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 Safari as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Is temporary sealant bad for my GMC's tires?

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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 offers GMC Safari tire repair?

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 my Safari tires keep losing air?

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

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

When replacing the tires on your Safari, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

1988 GMC Safari Flat Tire Repair Service

Get GMC Tire Repair

Quick and Convenient GMC Safari Tire Service

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Shop Tires

Repairing Your GMC Safari Tire

City populations are exploding. New roads and buildings are springing up. 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 1988 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. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If your 1988 GMC Safari tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (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 Safari Tire Replacement

Sometimes, 1988 GMC Safari tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. 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 puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and major cuts or separated treads.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on GMC's recommendation. For example, it’s usually recommended that you replace all four tires at the same time on AWD vehicles. Why? Because having four identical tires is vital for the AWD system to perform like it’s supposed to. 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. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

GMC Safari Tire Inspection

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. Bring your 1988 GMC Safari in for a tire inspection so we can assess the damage and help keep you safe on the road.

Frequently Asked GMC Safari 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 Safari as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Is temporary sealant bad for my GMC's tires? 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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 offers GMC Safari tire repair? 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 my Safari tires keep losing air? Tire punctures, damaged wheels, and leaking valve stems are possible reasons for your Safari tires continuously losing air.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my GMC Safari? When replacing the tires on your Safari, it's best to err on the side of caution and replace them in pairs or all four at once. Worn tires can compromise your car's handling and braking, especially if they're paired with newer tires. Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle requires all four tires to be replaced if there's a tread difference.

Get the Repairs Your 1988 GMC Safari Needs

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 1988 GMC Safari repairs.