What to Do When a Truck Tire Has a Bulge?
2 Answers
If the bulge is relatively small, one may opt for a hot patch repair method, which involves using high-temperature vulcanization to fuse raw rubber into the tire wound, allowing it to cool and solidify. If the tire bulge covers a large area, it is likely caused by deformation of the tire rim. In this case, the best remedy is to replace the tire promptly. Generally, after using a mushroom plug for tire repair, the airtightness and repair effect are optimal, and the durability is also the strongest. Drilling a hole of about 6mm and inserting a glue-coated rubber strip into the hole can only serve as an emergency measure and is not suitable for long-term use, as it is prone to air leakage.
Seeing a bulge on a heavy truck tire really makes me nervous, since hauling dozens of tons on the road is no joke. That bulge means the steel belts inside the tire have broken, and a blowout could happen anytime. Once during a long drive, I noticed a small bulge on the sidewall—immediately turned on the hazard lights, pulled over to the emergency lane, and set up the warning triangle at a safe distance. Had to switch to the spare tire to keep going, but remember: a bulging tire can’t be used as a main tire; you must replace it with a new one at the repair shop. When choosing tires, stick to reputable brands—don’t cheap out on low-quality ones. Avoid potholes while driving, regularly pick out stones stuck in the tread, and check tire pressure weekly with a gauge. Never ignore a bulge on a load-bearing tire—it’s a matter of life and death.
