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

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your K3500 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?

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.

How long can I drive my GMC on a spare tire?

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.

Where can I get my GMC K3500 tires repaired?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC K3500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

What is causing the tires on my K3500 to keep losing air?

If your K3500 tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Do I have to replace all four GMC K3500 tires at the same time?

Replacing all four tires on your K3500 is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

1985 GMC K3500 Tire Repair Services

Get GMC Tire Repair

Get Tires for Your GMC K3500

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.

Shop Tires

GMC K3500 Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. 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 the road has been rough on your 1985 GMC K3500 tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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. 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 1985 GMC K3500 tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Tire Replacement for Your GMC K3500

Sometimes, 1985 GMC K3500 tire damage calls for more than a repair. Even if your tire damage is minor, if your tires have less than 2/32nd inch of tread remaining, a repair isn’t possible (or safe). Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes 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. 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. 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 K3500

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1985 GMC K3500 in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked GMC K3500 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 K3500 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? 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.
How long can I drive my GMC on a spare tire? 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.
Where can I get my GMC K3500 tires repaired? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC K3500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What is causing the tires on my K3500 to keep losing air? If your K3500 tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Do I have to replace all four GMC K3500 tires at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your K3500 is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Repair Services for Your 1985 GMC K3500

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC K3500's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1985 GMC K3500 repairs.