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

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your R1500 Suburban as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

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?

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 R1500 Suburban is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who repairs GMC R1500 Suburban tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC R1500 Suburban tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

Why do my R1500 Suburban tires keep losing air?

Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your R1500 Suburban tires continuously losing air.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC R1500 Suburban?

When replacing the tires on your R1500 Suburban, 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.

1988 GMC R1500 Suburban Flat Tire Repair Service

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Quick and Convenient GMC R1500 Suburban Tire Service

It’s best to introduce yourself to new roads with a firm grip. Find the best tires for your GMC R1500 Suburban at Firestone Complete Auto Care, and schedule your installation appointment online in minutes.

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GMC R1500 Suburban Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1988 GMC R1500 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 start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 1988 GMC R1500 Suburban tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for GMC R1500 Suburban Tire Replacement?

Not all 1988 GMC R1500 Suburban tire damage can be 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 puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and major cuts or separated treads.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on GMC's recommendation. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My GMC R1500 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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1988 GMC R1500 Suburban.

GMC R1500 Suburban Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my GMC on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your R1500 Suburban as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
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? 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 R1500 Suburban is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who repairs GMC R1500 Suburban tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC R1500 Suburban tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do my R1500 Suburban tires keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your R1500 Suburban tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC R1500 Suburban? When replacing the tires on your R1500 Suburban, 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 R1500 Suburban Needs

Your GMC R1500 Suburban 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 R1500 Suburban repairs below.