You’re out cleaning your ride, and your attention to detail is immaculate. As you kneel down to get the brake dust off your new wheels, you notice a bubble in your tire. This is not the bubble gum kind of bubble that just blows up and pops; it’s a black bulge that’s staring straight at you, like a sore thumb that just keeps throbbing.

You can't simply ignore it...

So why is there a bubble in your tire?

Tires are made up of several layers of different materials, leaving them susceptible to damage that can disrupt these layers. There are a few factors that can cause damage. The first is potholes. Those pesky potholes, when hit, cause blunt force trauma to the tire. This force can cause the tire layers to separate, creating air between them and resulting in the bubble.

Secondly, curbs can cause similar damage at any speed. If you hit them hard, the result will be the same as hitting a pothole. Even at slower speeds, or when parking, you can pinch the tire enough to cause the same type of layer separation. Tearing the tire from within and potentially worse, damaging the connection between your wheel and the bead of the tire.

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Thirdly, installation errors can also cause bubbles in the tire. This is a touchy subject, and we won’t point any fingers, but it’s probably the leading cause of bubbles in tires. During installation, a technician may accidentally rip the bead, which can compromise the tire's layers, again causing air to go between them and creating a bubble. This is a good reason to have a trusted mechanic or shop professionally install tires on your wheels.

So, what’s the fix? Well, the simple answer is to replace the tire. Unfortunately, since the issue is in the sidewall, there is no way to fix or patch the area, as you would with a nail in the tread of a tire. This bubble indicates structural damage on the tire, and we recommend using a spare until that tire can be replaced. This is because as you drive on the tire under different road conditions, the bubble may get larger. The longer you wait, the more likely a larger failure, including a burst tire, could leave you and your family stranded.

We don’t want you to be stranded. Check your tires regularly for signs of bubbles, wear, or even air pressure to ensure you get the longest possible lifespan from them. If you have any questions regarding tire issues that arise, feel free to let us know, and we’ll be more than happy to help as much as we can. Needless to say, at Custom Wheel Outlet, we can supply you with a single tire that is always guaranteed to ship fast and free! We also understand that timing is everything… Rarely do these tires rupture during convenient times when you are unclogging your vacuum cleaner of all those $100 bills, that is why we also offer  creditless financing should you need it.

IN BRIEF BLOG SUMMARY:

If you're cleaning your vehicle and notice a bubble in your tire, it may be a sign of damage to the tire layers. This can be caused by hitting a pothole or curb, pinching the tire when parking, or installation errors. To fix the problem, the tire needs to be replaced as there is no way to repair the sidewall, and these bubbles will increase in size over time before they burst. It's important to check your tires regularly for signs of damage or wear and maintain proper air pressure to ensure the tire's longevity. If you have any questions or concerns about tire issues, don't hesitate to ask for help from a trusted mechanic or shop. Waiting too long to replace a damaged tire can result in a larger failure, potentially leaving you and your loved ones stranded.

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