How Long Can a Bulging Tire Be Used?
3 Answers
Tires with bulges should not continue to be used, as driving with a bulging tire can easily lead to a blowout, endangering driving safety. The functions of tires are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force for vehicle operation; 2. To support vehicle loads; 3. To reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, avoiding severe vibrations that could damage vehicle components. Situations requiring tire replacement include: 1. Tire deformation; 2. Severe damage to the tire body; 3. Severe damage to the tread; 4. Damage to the bead; 5. Bulging or cracking on the tire sidewall; 6. Damage from driving with underinflated tires; 7. Tires that have been repaired more than three times; 8. Tires worn to the wear limit; 9. Chemical corrosion; 10. Severe aging and peeling.
A bulged tire should never be used again. As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've learned that a bulge indicates the internal fabric layers of the tire are broken, which could lead to a blowout and accident at any moment. Once, I encountered a similar situation on the highway, and fortunately, my quick reaction prevented an accident. Since then, I've made it a rule to replace any tire with a bulge immediately. Tires are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the ground, and a bulge means their strength has been compromised. Even driving just a few kilometers could result in sudden rupture, especially in rainy conditions or on rough roads. I recommend regular maintenance, such as avoiding high-speed driving over potholes and checking tire pressure periodically, to prevent such issues. Safety should always come first—don't risk it to save a little money. Buying a new tire is the wisest choice and can also help avoid potentially high repair costs.
A bulged tire is unsafe no matter how long it's been used. From my experience, even driving just a few hundred meters could cause problems. Last year, my car had a small bulge, and I thought it was no big deal. It blew out in less than a week, costing me a lot to repair the rim. The root cause of a bulge is structural damage to the tire, making it unable to withstand normal driving pressure, so don't take chances. Every time I wash my car, I casually feel the edges of the tires—if there's any unevenness, I deal with it immediately. Here's a tip: maintaining proper tire pressure can reduce the risk of bulging, and choosing a high-quality brand when replacing tires makes them more durable. Road safety is more important than anything else—never delay.
