Tire Sidewall Swelling: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg, and 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
A swelling in the flank of the tire indicates that the substructure of the shell has been damaged.
Typical causes for such damage include, for example, driving over curbs at a sharp angle.
Pinching the shell of a tire this way can damage the carcass.
The substructure of the tire is stretched so far that individual fibers in the shell may break.
The extent of the damage depends on the speed of impact, the angle of impact, the air pressure, the axle load and the type of obstacle.
Evidence of Pinching on the Sidewall of a Tire -arrows-
NOTE:
Driving over curbs must be avoided!
When it cannot be avoided, curbs should be driven over very slowly at the bluntest possible angle.