Car maintenance knowledge

Tire bulges

The problem of bulging car tires is becoming increasingly common, but many car enthusiasts are at a loss when faced with bulging. Can the tire still be used if it bulges? How to prevent tire bulges in daily life?

Do not use it again after 1 puff

Tire bulges can be classified into many categories based on their direct causes, but regardless of the type of tire, they are actually caused by damage, and this type of damage is basically irreparable. Even if it is barely repaired, it cannot achieve the normal performance of the tire.

Take the commonly occurring sidewall bulges as an example. The direct cause of bulges is the breakage of the curtain layer inside the tire, which loses its supporting function and is separated only by a layer of rubber between the inside and outside of the tire.

This layer of rubber is very weak, and if it is affected by other factors such as excessive tire pressure, compression, high temperature, or sharp punctures, it is easy to cause tire blowouts.

How to prevent tire bulges

1. Try to choose tires with a larger flat ratio

Mainly for those who upgrade and modify wheel hub tires in the later stage, when choosing tires, try to choose tires with a flatter ratio, such as 225/45 R18 and 225/50 R18 tires. If you are not too obsessed with handling, it is recommended to choose a flatness ratio of 50, which can reduce the occurrence of tire bulges.

2. Develop the habit of regularly checking tires

Developing the habit of regularly checking tires can reduce the occurrence of bulges caused by high or low tire pressure.

Excessive or insufficient tire pressure can affect the service life of tires. Research by Wuhan University of Automotive Technology has found that excessive or insufficient tire pressure can easily cause tire blowouts. For every 20% decrease in tire pressure below the standard value, the lifespan of the tire decreases by 30%. However, if the tire pressure is too high, it can lead to a smaller deformation range of the tire, making it more susceptible to mechanical damage.

3. Slow down on complex/bumpy roads

Some roads inevitably have a lot of soil, broken bricks or cement blocks, and many large and small potholes;

When driving on these roads, it is necessary to slow down and reduce tire and ground collisions, which can effectively protect the tires and avoid bulging.

4. Try to purchase new tires as much as possible

Tires have a shelf life, so when we replace them, we try to buy tires that are as close to the current date as possible, artificially extending the service life of the purchased tires.

There is currently no consensus on the lifespan of tires. The recommended service life for major car tire companies is 3-5 years, around 50000 to 100000 kilometers, and then depending on the degree of tire wear, whether to replace it or not.

5. No pressure on the curb

When riding on the road shoulder, the tires are compressed, which can easily damage the internal structure and form bulges. During daily driving, car owners should try to avoid the behavior of crushing the curb as much as possible.

Most of the reasons for tire bulges are caused by human factors, and avoiding tire bulges is actually very simple: just reduce unnecessary collisions during driving;

When it is inevitable to drive over obstacles, it is also important to ensure that the vehicle is driving at a low speed and at a blunt angle.

After the tire bulges, it must not be used anymore and must be replaced. If it is not possible to replace it now, the driving speed must be reduced, and the uneven road surface must not be driven. If you encounter foreign objects or potholes on the road while driving at high speed, the probability of accidents will be very high.