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.

Is temporary sealant bad for my GMC's tires?

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.

How long can I drive my GMC on a spare tire?

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?

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.

What can cause Safari tires to 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.

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”.

1997 GMC Safari Flat Tire Repair Service

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GMC Safari Tire Repair

Urban areas are booming. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If the road has been rough on your 1997 GMC Safari tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. In some cases, a tire doesn’t have to be replaced – it can be plugged and patched with a simple repair. Depending on the damage, though, a repair might not be the right move. Our technicians can determine which option is best for your situation. 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 1997 GMC Safari tire can be safely repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill in the area that’s been punctured to prevent damage from moisture, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

GMC Safari Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, some 1997 GMC Safari tire damage can’t be effectively 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. 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 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 cuts or tread separation.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on GMC's recommendation. 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. 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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1997 GMC Safari.

Frequently Asked 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.
Is temporary sealant bad for my GMC's tires? 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.
How long can I drive my GMC on a spare tire? 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? 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.
What can cause Safari tires to 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.
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 1997 GMC Safari Needs

Your car takes care of you, and we’ll take care of your car. When it’s time for a replacement part or repair for your GMC Safari, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1997 GMC Safari repairs.