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?

Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.

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.

Where can I get my GMC Safari tires repaired?

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.

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”.

Tire Repair for Your 1996 GMC Safari

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Quick and Convenient GMC Safari Tire Service

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Repairing Your GMC Safari Tire

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. 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 your 1996 GMC Safari is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If we determine that your 1996 GMC Safari tire can be safely repaired, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (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

Not all 1996 GMC Safari tire damage can be repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a tire puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and major cuts or separated treads.

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. 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. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. Need help? A tire technician can walk you through the options and help you determine what’s best for your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

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. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1996 GMC Safari in for a tire inspection.

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? Temporary sealants will solve your problem… for a little bit. If you’ve seen temporary or emergency tire sealant before (it usually comes in a can), it can be tempting to turn to this as a solution for your flat tire. Keep in mind that these fixes could buy you some time to get to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a proper repair, but they could also cause some harm in the process (for example, damage to your TPMS). Plus, using a product like this could void your tire warranty.
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.
Where can I get my GMC Safari tires repaired? 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.
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”.

1996 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 1996 GMC Safari repairs.