What happens if I drive my GMC 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 K1500 Suburban until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Will a temporary sealant fix my GMC's flat tire?

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 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban 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 GMC K1500 Suburban tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC K1500 Suburban tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

What is causing the tires on my K1500 Suburban to keep losing air?

Your K1500 Suburban tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

Is it necessary to replace all four GMC K1500 Suburban tires at once?

While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your K1500 Suburban, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

Tire Repair for Your 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban

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Shop for GMC K1500 Suburban Tires

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your GMC K1500 Suburban at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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GMC K1500 Suburban Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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 begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If your 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban tire puncture can be repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (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 K1500 Suburban Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban 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. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes 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); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult GMC’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. If you can replace your damaged tire with the same type, brand, and size as the others, you may be able to save costs and only purchase one replacement. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Tire Inspection Services for Your GMC K1500 Suburban

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

GMC K1500 Suburban Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my GMC 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 K1500 Suburban until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my GMC's flat tire? 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 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban 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 GMC K1500 Suburban tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC K1500 Suburban tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my K1500 Suburban to keep losing air? Your K1500 Suburban tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Is it necessary to replace all four GMC K1500 Suburban tires at once? While it may not always be necessary to replace all four tires on your K1500 Suburban, it’s advised you replace them in pairs or all at once to ensure optimal safety and performance. Having two new tires and two worn tires can put you at risk since the worn tires might not have as good of traction as the new ones. Reference your owner’s manual to see if you will need to replace all four tires due to a large difference in tread.

1997 GMC K1500 Suburban Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC K1500 Suburban's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban repairs.