A new driver may not know what bubbles on tires are, but they can be detrimental if you overlook them. Tire bubbles are as dangerous as driving with a flat tire. Unfortunately, they can be more dangerous sometimes.
You should fix tire bubbles because they can pop on the road, leading to a vehicle collision. The collision can lead to catastrophic fatalities, injuries, or loss of life.
This article will answer several questions on tire bubbles, like how do you get bubbles on tires, and can I drive with a bubble in my tires?
What is a Tire Bubble?
A tire bubble is basically the surface of your tire bulging out. It can appear both on the footprint and the sidewall, and it is generally caused by driving impacts. A bubble in your tire can also form from a weak spot that can be the result of extensive footprint wear.
However, the most common spot for air bubbles is the sidewall. Such a bubble appears as a deformation on the rubber. One of the reasons why it should be your top priority to fix this problem is that it also causes air seeps.
As you drive, more and more moisture will seep in, making the rubber bulge out. As the air coming from the tire’s inner lining escapes, it is going to make the bubble bigger. This can damage your tire’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of tire blowout.
What Do Bubbles In Tires Mean?
Bubbles in tires mean the inner layer on your vehicle tire is damaged. Once this occurs, replace the tire. You wouldn’t want to spend any money on fixing the tire with no guarantee that it’ll work.
Tire manufacturers produce tires with strong materials to withstand the test of time and severe road conditions. They used several layers to manufacture the tires.
The inner layer, also called the inner lining, maintains the nitrogen or air pressure inside the tire. The inner layer is made of strong rubber material to hold it airtight, but it’s not as strong as the outer layers.
Regardless of how strong the inner lining is, it’ll still rupture and leak if you frequently travel in bad road conditions. The outer layer will not allow the air to escape right away. So, it’ll form a bubble on the tire, pending when the outer layer leaks.
Types of Tire Bubbles
At CurbRampReviews.com, we understand the importance of proper tire maintenance. As such, we are here to provide you with information about two main types of tire bubbles – one that forms on the sidewall and the other on the tread.
#1. Sidewall Bubbles.
Sidewall bubbles are more common than tread bubbles and can be quite concerning. The main reason these bubbles occur is due to damage to the inner liner of the tire.
This internal damage allows air to leak out and get trapped between the inner liner and the tire’s outer layers. As a result, a bulge, or bubble, forms on the sidewall of the tire.
Some of the common causes of inner liner damage include impact from potholes, hitting a curb, or even due to manufacturing defects. It’s essential to inspect your tires regularly, especially the sidewalls, for any cracks, punctures, or bulges.
#2. Tread Bubbles.
The second type, tread bubbles, may not appear as round and bulge-like as sidewall bubbles. Instead, they often manifest as a spread in the tread of your tires, making them harder to spot.
Tread bubbles can occur due to similar reasons as sidewall bubbles – impact damage, manufacturing defects, or other external factors. A damaged tire cord, as well as debris caught in the tire’s grooves, can also lead to tread bubbles.
To prevent these bubbles from forming, we recommend performing regular tire inspections, maintaining proper tire pressure, and avoiding overloading your vehicle.
In the event that you do experience a tire bubble, it is crucial to have the tire replaced as soon as possible, as driving on a damaged tire can be hazardous.
We hope you find this information helpful in understanding the types of tire bubbles and how to prevent them from occurring. As always, proper tire maintenance is essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle.
What Causes Bubbles On Tires?
Knowing what causes bubbles on tires will help you prevent it from happening to you. Here are some of the probable causes you should note.
#1. Frequently driving on rough pavement.
The primary cause of bubbles on tires is traveling over the uneven roadway. I mean not slowing down on road bumps, driving over potholes, driving on sharp debris on the road, and off-roading.
Any of these can gradually create a lump on your tire’s sidewall. For this reason, avoid traveling over these areas or objects. However, drive over them carefully and slowly if you must do so.
#2. Overloading the vehicles.
It’s important to note that the tires carry the entire weight of the vehicle. So, overloading the vehicles to where the weight exceeds the tire capacity means too much stress on the tires. All parts are not created equal.
Therefore, while some tires will withstand the excess load on the cargo, others will suffer too much stress over a period, and the stress will cause bubbles on the tires. For this reason, do not exceed the tire’s set capacity when carrying a load.
Unfortunately, if you’re asking, can a tire bulge be fixed? The only recommended solution is to replace it.
#3. Bumping into a curb.
A quick and unintentional bumping into a curb can cause low-profile tire sidewall bubbles. Since the tires are the only components that have direct contact with the road, they incur a great shock during an impact.
If this continues for some time, especially at high speeds, it’ll damage the inner lining of the tires and allow the air to escape to the outer casing.
#4. Railway Crossing.
Crossing over railway tracks repeatedly will cause scrubbing bubbles on tires. This is a gradual process.
For instance, if you drive over a railway track to work and return through that path daily, it’ll take around six months before you notice it. Initially, the tires will develop bumps, which will later turn into bubbles.
