Can a tire with a bulge on the sidewall still be used?

[DelHazel]

Tires with bulges on the sidewall should not be used. The causes of sidewall bulges are: 1. Impact from external forces; 2. Quality issues with the tire itself. The functions of a tire are: 1. Transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to enable vehicle operation; 2. Support vehicle load; 3. Reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving to prevent severe vibrations from damaging vehicle components. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly clean stones stuck in tire treads; 2. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Check tire pressure promptly; 4. Pay attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Regularly inspect front wheel alignment; 6. Adopt careful driving habits, choose smooth road surfaces, and avoid objects that may puncture or scratch tires, as well as chemical spills that may corrode tires.

[DeEliana]

A few days ago, while driving, I noticed a bulge on the sidewall of my tire. At the time, I was quite careless, thinking it was just a minor issue and that I could keep driving for a while. However, within two days, I nearly had a blowout on the highway, which scared me to death. Such bulges usually indicate internal structural damage to the tire, like broken cords, which weakens the tire and makes it prone to bursting when turning or hitting potholes. Later, when I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said this is a common issue, mainly caused by not paying attention to road conditions or tire aging while driving. He strongly advised against continuing to use it and recommended replacing the tire immediately—safety first. After all, the cost of an accident far exceeds the price of a new tire. Now, I drive much more carefully, regularly checking tire pressure and wear to extend their lifespan and avoid accidents.

[McJoseph]

As someone who frequently deals with cars, I've seen quite a few cases of tire bulges. This condition is mostly caused by damage to the sidewall, where the inner materials have cracked, often due to rough roads or overloading. To determine if it's still safe to drive, the key factors are the size and location of the bulge. If the bulge is noticeable and has a protruding feel, the risk is very high, and the tire could blow out at any moment. I once helped a friend replace such a tire. He said he only used it for city commuting and thought it wasn't a big deal, but during a sharp turn, the tire split open—fortunately, he wasn't driving fast. My advice is: don't take the risk; replace the tire as soon as possible. Also, maintaining proper tire pressure and avoiding rough roads can effectively prevent bulges. By the way, when inspecting, check the other tires too, because aging affects all of them.

[LunaFitz]

Tires with sidewall bulges must never be used again. The reason is simple: a bulge indicates internal structural damage, such as broken steel belts or fiber layers, which reduces the tire's load-bearing capacity and makes it highly prone to blowouts at high speeds, posing a serious safety risk. I once read a forum post about an accident where the driver insisted on using a bulging tire, resulting in loss of control and a rollover. Now, I always carefully inspect my tires before driving. My advice is to replace any bulging tire immediately at a repair shop. As a preventive measure, avoid hitting potholes at high speeds and regularly maintain proper tire pressure and check for wear. Remember, safety is no small matter—don't skimp on such crucial expenses.