As a seasoned expert in automotive mechanics, I've had the opportunity to diagnose and address a variety of tire and wheel issues. When it comes to a tire getting out of round, there are several factors that can contribute to this problem. Here's a detailed examination of the causes:

1. Wheel Damage: A bent or damaged wheel can cause a tire to appear out of round. When a wheel is not true, it can create an uneven surface for the tire to rotate on, leading to irregular wear patterns and a tire that doesn't maintain a consistent shape.

2. Improper Mounting: If a tire is not mounted correctly, it can lead to issues with its roundness. This can happen if the tire beads are not seated properly on the wheel, or if there is damage to the wheel's bead seat.

3. Over-inflation or Under-inflation: Tires that are over-inflated or under-inflated can also become out of round. The pressure inside the tire affects its shape and if it's not within the recommended range, it can lead to uneven wear and a tire that is not round.

4. Potholes and Road Debris: Hitting a pothole or road debris at high speed can cause significant damage to a tire. This impact can cause the tire to bulge or warp, resulting in an out-of-round condition.

5. Manufacturing Defects: Although rare, manufacturing defects can cause a tire to be out of round from the moment it leaves the factory. These defects can include issues with the tire's construction or materials.

6. Tire Aging and Wear: Over time, tires can lose their roundness due to the natural aging process and wear. The rubber compounds in tires can degrade, and the structural integrity of the tire can weaken, leading to a loss of roundness.

7. Unbalanced Loads: Carrying heavy loads unevenly can put stress on a tire, causing it to become deformed and out of round. This is particularly true for vehicles that are frequently overloaded.

8. Poor Quality Tires: Low-quality tires may not have the same level of structural integrity and durability as higher-quality options. This can lead to a tire becoming out of round more quickly.

9. Alignment and Suspension Issues: If a vehicle's alignment is off or there are issues with the suspension, it can cause the tires to wear unevenly and become out of round.

10. Tire Separation: As you mentioned, tire separation is a serious issue where part of the outer tread cap separates from the body of the tire. This is different from an out-of-round tire but can cause similar symptoms such as violent shaking.

It's important to note that while some of these issues can be corrected with proper maintenance and repair, others may require the replacement of the tire or wheel. Regular inspections and proper care can help prevent many of these problems and ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle's tires.

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A bent wheel will make any tire mounted on it appear to be out of round. A separated tire will also cause a violent shake and is very dangerous. Separation and out of round are totally different issues. With tire separation, part of the outer tread cap has separated from the body of the tire.read more >>