What Causes a Bulge in a Tire?
3 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for a tire bulge: 1. The bulging area of the tire has been impacted or squeezed. The most common scenario is when a car hits a curb at a high speed or at an inappropriate angle. In such cases, there are usually impact marks, surface scratches, or white impact spots inside the tire at the bulging area. 2. Quality issues with the tire. One possibility is that the quality of the cord fabric inside the tire is subpar, leading to insufficient local strength. Another scenario is improper handling at the cord fabric layer joints. Bulges caused by quality issues typically show no marks on the tire's surface or inside at the bulging area. 3. Insufficient structural strength in low-cost tires. The tire market is highly competitive. To reduce costs, low-cost tires may decrease the number of cord or nylon layers or use inferior cord fabric, compromising the tire's strength. Even minor impacts can cause bulges in such tires.
Last time I drove over a huge pothole, a bulge formed on the sidewall of my tire, which felt terrifying. Tire bulges mostly indicate internal structural damage, such as broken cords, usually caused by impacts against hard objects like curbs or deep potholes. Excessive tire pressure makes tires harder and more prone to rupture upon impact, while insufficient pressure accelerates wear on internal structures and aging. Once a bulge appears, the tire's strength significantly decreases, posing an extremely high risk of blowout, especially at high speeds, necessitating immediate replacement. I've developed a habit of checking tire pressure monthly using a simple pressure gauge to maintain proper levels, while also inspecting the sidewalls for any abnormal deformations or cracks. This practice saves a lot of trouble and safety concerns, making driving more reassuring.
For those who frequently drive long distances, tire bulges are a major hazard, often caused by the tire sidewall hitting hard objects leading to internal damage. Tire aging is also a key factor; after four or five years of use, the rubber becomes brittle and the cords are prone to breaking, with improper air pressure making things worse. When a bulge is found, don't delay—stop using the tire immediately and switch to a spare or visit a professional shop to avoid sudden blowouts. For prevention, I recommend a simple weekly visual inspection of the tire sidewalls, paying extra attention to road conditions to avoid potholes while driving, and adjusting tire pressure to ensure it meets standard values during seasonal changes. Safety first—these small habits can help prevent accident risks.
