What happens if I drive my Kia on a flat tire?

Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Sportage engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Kia's flat tire?

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.

Who can repair Kia Sportage tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Kia Sportage tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.

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

If your Sportage tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.

Is it necessary to replace all four Kia Sportage tires at once?

When replacing the tires on your Sportage, 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 Kia Sportage Flat Tire Repair Service

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Repairing Your Kia Sportage Tire

Cities are growing. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. 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. If the road has been rough on your 1996 Kia Sportage tires, Firestone Complete Auto Care can help. Our tire technicians can determine whether it's safe to plug and patch the tire, or whether it needs to be replaced. 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 your 1996 Kia Sportage tire puncture can be repaired, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (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) seal the inner liner with a repair unit to prevent air loss.

Tire Replacement for Your Kia Sportage

Not all 1996 Kia Sportage tire damage can be repaired. Even if your tire damage is minor, if your tires have less than 2/32nd inch of tread remaining, a repair isn’t possible (or safe). This tread depth indicates that the tire is worn out, and needs to be replaced. Other tire damage that can't be safely repaired includes a puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a puncture that lies outside the tire tread area; a tire with multiple punctures that are less than 16 inches apart; and a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

When your damaged tire can’t be repaired, consult Kia’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. Just replaced your tires and only one is damaged? You may not need to buy another new full set after all. 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. 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.

Kia Sportage Tire Inspection

A flat tire is a surefire sign of tire damage, but other indicators of tire issues aren’t so easy to spot. 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 1996 Kia Sportage in for a tire inspection.

Kia Sportage Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Kia on a flat tire? Driving on a flat tire is not a good idea. Your Sportage engine will keep running with a flat tire, but you could damage your wheel by continuing to drive on a flat.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Kia's flat tire? 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.
Who can repair Kia Sportage tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can generally take care of most Kia Sportage tire repairs. However, it depends on the severity of the damage.
What is causing the tires on my Sportage to keep losing air? If your Sportage tires are always losing air, you may have a puncture, damaged wheel, or leaking valve stem.
Is it necessary to replace all four Kia Sportage tires at once? When replacing the tires on your Sportage, 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.

Repair Services for Your 1996 Kia Sportage

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