Is Tire Bulging Considered a Quality Issue?
2 Answers
Tire bulging is not considered a quality issue. The causes of tire bulging include: 1. Low aspect ratio of the tire; 2. Abnormal tire pressure; 3. Impact or compression by foreign objects; 4. Exceeding the warranty period. The functions of a tire are: 1. Ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving; 2. Cushioning impacts during driving; 3. Ensuring good adhesion between the wheel and the road surface, improving traction, braking, and off-road capability; 4. Supporting the weight of the vehicle. Methods for tire maintenance include: 1. Avoiding curbs and potholes to prevent sidewall ply breakage leading to bulging; 2. Regularly removing debris from tread grooves to avoid blowouts; 3. Checking tire wear and replacing them promptly; 4. Performing tire rotation to prevent excessive wear; 5. Regularly checking tire pressure to ensure it is neither too high nor too low.
Tire bulging depends on the specific situation. My car had a bulging tire last year, and after researching, I found it's mostly caused by human factors. For example, hitting potholes at high speed, aggressively mounting curbs, or incorrect tire pressure leading to sidewall deformation—these cases usually aren't covered by dealership warranties. However, if a new tire bulges within a month of installation with no visible sidewall scratches, it might be a manufacturing defect like broken steel belts in the cord layer, qualifying for quality claims. It's advisable to avoid deep potholes while driving and maintain cold tire pressure around 2.4 bar for safety. Never continue using a bulging tire as the sidewall can burst anytime.