What Causes Bulges in Car Wheels?

[VonZoe]

Bulges in car wheels are caused by the breakage of the tire cord fabric layer in the sidewall, which allows the internal air to escape from the broken cords, resulting in the thin rubber supporting the bulge. The reasons for tire cord breakage are: 1. Wheel quality issues; 2. Impact to the wheel; 3. Insufficient tire pressure. A wheel consists of a rim and spokes. The rim is the component that mounts and supports the tire on the wheel, while the spokes are the supporting components between the axle and the rim. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly checking tire pressure; 2. Paying attention to tire wear indicators; 3. Noting the expiration date of tires; 4. Adhering to the schedule for four-wheel rotation.

[DelCarter]

I've been driving for over ten years and have encountered tire bulges several times, mainly caused by hitting large potholes on highways when not paying attention to the road surface. Simply put, a tire bulge means internal separation or broken cord layers, with the outer rubber bulging out. There are quite a few common causes: strong impacts to the tire sidewall, like hitting curbs or the edges of manhole covers; excessively high or low tire pressure making the tire unable to withstand the stress; overloading the vehicle puts extra strain on the tires; aging tires with brittle rubber are more prone to problems in hot weather. I've even seen new tires bulge, possibly due to quality issues. If you notice a bulge, replace the tire immediately because it can blow out at any moment, especially at high speeds. My advice is to stay vigilant while driving, slow down in advance when approaching rough areas, and regularly check tire pressure and sidewall condition to significantly reduce the risk.

[ZoeLynn]

As a driver, I fully understand the dangers of tire bulging. The root cause is damage to the inner structure, leading to outward protrusion. Main causes include external impacts—such as accidentally hitting obstacles or sudden braking over potholes; abnormal tire pressure—low pressure causes excessive bending of the tire sidewall, while high pressure makes the tire overly rigid and prone to damage; additionally, aging tires degrade in material quality, becoming brittle after years of exposure to wind and sun, making them susceptible to bulging even from minor impacts; overloading also accelerates the problem. Prevention is crucial: I use a tire pressure gauge monthly to check the pressure, ensuring it stays within the recommended range; I drive slowly on rough roads; and I replace old tires promptly. For safety, never compromise on a bulging tire—replacing it is the only option. Don’t skimp on this small expense.

[DelJohnny]

I think the most common cause of tire bulges is the tire being impacted by hard objects, such as driving over potholes or hitting curbs. Incorrect tire pressure also contributes to the problem—too low pressure makes the tire soft and weak, while too high pressure makes it overly tense, both of which can lead to bulging. Aging tires become more fragile as the rubber cracks over time. Poor driving habits, like speeding over obstacles, can damage the tires. Once a bulge appears, it means the internal structure is compromised, and the tire must be replaced immediately to avoid blowouts and accidents. I usually pay attention to maintenance: avoiding rough roads, checking tire pressure, and rotating tires regularly.

[VonHazel]

I believe tire bulges are mostly caused by mechanical damage, such as the tire sidewall hitting sharp objects or driving over deep potholes; uneven tire pressure can lead to stress concentration; prolonged use and aging reduce the internal strength of the tire; overloading increases pressure burden. From a safety perspective, bulges are a precursor to tire blowouts and should not be ignored. I've noticed many people overlook them, resulting in accidents. It's advisable to develop good preventive habits: drive slowly over uneven roads, adhere to the tire pressure label, inspect tires every six months, and avoid prolonged parking under direct sunlight. If a tire bulges, replace it promptly to ensure smooth driving.