Tire Repair for Your 1988 GMC Jimmy

Shop for GMC Jimmy Tires

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

GMC Jimmy Tire Repair

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 1988 GMC Jimmy 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 your 1988 GMC Jimmy tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for GMC Jimmy Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1988 GMC Jimmy 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. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must 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 tread separation or significant cuts.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on GMC's recommendation. 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. 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 GMC Jimmy

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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 1988 GMC Jimmy in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC Jimmy Tire Repair Questions

  • Can I drive my GMC on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Jimmy 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 GMC's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC Jimmy 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.
  • How long can I drive my GMC on a spare tire? 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 1988 GMC Jimmy is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
  • Where can I get my GMC Jimmy tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC Jimmy tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
  • What can cause Jimmy tires to keep losing air? If your Jimmy tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
  • Do I have to replace all four GMC Jimmy tires at the same time? When replacing the tires on your Jimmy, 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 1988 GMC Jimmy Needs

Your GMC Jimmy 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 Jimmy repairs below.