What happens if 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.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my GMC's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC C3500 to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.

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

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.

Who repairs 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.

What is causing the tires on my C3500 to keep losing air?

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your C3500 tires continuously losing air.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC C3500?

It's important to consider replacing your C3500 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”.

1998 GMC C3500 Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your GMC C3500 Tire

Urban areas are booming. 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 1998 GMC C3500 is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 we determine that your 1998 GMC C3500 tire can be safely repaired, 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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

GMC C3500 Tire Replacement

Not all 1998 GMC C3500 tire damage can be 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. 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 puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); 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. 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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My GMC C3500?

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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 1998 GMC C3500 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC C3500 Tire Repair Questions

What happens if 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.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my GMC's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC C3500 to Firestone Complete Auto Care, but don’t count on them to keep you on the road for very long. Using a temporary sealant may also void a Bridgestone or Firestone tire warranty.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? 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.
Who repairs 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.
What is causing the tires on my C3500 to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your C3500 tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC C3500? It's important to consider replacing your C3500 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”.

1998 GMC C3500 Repair

Your GMC C3500 runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1998 GMC C3500 repairs below.