What happens if I drive my Buick 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 Riviera until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Buick's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Buick Riviera 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?

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 1996 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 can repair Buick Riviera tires?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Buick Riviera tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

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

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

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

When replacing the tires on your Riviera, 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.

1996 Buick Riviera Tire Repair Services

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Buick Riviera Tire Repair

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1996 Buick Riviera needs flat tire repair or inspection. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. 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 Buick Riviera tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your Buick Riviera

Unfortunately, some 1996 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. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Buick 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. 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. 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 Buick Riviera?

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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1996 Buick Riviera.

Frequently Asked Buick Riviera Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Buick 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 Riviera until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Buick's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Buick Riviera 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? 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 1996 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 can repair Buick Riviera tires? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Buick Riviera tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What is causing the tires on my Riviera to keep losing air? If your Riviera tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Do all four tires on a Buick Riviera have to be replaced at the same time? When replacing the tires on your Riviera, 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.

Get the Repairs Your 1996 Buick Riviera Needs

Your Buick Riviera 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 Buick Riviera repairs below.