Can I drive my Chevrolet 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 Cavalier until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Will a temporary sealant fix my Chevrolet's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Chevrolet Cavalier 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.

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 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who repairs Chevrolet Cavalier tires?

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

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

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

Is it necessary to replace all four Chevrolet Cavalier tires at once?

It's important to consider replacing your Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier

Get Chevrolet Tire Repair

Shop for Chevrolet Cavalier Tires

Keep your car in its best shape from the bottom up. Shop for tires today, then schedule a fast, easy installation appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Shop Tires

Get Your Chevrolet Cavalier Tire Repaired

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. If your 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 we determine that your 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for Chevrolet Cavalier Tire Replacement?

Sometimes, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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). At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; 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.

Depending on what Chevrolet 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. 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. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Chevrolet Cavalier 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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Frequently Asked Chevrolet Cavalier Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Chevrolet 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 Cavalier until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my Chevrolet's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Chevrolet Cavalier 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.
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 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who repairs Chevrolet Cavalier tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Chevrolet Cavalier tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my Cavalier to keep losing air? If your Cavalier tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Is it necessary to replace all four Chevrolet Cavalier tires at once? It's important to consider replacing your Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier

Your Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier repairs below.