E-Z Tires Sales & Service Blog
Understanding Flat Spots on Tires: Causes and Solutions
E-Z Tires • 23 January 2025
Flat spots on tires can be a frustrating discovery for drivers. They often affect ride comfort, handling, and the overall lifespan of your tires. Here’s a look at the common causes of flat spots, whether they require tire replacement, and how to prevent them.
What Are Flat Spots on Tires?
Flat spots occur when a section of the tire becomes uneven or slightly flattened. This results in a bumpy or uneven ride, noticeable especially when driving at lower speeds. The severity of flat spots can range from minor (temporary) to significant (permanent), depending on the cause.
Common Causes of Flat Spots
1. Prolonged Parking
Leaving your car stationary for an extended period, particularly in cold weather or on hard surfaces, can lead to flat spots. When the weight of the vehicle compresses the same section of the tire for a long time, the tire's rubber and internal structure may deform slightly.
2. Sudden Braking
Hard or emergency braking can cause the tires to lock up, creating excessive friction between the tire and the road surface. This can wear down a specific area of the tire, resulting in a flat spot.
3. Underinflated Tires
Driving on underinflated tires increases the risk of uneven wear. Underinflation causes more of the tire to make contact with the road, making it more susceptible to flat spots, especially during sudden stops or while parked for extended periods.
Do Flat Spots Mean You Need New Tires?
The need to replace your tires depends on the type and severity of the flat spot:
- Temporary Flat Spots: If caused by prolonged parking or a brief period of underinflation, the flat spot may resolve itself after driving for a while. As the tire heats up during driving, it regains its shape.
- Permanent Flat Spots: If the flat spot is due to excessive wear from hard braking or advanced tire aging, it may not go away. In such cases, you’ll likely need to replace the tire, especially if the wear compromises safety or performance.
A professional inspection can help determine whether a flat spot is reversible or requires replacement.
Preventing Flat Spots
- Drive Regularly: Avoid leaving your car parked for weeks or months.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Regularly check and adjust your tire pressure to the manufacturer's recommended levels.
- Avoid Hard Braking: Practice smooth and gradual braking to prevent locking up the tires.
Mobile Tire Services in Cypress, CA
For
mobile tire services in Cypress and the surrounding area, contact E-Z Tires at
562-232-9423. Keep it convenient by having us come to you for mobile tire services in Cypress!
A tire blowout is one of the most dangerous situations a semi-truck driver can face on the road. When a tire suddenly fails, it can lead to loss of control, accidents, and costly delays. Understanding why blowouts happen can help truckers and fleet managers take preventive measures. But if your big rig does suffer a tire blowout, you’ll want assistance to arrive ASAP. At E-Z Tires, we provide mobile semi truck tire services in the greater Cypress, CA area. Here are four common reasons that semi-truck tires blow out. Underinflation and Overinflation Proper tire pressure is essential for safe and efficient driving. When tires are underinflated, they create excessive heat due to increased friction with the road, which weakens the rubber and can lead to a blowout. Overinflation, on the other hand, makes tires more rigid and susceptible to damage from road debris or potholes. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure helps ensure even wear and reduces the risk of sudden failure. Overloading the Truck Semi-trucks are built to handle heavy loads, but exceeding the recommended weight limits puts enormous strain on the tires. Overloaded trucks cause tires to flex beyond their design limits, leading to overheating and eventual failure. Even if the tires are properly inflated, excess weight accelerates wear and increases the chances of a blowout. Ensuring that cargo is within proper weight limits is crucial to preventing blowouts from occurring. Road Hazards and Debris Truck drivers encounter all kinds of road hazards, from potholes and sharp debris to uneven pavement. Running over sharp objects can cause slow leaks or immediate blowouts. Even if a puncture doesn't result in an instant failure, unnoticed damage can weaken the tire structure over time. It’s important for drivers to remain vigilant for road hazards and conduct routine inspections to detect potential issues before they become serious. Worn-Out or Aged Tires Tires have a limited lifespan, even if they appear to be in decent condition. Over time, rubber degrades. Tread wear also reduces traction, making tires more vulnerable to blowouts. Driving on old or excessively worn tires increases the risk of sudden failure, especially in high-temperature conditions. Regularly inspecting tread depth and replacing aging tires before they fail is essential for safety. Mobile Semi Truck Tire Services in Cypress, CA For mobile semi truck tire services in Cypress, CA and the surrounding area, contact E-Z Tires at 562-232-9423 . Our local mobile tire service is available 24/7 to get you back on the road!
