How soon should I have my flat tire repaired?

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Dakota engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

Will a temporary sealant fix my Dodge'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 Dodge on a spare tire?

For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.

Where can I get my Dodge Dakota tires repaired?

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

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

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

Do I have to replace all four Dodge Dakota tires at the same time?

While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Dakota, 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.

1997 Dodge Dakota Flat Tire Repair Service

Get Dodge Tire Repair

Shop for Dodge Dakota 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

Repairing Your Dodge Dakota Tire

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. If your 1997 Dodge Dakota 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. 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 1997 Dodge Dakota 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.

Dodge Dakota Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 1997 Dodge Dakota tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to 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 that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and major cuts or separated treads.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Dodge's recommendation. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your Dodge Dakota

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1997 Dodge Dakota in for a tire inspection.

Dodge Dakota Tire Repair Questions

How soon should I have my flat tire repaired? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Dakota engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Will a temporary sealant fix my Dodge'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 Dodge on a spare tire? For starters, your spare tire is designed to go short distances at low speeds. It’s not built to withstand the rough toll that the road can take from everyday driving! Putting off tire repair can also cause uneven tire wear in the long run – which could lead to a potentially costly toll on your steering and suspension system.
Where can I get my Dodge Dakota tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Dodge Dakota tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my Dakota to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Dakota tires continuously losing air.
Do I have to replace all four Dodge Dakota tires at the same time? While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your Dakota, 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.

Get the Repairs Your 1997 Dodge Dakota Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Dodge Dakota's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1997 Dodge Dakota repairs.