Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information

Swellings in the tyre sidewall

In this manual: Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information
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A swelling in the sidewall of the tyre indicates that the substructure of the carcass has been damaged.
Typical causes for such damage include, for example, driving over kerbs at a sharp angle.

Pinching the tyre in this way can damage the carcass.

The substructure of the tyre is stretched so far that individual fibres in the carcass may be broken. The extent of the damage depends on the speed of impact, the angle of impact, the tyre pressure, the axle load and the type of obstacle.
Swellings in the tyre sidewall

Pinch marks on tyre sidewall -arrows-

Note

Driving over kerbs should be avoided.

If you cannot avoid driving over a kerb, you should do so very slowly and as square-on as possible.
Swellings in the tyre sidewall

Interior view of a tyre with a punctured carcass

Due to a severe impact, the carcass was pinched on the wheel rim flange and is ruptured in the contact area.
Swellings in the tyre sidewall

Damage inside tyre due to impact injury (double rupture)

Double rupture -arrows- caused by pinching when a kerb was driven over. Often not detectable from outside.
Swellings in the tyre sidewall

Cuts

Cut caused by a sharp-edged obstacle -arrow-
Cuts

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