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If you have a gumball-shaped bulge sticking out from the side of your tire, don't ignore it. The protrusion is actually an air bubble that could cause a blowout, so it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
What causes tire bubbles?
Tire bubbles are most often caused by high-impact damage, such as hitting a pothole or piece of road debris; running into a curb; driving too fast over speed bumps or railroad crossings; overloading your tire; and driving, even for a short distance, with a flat tire.
The impact that your tire experiences from hitting the foreign object pinches the tire against the rim, which damages the inner liner, forcing air to leak into the body of the tire and causing the bubble to form.
That's not to say that tire bubbles are never caused by an internal defect in the tire. If an authorized dealer inspects your tire and finds that there's been no obvious damage due to impact, then there's a chance that the defect could be covered by your warranty. Every tire manufacturer's policies and procedures are different, but if you don't remember subjecting your tires to any high-impact damage, then it could be worth submitting a claim.
Bubbles in the side of your tire aren't to be confused with sometimes-hard-to-spot bubbles that crop up in your tire's tread—these tread bubbles usually indicate that your tire has a broken belt.
If I have a bubble, are my tires safe?
Sidewall tire bubbles are extremely dangerous. If your tire has one, it could pop at any time and cause a blowout. Don't delay. Get it taken care of immediately.
Can Tire Bubbles be Repaired?
Unfortunately, sidewall tire bubbles aren't repairable— the entire tire must be replaced before a blowout occurs.
If you're replacing one tire, you might need to replace two tires. If you're routinely rotating your tires, it's best to replace tires in sets of two or four, to maintain even wear. It’s the smart move and should save you money in the long run.
We carry a huge selection of tires from all the brands you know and trust. Our experts will walk you through your options and help you choose the tire that’s right for you and your budget. Click the one of the links below to get started.
