Storage: The Physics of Foam Under Tires?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

Don't think it's a wives tale at all, fact is it's why Michelin claims to use the sport rib design. I do think foam is a waste of time, getting the car on stands for winter was even recommended in my 944 service bulletins, that's what I do every year.

In over thirty five years of storing multiple Porsche’s, fitted with everything from Bridgestone’s, Pirellis to Goodyear’s and Michelins; none of them ever had a problem sitting on the concrete floor of the shop for the winter. No foam, no levitation devices, nothing. And no prolonged flat spotting issues either. If your tire manufacture is telling you to park the car on foam to protect the tires, I’d suggest you need new tires from another manufacturer………………

[eightsandaces]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

In over thirty five years of storing multiple Porsche’s, fitted with everything from Bridgestone’s, Pirellis to Goodyear’s and Michelins; none of them ever had a problem sitting on the concrete floor of the shop for the winter. No foam, no levitation devices, nothing. And no prolonged flat spotting issues either. If your tire manufacture is telling you to park the car on foam to protect the tires, I’d suggest you need new tires from another manufacturer………………

It's pretty clear in my post I don't believe in the foam, guess you missed that. My friend works for Hyundai corporate and reports that cars sitting too long have had flat spot problems. To each his own, I have four mini jacks, to un-weight the tires is NBD.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

It's pretty clear in my post I don't believe in the foam, guess you missed that. My friend works for Hyundai corporate and reports that cars sitting too long have had flat spot problems. To each his own, I have four mini jacks, to un-weight the tires is NBD.

And your use of four jacks is exactly what a Porsche TSB describes as “improper storage conditions” where the suspension is “hanging” leading to “premature component failures”, along with denied warranty claims for the same……….. Let it sit on the floor, nothing bad is going to happen………….

[eightsandaces]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

And your use of four jacks is exactly what a Porsche TSB describes as “improper storage conditions” where the suspension is “hanging” leading to “premature component failures”, along with denied warranty claims for the same……….. Let it sit on the floor, nothing bad is going to happen………….

How is the suspension hanging when the tire is still skimming the floor? That small travel of unweighted spring and shock? Clearly we don't agree, that's fine, we don't need to e battle about it. The fiat is 38 years old and has not suffered under the same conditions.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

How is the suspension hanging when the tire is still skimming the floor? That small travel of unweighted spring and shock? Clearly we don't agree, that's fine, we don't need to e battle about it. The fiat is 38 years old and has not suffered under the same conditions.

Perhaps it doesn’t bother the Fiat, but it will bother the Porsche. With the suspension extended, two negative things occur: First, the shafts on the struts are extended, allowing them to corrode (they are not stainless, and do corrode if left extended) and collect dirt (aswill oiling them to prevent corrosion). When put back in service, the dirt and corrosion causes seal failures and requires the struts to be replaced (read $). Second, the suspension components, particularly the struts, were not designed to have the weight of the tires, brakes, wheels, etc. hanging from them for prolonged periods.

For some totally irrational reason, the “old wife’s tale” that tires will permanently flat spot if the you do not take the weight off them continues to persist, even though literally thousands of cars sit on hard surfaces without moving for months every year with absolutely no ill effects; resulting in the naïve spending their time an money on totally useless “fixes” for a non existent problem. If there ever was a fertile ground for marketers to create unnecessary products/fixes, this is definitely one of them.

Do whatever you want, but you are wasting your time……….

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

For some totally irrational reason, the “old wife’s tale” that tires will permanently flat spot if the you do not take the weight off them continues to persist, even though literally thousands of cars sit on hard surfaces without moving for months every year with absolutely no ill effects; resulting in the naïve spending their time an money on totally useless “fixes” for a non existent problem. If there ever was a fertile ground for marketers to create unnecessary products/fixes, this is definitely one of them.

Do whatever you want, but you are wasting your time……….

Ditto...

[eightsandaces]

Boys,

Far be it from me not to learn something new, also, it's easier just to park it. I do need to ask why Hyundai would be changing some tires on new vehicles which if memory serves sat at the port a long time, based on what you guys are saying that should never happen.

Let's move on, should the car be parked over a tarp if it's otherwise concrete below?