Tire Repair for Your 1988 GMC V1500 Suburban

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! 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 1988 GMC V1500 Suburban 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 your 1988 GMC V1500 Suburban tire puncture can be repaired, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Not all 1988 GMC V1500 Suburban tire damage can be repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. If your tire is not yet worn down, there are other forms of damage that simply can’t be repaired, like 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 tread separation or significant cuts.

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. 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. If you can replace your damaged tire with the same type, brand, and size as the others, you may be able to save costs and only purchase one replacement. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

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 1988 GMC V1500 Suburban in for a tire inspection.