Hello, I have a 2010 Prius. The front tires seem to have a "bulg". Please have a look at the atachement. Should I replace the tire?
I can't see any bulge in the sidewall in your picture from my smartphone. If there is any bulging or swelling in the sidewall though the tire needs to be replaced ASAP. You definitely don't want a tire blowout, especially at freeway speeds. SCH-I535
Thank you xliderrider for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. Here is a bigger version of the photo. View image: 20130811 122456 you can click on the picture to zoom in, please look at the lower part of the sidewall. It is a little donuts shaped.
The bulge at the bottom looks like low air pressure. Check the tire pressure and raise it to at least 36 psi and higher if you want better mpg.
I can't see any bulge over than at the bottom. Check your tyre pressures. Also, if there are any unusual bulges or lumps on the side wall of a tyre always get it checked if you're not sure, otherwise replace it. They're caused mainly by side wall damage such as hitting a pothole or curb and is the side of the tyre breaking away. You are at extreme risk of a blow out with such a tyre. Not worth the risk at all.
If you roll the car forward, just a foot or so, is the bulge still at the bottom? And you're seeing the same thing on both front tires? If so, that's normal: raising pressures, above what's indicated on the driver's door sticker, will reduce that bulge. It'll also improve mpg, but raising too high will make for a hard ride. It looks like you have the low profile 17" tires. We have the same (17"), and our sticker says 33/32 psi front/rear. I've raised ours to around 38 on all four, and it's ok, the ride's a little stiffer, but not bad. There's very little bulge at the higher pressure. It's more pronounced on the front tires because of the extra weight of the engine.
I don't see anything wrong with the tire. However I do see some dingleberries on your frisbie/wheel covers - you gotta quit kissing the curb , or it will cause misalignment and after that comes irregular tire wear. Best to take it to your local tire shop . They can look at it in person and make a better judgement call. .
