What happens if I drive my Buick 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 Riviera 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 Buick'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 Buick on a spare tire?

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 1988 Buick Riviera is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who offers Buick Riviera tire repair?

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

Why do my Riviera tires keep losing air?

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

Do all four tires on a Buick Riviera have to be replaced at the same time?

Replacing all four tires on your Riviera 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”.

1988 Buick Riviera Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your Buick Riviera Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. 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 1988 Buick Riviera 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 we determine that your 1988 Buick Riviera tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Buick Riviera Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1988 Buick Riviera tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes 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); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Buick’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. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. If you can replace your damaged tire with the same type, brand, and size as the others, you may be able to save costs and only purchase one replacement. 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.

Buick Riviera Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! 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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1988 Buick Riviera in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Buick Riviera Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Buick 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 Riviera 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 Buick'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 Buick on a spare tire? 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 1988 Buick Riviera is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who offers Buick Riviera tire repair? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Buick Riviera tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do my Riviera tires keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Riviera tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do all four tires on a Buick Riviera have to be replaced at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your Riviera 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”.

Repair Services for Your 1988 Buick Riviera

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Buick Riviera's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1988 Buick Riviera repairs.