a highly wear-resistant tread compound can prevent the flat spots caused by violent braking. Even ABS-controlled brake systems cannot prevent brief locking of the wheels, and thus, minor flat spots. The degree of such wear depends largely on the vehicle speed, the road surface and the load placed on the wheel. The following examples should make this clear. If a vehicle is braked to a standstill on a dry surface with the wheels locked, the amount of rubber worn from the tyre will cover an area the size of a postcard and will have a thickness of:

up to 2.0 mm from a speed of 57 km/h

up to 3.3 mm from a speed of 75 km/h

up to 4.8 mm from a speed of 92 km/h

Flat spots in tread

Tyres with such damage must no longer be used and must be renewed.
Flat spots (from locking wheels)

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