Can I drive my Alfa Romeo on a flat tire?

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your Spider as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Alfa Romeo's flat tire?

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who offers Alfa Romeo Spider tire repair?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Alfa Romeo Spider tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

Why do my Spider tires keep losing air?

Your Spider tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

Do I have to replace all four Alfa Romeo Spider tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your Spider tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Tire Repair Services

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Get Your Alfa Romeo Spider Tire Repaired

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider needs flat tire repair or inspection. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. To start, we’ll consider the location of tire damage, the type of issue, the size and scope of the damage, and the amount of wear on your tires.

If your 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Alfa Romeo Spider Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and major cuts or separated treads.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Alfa Romeo’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Alfa Romeo Spider

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Alfa Romeo Spider Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Alfa Romeo on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your Spider as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Alfa Romeo's flat tire? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? While this sounds great in theory, keep in mind that most spare tires are not designed for distance or speed. The compact spare tire that most likely sits inside your 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who offers Alfa Romeo Spider tire repair? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Alfa Romeo Spider tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do my Spider tires keep losing air? Your Spider tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Do I have to replace all four Alfa Romeo Spider tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your Spider tires in pairs or all four at once for safety and performance reasons, even if only two of them appear to be worn. If the remaining two tires are significantly newer, they may have different grip than the older tires, which can affect your vehicle’s handling. Always double-check your owner's manual since some vehicles require all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference of more than 3/32”.

1988 Alfa Romeo Spider Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Alfa Romeo Spider's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1988 Alfa Romeo Spider repairs.