How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

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 318i as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Will a temporary sealant fix my BMW'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.

How long can I drive my BMW on a spare tire?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 BMW 318i may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.

Who offers BMW 318i tire repair?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most BMW 318i tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

What can cause 318i tires to keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your 318i tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my BMW 318i?

Replacing all four tires on your 318i is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Tire Repair for Your 1996 BMW 318i

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BMW 318i Tire Repair

Urban areas are booming. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If the road has been rough on your 1996 BMW 318i tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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 we determine that your 1996 BMW 318i tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your BMW 318i

Sometimes, 1996 BMW 318i tire damage calls for more than a repair. Even if your tire damage is minor, if your tires have less than 2/32nd inch of tread remaining, a repair isn’t possible (or safe). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; 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. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. 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. Still not sure how many tires to replace or what kind to buy? A trained tire technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care is ready and waiting to answer your questions.

BMW 318i Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Bent tire rims, bulging tire sidewalls, leaks under your car, or noise from your exhaust system can all point to tire-related damage that should be addressed quickly. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1996 BMW 318i.

Frequently Asked BMW 318i Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? 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 318i as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Will a temporary sealant fix my BMW'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.
How long can I drive my BMW on a spare tire? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 BMW 318i may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.
Who offers BMW 318i tire repair? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most BMW 318i tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What can cause 318i tires to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your 318i tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my BMW 318i? Replacing all four tires on your 318i is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

1996 BMW 318i Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your BMW 318i's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1996 BMW 318i repairs.