Can I drive my BMW on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your 318is until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Is temporary sealant bad for my BMW's tires?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your BMW 318is to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.

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

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 BMW 318is 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 318is tire repair?

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

What is causing the tires on my 318is to keep losing air?

Your 318is tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

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

It's important to consider replacing your 318is 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”.

Tire Repair for Your 1996 BMW 318is

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BMW 318is Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. It seems construction is everywhere these days! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1996 BMW 318is 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. 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 1996 BMW 318is tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

BMW 318is Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 1996 BMW 318is tire damage calls for more than a repair. For tires that have less than 2/32nd inch of tread left, a repair simply isn’t possible – even if the tire damage is minimal. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Some tire issues are easy and straightforward to repair, but other kinds of tire damage can’t be properly repaired. Tire damage that can’t be repaired effectively include a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; 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. 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. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My BMW 318is?

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1996 BMW 318is in for a tire inspection.

BMW 318is Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my BMW on a flat tire? Driving on a flat or underinflated tire can put extra stress on your wheels and alignment. While it’s sometimes necessary to drive a short distance on a flat tire to get to a safe place, don’t take any other trips in your 318is until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Is temporary sealant bad for my BMW's tires? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your BMW 318is to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1996 BMW 318is 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 318is tire repair? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most BMW 318is tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my 318is to keep losing air? Your 318is tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my BMW 318is? It's important to consider replacing your 318is 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”.

Repair Services for Your 1996 BMW 318is

Your BMW 318is runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1996 BMW 318is repairs below.