Can I drive my Dodge 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 Dakota until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Dodge's tires?

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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 2002 Dodge Dakota 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.

Who can repair Dodge Dakota tires?

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?

Your Dakota tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

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

Replacing all four tires on your Dakota is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

2002 Dodge Dakota Tire Repair Services

Get Dodge Tire Repair

Shop for Dodge Dakota Tires

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

Shop Tires

Repairing Your Dodge Dakota Tire

Urban areas are booming. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. 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 2002 Dodge Dakota tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 2002 Dodge Dakota tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

When Is It Time for Dodge Dakota Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 2002 Dodge Dakota 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. 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 tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Dodge 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. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. 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

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 2002 Dodge Dakota in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Dodge Dakota Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Dodge 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 Dakota until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Dodge's tires? 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 2002 Dodge Dakota 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.
Who can repair Dodge Dakota tires? 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? Your Dakota tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Do I have to replace all four Dodge Dakota tires at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your Dakota is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

2002 Dodge Dakota Repair

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 2002 Dodge Dakota repairs.