Bulge in Tyre Wall? Here’s What to Do

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 by Chesca D
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Chesca D is a Content & Editorial Coordinator at Tyres.co.uk and is responsible for researching, coordinating, and producing accurate, up-to-date tyre guidance for our Knowledge Hub..
Each article is created using manufacturer specifications, recognised industry standards, and current UK regulations, and is reviewed internally to ensure clarity and technical accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in tyre laws, safety guidance, and product specifications.
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A bulge in your tyre wall isn’t just cosmetic — it’s a warning sign of internal tyre damage. This guide explains what causes tyre bulges, why they can lead to blowouts, and the safest steps to take next. Find expert advice and affordable replacements from Tyres.co.uk to keep your car safe and road-ready.

When we talk about tyre maintenance, there are some features that require regular maintenance while others are symptoms of an underlying structural or material issue.

For example, tyre tread is something that gradually becomes worn over time and requires regular checks to ensure that you are within the legal limit. However, spotting a bulge in your tyre wall can be an indicator that more severe damage has occurred.

What is a Bulging Tyre?

If, when you check your tyres, you notice a lump or bump which is jutting outwards, then you could be looking at a bulge in your tyre.

This lump in your tyre can be caused by a number of things – but the most important thing to note is that a bulging tyre needs to be addressed and fixed as quickly as possible. Driving around with a bulging tyre can lead to a tyre blowout, which causes you to lose control of steering and braking. What’s more, your car will immediately fail its MOT if you take it to your local garage or mechanic with a bulging tyre, meaning that this is an issue which needs fixing as soon as you can.

With that said, what causes a bulge in your tyre wall and what can you do to fix it?

Common Causes of a Bulge in Your Tyre Wall

There are several common causes of a bulge in the tyre. The one thing that all of them have in common is that they are exacerbated by damage – often a knock from a kerb, taking a speed bump too quickly, driving over a pothole, or putting pressure on certain points of the tyre due to uneven wear.

Typically, the faster the car is travelling the more damage is exerted on the tyre. Even if you don’t suffer an immediate puncture, sometimes a knock like this can weaken or completely break the cords inside the tyre sidewall, causing the air to bulge outwards.

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What to Do if You Spot a Bulge in Your Tyre

Depending on the situation, you may decide to switch your damaged tyre out for a spare that you have in your vehicle, following the same procedure as if you had a puncture or flat tyre.

If you are able to get your vehicle to a garage quickly and replace your tyre with a new one, then this tends to be the best and safest option – not just keeping you and other drivers safe, but also enabling your vehicle to run more efficiently. Either way, here at Tyres.co.uk we make issues like bulging tyres and punctures less painful and frustrating, by providing access to the best tyres on the market at unrivalled UK prices. For more advice and support in choosing the best tyres and keeping your vehicle road safe and driving smoothly, get in touch with the Tyres.co.uk team directly. 

And finally, before we go (and leave you to check your tyres for bulges and tread depth measurements), a few tips on how to navigate the issue of tyre damage – especially on the British roads which are ride with potholes, speed bumps, and other obstacles. If you do happen to run into an unavoidable obstacle on the road, the best thing to do is approach it slowly. The faster you drive over a lump or bump in the road, the more damage you will cause – so take it slowly and get your tyres checked on a regular basis to ensure they are in good condition.

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