Hi - I recently bought a Eunos import that has sat in dry storage for up to 5 years. It vibrates at several speeds, and I am wondering if this could be caused by flat spots on the tyres from sitting sround without moving for so long? Or is it more likely to be wheel balancing? But once a wheel is balanced, doesn't it stay balanced? All the weights are still on there, and the tyres are Dunlops with good tread.
Any suggestions appreicated. Thanks.
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Dry storage for five years may I suggest the tyres are scrap take it to a good tyre dealer and have checked out on the machine..
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Jack it up and spin the wheels, there will be a flat spot at the point where it had been recently resting and an additional spot where it had been standing for 5 years. Compare the tyre top by eye by line it up with
a mark on the shocks when spinning it sometimes will show major flat spots.
If the rubber has oxidised then there is nothing you can do. However I have had a spare new tyre in a car, wrapped in an near air tight black plastic bag for 6 years and when I have put it on the car once or twice for punctures, it has been fine.
I think HJ has some advice on this site on storing cars for long periods.
Are they any tiny, small cracks in the tyres?
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Best bin them after 5 years standing. I wouldn't be happy !
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Many caravanners replace their tyres every 4-5 years - not because the tread is worn but rather because the tyres become more likely to blow out or puncture. I'd definately not like to drive around on tyres that old and would replace them.
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My advice is also to change the tyres regardless. It is not unknown for an unused but older spare to suffer internal failure and tread distortion if put onto the car after many years in a cradle. My theory is that the cradle itself squeezes the tyre in one position for a long time and then once flexed by running the cords fail.
Similarly this could happen with the standing time flat spots you seem to have.
DW
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I bought a BMW 320i that had sat for 6 months and had real problems with vibration. Jacking up the car and spinning the wheels showed flat spots but even the slightest flat spot, not necessarily visible to the naked eye could cause wobble and/or vibration. I changed all four tyres (at a high cost....ouch!) and all was well.
I agree with earlier posts that tyres that havent moved for five years are scrap, even if they felt ok I would bin them as your life could depend on your tyres.........................................
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Thanks for all the advice. I am going to take it!
Jeremy
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