Brake Skid/ Flat Spot Wear

Appearance

What's Happening
The tire slid across the road surface, scuffing away the tread in one area. This generally happens as a result of brakes locking up due to brake malfunction or the driver aggressively applying the brakes in an emergency situation. Flat spotting can also occur if the tire sat in oil, fuel or chemicals.

Probable Causes
- brake lock due to malfunction or unbalanced brake system
- aggressive brake application
- tire sitting in oil, fuel or chemicals

Corrective Action
Look for scratches and directional abrasion in and near the flat spot. If you find them, the flat spot is due to brake lock. You will find similar abrasion on the mated dual. Check the dual tires on the opposite end of the axle. If they don't have similar flat spots, only one brake locked, indicating a single brake problem. Correct the brake problem.

If you find softened or discoloured rubber adjacent to the flat spot, chances are the tire sat in oil, fuel or chemicals. Avoid allowing tires to sit in such materials.

What to do with the tire
Tire must be removed from service. If a tire with a flat spot is mated with a normal tire, the normal tire will also develop a flat spot. Your Kal Tire dealer may be able to repair the damage or retread the tie. If damage is deeper than the top of the belt package, the tire must be scrapped.

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