Does a small bulge on a car tire need to be replaced?
3 Answers
If there is a small bulge on a car tire, it needs to be replaced. Because a bulged tire cannot be repaired and must be replaced immediately to avoid a tire blowout while driving. Reasons for tire bulging: Compared to the tread, the sidewall of the tire has much weaker cord ply strength, usually consisting of 1 to 2 layers. Once damaged, it affects the stability of the tire at high speeds. When the cords in the tire sidewall break, the internal air escapes from the broken cords, barely held by the thin rubber layer, which causes the tire to bulge. Method for replacing a tire: Retrieve the tire-changing tools and spare tire from the trunk; use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts in a diagonal sequence, rotating about 90 degrees; lift the vehicle with a jack until the tire is about 2 cm off the ground; remove the bolts and the old tire, then replace it with the new tire; install the new tire.
As someone who has long focused on safe driving, I've learned that small tire bulges should never be taken lightly. Bulges are usually caused by broken tire cords or internal structural damage, often resulting from hitting potholes or having low tire pressure. It's like an invisible time bomb - extremely prone to blowouts at high speeds, potentially leading to serious accidents. From my experience, I recommend stopping immediately to inspect: photograph the bulge's location and size, then assess the risk. Sidewall bulges are particularly dangerous. Never attempt repairs, as they only temporarily mask the problem and may ultimately lead to loss of control. While replacing a tire costs money, it's a small investment compared to safety risks. I always remind myself to check tire conditions during vehicle inspections to ensure no abnormalities exist. Remember, safety comes first - don't gamble with your life.
I used to struggle with a similar issue: should I replace a tire with a small bulge? After consulting professionals, they all insisted it must be replaced. The reason is simple—a bulge indicates internal damage, weakening the tire's structure, which could lead to a sudden blowout at high speeds. Think about it: spending a few hundred dollars on a new tire versus risking an accident costing hundreds of thousands, not to mention personal safety risks—it's just not worth it. In daily driving, I try to avoid potholes and curbs and regularly check tire pressure to prevent issues. If you notice a bulge, just head to a reliable repair shop for a new tire. Also, don’t trust those temporary tire repair methods—they can’t fix deep-seated damage. Driving is meant to be convenient, but safety always comes first.
