With regular tire inspection, you can spot defects that could lead to deteriorated on-road safety, such as bubbles. Can I drive with a bubble in my tire?
In this guide, we discuss driving with a bubble in your tire, while we also look at what causes bubbles in tires.
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What Exactly Are Tire Bubbles?
Tire bubbles are otherwise known as bulges. When the inner lining of the tire becomes weak and starts leaking, a bubble will occur. This lining is meant to hold the air. However, as pressure occurs, the air could seep from the lining into the outer rubber layer of the tire.
As the air collects in this layer, it creates a bump that is visible against the sidewall. Tire bubbles are never a normal feature and should always be treated as a defect.
What Causes Bubbles In Car and Truck Tires?
Manufacturing Defects
What causes a bubble in a car tire? In some cases, it's the result of an internal defect of the tire. If there was no impact or other cause, the manufacturer should cover the defect through the warranty. However, what causes a bubble in the tire tread? This is typically caused by a broken belt instead.
Lack Of Air Pressure
What can cause a bubble in a tire? If air is leaking out of the tire and you continue driving on it, you could cause damage to the sidewall. Once you drive on a flat tire, it's much more likely a replacement will be necessary.
Too Much Load
What causes a bubble in the sidewall of a tire? If you are putting too much load on the tires, you could create defects to the rubber, including bubbles in the sidewall. Make sure you don't overload the car based on the manufacturer's specifications.
Road Conditions
What causes a bubble in your tire? If there is an abundance of potholes or rough road surfaces, the impact can create bubbles. It can also happen from moving too quickly over railroad crossings or speed bumps.
Is It Safe To Drive With A Bubble In My Tire?
Can I drive with a small bubble in my tire? It's never smart to drive your car with a bubble in the tire. The bubble could burst at any point because of the excessive amount of pressure. If it bursts, you have to deal with controlling your vehicle during a tire blowout. Imagine how much more dangerous this is when traveling at high speeds on the highway.
With nearly 40,000 auto accident fatalities in 2020, it's crucial that every part of your vehicle is running its best to avoid problems. Driving with a bubble in a tire only makes your chances even higher.
How long can you drive with bubbles in the tire? Let's say you notice the bubble as you are leaving work. Can you drive with a bubble in your tire just to get home? Driving with a bubble in the tire is unsafe no matter how far you need to travel. It would be best if you avoided this practice at any cost.
What To Do If You Have A Bubble In Your Tire
You've noticed a bubble in the tire. Is it safe to drive? Absolutely not! Instead, you want to put your spare tire in its place and head to your nearest tire shop. It doesn't matter what causes air bubbles in tires at this point. No matter what the cause is, the tire is not repairable. It's not like having a small puncture hole that can be plugged or patched.
Because the tire layers are damaged, the tire must be replaced. If the damage was caused by a defect to the tire, it's important to contact the manufacturer. It only takes a few minutes to fill out a claim, and you might be able to get the warranty to pay for the replacement.
How To Prevent Tire Bubbles
What causes a bubble in the sidewall of a tire? Many of the problems can be avoided, allowing you to keep the tires in good running order. Here are a few steps to follow.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How much does it cost to fix a bubble in a tire?
You will need to replace the tire. Depending on what type of vehicle you drive and the size tire you need, you might spend between $100 and $600 for the tire and installation.
Do tire warranties cover bubbles?
If the bubble is caused by the way you drove or took care of the tires, the manufacturer will not cover the replacement. However, if there was a defect, you can file a claim and get all or some of the replacement paid for.
Do tire bubbles cause vibrations in your car?
A bubble in a tire can cause vibration, as can any imperfection to the rubber. However, the most common cause of vibration is unbalanced wheels which are simple to have fixed.
What does a bubble in your tire sound like?
With a tire bubble, you might hear more road noise. However, there probably won't be any other sound, making it more difficult to notice. That's why it's imperative that you perform regular tire inspections.
Conclusion
Can you drive with a bubble in the tire? No, you should never drive with imperfections to the tire, or you are putting yourself at risk. What causes sidewall bubbles in tires? It can be from manufacturer defects or damage from impacts. Either way, have the tire checked as soon as you notice the bubble.