Frequent driving over railway tracks can also cause bubbles on new tires. However, it’ll take longer before it develops bumps.
#5. Driving with a flat tire.
Of course, no one intentionally drives with a flat tire for an extended period. Flat tires don’t warn us before happening. When they occur, some motorists will drive to a nearby service provider (vulcanizer) to fix the flat tires.
Conversely, other drivers may decide to drive down to their mechanic’s garage to fix it if the air leaks are not much. Other times, it could be there’s no nearby vulcanizer along the way.
In any case, driving with a flat tire is detrimental. It allows the rim to press against the tire, damaging the inner lining and forcing air out to the outer layer. This will cause bubbles on the tires.
#6. Detached sidewall layers.
As explained above, manufacturers build tires with several layers. These layers include rubber beds, steel wires, and polyester cords. The tires will develop bumps and bubbles over time if the various layers separate from themselves.
Using weak adhesives and inappropriate hardening layers during production can cause the layers to detach from each other.
Other issues that could cause bubbles on tires include worn-out tire covers, under-inflated tires, and low temperatures.
Symptoms of a Bubble in Tire
Identifying a tire bubble early is crucial for preventing a potential blowout or loss of control while driving. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Visible Bulge: Look for a noticeable bulge or bump on the sidewall or tread of the tire. It may appear as a raised area, often resembling a small blister.
- Irregular Shape: The bubble may have an irregular shape, sometimes elongated or oval, rather than a smooth, circular appearance.
- Soft or Spongy Feel: When pressing on the bulged area, you might notice that it feels soft, spongy, or less firm compared to the rest of the tire.
- Vibration or Wobbling: A tire with a bubble may cause the vehicle to vibrate or wobble, especially at higher speeds.
- Loss of Air Pressure: In some cases, a tire bubble can lead to a slow leak, resulting in a gradual loss of air pressure.
Is It Safe to Drive with a Bulge or Bubble in Your Tire?
No. Driving with a bulge or bubble in your tire is very unsafe. This defect can weaken the tire’s structure, increasing the risk of a sudden blowout, especially at high speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified tire failure as a causative factor in approximately 11,000 crashes each year. That’s an alarming 30 accidents per day in the U.S. caused by issues like tire bubbles.
Not only does this jeopardize your safety, but it also risks the safety of your passengers and other drivers sharing the road with you.
How to Fix Bubbles in Tire?
If you’ve discovered a bubble on your tire, it’s essential to take action promptly. While some small bubbles might be repairable, larger or more severe bulges often require tire replacement. Here’s what you can do:
#1. Assess the Severity.
- Carefully inspect the size and location of the bubble. A small bubble on the tread, away from the sidewall, might be repairable.
- If the bulge is larger, located on the sidewall, or near the tire’s shoulder, it’s likely safer to replace the tire.
#2. Consult a Professional.
- For your safety and the longevity of your tire, it’s best to have a professional tire technician assess the situation.
- They can determine whether the bubble can be safely repaired or if tire replacement is necessary.
#3. Repairing a Small Bubble.
- If the bubble is small and located on the tread, it might be repairable using a patch or plug.
- Tire repair kits are available, but it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- This repair process typically involves cleaning the area, applying a patch or plug, and ensuring a secure seal.
#4. Replacing the Tire.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing a Tire with Bubbles
When you discover bubbles in your tires, replacement is often the safest solution. While the process might seem daunting, following these systematic steps can make tire replacement manageable and ensure your safety on the road.
Finding the Right Replacement Tire
The first step in fixing bubbles in tires is selecting an appropriate replacement. Here’s how to ensure you get the right tire:
- Check your tire specifications: Look at the sidewall of your current tire to find the size, load rating, and speed rating. The format typically looks like “P215/65R15 95H.”
- Match the specifications: Your replacement tire should have the same specifications as your other tires to maintain balanced handling and performance.
- Consider tire age: Even new tires can be old inventory. Check the DOT code (a four-digit number indicating manufacture date) and avoid tires older than 6 years from production.
- Compare warranties and quality: Higher-quality tires often resist bubbles better due to superior construction. A good warranty can provide peace of mind for your investment.
Tools Needed for Tire Replacement
Before beginning the replacement process, gather these essential tools:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Tire iron or pry bars
- Valve core tool
- Tire pressure gauge
- Wheel chocks
- Gloves and eye protection
- Tire lubricant or soapy water
Safety Precautions During Replacement
Safety should be your priority when fixing bubbles in tires through replacement:
- Park on level ground: Never attempt to change a tire on an incline or soft surface.
- Engage the parking brake: This prevents the vehicle from rolling during the procedure.
- Use wheel chocks: Place these on the wheels diagonal to the one being replaced.
- Never rely solely on a jack: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle after lifting.
- Follow proper lifting points: Consult your vehicle manual for the correct jack placement to prevent damage or instability.
- Keep clear of pinch points: Be mindful of where your hands and fingers are at all times.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
- Loosen the lug nuts: Do this before jacking up the car, when the wheel is still on the ground.
