Can 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 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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

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 1996 GMC K1500 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 offers GMC K1500 tire repair?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC K1500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

What can cause K1500 tires to keep losing air?

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your K1500 tires continuously losing air.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC K1500?

It's important to consider replacing your K1500 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”.

Tire Repair for Your 1996 GMC K1500

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Get Your GMC K1500 Tire Repaired

Urban areas are booming. Roads are expanding. 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. If your 1996 GMC K1500 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 we determine that your 1996 GMC K1500 tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

GMC K1500 Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 1996 GMC K1500 tire damage calls for more than a repair. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like 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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My GMC K1500?

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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 1996 GMC K1500 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC K1500 Tire Repair Questions

Can 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 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my GMC's flat tire? 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 1996 GMC K1500 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 offers GMC K1500 tire repair? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC K1500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What can cause K1500 tires to keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your K1500 tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC K1500? It's important to consider replacing your K1500 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”.

Get the Repairs Your 1996 GMC K1500 Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC K1500's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1996 GMC K1500 repairs.