What happens if I drive my GMC on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your G3500 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.

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

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1988 GMC G3500 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 repairs GMC G3500 tires?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC G3500 tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

What can cause G3500 tires to keep losing air?

If your G3500 tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC G3500?

It's important to consider replacing your G3500 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”.

1988 GMC G3500 Flat Tire Repair Service

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Get Tires for Your GMC G3500

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your GMC G3500 at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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Repairing Your GMC G3500 Tire

Urban areas are booming. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1988 GMC G3500 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. 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 a repair on your 1988 GMC G3500 tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (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.

GMC G3500 Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 1988 GMC G3500 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and major cuts or separated treads.

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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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 GMC G3500

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 1988 GMC G3500 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC G3500 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 G3500 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1988 GMC G3500 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 repairs GMC G3500 tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC G3500 tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What can cause G3500 tires to keep losing air? If your G3500 tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC G3500? It's important to consider replacing your G3500 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”.

1988 GMC G3500 Repair

Your GMC G3500 runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1988 GMC G3500 repairs below.