When my car has been off and it's considered "Cold," why do the bottom of the tires bulge when they are at the correct PSI?
2007-05-03 10:38:49 · 9 answers · asked by westernnwaste 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Toyota
That's normal. The car weighs 1 1/2 tons. The air pressure in the tires pushes in all directions. Sideways is the only "give" in a tire.
2007-05-03 10:41:47 · answer #1 · answered by regerugged 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mainly because the tire carcass is of "radial" construction which makes for a very flexible side wall. A misconception about tires is that the air pressure "supports the car". it really doesn't - not directly. the cords and fabric in the tire supports the load. The wheel rim is actually HANGING in the tire. the entire carcass carries the stress. The air just puffs it out to a donut shape so all the structure can work. The air pressure puts tension in the cords so they can carry the load. A bicycle wheel is the same thing and maybe easier to understand. All the bicycle spokes are tightened in tension. So - the wheel hub is hanging in the rim by the tension in the upper spokes. it is NOT pushing in compression on the bottom spokes because they are not compression members - they are in tension.
2007-05-03 19:25:12 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many years back, the tire took on a bulge when it was low. Then they developed a "wide oval" tire, which looked slightly bulged all the time. That is the standard profile now. To eliminate that bulge, you would need so much air pressure it would be dangerous.
2007-05-03 17:45:57 · answer #3 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the correct shape for them when the car is squishing them with its weight. Some sunny day check their pressure carefully to confirm that it is perfect. Then walk around and see what they all look like. That is what you need to memorize as "TIRES LOOK GOOD" so that only if they are not looking like that you will recognize a problem. Next time you see them appearing to bulge think back to the TIRES LOOK GOOD memory and stop worrying.
2007-05-03 17:43:57 · answer #4 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There has to be some give in the tire! If they were inflated as tight as they could be, then when you hit something hard like a rock the tire would pop! Also the car does weigh a good amount so that has something to do with it.
2007-05-03 17:42:50 · answer #5 · answered by Marcie E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should make sure to not just go off of what the tire says because typically it only lists the maximum recommended pressure if you are concerned that they look too low remember that when they heat up during driving the air inside will expand. also if you are still worried check the tread for wear if they are going bald faster on the sides then you should add more air.
2007-05-04 01:27:59 · answer #6 · answered by Eric M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The weight of the vehicle causes the bulging.
2007-05-03 17:41:48 · answer #7 · answered by Truth is elusive 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe because they're supporting nearly two tons of vehicle? If the pressure gauge says that they're OK when cold, leave them alone.
2007-05-03 17:43:01 · answer #8 · answered by Kiffin # 1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what the hell r u talkin about
2007-05-03 17:40:29 · answer #9 · answered by airborneelite 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