Can a Bulging Tire Still Be Used?
2 Answers
A bulging tire cannot be used because the bulge is caused by broken cords in the inner ply of the tire. When the cords break, gas squeezes out from the break points, and without the support of the cords, the elastic rubber forms a bulge under the pressure of the gas. A bulging tire indicates that the internal cords have already broken, and continued use can lead to a tire blowout. In daily life, it is important to regularly check tire pressure to ensure it remains within the normal range—neither too high nor too low. When driving on poor road conditions, slow down to pass safely, and when parking, choose a relatively flat surface to park the vehicle.
A bulging tire must never be used further, as it's a sign of internal structural damage. If a tire blows out at high speed, losing control of the vehicle can easily lead to an accident. I've personally experienced a similar situation before, which nearly caused a major problem. Since then, I regularly inspect the sidewalls of my tires, and if I notice any bulges or abnormalities, I immediately pull over to change to the spare tire and then send it for repair. I also drive more carefully in daily life, avoiding hitting curbs or large potholes; when tires age, they should be replaced promptly—don't let them exceed their service life. Tire pressure should also be maintained within a reasonable range, as both overinflation and underinflation increase the risk of bulging. Safety comes first—don't risk your life to save a few hundred bucks on new tires.