Can I drive my Chevrolet 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 El Camino 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 Chevrolet's flat tire?

A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.

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 1986 Chevrolet El Camino 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 El Camino tires?

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

Why do my El Camino tires keep losing air?

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your El Camino tires continuously losing air.

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

While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your El Camino, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

Tire Repair for Your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino

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Get Tires for Your Chevrolet El Camino

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your Chevrolet El Camino at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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Chevrolet El Camino Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. 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 the road has been rough on your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your Chevrolet El Camino

Sometimes, 1986 Chevrolet El Camino 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). 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 tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside 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 Chevrolet’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. 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. 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.

Chevrolet El Camino Tire Inspection

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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 1986 Chevrolet El Camino in for a tire inspection.

Chevrolet El Camino Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Chevrolet 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 El Camino 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 Chevrolet's flat tire? A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.
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 1986 Chevrolet El Camino 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 El Camino tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Chevrolet El Camino tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do my El Camino tires keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your El Camino tires continuously losing air.
Is it necessary to replace all four Chevrolet El Camino tires at once? While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your El Camino, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

1986 Chevrolet El Camino Repair

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your Chevrolet El Camino, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1986 Chevrolet El Camino repairs.