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!

Is temporary sealant bad for my BMW's tires?

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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 1997 BMW 318i is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Where can I get my BMW 318i tires repaired?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your BMW 318i tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

Why do the tires on my 318i keep losing air?

Your 318i 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 BMW 318i tires at the same time?

When replacing the tires on your 318i, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

1997 BMW 318i Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your BMW 318i Tire

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 1997 BMW 318i tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 a repair on your 1997 BMW 318i tire is feasible and safe, 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.

When Is It Time for BMW 318i Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1997 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and major cuts or separated treads.

Depending on what BMW recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. 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. 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. 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 1997 BMW 318i.

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!
Is temporary sealant bad for my BMW's tires? 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 1997 BMW 318i is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Where can I get my BMW 318i tires repaired? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your BMW 318i tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do the tires on my 318i keep losing air? Your 318i 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 BMW 318i tires at the same time? When replacing the tires on your 318i, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

1997 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 1997 BMW 318i repairs.