Is this a tyre bulge or something else? (1 Viewer)

[WonkyBass]

On a site in Brittany on front levelling blocks. Front tyres both 57 psi. With the sunlight in a certain direction I see an indentation on both fronts around 1:30 - 2:30 position. When I move tomorrow I’ll find out if it’s caused by the blocks (must be as its both wheels and in the same position) or something else but I’ve never seen it before. Should I be concerned?

 

[CazPaul]

I don't like the look of that, what make and how old are the tyres. I have never seen it on any of mine after being on levelling blocks.

 

[Popeye]

Yes you should be concerned, any deformation in a tyre concerns me. We have a tyre company owner on this forum so I'm hoping this will get his attention.

@Brian and Jo , can you help here with your intimate tyre knowledge?

Cheers Griff

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[Northernraider]

Not sure why it would be caused by the levellers but it certainly doesn't look right of be inclined to have them checked out somewhere just to be on the safe side

 

[iandsm]

I imagine it would be highly unusual, if not impossible for two front tyres to have these indentations due to a manufacturing other fault perhaps as you suggest it has been caused by the blocks can you not reverse off them and see what the ryrezrdo over a few hours. If they don’t return to normal they may have some internal damage. Could you consider calling your breakdown service, they may be happy to come out and examine the tyres and at least reassure you they are ok to drive on for a short distance to a local tyre dealer for advice and perhaps replacement. Good luck.

 

[Northernraider]

Does it have the same indentation on the inner wall also?

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[funflair]

My guess is that it will be a tight spot in the cords BUT don't take my word for it. I think you see it on all tyres to a greater or lesser degree.

Martin

 

[WonkyBass]

4 years old. 17,000 miles from new. Continental Vanco 215/70 R15 CP. All rims were changed twice under warranty so the tyres have been on and off a few times - may be a factor?

Now I am off the blocks I can see/ feel another couple of similar indentations on one of the tyres but nothing on either rear.

 

[Spanner]

Could be what is known as “a slight manufacturing defect”

Sidewall indentations
The sidewall of a tyre is not always completely flat and even. There are sometimes bumps
or indentations which may need to be looked at.

Indentations like the one shown here are harmless and will not affect safety or driving characteristics.

The sidewalls of a tyre include embedded threads which give the tyre its strength and transfer steering and braking forces.

When a tyre is manufactured there is always at least one overlapping seam. It is this seam which is sometimes visible as an indentation after the tyre is fitted and inflated with air – although usually they are more or less invisible.

This information is for guidance only. Remember, tyres are safety components and customers should always be referred to an approved Audi Centre or service agent in the first instance, so that diagnosis can be carried out by qualified service personnel.

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[chatteris]

my work van has a similar indentation on the front offside i had the tyres fitted about 3 years ago and it has never been kerbed so I think its just a slight manufacturing defect, keeping an eye on it after noticing it about a year ago, my tyres are coopers

 

[Dorset Diver]

Just checked mine and two of the four are similar, perhaps not so pronounced (Michelin Campers). I've had the same with others tyres on other vehicles, that have run their life without problems. I think it is just a manufacturing "feature" , but I'm no expert.

 

[Lenny HB]

I've seen it on car tyres usually on old ones, wouldn't like to comment on if it is a safety issue.

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[Geo]

They are what are called manufacturing undulations and are regarded as a visual defect of no significance
for MoT test purposes, in other words a cosmetic fault

 

[pagey]

i had the same and it was deemed as cosmetic by 2 different tyre dealers

 

[Stephen Franklin]

All 4 of our Michelin Agilis tyres had similar indents from new. I looked around the dealers when we were collecting the MH and could see it on all the ones I looked at once you looked closely.

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[WonkyBass]

Wow, love Motorhome Fun! You get this consensus of experience. Thank you all responders. We’re returning the UK on Tuesday and I will have them double checked there.

 

[WonkyBass]

Just came across this on Continental’s site that explains the phenomenon
https://blobs.continental-tires.com...a0329/download-sidewall-indentations-data.pdf

 

[Stephen Franklin]

Had 2 sets of Michelin Agilis. All 8 have had a slight indent in the sidewall.

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[Rob Turner]

I’ve just had 4 fitted at P&B and the one has a bump on it. Spoke to Brian today and he’s changing it for me, well he’s probably all ready done it but I forgot to pick it up..........only work a few yards away

 

[Vanderek]

I think I my bulge is just to balance the tyre...

 

[Bognor Saint]

Years ago I had a car where the spare was kept in a cage under the car and then clamped up. I found similar marks on this tyre probably because of being clamped up tight.

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[tacr2man]

The pics above are acceptable , sometimes occur due to build of carcase . Having said that as a tyre supplier of over 15 years , if you see any abnormality , get it checked by a reputable tyre dealer .
A ply failure usually manifests as a outward bulge , this should be dealt with immediately . HTSH

 

[Ninjabob]

All 4 of our Michelin Agilis tyres had similar indents from new. I looked around the dealers when we were collecting the MH and could see it on all the ones I looked at once you looked closely.

Likewise - have seen this on my own (never kerbed) and others vans.

 

[treetops1]

Q

My guess is that it will be a tight spot in the cords BUT don't take my word for it. I think you see it on all tyres to a greater or lesser degree.

Martin

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[Tyrefixer]

Having been in the tyre business for approx 50 years prior to retirement
18 months ago I was involved with many tyres being returned to various manufacturers for the inspection of indentations / bulges found on sidewalls of tyres both car / commercial. The most common explanation was to the fact that when the sidewalls are built a overlap of rubber compound is formed as a joint. In time this overlap springs in or outwards giving the look of a bulge or indentation, most of the time not being noticeable unless the light or water is directly on the tyre. Of course as you are aware tyres have a difficult life and bulges / indentations or unexplained marks should never be ignored , therefor always have them inspected by a tyre professional for peace of mind.

 

[Tyrefixer]

Hi Wonkybass,
Just realised you have the product page from Continental , I apologise for being long winded.

 

[WonkyBass]

No problem, thanks for the interest. I assume that many people who experience issues will search the interweb seeking solutions for symptoms and I therefore thought it helpful to provide manufacturer’s answer to my original June 2018 post. Of course, if I HAD researched this properly last year on the Continental site then I wouldn’t still be troubling everyone here...

Those tyres were date coded 2013 and I replaced them all a couple of weeks ago after 20,000 miles.

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