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 S15 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my GMC's flat tire?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC S15 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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while?

Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1986 GMC S15 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 S15 tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC S15 tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

What is causing the tires on my S15 to keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your S15 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Do I have to replace all four GMC S15 tires at the same time?

It's important to consider replacing your S15 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”.

1986 GMC S15 Tire Repair Services

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Repairing Your GMC S15 Tire

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. It seems construction is everywhere these days! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If the road has been rough on your 1986 GMC S15 tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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. We’ll begin by taking a look at where the damage is, the type and extent of the tire damage, and how all of your tires are wearing.

If we determine that your 1986 GMC S15 tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (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.

Tire Replacement for Your GMC S15

Unfortunately, some 1986 GMC S15 tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. 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); multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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 S15?

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 1986 GMC S15.

Frequently Asked GMC S15 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 S15 until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my GMC's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC S15 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? Don't rely on your spare tire for too long. Your 1986 GMC S15 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 S15 tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC S15 tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my S15 to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your S15 tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do I have to replace all four GMC S15 tires at the same time? It's important to consider replacing your S15 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 1986 GMC S15 Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC S15's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1986 GMC S15 repairs.