Can a slightly bulged tire still be used?
3 Answers
Tires with slight bulges cannot continue to be used, as continued use may lead to a blowout. Main causes of tire bulges: Crown separation. The crown mainly manifests as the delamination of the tire tread surface (referred to as the crown surface), specifically the top of the tread. The primary reason is excessive tire pressure during use, which reduces the tire's contact area with the ground, leading to premature wear. Additionally, rolling acceleration or poor heat dissipation during tire use can cause the tread temperature to rise; Shoulder separation. Shoulder separation is a type of sidewall bulge, categorized into localized and overall types, commonly found between the tread and sidewall of the tire; Bead separation. Mainly refers to radial truck tires. It primarily manifests as delamination around the rim. Issues during the bead wire closing process can cause the wire bead to crack and delaminate. The rubber around the bead wire area may age and delaminate due to high temperatures or problems with the rubber compound itself; Ply bulging. Mainly refers to passenger car radial tires that develop localized sidewall bulges due to excessive speed when passing over ditches, bumps, or road debris, causing the rim and ground to compress and fracture the tire sidewall. Precautions for handling tire bulges: When installing tires, visit a professional tire shop and use specialized tire installation equipment and procedures; Try to avoid driving on rough road conditions for extended periods. If unavoidable, keep the speed as slow as possible; Develop excellent tire maintenance habits. Regularly inspect tires, carefully checking the surface for potential hazards such as cracks, cuts, bulges, or excessive tread wear, and make adjustments as needed to prevent blowouts; In addition to regular tire inspections, vehicle owners should also develop the habit of checking and maintaining proper tire pressure, paying attention to the tire warranty period, and ensuring the use of 'healthy' tires for driving.
I've been driving for over a decade, and every time I notice slight bulges on my tires, I get extremely nervous. Bulges indicate that the internal tire cords may have broken, which is no minor issue. Don't be fooled by just a slight protrusion—when driving at high speeds, tires endure tremendous pressure, and even a small bulge can lead to a blowout, which is extremely dangerous. A friend of mine didn't believe it until his tire blew out on the highway, nearly causing his car to lose control, and costing him thousands in repairs. I recommend you check your tire pressure immediately and keep it within the normal range, avoid roads with many potholes, and if you spot a bulge, don't hesitate—head straight to a tire shop for a replacement. Safety comes first; don't skimp on that expense. Also, make it a habit to quickly inspect the sidewalls of your tires before each trip, checking for any unusual bulges or cracks. After all, prevention is better than cure.
I just started driving not long ago, so I get nervous in similar situations. Even a slight tire bulge should not be underestimated, because you never know how severe the internal damage is. A tire has several layers of cords that support its entire structure, and bulges often indicate cord breakage. Once the pressure increases while driving, it can rupture at any moment. Once, I hit a pothole and my tire had a slight bulge, but I didn’t replace it in time. After driving in the city for a few days, it cracked—luckily, I was going slow. The lesson is: don’t gamble with safety. Check the tire condition immediately, and if a replacement is needed, choose a reputable shop. Also, remember to check the tire pressure—too high or too low can easily lead to bulging. Driving safely is more important than anything else.
