The 411 on Sidewall Bubbles in Tires

Tires are one of the key components to a safe and smooth ride in your vehicle. Virginia Tire & Auto recommends educating yourself on basic tire maintenance to ensure no trouble arises while traveling.

A possible issue a tire may have is a sidewall bubble. A sidewall bubble is a bulge protruding from the sidewall of the tire. Most bubbles are caused by impact damage, like striking a curb or hitting a pothole. When a tire hits something with force and speed, it compresses the tire enough that the inside of the sidewall is pinched and damaged, causing a hole to open inside the tire liner.

Under-inflating or over-inflating a tire can also cause a bubble to surface. Occasionally, a tire can have defects while being manufactured but that is rare. It is important to note that the driver may not notice the impact.

If your tire develops a sidewall bubble, Virginia Tire & Auto highly recommends having it inspected and replaced as soon as possible because your safety could be at risk. While the pressure may hold for some time without the tire failing, continued driving, high speeds or other impacts—even going over a speed bump—will worsen the problem and eventually cause the tire to fail.

Unfortunately, if your tire develops a bubble, it is not repairable. A sidewall bubble is a sign of internal failure and continued use of the bubbled tire will lead to a gradual weakening of the over-strained cords, which causes a larger bulge and results in tire failure.

If your tire has a bubble in its sidewall, schedule a visit with us to have your tire replaced. We offer the best tire brands at unbeatable prices! Drop by any of our convenient locations, call us at 877.597.8265 or schedule a visit online. Our expert tire technicians will help get you back on the road in no time.