Curbed a tire, minor but noticable bulge in sidewall

[aphex]

Replace ASAP? I've seen bulges in the sidewall of tires before and mine is easily less half the size of all the others I've seen (the bulge sticks out maybe 1/4"), but I wasn't sure if the degree of bulge matters, or if every sidewall bulge requires an immediate replacement.

 

[mrblotto]

I'd hate to find out I should've replaced it as I go freewheeling off into the weeds.........

I'm sure someone with more knowledge will reply tho

 

[fstime]

replace if there is a bubble/buldge asap.

 

[MedicBob]

Replace it. Have a tire shop take a look at it.

If there is sidewall damage and air is getting in there you are looking for a blowout at the most inoppertune time.

 

[JasonSix78]

How big around is it? I would er on the side of caution and have it replaced especially if you drive at highway speeds frequently.

 

[bruceb]

Air would would not be getting in the tire from the bulge, but when that happens you have damaged the side wall belts of the tire. And, yes, it can indeed cause a blow out ... so replace it as soon as possible (like Monday)

 

[Bignate603]

Replace it ASAP.

 

[spidey07]

You busted the steel belting replace it ASAP, that tire IS GOING TO FAIL. You just don't know when. Not safe to drive on it.

 

[Kadarin]

Like others are saying, replace it.

 

[AMCRambler]

Yeah I'd probably replace the tire sooner rather than later. As everyone else has sid that sucker popping at highway speeds could result in totalling your car. Also even if it doesn't, you could eff up your rim pretty good.

 

[mooseracing]

It's not that big of an issue if you aren't carrying more than 3/4 the rated max load of the tire. I would bet more than 50% of cars out that are driving on a broken belt.

And if you have regular height sidewall tires a blowout would not cause a wreck, I've had many blowouts in my 35" x15 tires (over 6" of sidewall) and calm normal braking and you will be fine.

 

[zoiks]

Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[aphex]

Yea, gonna order a new one.

Here's a pic; http://web.me.com/josh.h/pics/tire.jpg

 

[d33pt]

it will fail. back when i was in HS and didn't have any money, i just drove on a tire like that. eventually it did fail at the bubble like i expected.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: d33pt
it will fail. back when i was in HS and didn't have any money, i just drove on a tire like that. eventually it did fail at the bubble like i expected.

That's the main point, the tire WILL FAIL. You just don't know when, where, what speed, what's around you, where you can pull over, if you can pull over, if other idiot drivers won't kill you for trying to maneuver your vehicle to safety, etc.

It is going to fail. The tire is going to fail. Are we feeling lucky? Is it going to make you run off the road and blow up in firey flames when it does? Depends on conditions and when it fails, because it is going to fail. Most likely you'll be able to deal with a blowout/loss of pressure, but you'll be at a pretty darn good loss of control when you do. I've had about 6 popped tires at high speed, it's very unsettling and something one should avoid.

That tire is going to fail, guaranteed.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Replace. No question.

 

[Xyclone]

Tire shops are not allowed to repair sidewall damage, for liability reasons, since the original integrity of the sidewall (in this case the steel belt) has been damaged. The sidewall flexes the most and is under the most pressure during braking, accelerating, etc.

EDIT: Replace it, obviously.

 

[ZickZJ]

Originally posted by: mooseracing
It's not that big of an issue if you aren't carrying more than 3/4 the rated max load of the tire. I would bet more than 50% of cars out that are driving on a broken belt.

And if you have regular height sidewall tires a blowout would not cause a wreck, I've had many blowouts in my 35" x15 tires (over 6" of sidewall) and calm normal braking and you will be fine.

A broken belt does not mean that it will blow if it's at more than 3/4 of the max load. :roll:
It can go out at anytime and is very unsafe to drive one. God I hope you don't drive near me if you actually believe this.