Can 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.

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.

What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 1990 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?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC Safari tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

Why do my Safari tires keep losing air?

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

Do all four tires on a GMC Safari have to be replaced at the same time?

Replacing all four tires on your Safari is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

1990 GMC Safari Tire Repair Services

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

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Repairing Your GMC Safari Tire

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1990 GMC Safari is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 a repair on your 1990 GMC Safari tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for GMC Safari Tire Replacement?

Not all 1990 GMC Safari tire damage can be 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. 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. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. 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. 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 Safari?

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Bring your 1990 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

Can 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.
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.
What’s the harm in using my spare tire 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 1990 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? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most GMC Safari tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
Why do my Safari tires keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Safari tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Do all four tires on a GMC Safari have to be replaced at the same time? Replacing all four tires on your Safari is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

Get the Repairs Your 1990 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 1990 GMC Safari repairs.