Take it to the dealer. One of two possible scenarios:
1. Tire has defect and needs to be replaced.
2. This is a normal result of the "splice" where the two ends of the sidewall is joined together prior to the tire being placed into a curing press.

I prefer to err on the side of caution. That's why I strongly suggest you go to the dealer. OR, a REPUTABLE tire center that services that brand.

 

I had a similar bulge on a front tire on my 2012 Limited. I noticed it at about 1800 miles. I didn't really know how long it had been there. I took it to my dealer for evaluation. The service writer had the service manager look at it . He stated that it was a bruise/blister caused from hitting a curb or pot hole that pinches the sidewall between the wheel and the hazard. The service writer showed me the warranty that says it does not cover road hazards and that I did need a new tire. I explained to him that my car had started out in my city at a different dealer and was moved to a dealer in a city 200 miles away. When I wanted my color and option choice my dealer brought it another 200 miles back to my city. When I reminded him that the first 400 miles logged on this car was from lot jockeys transporting the car back and forth, he agreed to give me a new tire under warranty. I think you may be buying a new tire. Dar

 

Nasty bulge, wouldn't want to be doing highway speeds riding on that, get it replaced asap.

 

I've got an appointment on Thursday. Hopefully it doesn't blow out before then.

 

No spare? if not at least swap it with a rear tire, easier to control if it does blow until you get it replaced.

 

Great idea. If you can't get it checked immediately, I would rotate it to the rear, IMMEDIATELY!!!

 

Does the car ride normally and smoothly?

 

your bring it to the dealer - 1st they say "who knows if you hit a pavement, sir/madam", if they will change it , let them change the 4 of them and say "who knows maybe the rest of the 3 that comes with are also gonna be like that one" plus 1 new tire + 3 older tires..... hhhhmmmm --- think..

 

Yup, looks like you clobbered a curb or pothole, you can even see the scratches on your rim and abrasion on the bead right above it. Accident damage isn't covered under warranty. You just need to buck up and buy a new tire.

 

Yup, looks like you clobbered a curb or pothole, you can even see the scratches on your rim and abrasion on the bead right above it. Accident damage isn't covered under warranty. You just need to buck up and buy a tire.

I missed that first time around. Nice job, Eagle Eye! LOL Yeah, I believe someone is just out of luck.

 

You know,

I have been posting in this forum for more than a year already. And it seems the threads about "sidewall bulge" incidents were made by ...

LIMITED owners.

I guess it's safe to say this is something that current Limited owners must anticipate...and for potential Limited owners to accept when buying the Elantra with this trim level

Hmm...

 

low wall tires need alot of air pressure to protect your wheels from damage when hitting bumps.

Always try to avoid potholes and hitting curves.

What brand is the elantra stock tire?

 

Continental ContiPro's on my Limited. Two Limited's, two sets of Contipro's, zero problems. Hankook's or General's may be the other brand offered. I'm not sure but I am certain another owner will chime in.

 

Hankook is the other brand.

 

i say it again , never trust warranty. its a whole business.

 

Got the tire replaced today. Got home and noticed that the tire was a bit different than the others. Yep, they put on a 91V instead of the stock low rolling resistance 87H.

And I've had a talk with my wife about how she can't hit curbs with the Elantra like she does with her van. Sigh...

 

And I've had a talk with my wife about how she can't hit curbs with the Elantra like she does with her van. Sigh...

...and how'd that work out for you?

 

As well as you can probably imagine it did.

Anyway, I'm going back to the dealership tomorrow morning and have them put the right tire on this time.