I purchased a '99 XK8 with PZeros on it and I have a strong vibration starting at 40 mph up to about 70 where is seems to settle down. There aren't more then 5K on these tires. The problem I was told by a mechanic is the car sat for 2 years and the tires are now flat spotted. Has anyone had this issue and if so will driving it help round them out?

After having it at highway speed for a while they do get better but it doesn't totaly go away.

These tires are just about brand new and I was aware if this problem when I bought it but was hoping it would clear up. There is no sign of wear at all. I contacted NTB where they were installed and they were going to contact Pirelli to see if they would pro-rate them if needed.
-Craig

 

In addition to the flat spotting, two potential issues come to mind. One, since PZeros are low profiles, I would have the service folks check the truing of the wheels in case they may be bent. Two, the tires may need balancing.

My X-Type had the 18" wheels and were bent. That seemed to fix the vibrations.

Good luck!

 

The flat-spotting theory is plausible, IMHO, considering sitting for two years. Keeping the tires at 50psi during storage can help prevent flat-spotting. Not sure if they'll "round themselves out". I sorta doubt it but try and see, eh?

I agree that a damaged wheel (or tire) is a possibilty Low profile tires/wheels are more vulnerable to road injury (ask me how I know)

Cheers

 

You might get lucky but don't hold your breath. Flat-spotting from storage probably doesn't fall under the category of "warrantable factory defects".

If Pirelli says "yes" then I suspect your tire dealer may have...um...er...shaded the truth just a bit regarding the root source of the problem. Mum's the word.

Cheers
DD