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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 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 the tires on my Safari 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 I have to replace all four GMC Safari tires at the same time?

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”.

Tire Repair for Your 1998 GMC Safari

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Quick and Convenient GMC Safari Tire Service

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. Roads are expanding. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! Unfortunately, this can mean a higher chance of a flat or damaged tire caused by debris in the road. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1998 GMC Safari needs flat tire repair or inspection. 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. We'll start by evaluating the state of wear, the location of damage, type of damage, and the size of the damage.

If a repair on your 1998 GMC Safari tire is feasible and safe, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (2) fill the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

When Is It Time for GMC Safari Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1998 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside 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. 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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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.

GMC Safari Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Bent tire rims, bulging tire sidewalls, leaks under your car, or noise from your exhaust system can all point to tire-related damage that should be addressed quickly. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1998 GMC Safari in for a tire inspection.

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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 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 the tires on my Safari 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 I have to replace all four GMC Safari tires at the same time? 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”.

Get the Repairs Your 1998 GMC Safari Needs

Your GMC Safari runs best when it’s well cared for. Keep your car running newer, longer with repairs from Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about 1998 GMC Safari repairs below.