What should I do if I notice a bulge or exposed cords on a tire?
Quick answer
Treat a visible tire bulge or exposed cords as a serious defect; don’t keep using the affected tire while waiting to see if it changes. Michelin says a sidewall bulge generally indicates cord damage, cannot be repaired, and requires replacement. Exposed cords call for immediate professional inspection and likely replacement. [S1][S2] Follow your vehicle manual when considering a spare, and arrange suitable professional assistance if you cannot safely use it.
The question, the details, the next step.
I noticed a raised bubble on the side of my tire. Is it okay to keep driving carefully until I can get it checked?
Don’t treat careful driving as a fix or continue using the affected tire to see whether the bulge changes. Michelin says a sidewall bulge or bubble generally indicates damaged cords, cannot be repaired, and requires replacement. [S1] Treat it as urgent and arrange a safe way to have the tire replaced and inspected. If you’re on the road, contact suitable roadside or tire assistance rather than attempting a repair.
What if I can see threads or cords through a cut, but there isn’t a bulge?
Visible cords are also a reason for immediate professional inspection; Michelin says a cut deep enough to expose underlying cords likely calls for tire replacement. [S2] Don’t assume the tire is safe just because the damaged area looks small. An external visual check cannot reveal every kind of internal tire damage. [S2] Describe what you can see and let a tire professional assess the tire.
Should I put on the spare, or call for help?
Check your vehicle’s manual for instructions about whether a spare is provided and how to use it. Michelin advises immediate replacement with the spare for a sidewall bulge, while noting that safe spare use and vehicle-specific procedures can differ. [S1] If you cannot safely use the spare, arrange suitable roadside or tire assistance. The supplied guidance does not establish one roadside procedure for every vehicle or location.
What should I tell the person I call so they bring the right kind of help?
Give a short, factual description without guessing at the cause. For example: “I’m at [location]. The [front/rear, left/right] tire has [a visible sidewall bulge / a cut with cords showing]. I have [a spare / no spare / am not sure]. What assistance is suitable?” Add the vehicle make and model if known, and mention any access or location issue. These are placeholders; use your actual details. Ask the service provider what information they need before arranging help.
Can I use a sealant or patch as a temporary measure to get to a tire shop?
Don’t try to temporarily patch or seal a visible bulge or exposed cords. Michelin says a bulging sidewall cannot be repaired and requires replacement; exposed cords call for immediate professional inspection and likely replacement. [S1][S2] The supplied guidance does not establish that a temporary product or repair makes either condition safe. Have a tire professional determine the next step.
What should I write down before the tire is inspected?
Use a simple handoff note: “Observed at [time/date]: [bulge / cut / cords visible] on [tire position]. Vehicle at [location]. Spare: [available / unavailable / unknown]. Assistance contacted: [provider or not yet contacted].” Keep the description factual. A professional may need to inspect beyond what is visible; an external visual check alone cannot reveal all internal tire damage. [S2]
A practical checklist
Treat a visible bulge or exposed cords as urgent; don’t keep using the affected tire while waiting to see if it changes.
Contact suitable roadside or tire assistance if you need help arranging the next step.
Check the vehicle manual before considering a spare; arrange help if you cannot safely use it.
Describe the tire’s position and visible damage without guessing at the cause.
Ask a tire professional to inspect the tire and advise on replacement.
A few more useful answers
Does a bulge mean the tire can be patched?
Michelin says a sidewall bulge generally indicates cord damage, cannot be repaired, and requires replacement. [S1] Have a tire professional inspect it.
Can a visual check confirm the rest of the tire is undamaged?
No. Michelin cautions that an external visual check cannot reveal all internal tire damage. [S2] A visible defect warrants professional inspection.
Is there one roadside procedure that applies to every car?
The supplied guidance does not establish a universal procedure. Follow your vehicle manual and arrange suitable professional assistance if you cannot safely use the spare. [S1]
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Sidewall Problems: Symptom Bulge or Bubble | Michelin USA michelinman.com · Checked
- [S2] Visual Tire Inspection Before Mounting | Michelin USA michelinman.com · Checked