TorqueChap

Due to winter storage, frequent travel overseas, etc. my 993TT is often sitting for extended periods. Having just replaced all four tires, I'd love to get the community's thoughts on the best way to avoid flat spotting tires.

One option is FlatStoppers (http://www.raceramps.com/flatstoppers.aspx) or a similar device that cradles the wheels in a curve to retain the tires natural shape.

Another option is to put the car up on jacks, at least for longer stretches like winter storage.

So.... what's the best way to avoid flat spotting both for short- as well as long-term storage durations?

Thanks much!

ronnie993tt

I store my cars for at least 4 months over the winter with two 2" interlocking foam floor tiles under each tire. No need to pump up the pressure or anything. Never had a flat spot.

TorqueChap

Thanks for the info, Ronnie993tt! I had been double folding insulation bought from Home Depot but didn't know if the FlatStoppers, et al had added benefit besides durability. Are you talking about standard gym foam tiles that are 2'x2' and about 1/2" thick?

96_993TT

I use flatstoppers. They work great! Don't put the car on jacks for extended periods of time. Everything I've read regarding storage says it's bad for your shocks.

No HTwo O

I've been hibernating (4-6 months) my Porsches very successfully the past +5 years. I have a whole regiment.

Regarding your question and flatspotting:

1) Inflate the tires to 55-58 PSI (I use nitrogen)
2) I park on dense rubber floor tiles (the kind you'd see in a gym's weight room, bought at Home Depot)
3) I hand roll the car, 6-12 inches, the first Saturday of each month, then increase the interval to weekly the last month of hibernation. Don't park the car in gear or with the e-brake set.

Come spring time, I bleed the extra air, and go for a 300-400 miles drive to get fresh gas. The cars are always silky smooth. For most modern day tires, the flatspotting issue is extremely reversible, with one good heat cycle of the tires.

Never store a Porsche with an unsprung suspension. Doing so exposes critical suspension parts to air & moisture. The main key/take-away, is the over inflation of the tires. It's in your Owner's Manual too

It's a non issue, really.

Turbodan

have heard the don't store it on a 2 post lift but have spoken to many that have and their suspension was not affected. I inflate to 50 and use foam mats as well.

TorqueChap

Thank you ALL for the excellent feedback! Very much obliged!

DM993tt

The real cause of flat spotting is locking up brakes w/o antilock brakes. I've never had a problem leaving the car extended periods of time and flat spotting.

Tire Rack says the condition really only lasts while the tire is being warmed up then goes back to normal.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=42

ronnie993tt

Yup. 2 under each tire and you don't need to do anything else.

Fred@ReverseLogic

Reverse Logic is a Race Ramps reseller. We had the factory make some wedges that fit into the Flatstoppers cradles. The wedges extend the functionality of the Flatstoppers.

With the wedges in place, the Flatstoppers are similar to the Race Ramps low profile Trak-Jax or the Roll-Ups ramps used to raise the rear of the car when using the service ramps in the front of the car.

We have 10 pairs of wedges which we are making available free of charge to anyone who purchases a set of Flatstoppers from the Reverse Logic website. You can request a pair of wedges via e-mail when you place an order. We have not decided whether or not we will add the wedges to our permanent product offering. In exchange for the free wedges we are asking that you share your feedback about the product on the forum.

s4for5

I have three vehicles I put away for the winter
any discounts on multiple purchases or how about a Rennlist group buy price?

sfbanchs

there is actually a section in the owner's manual regarding storage and flat spotting...

ronnie993tt

Waste of money. $15 worth of foam pads per vehicle will do the job and last indefinitely.

amfp

I've used layers of carpet and 10+ inflation for many years without any issues. However, do try driving the car once a month if roads are clean.

TTLATION

yep. Old car mats under each tire. Inflate to 50 lbs. Works like a charm not to mention very cost effective.