Tire Repair for Your 1994 BMW 318i

Urban areas are booming. Roads are expanding. There's construction around every corner! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. If the road has been rough on your 1994 BMW 318i tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. We’ll begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If we determine that your 1994 BMW 318i tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Unfortunately, some 1994 BMW 318i 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. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on BMW's recommendation. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Bring your 1994 BMW 318i in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.