What happens if I drive my BMW 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 550i GT xDrive 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 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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Who repairs BMW 550i GT xDrive tires?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most BMW 550i GT xDrive tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

Why do my 550i GT xDrive tires keep losing air?

If your 550i GT xDrive tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Is it necessary to replace all four BMW 550i GT xDrive tires at once?

It's important to consider replacing your 550i GT xDrive 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 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive

Get BMW Tire Repair

Get Tires for Your BMW 550i GT xDrive

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Shop Tires

BMW 550i GT xDrive Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive tire is feasible and safe, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

When Is It Time for BMW 550i GT xDrive Tire Replacement?

Not all 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive tire damage can be repaired. 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). 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 in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult BMW’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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.

BMW 550i GT xDrive Tire Inspection

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 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

BMW 550i GT xDrive Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my BMW 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 550i GT xDrive 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 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Who repairs BMW 550i GT xDrive tires? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most BMW 550i GT xDrive tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
Why do my 550i GT xDrive tires keep losing air? If your 550i GT xDrive tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Is it necessary to replace all four BMW 550i GT xDrive tires at once? It's important to consider replacing your 550i GT xDrive 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 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive

Nothing lasts forever. Even your BMW 550i GT xDrive's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 2012 BMW 550i GT xDrive repairs.