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!

Will a temporary sealant 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.

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.

Who repairs GMC R1500 Suburban tires?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC R1500 Suburban tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

Why do my R1500 Suburban tires keep losing air?

Your R1500 Suburban tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.

Do I have to replace all four GMC R1500 Suburban tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your R1500 Suburban 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 1989 GMC R1500 Suburban

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Get Your GMC R1500 Suburban 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! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1989 GMC R1500 Suburban is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 we determine that your 1989 GMC R1500 Suburban tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (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.

GMC R1500 Suburban Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1989 GMC R1500 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 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. 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. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My GMC R1500 Suburban?

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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 1989 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!
Will a temporary sealant 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.
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.
Who repairs GMC R1500 Suburban tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC R1500 Suburban tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do my R1500 Suburban tires keep losing air? Your R1500 Suburban tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Do I have to replace all four GMC R1500 Suburban tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your R1500 Suburban 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 1989 GMC R1500 Suburban Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC R1500 Suburban's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1989 GMC R1500 Suburban repairs.