What Causes Tire Bulging?
4 Answers
The root cause of tire bulging is the fracture of the tire sidewall's cord ply, which leads to the formation of an air pressure bulge at the fracture point under the high-pressure gas inside the tire, protruding the tire surface and forming a noticeable bulge. Once a tire bulges, it must be replaced with a new one; otherwise, there is a high risk of a blowout. Here are the reasons that can cause the cord ply of a tire to fracture: 1. Impact or compression at the bulging area of the tire: The most common scenario is when a car hits a curb at a relatively high speed or at an inappropriate angle. In such cases, there are usually signs of impact, such as surface scratches or white impact marks inside the tire at the bulging area. Careful inspection will reveal subtle differences. 2. Quality issues with the tire: One possibility is that the cord wires inside the tire have quality problems, leading to insufficient local strength. Another situation is poor handling at the cord ply joints. In cases of bulging caused by quality issues, there are no marks on the tire surface or inside the tire at the bulging area. 3. Insufficient structural strength of low-cost tires: The tire market is highly competitive. To reduce costs, low-cost tires may reduce the number of cord or nylon layers or use inferior cord plies, compromising the tire's strength. Even minor impacts can cause bulging.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered several instances of tire bulging. The most common cause is the tire hitting a hard object, such as a curb, deep pothole, or rock, which damages the internal cord structure and leads to a bulge. This is no small matter; if not addressed promptly, it can easily cause a blowout at high speeds, posing a safety risk. Sometimes, tire bulging can also result from aging or manufacturing defects, especially when inflation is uneven or the pressure is too high. It's recommended to replace the tire as soon as a bulge is noticed and to regularly check the tire pressure. Avoid driving fast on rough roads. Before I last replaced my tires, I almost had an accident because I tried to save money by delaying the replacement. Now, I've made it a habit to check my tires every two months. Tires are the feet of the car; keeping them well-maintained ensures a smooth and safe ride.
As a young car owner, I was shocked when my new car's tires developed bulges right after purchase. After researching online, I learned this is mostly caused by impacts - like scraping curbs while parking or driving on rough roads. It can also happen due to aging tires deforming internally when steel belts break. This is risky; bulged tires lose pressure stability and have high blowout rates at highway speeds. I immediately replaced them despite the cost - safety first. When choosing new tires, pick types suited for your roads (e.g., durable ones for city driving). Make tire pressure checks routine - avoid over/underinflation, especially in summer. Avoid potholes aggressively to prolong tire life.
After having kids, I've become more concerned about tire safety. Recently, I noticed a bulge on my tire, probably caused by driving on rural roads with my family. Such bulges mostly indicate internal structural damage, often due to ply separation caused by impacts or irregular inflation. It means reduced tire strength, and continuing to use it poses significant risks, especially at high speeds or during long trips where blowouts may occur. I immediately had it replaced - safety comes first, and spending some money is better than risking an accident. Regular maintenance is crucial, like visually inspecting tires weekly for bulges or cracks, and ensuring proper inflation pressure. Before family trips, always check tire conditions to avoid potential hazards. Older car tires are more prone to problems, so timely replacement brings peace of mind.
