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 K3500 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC K3500 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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1998 GMC K3500 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 K3500 tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC K3500 tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

What can cause K3500 tires to keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your K3500 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Is it necessary to replace all four GMC K3500 tires at once?

When replacing the tires on your K3500, 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.

Tire Repair for Your 1998 GMC K3500

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Get Tires for Your GMC K3500

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your GMC K3500 at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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Get Your GMC K3500 Tire Repaired

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1998 GMC K3500 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. 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 1998 GMC K3500 tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Tire Replacement for Your GMC K3500

Unfortunately, some 1998 GMC K3500 tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. 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 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.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult GMC’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. 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. 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 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. Bring your 1998 GMC K3500 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC K3500 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 K3500 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Will a temporary sealant fix my GMC's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC K3500 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1998 GMC K3500 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 K3500 tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC K3500 tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What can cause K3500 tires to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your K3500 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Is it necessary to replace all four GMC K3500 tires at once? When replacing the tires on your K3500, 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.

Repair Services for Your 1998 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 1998 GMC K3500 repairs.