Tire Repair for Your 1987 GMC R1500

Shop for GMC R1500 Tires

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

GMC R1500 Tire Repair

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. It seems construction is everywhere these days! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1987 GMC R1500 needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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 your 1987 GMC R1500 tire puncture can be repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair 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 Tire Replacement?

Sometimes, 1987 GMC R1500 tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like a tire with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult GMC’s recommendations for replacing one, two, or all four of your tires. 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. 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. Still not sure how many tires to replace or what kind to buy? A trained tire technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care is ready and waiting to answer your questions.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My GMC R1500?

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. Bring your 1987 GMC R1500 in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC R1500 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 R1500 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
  • 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.
  • Who can repair GMC R1500 tires? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC R1500 tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
  • Why do the tires on my R1500 keep losing air? If your R1500 tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
  • Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC R1500? It's important to consider replacing your R1500 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”.

1987 GMC R1500 Repair

Your GMC R1500 runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1987 GMC R1500 repairs below.