It’s really quite a mystery: why do our car tires sometimes form bubbles?
We know that the air inside them causes them, but what causes this air to expand in the first place?
Tires are filled with pressurized gas, so it must be something else.
It turns out there are many different reasons for bubbles to form in your tire – and some of the most interesting ones might surprise you!
Table of Contents
What Causes Bubbles In A Tire?
- Air in the tire may have become too cold and contracted
- Missing pieces of tread on the tire can cause it to lose some of its shape, which could lead to a bubble developing
- Tire beads are designed to shrink during use as they develop microscopic cracks. If the tires are not properly filled with air pressure or if you drive off-road, these tiny gaps can allow air to leak out and create bubbles
- Bubbles can also form on the inside of your tire and are caused by an outgassing from the rubber.
- Low tire pressure can cause the rubber to flex too much and create air pockets that grow into bubbles. Improperly inflated tires can eventually lead to a hole or blister near the bead of the tire, which will also allow air bubbles to form. Tire pressure is absolutely critical for your safety on the road. Your car’s owner manual will recommend what typ
- The last cause is a puncture of the tire. This could be due to anything from debris on the road or nails in your tires – and for this reason we always recommend buying roadside assistance when going away on long trips!
The bubbles that form in our tires are a mystery.
However, any of these could be the culprit, and it’s important to keep an eye on your tire pressure if you want to avoid a surprise!
Can You Drive On A Tire With A Bubble?
The short answer to this question is yes; you can drive on a tire with a bubble, but you shouldn’t if possible.
If the bubble is small enough, it may not affect the way the car drives at all.
If it’s too large or in a place where it affects the handling of your vehicle, however, then you’ll want to replace your tire ASAP your likelihood of a tire blowout is much higher.
NHTSA estimates that tire failures cause 11,000 crashes yearly, so why put your life and others in danger?
Don’t speed and get your vehicle to a dealership right away to be inspected.
One of the most common causes of bubbles in tires is from a nail that’s punctured one side but not the other, which punctures the tire on impact and then stays there.
Another common cause of tires with a bubble is the tire pressure being too low, which will make your car feel like it’s rolling over something even though there’s nothing in your way.
You may have unknowingly done this if you’ve driven through water and then returned to the road without lowering your tire.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Bubble In A Tire?
There are two ways to eliminate this problem: either removing it yourself with pliers or using an air compressor/inflator to force it out.
If you have a tiny bubble on the side of your tire, it is possible to suck it out using the compressed air in your car, but this is not recommended.
This will cost you nothing.
You can also use an aerosol tire sealant, which typically costs less than $5 at hardware stores and can be used to deal with larger bubbles.
If you have a puncture or other type of leak that’s causing the problem, there’s usually no option but to replace the tire.
The price of this depends on where you live and where you buy the tire. In most cases, you will likely have to replace your tire, which will cost an average of $40-$70 per tire.
If you find a bubble on your tire, we recommend bringing it to your local tire dealership or auto shop for inspection and repair by a professional technician.
How Long Can I Drive With A Bubble In My Tire?
If you have a bubble in your tire, you may wonder how long it is safe to drive with it.
The answer to this question varies depending on your tire’s size, the bubble’s severity, and how fast you drive.
When in doubt, take your car in for an inspection by a professional.
A small bubble in your tire is usually not a problem and can be ignored as long as it doesn’t cause the pressure inside the tire to drop below 18 psi.
Bubbles are caused by gases that become trapped in the rubber of tires during production or storage, so you should inspect your tire regularly for any bumps or blisters.
The gas usually escapes over time, especially if you drive the car regularly.
However, if I find a tire bubble and the tires are aging, I would bring it to a tire dealership or auto shop right away to be inspected by a professional.
Is A Tire Bubble Covered Under Warranty?
A tire bubble is not covered under warranty.
This is because a tire can become damaged during storage and manufacture.
These damages include the introduction of gases inside the tire’s rubber by bubbles that are usually, if not always, created by atmospheric pressure in the storage facility or when it is being manufactured.
The gases usually escape over time, but if they do not, you should be concerned about taking your car to a tire dealership or auto shop right away to be inspected by a professional.
Summary
Tire bubbles can be caused by potholes, cracks in the roads, or anything in the road.
If it lasts a few days, please take it to a tire dealer or auto shop to replace it.
Unfortunately, tire bubbles are not covered by a warranty, so you will need to cover the cost of replacing the tire from your own pocket.
Disclaimer
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