How Long Can a Bulging Tire Last?

[DiValerie]

Tires with bulges should not continue to be used, as further driving may lead to tire blowouts, endangering driving safety. The steps for replacing a tire are: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level area; 2. Place the jack under the vehicle frame near the tire to be replaced and lift the vehicle to a certain height; 3. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts and remove the tire that needs to be replaced; 4. Install the new tire; 5. Tighten the nuts with a wrench; 6. Lower the jack. Methods for tire maintenance include: 1. Regularly clean out stones stuck in the tire treads; 2. Minimize exposure of tires to direct sunlight; 3. Regularly check tire pressure; 4. Pay attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Periodically inspect front wheel alignment; 6. Be mindful of driving habits.

[DeMackenzie]

Last time I changed tires, the experienced mechanic said a tire bulge is like a tumor in a blood vessel, it can burst at any time. Sidewall bulges happen when the inner cords break and can't support the rubber. Once my friend drove for two weeks with a bulging tire, and it blew out when hitting a speed bump at high speed - he couldn't even keep control of the steering wheel. Now if I see a bulge, I won't even drive to the neighborhood gate, I call a tow truck immediately. My advice is to replace the tire the same day you notice the bulge. Tire repair shops can't fix this kind of damage, and driving on highways with it is literally risking your life. High tire pressure makes bulges more likely, so always slow down for potholes, and remember aged tires are more vulnerable.

[JackFitz]

From the perspective of tire structure, a bulge is caused by the fracture of the internal skeleton layer on the tire sidewall. Based on multiple cases I've tested, the time from discovery to complete failure could be as short as 50 kilometers or as long as 200 kilometers, but no one can accurately define the critical point. Factors affecting lifespan include: the location of the bulge (the shoulder is the most dangerous), driving speed, road impact force, and load conditions. Experimental data shows that the rubber thickness at the bulge site is only one-third of normal, with a probability of over 70% for a tire blowout when hitting a pothole at 80 km/h. It is recommended to replace the tire immediately. If short-distance movement is necessary, please keep the speed below 40 km/h and avoid bumpy roads.

[Nicola]

As a frequent construction site driver, I've encountered tire bulges three times. For urban commuting, it might barely last three to four days, but don't exceed 60 km/h. If you're heading for highways or long trips, it must be replaced before leaving the city. Last time, the tire shop guy showed me a cross-section—the bulging area had frayed fabric layers resembling tangled hemp, with the rubber layer so thin it was translucent. Now I've developed a habit: picking out small stones from tire grooves monthly, slowing down to 20 km/h over speed bumps, and maintaining tire pressure at 2.5 bar. Upon spotting a bulge, I immediately place the spare tire in the trunk—even for emergency use, avoid full passenger load.