Both of my front tires developed bulges in the sidewalls. I replaced them, but I was wondering what causes it? These were Nitto NeoGen tires, so they werent cheap crappy tires. Do potholes do it, or is it something else like over inflating?


They looked like this

 

you hitting sh*t causes that

its a weakness in the sidewall, air is pushing past the plys

 

Also when the tire was made on a Monday or Friday. If two tires from the same lot had it happen near the same time, that's a warranty claim right there.

 

I had a set of Kuhmo Ecsta tires on my car that had sidewall bulging issues from hitting potholes.

I now run BF Goodrich g-force Supersport A/S ZR rated tires which have way stronger sidewalls but they do cost a little more per tire.

 

don't hit potholes, simple as that.

 

A busted belt causes it and it's usually caused by sharp impacts.

 

The plies in the carcass have separated, and that area is going to be the point at which the carcass terminally fails. As has been said, impact to the sidewall OR not enough air in the tyre leading to the sidewall folding, and running up against the rim. If it isn't these, then either over-inflation or a bad batch of tyres.

 

i had kumho ecsta and my right front developed a bulge when i hit a pothole going like 35mph, avoid potholes and you'll be fine