Can I drive my GMC on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your C3500 engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

Is temporary sealant bad for my GMC'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?

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 1997 GMC C3500 is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who can repair GMC C3500 tires?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC C3500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

Why do the tires on my C3500 keep losing air?

Your C3500 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 GMC C3500 tires at the same time?

When replacing the tires on your C3500, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

1997 GMC C3500 Tire Repair Services

Get GMC Tire Repair

Shop for GMC C3500 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 GMC C3500 Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. 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 the road has been rough on your 1997 GMC C3500 tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. 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 1997 GMC C3500 tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for GMC C3500 Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1997 GMC C3500 tire damage can’t be effectively 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). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. Some tire issues are easy and straightforward to repair, but other kinds of tire damage can’t be properly repaired. Tire damage that can’t be repaired effectively include a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the 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 GMC recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your GMC C3500

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. Bring your 1997 GMC C3500 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

GMC C3500 Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my GMC on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your C3500 engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Is temporary sealant bad for my GMC'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? 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 1997 GMC C3500 is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who can repair GMC C3500 tires? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC C3500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
Why do the tires on my C3500 keep losing air? Your C3500 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 GMC C3500 tires at the same time? When replacing the tires on your C3500, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

Get the Repairs Your 1997 GMC C3500 Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC C3500's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1997 GMC C3500 repairs.