Tires & wheels

Tire developed a flat spot from sitting parked

Tires can develop a temporary flat spot from sitting in one position for a long time, especially in cold weather, causing a thump until it works itself out or if it's permanent.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15–30 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$100–$250 if replacement needed

Symptoms

  • Thumping noise for the first few minutes of driving after the car sat for days or weeks
  • Thump smooths out after driving a short distance
  • Car was parked for an extended period, especially in cold weather

Likely causes

  • CommonTemporary flat spot from prolonged parkingTire rubber can temporarily conform to a flat contact patch when parked for days, especially in cold weather; this usually rounds back out after driving.
  • PossiblePermanent flat spot from very long-term parking or underinflation while parkedExtended storage (weeks to months) at low pressure can cause a flat spot that doesn't fully recover.

What to do

  1. Check tire pressure before driving, since low pressure while parked makes flat-spotting worse.
  2. Drive the car gently for 10–15 minutes and see if the thump smooths out as the tire warms and rounds back out.
  3. If the thump persists well beyond a short drive, the flat spot may be permanent.
  4. For vehicles parked long-term (weeks or more), keep tires properly inflated and consider moving the car periodically to prevent flat spots.
  5. Have a tire shop assess the tire if the thump doesn't go away after normal driving, since a permanent flat spot may need tire replacement.

Tools and parts

  • Tire pressure gauge
Replacement tire if flat spot is permanentSearch: “tire size for [your car model]”

When to call a pro

If the thump doesn't resolve after a reasonable drive, a tire shop can confirm whether the flat spot is permanent and needs replacement.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.