- Jack up the vehicle: Raise it high enough to remove the tire completely.
- Remove the lug nuts and tire: Take off the nuts completely and pull the tire straight toward you.
- Inspect the wheel and components: Check for any damage to the rim or brake components.
- Mount the new tire: Align it with the wheel studs and push it into place.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts: Follow a star pattern for even pressure.
- Lower the vehicle: Bring it down so the tire just touches the ground.
- Fully tighten the lug nuts: Use the wrench to secure them in a star pattern.
- Check the pressure: Ensure the new tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Proper Disposal of Damaged Tires
Responsible disposal of tires with bubbles is essential for environmental protection:
- Contact local recycling centers: Many accept tires for a small fee.
- Ask your tire retailer: Most shops will dispose of your old tire when you purchase a replacement.
- Check with your municipality: Some areas offer special collection days for tires.
- Never dump tires illegally: This can result in hefty fines and environmental damage.
- Consider repurposing options: Some damaged tires can be repurposed for garden planters or other non-driving applications, though tires with bubbles should never be used for safety-critical purposes.
By following these guidelines for replacing a tire with bubbles, you’ll ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive while properly disposing of the damaged tire.
Remember that bubbles in tires represent a serious safety issue that typically requires complete replacement rather than repair.
How To Prevent Tire Bubbles?
We’ve seen that tire bubbles can cause injuries, fatalities, or collisions. So the best thing to do is to prevent them from happening at all.
As a responsible motorist, you need to cultivate regular maintenance habits. Regular checkups like tire rotation can help you track bubbles and inside and outside tire wear.
However, a bubble on a car tire doesn’t mean the tire will burst in one mile. Unfortunately, though, you never can tell. Here are several parameters that can help checkmate or prevent bubbles on tires.
Check your tires frequently
It’s essential to check your tires regularly before commuting to your daily work schedules. This is especially true if you travel on rough pavement.
Again, checking your car tires regularly will help you track avoidable issues that may escalate to severe vehicle issues.
Regular maintenance
Imbibing regular maintenance will help you find out issues at an early stage and fix them before it escalates to major repair.
During a routine inspection of the suspension system components, the mechanic can detect tire damage at an early stage and proffer solutions to prevent it from turning into tire bubbles.
Don’t drive with flat tires
Don’t drive with a deflated tire, no matter how little the leak is. Driving with a flat tire will cause the rim to climb the inner linings in the tire, causing air leaks from the inner linings.
Once you have a flat tire, pull over and replace it with your spare tire. If a service center is nearby, drive in to fix the deflated tire.
Don’t drive over portholes
Potholes are the primary cause of bubbles on tires. Therefore, do not drive over them. If you can find an alternative route without potholes, follow it. If there’s no alternative route, dodge the portholes and drive slowly.
Be a cautious driver
Being a spirited driver has many advantages. However, it has its peak share of disadvantages. One reason behind bubbled tires is bad driving habits.
You can prevent having bubbles on your tires by slowing down at speed bumps, don’t stop while making one, and avoiding colliding on curbs at all costs.
Don’t overload the vehicle
As explained above, carrying overloaded goods or equipment stresses the tires. The tire may develop bumps or bulges when a vehicle carries an oversized load.
Ensure you don’t always carry oversized loads. One of the major ways to prevent tire bulges is not to exceed the weight capacity of your tire.
FAQs.
Q: Can you drive on a tire with a bubble?
Tire damage resulting from bubbles on the sidewall means the tire is completely out and cannot be repaired. Whenever you see a bubble on a tire, it means the structural integrity has been compromised.
You’ll have to suspend driving until you replace the tire because it is no longer safe to drive.
Q: How long can I drive with a bubble in my tire?
Seeing a bubble on your tires doesn’t mean you can’t drive with it. However, it means you have a few miles to cover before the tire explodes on the way. Therefore, you may ask, how long can I drive with a small bubble in my tire?
You have unpredictable miles to cover with a bubble on tires. A bubbled tire can blow out in less than 2 miles or go beyond 500 miles.
Q: Do tire bubbles go away?
Unfortunately, tire sidewall bubbles will not go away, nor are they repairable. So, are bubbles on tires bad? Unfortunately, yes. Even small bubbles on tires will intensify over time and keep you a bump away from a blowout.
Since the sidewall flexes when traveling, a patch will not hold for a few miles. Bubbled tires can blow out without giving any sign.
Q: Do tire warranties cover bubbles?
Your manufacturer’s warranty will not cover bubbles on tires from road defects like hitting a pothole, curbs, or road bumps. But if it is from manufacturing defects, the tire manufacturer will replace it.
However, don’t argue it is a manufacturing error because this is very unlikely to be the culprit. You can scroll up to see the outlined probable causes above.
Final Words
Bubbles on tires are a serious case that can lead to a catastrophic collision. It is best and cheaper to track irregularities on your tires and fix them before they escalate to severe issues. Cultivate a regular maintenance culture and track issues at an early stage.
So, if you’re a DIYer, always stick to your manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions when replacing any components.