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

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to 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.

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

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 Safari tires?

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

Why do the tires on my Safari keep losing air?

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

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

It's important to consider replacing your Safari 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 Safari Tire Repair Services

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GMC Safari Tire Repair

Cities are growing. Roads are expanding. It seems construction is everywhere these days! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. If the road has been rough on your 1986 GMC Safari tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. 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 1986 GMC Safari tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

When Is It Time for GMC Safari Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1986 GMC Safari 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. 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; multiple punctures that are too close together (less than 16 inches between them); 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. 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 Safari?

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! 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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1986 GMC Safari in for a tire inspection.

GMC Safari 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 Safari until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to 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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on for a while? 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 Safari tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most GMC Safari tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
Why do the tires on my Safari keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Safari tires continuously losing air.
Is it necessary to replace all four GMC Safari tires at once? It's important to consider replacing your Safari 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 Safari Repair

Your GMC Safari runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1986 GMC Safari repairs below.