What Causes Tire Bulges on New Cars?

[SanMatthew]

Reasons for tire bulges on new cars: 1. Impact on the tire, such as suddenly hitting a curb, quickly driving over a speed bump, or running over a large pothole. These actions can cause violent compression of the tire, increasing internal air pressure and causing the weaker sidewall to bulge outward. 2. Poor tire quality, where inferior tire materials can lead to bulging. 3. Harsh road conditions, such as driving at high speeds over gravel, rough hard surfaces, or raised manhole covers, which significantly impact the tires. Encountering road surfaces with severe drops that damage tires and suspension is also a major cause of bulging. 4. Insufficient tire pressure, where even minor bumps or slight road irregularities can cause excessive tire flexing, leading to bulges.

[Maverick]

I've seen many cases of bulging new car tires, and the main reasons can be summarized as follows: Low tire pressure is the most common issue. New car owners often neglect regular checks, driving with underinflated tires, which can cause the cord ply to rupture when hitting a pothole. Aggressive driving is another major problem—not slowing down for speed bumps and hitting them directly can cause the tire sidewall to collide violently with the rim. Poor parking habits, such as frequently scraping against curbs, can also damage the tire sidewall and lead to bulging. In some cases, the issue may stem from the tire itself, such as uneven cord placement during manufacturing. If a new car tire bulges, it's crucial to take it seriously. First, check the tire pressure and review usage records. If the cause remains unclear, contact the dealership for inspection. Bulging tires are especially dangerous at high speeds, as they can easily blow out—never continue driving with one.

[DelJanelle]

Tire bulging is quite frustrating on new cars, and I've studied many cases. The main cause is the tire suffering a severe impact, such as hitting a deep pothole at high speed or colliding with a curb, which directly tears the tire's inner layers. Secondly, tire pressure issues are a factor—dealerships often deliver cars with overinflated tires, leading to insufficient cushioning on bumpy roads, or owners deflating tires too much, making them prone to deformation and damage. Daily habits also matter; repeatedly scraping tires against curbs during parallel parking can eventually cause bulging. It's advisable to visually inspect tires weekly for deformations and check tire pressure monthly. If a new car's tire bulges, address it promptly—never rely on tire sealants; replacing the entire tire is the only safe solution.

[Trenton]

New tire bulges are mostly caused by external damage. When driving quickly over potholes, the tire undergoes instant excessive pressure, causing the internal cords to break. Low tire pressure worsens the situation, as excessive bending of the tire sidewall can damage the internal structure even when passing over speed bumps. Additionally, scraping the sidewall against curbs can scratch the rubber layer, gradually leading to bulges. Some bulges are due to manufacturing defects, although this is rare. If a bulge is found, the tire must be replaced immediately as it cannot be repaired—safety comes first. Always drive slowly over uneven roads, check tire pressure regularly, and avoid parking near curbs.

[DiChloe]

It's unacceptable for tire bulges to appear on new cars, but the reasons are limited: first, impact from hard objects, such as running over large stones or deep potholes at high speed, where the sudden pressure causes the cord layer to break and form a bulge; second, abnormal tire pressure, especially if the pressure isn't adjusted after taking delivery of the car, as the factory-set pressure is often too high, reducing the tire's elasticity; then there's installation issues, where the wheel rim damages the inner sidewall of the tire; and finally, poor driving habits, like scraping the curb when turning. The solution is simple: maintain standard tire pressure, drive slowly on rough roads, and park away from curbs. Once a bulge appears, the entire set must be replaced—don't just change a single tire.