Winter Storage Tips?

[marsheng]

Originally Posted by Ciao

https://consumertire.com/blog/view/flat-spots-let-s-clear-up-some-myths-about-that

Marsheng,
You should reply to the link in the posting as it clears up some myths about flat spots. T

I should have included the article, but it is anecdotal. Has the rubber "flowed" into this new shape ? Has it been bent past its yield point ? What has actually physically happened to the rubber. Can it flow like glass does over 50 years ?

The only time I have seen flat spotting is when the car has stood for many years and the rubber has perished and the tire is no longer usable.

I am being a bit provoking here so we think outside the square, but I'm happy to be educated with the physical parameters of what actually happens.

[MWS]

Originally Posted by marsheng

I should have included the article, but it is anecdotal. Has the rubber "flowed" into this new shape ? Has it been bent past its yield point ? What has actually physically happened to the rubber. Can it flow like glass does over 50 years ?

The only time I have seen flat spotting is when the car has stood for many years and the rubber has perished and the tire is no longer usable.

I am being a bit provoking here so we think outside the square, but I'm happy to be educated with the physical parameters of what actually happens.

Well..sticking with the "outside the square" mentality, rubber IS an amorphous solid and therefore would (in theory) "flow" like glass....however modern tires are not primarily rubber (contains several other polymers) therefore I suppose the question then would be...would the total composition of a modern tire still be considered an amorphous solid, and if so, what properties does the new compound represent as compared to natural rubber?

My knee-jerk answer (based on no information whatsoever, lol) is that a modern tire would degrade in structure well before any actual transference of mass (ie permanent flat spot) would occur due to the compounded material and advancements in materials science...and additionally the competition between tire manufactures to create the "best" compounds.

As always, looking forward to being proven wrong.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by MWS

As always, looking forward to being proven wrong.

You look forward to proof that permanent flat spots are reality???
You must drive your car year round!

[marsheng]

Originally Posted by MWS

My knee-jerk answer (based on no information whatsoever, lol) is that a modern tire would degrade in structure well before any actual transference of mass (ie permanent flat spot) would occur due to the compounded material and advancements in materials science...and additionally the competition between tire manufactures to create the "best" compounds.

I agree, if any flowing occurred, tires would not last 50000 km or more than a few months.

I have a bike dyno and if I leave a bike tied tightly (with race slicks) to the frame over night , the next day the tire does have a flat spot. This takes just a few minutes to work out with no permanent damage.

Tires do contain oil which may be adding to the question on what happens.

See here https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/hybrid-electric/a7593/the-science-behind-yokohamas-orange-oil-tires-8146348/

Either way, you may have sticky short life tires that may flat spot or long lasting car tire that last for years.