What happens if 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 Malibu as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Is temporary sealant bad for my Chevrolet's tires?

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?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 Chevrolet Malibu may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.

Where can I get my Chevrolet Malibu tires repaired?

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

What can cause Malibu tires to keep losing air?

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

Do I have to replace all four Chevrolet Malibu tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your Malibu 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 1997 Chevrolet Malibu

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Get Tires for Your Chevrolet Malibu

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

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Get Your Chevrolet Malibu Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 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 1997 Chevrolet Malibu tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (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) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Chevrolet Malibu Tire Replacement

Not all 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch 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.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Chevrolet's recommendation. 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. 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. 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.

Chevrolet Malibu Tire Inspection

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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. Bring your 1997 Chevrolet Malibu in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Chevrolet Malibu Tire Repair Questions

What happens if 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 Malibu as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Is temporary sealant bad for my Chevrolet's tires? 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? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1997 Chevrolet Malibu may come equipped with a compact spare tire. A spare is different than an everyday tire and is only designed to be driven a certain number of miles at lower speeds.
Where can I get my Chevrolet Malibu tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Chevrolet Malibu tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What can cause Malibu tires to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Malibu tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do I have to replace all four Chevrolet Malibu tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your Malibu 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”.

1997 Chevrolet Malibu Repair

Your Chevrolet Malibu runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1997 Chevrolet Malibu repairs below.