One of the most critical components of your car is the tires. They are also some of the more sensitive parts that could be damaged easily, which many people don’t realize. Many things can go wrong with your tires, including the typical bulge. The interesting thing is that many car drivers don’t know what a tire bulge is and whether it is safe or not. Most will ignore it and hopes that it goes back to normal, but that is never the case. The only way that it will disappear is by bursting, which is something no driver should desire. This article will address what a bulge is and whether you should be worried about it.
What is a tire bulge?
A bulge occurs when a tire feels like it has a lump in it, which could be a result of internal damage. It is mostly due to hard impact that forces air into the tire leading to the bulge that you will see. A tire bulge usually starts small, so you may not even notice it initially, but it will grow with time. While it may not seem dangerous, this is not the kind of thing that you DIY you need to address the problem immediately.
What are the symptoms of a tire bulge?
It often starts as a tire sidewall bulge, so it is easy to miss it. You may need to examine your tires well to notice them. However, when the pocket continues to grow, the bulge will be bigger hence more visible. You will see some form of bubble on the tire that will still be quite hard, but you shouldn’t try to poke it.
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One thing that you may confuse with a tire bulge is a bubble in tire tread. They are essentially similar, but a bump in tread usually occurs inside the tire. As a result, you may only notice an unusual depression on the surface. This usually shows that it has a broken belt.
Causes of a Tire Bulge
There is a wide range of reasons why you might find a bulge on your tires as follows:
- Impact damage. You will likely get a bulge when you hit a pothole, railroad, curb, or even a speedbump too hard.
- When you over or underinflate your tires since it may alter the pressure within the tire. This means that your tires don’t have adequate support to handle the car.
- When you overload your vehicle. If your car is too heavy, it applies too much pressure to the tires, which may cause a bubble.
- It can be caused by a manufacturing defect. Some tires in the market are not up to standard and often get damages such as a bulge.
Is it safe to drive on a tire with a bulge?
Tires are not the cheapest parts to replace on your vehicle; therefore, it is normal to wonder whether you could continue driving with a bulge. Well, the best thing is to get it replaced immediately; however, you can buy it some time and continue using it.
Before doing this, check the bulge and how big it is. If it is sizeable, then it is probably not safe to continue using the tire. For tiny bubbles, it is important to keep low and steady speeds when driving to avoid causing further damage.
It is also critical to note some dangers you are putting yourself and others on the road by driving on a tire with a bulge. One, continuing to use this tire could cause early wear and tear of the wheel bearings. This may loosen the suspension, cause damage to ball bearings and shocks.
It is also easy to lose control of your vehicle while on the road due to poor steerability. The bubble may also cause the tire to overheat, which may reduce traction and finally bursting. Remember that if the tire bursts while you’re driving, you could lose control and cause an accident.
How long can you drive on a tire with a bubble?
The good news is that it takes quite a bit of time before it blows out, especially if you are keen on driving. You can do this by avoiding high speeds when driving, overloading the vehicle, and sudden acceleration and braking.
The important part is to keep away from any hard impact. You can get a few miles with the tire if you are extremely careful. However, if the bubble is getting bigger quite fast, then it is probably best to stop using the tire.
How much does it cost to fix a bubble in a tire?
This largely depends on the cause of the tire bulge. If it is caused by a manufacturing defect, it is possible to replace them for free. This depends on whether the warranty is still active, generally between four to six years. They will need to inspect the tire, and if they find some rubber shavings inside it, it is not the manufacturer’s fault.
If you had bought a road hazard warranty or insurance and the damage was caused by hitting a pothole or speed bump too hard, then you could claim it for free. If you don’t have this option, you would have to incur the cost of purchasing a new tire ranging between $100 and $1000, depending on the quality and size.
You may also get a few options to repair the tire by popping the bubble, sewing it, and sealing it using rubber. You can get a small patch for reinforcement depending on the size of the bulge. However, these are very temporary solutions, and for the price, you will pay, it is better to get a new tire.
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Taking care of your wheels not only means that you perform regular maintenance, but it also involves being careful as you drive. Ensure that you carry the correct load for your vehicle in this way, you can avoid getting a bulge which is quite expensive to deal with.