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

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Safari engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

Will a temporary sealant fix my GMC's flat tire?

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

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 1987 GMC Safari is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who can repair GMC Safari tires?

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

Why do my Safari tires keep losing air?

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

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

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”.

1987 GMC Safari Flat Tire Repair Service

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Shop for GMC Safari Tires

Keep your car in its best shape from the bottom up. Shop for tires today, then schedule a fast, easy installation appointment at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Get Your GMC Safari Tire Repaired

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If the road has been rough on your 1987 GMC Safari tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 a repair on your 1987 GMC Safari 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) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

Tire Replacement for Your GMC Safari

Not all 1987 GMC Safari tire damage can be repaired. Even if your tire damage is minor, if your tires have less than 2/32nd inch of tread remaining, a repair isn’t possible (or safe). 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 puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture in the tire sidewall (or anywhere else that’s not within the tread area); a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

Depending on what GMC recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. It’s possible that you will only need to replace the tire that’s damaged – just make sure it’s the same size, type, and brand as the rest of your tires. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Tire Inspection Services for Your GMC Safari

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1987 GMC Safari.

Frequently Asked GMC Safari Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my GMC on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Safari engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Will a temporary sealant fix my GMC's flat tire? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your GMC Safari 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? 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 1987 GMC Safari is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who can repair GMC Safari tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC Safari tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do my Safari tires keep losing air? Your Safari tires might keep losing air due to a leaking valve stem, puncture or hole in the tire tread or sidewall, or damaged wheel.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC Safari? 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”.

1987 GMC Safari Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC Safari's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1987 GMC Safari repairs.