Keeping your vehicle’s tires in good condition is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. One of the most important tire maintenance tasks is regular rotation. By rotating your tires at the recommended intervals, you can improve your car’s handling and extend the lifespan of your tires. At E-Z Tires, we provide expert mobile tire rotation in the greater Cypress, CA area. Here are four reasons why regular tire rotation should be a part of your routine maintenance. Promotes Even Tread Wear Tires don’t wear at the same rate due to differences in weight distribution and driving habits. By rotating your tires regularly, you distribute the wear more evenly across all four tires. This helps prevent premature bald spots, enhances grip on the road, and helps ensure that your tires wear down at a consistent rate, which ultimately leads to a smoother driving experience. Extends Tire Lifespan Replacing a full set of tires can be expensive, so maximizing their lifespan is a smart financial move. Uneven wear can cause some tires to deteriorate faster than others, forcing you to replace them sooner than expected. Rotating your tires at regular intervals prevents excessive wear on any single tire and helps maintain their overall integrity, reducing the frequency of tire replacements. Improves Vehicle Handling and Safety Properly rotated tires contribute to balanced traction and stability, which are crucial for safe driving. When tires wear unevenly, they may not grip the road properly, especially in wet or icy conditions. This can lead to poor handling and a higher risk of accidents. By rotating your tires regularly, you help ensure that your vehicle responds predictably in different driving situations, giving you greater control and peace of mind on the road. Enhances Fuel-Efficiency Unevenly worn tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. If your tires are rotated routinely and maintain even tread depth, they roll more smoothly and efficiently. This reduces strain on the engine and improves overall fuel economy. Mobile Tire Rotation in Cypress, CA For mobile tire services in Cypress and the surrounding area, contact E-Z Tires at 562-232-9423 . Keep it convenient by having us come to you for mobile tire services in greater Cypress, CA!
In the construction industry, the performance and efficiency of your equipment can make or break a project. One important decision is whether to rely on vehicles with rubber tracks or traditional metal tracks. While metal tracks have long been common for heavy machinery, rubber tracks have gained popularity for their adaptability and modern benefits. At E-Z Tires, we provide construction vehicle track sales and installation in the greater Cypress, CA area. Here are four reasons to consider rubber tracks for your construction vehicles. Superior Versatility on Multiple Surfaces Rubber tracks excel in versatility, allowing construction vehicles to navigate a wide range of surfaces with ease. Whether you’re working on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or soft soil, rubber tracks provide excellent traction and stability. Unlike metal tracks, which can damage delicate surfaces, rubber tracks are gentle on various terrains, making them an ideal choice for projects that require movement between different types of job sites. Reduced Noise and Vibration One of the most noticeable advantages of rubber tracks is their ability to reduce noise and vibration during operation. Metal tracks tend to be loud and can create uncomfortable vibrations for operators. Rubber tracks, however, absorb much of the vibration and operate more quietly. This also makes rubber tracks a better option for construction sites in noise-sensitive areas such as residential neighborhoods. Minimized Ground Damage Preserving the condition of the ground is a critical factor on many construction sites, particularly those involving landscaping or sensitive environments. Rubber tracks distribute the weight of the vehicle more evenly than metal tracks, which reduces soil compaction and helps prevent damage to surfaces like turf and pavement. Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs Rubber tracks typically require less maintenance than metal tracks, which are prone to issues such as link wear, breakage, and corrosion. Rubber tracks are designed to withstand harsh conditions and are less likely to experience the frequent repairs that metal tracks require. Over time, the reduced maintenance and repair needs can lead to substantial cost savings for your business. Construction Vehicle Track Sales & Installation in Cypress, CA For construction vehicle track sales and installation in Cypress and the surrounding area, contact E-Z Tires at 562-232-9423 . Feel free to give us a call to ask any questions about our construction vehicle track services!
