Is a tyre bulge dangerous?

Friday 1st November 2024



Have you noticed a lump appear on your tyre? You may have a bulge on one or more of your car’s tyres. Initially, you may not notice a tyre bulge but it will gradually get larger if no action is taken. Tyre bulges should not be ignored, as they can compromise your vehicle’s handling, safety and performance.   

Formula One Autocentres’ article answers why it is dangerous to drive with a tyre bulge.

What is a tyre bulge?

A tyre bulge typically involves a bubble, blister or bulge on the tyre’s sidewall. The tyres on your vehicle are subject to daily wear and tear from driving over potholes, kerbs and speed bumps. Hitting a kerb or pothole at speed or at the wrong angle can cause one or several bulges to appear on the sidewall, increasing the chance of a blowout with your vehicle’s tyres.

What causes bulges in your tyres?

There are many reasons why you are likely to have bulges in your tyres, including:

  • Manufacturing defects.
  • Over or under-inflated tyres.
  • General wear and tear on the tyres.
  • Road conditions (potholes, speed bumps and kerbs) can cause tyre bulges.
  • Frequently overloading your car.

What to do if you have a bulge in your tyre

If you have a bulge on any of your car’s tyres, you should:

  • Stop driving your vehicle and park in a safe place.
  • Replace the bulging tyre with a spare tyre if you have one in the boot.

Contact roadside assistance if you notice a tyre bulge and do not have a spare tyre, or if you have a tyre blowout. If you notice your tyres have low tread, look worn or damaged, check online for your nearest Formula One Autocentres garage, and arrange to have new tyres fitted to your vehicle. Our friendly tyre specialists can ensure you are quickly back on the road with your car.

How can I prevent tyre bulges?

You can prevent tyre bulges from occurring by:

  • Regularly inspecting your tyres before you drive.
  • Ensure all tyres are road-legal and have a minimum of 6mm of tyre tread.
  • Not overloading your vehicle.
  • Driving carefully around potholes and slowing down to drive over speed humps.

Will tyre bulges lead to my car failing its MOT?

Yes. Any tyre damage, which includes bulges in the sidewall, will result in an instant MOT failure.

Driving with tyre bulges is something you should not ignore. Regularly checking your tyre pressure and inspecting your tyres for signs of damage is essential to prevent potential bulges from occurring. Are your car tyres worn or ageing? Discover more about whether tyres have an expiry date in our guide.

Replace your old tyres with new ones by buying your tyres online and get your tyres fitted the same day at your local Formula One Autocentres branch today.

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