What Causes Tire Bulges?

[DeBrady]

Tire bulges are primarily caused by excessive air pressure during use, which reduces the tire's contact area with the ground and leads to premature wear. During operation, rolling acceleration or poor heat dissipation can cause the tread temperature to rise. Tire bulges are categorized into two types: ply break bulges and separation bulges. Separation bulges mainly include crown separation, shoulder separation, and bead separation. Crown separation primarily manifests as delamination at the top of the tread (known as the crown surface). Shoulder separation is a type of sidewall bulge, which can be localized or extensive, commonly occurring between the tread and the sidewall. Bead separation mainly refers to radial tires for heavy loads, typically showing as detachment around the steel rim.

[DiZoe]

I've seen plenty of tire bulges, mostly caused by hitting potholes or curbs while driving without paying attention. The sidewall of a tire is actually quite vulnerable – one hard impact can break the internal cord layers, resulting in a bulge. Improper tire pressure is another common cause. Overinflation makes tires too rigid and more prone to damage upon impact, while underinflation causes excessive deformation and uneven stress distribution on the edges, leading to bulges. Additionally, aged tires from prolonged use or those with poor maintenance and severe wear are more susceptible to bulging. Never take a bulge lightly – my friend once continued driving with one and suffered a high-speed blowout, which was extremely dangerous. I recommend immediately replacing the tire at a repair shop. Develop good habits like visually inspecting tires before each drive and maintaining proper tire pressure to extend their lifespan. Driving slower on rough roads can also prevent many issues.

[JosephRose]

Tire bulges are often caused by internal structural damage, particularly the breakage of tire cords. These cords act like a skeleton supporting the tire. When hitting hard objects such as large potholes or curbs with excessive force, the cords can snap, causing the surface to bubble up. Tire pressure is also crucial—too high makes the tire stiff, while too low makes it soft, both leading to uneven stress on the cords and eventual breakage over time. Additionally, as tires wear and age, the rubber becomes brittle and loses strength, increasing the risk of bulges. If you notice a bulge, address it immediately, as it poses a risk of blowout, especially during high-speed turns. Avoid overloading your vehicle in daily use, as this puts extra pressure on the tires. During routine checks, run your hand along the tire sidewall—if you feel a hard, protruding lump, it’s likely a bulge. It’s recommended to develop a habit of checking tire pressure weekly with a gauge, maintaining the manufacturer’s recommended value to significantly prevent issues. Regularly inspect tire conditions, such as small cracks indicating aging, signaling it’s time for replacement.

[StAngelo]

The main cause of tire bulges is accidentally hitting hard objects, such as curbs or large potholes, which I've encountered several times. Since the sidewalls of tires are thin, strong impacts can damage the internal structure, leading to bulges. Improper tire pressure is also a common cause; too high or too low pressure makes tires more prone to bulging. If you notice a bulge, stop driving immediately as it can easily lead to a blowout, especially with higher risks of skidding on rainy days. Quickly switch to a spare tire and get it checked at a professional shop. Regularly avoiding obstacles while driving and checking tire pressure can help prevent this issue.

[SabrinaLynn]

Tire bulges mostly result from external impacts or improper maintenance. Hitting potholes or sharp objects can easily break the tire cords, causing surface bulges. Excessive tire pressure leads to over-inflation and reduced impact resistance, while insufficient pressure causes uneven deformation. Aging tires with brittle rubber are also prone to problems. It is recommended to replace tires promptly to avoid blowouts and to check tire pressure monthly, keeping it within the standard range. Avoid rough roads while driving to minimize impacts. Regularly inspect tire wear conditions; small cracks indicate aging and the need for replacement. These habits can extend tire lifespan.