IS IT SAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH A TIRE BULGE?

If you start noticing a bubble-like look on one or more of your tires, you may have concerns about whether it is safe to drive your car. Unfortunately, tire bulges are an extreme safety hazard. Tire bulges are often a tell-tale sign that something has damaged the structure of the tire, which could increase your chances of a blowout on the road. To fully understand a tire bulge, we should start by what caused it in the first place.

CAUSES OF TIRE BULGES

A tire bulge occurs when the inner portions of the tire become damaged. A common cause of damage results from colliding with road hazards like potholes, debris, or curbs. Additionally, overinflated and underinflated tires can cause tire bulging as well. In very few cases, the bulging can happen due to a manufacturer error. To better get a sense of what caused your tire bulge, you should seek professional help from the experts at Bay Area Tire & Service Centers.

DRIVING ON A TIRE BULGE

Since the tire's structural integrity is compromised with a tire bulge, you risk your safety and others' safety by continuing to drive your car. Hitting anything from a pothole to a small rock could cause your tire to burst and send you out of control. This is why you need to stop driving at the first signs of a bulge. Instead, please seek out tire replacement immediately.

As soon as you notice any signs of tire damage, please put on your spare and take your car to Bay Area Tire & Service Centers immediately. Tire bulges, unfortunately, can't be salvaged and will need replacing. Automotive technicians stress the importance of regularly measuring your tire pressure. If you need any tire repair or replacement, please call or visit one of our convenient locations today!