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 Sonoma until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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?

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 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 Sonoma tires?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC Sonoma tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

What is causing the tires on my Sonoma to keep losing air?

Your Sonoma 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 Sonoma have to be replaced at the same time?

When replacing the tires on your Sonoma, 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.

1996 GMC Sonoma Tire Repair Services

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Get Tires for Your GMC Sonoma

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

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GMC Sonoma Tire Repair

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. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here for you when your 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 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 we determine that your 1996 GMC Sonoma tire can be safely repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (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.

Tire Replacement for Your GMC Sonoma

Sometimes, 1996 GMC Sonoma tire damage calls for more than a repair. 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 with a puncture larger than ¼ inch in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; 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. 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.

Tire Inspection Services for Your GMC Sonoma

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. 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 Sonoma in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked GMC Sonoma 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 Sonoma until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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? 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 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 Sonoma tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your GMC Sonoma tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
What is causing the tires on my Sonoma to keep losing air? Your Sonoma 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 Sonoma have to be replaced at the same time? When replacing the tires on your Sonoma, 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 1996 GMC Sonoma Needs

Nothing lasts forever. Even your GMC Sonoma's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1996 GMC Sonoma repairs.