Experiencing a tire blowout on the road can be alarming and dangerous. With proper care and a few preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a blowout. But if one of your tires does blow out and you need roadside tire replacement, our team at EZ Tires can help you out. Here are five tips for preventing tire blowouts. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Underinflated or overinflated tires are one of the main causes of blowouts. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips. Use a reliable tire gauge, and ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Check Tire Tread Regularly Tires with worn-down treads are more susceptible to blowouts because they have less grip on the road and are more likely to be punctured. At 4/32”, consider replacing tires. If you get down to near 2/32”, replacement is needed ASAP. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle Tires have a load-carrying capacity, and exceeding it can lead to excessive stress on them. Check the load rating of your tires, and avoid overloading your vehicle. Carrying too much weight strains the tires, increasing the chance of a blowout. Avoid Road Hazards When Possible Potholes, debris, and rough roads can severely damage tires, leading to blowouts. While it’s not always possible to avoid every hazard, staying vigilant can help you avoid many. If you can’t avoid a pothole or other obstacle, slow down as much as possible. If you hit something substantial, check your tires for signs of damage, such as cuts or sidewall wear, which can weaken the tire and increase the risk of a blowout. Rotate Tires Regularly Routine tire rotation is crucial for even wear and longevity. Typically, rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is recommended, though your manual may suggest a different interval. This maintenance step helps ensure that all tires wear evenly, reducing strain on any one tire that could lead to a blowout. Mobile Tire Replacement in Cypress, CA If one of your tires blows out and you need mobile tire replacement in Cypress, CA or the surrounding area, contact E-Z Tires at 562-232-9423 . Our local mobile tire service is available 24/7 to get you back on the road!
Commercial vehicles operate under tough conditions, so maintaining proper tire health is critical for safety and efficiency. Over time, even the most durable commercial tires wear out, and knowing when to replace them is key to preventing accidents, breakdowns, and costly downtime. At E-Z Tires, a mobile tire company near LA, we help you stay on top of tire care, but it’s also important to know how to spot the signs that it’s time for new commercial tires. Below, we’ll cover the key indicators, including tread depth, tire damage, and uneven wear. How to Test Tread Depth Tread depth plays a crucial role in vehicle safety, especially for commercial vehicles that handle heavy loads. The legal minimum tread depth is 4/32 of an inch for steer tires and 2/32 for other tires. You can check tread depth using a tire gauge or the penny test: place a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, your tread is worn, and you should replace the tire. Visible Tire Damage Commercial tires endure tough conditions, which can lead to visible sidewall damage, such as cuts, cracks, or bulges. If you spot any of these, it’s time for a replacement, as damaged tires are at risk of blowouts. Uneven Tire Wear Uneven tread wear is often caused by improper inflation, misalignment, or suspension issues. If your tires show signs of uneven wear, they may need replacement. Regular inspections and tire rotations can help prevent this. Frequent Air Loss If you find yourself constantly refilling a tire, it could indicate a slow leak or internal damage. Frequent air loss is a sign the tire may need to be repaired or replaced to maintain vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. Tire Age Even if your tires look fine, they should be replaced after about six years. Over time, rubber deteriorates, which can cause cracks and weak spots, making older tires unsafe. E-Z Tires provides convenient mobile tire services in LA, Cypress and across Southern California, ensuring your fleet stays operational. Whether you need a tire replacement, repair, or inspection, we come to you. Give our LA tire company a call at 562-232-9423 to learn more about our services or to request a quote for the cost of new commercial tires in LA County, Orange County or Riverside County, California.
