Can 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.

Is temporary sealant bad for my Kia's tires?

Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Kia Sportage 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 repairs Kia Sportage tires?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Kia Sportage tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.

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?

It's important to consider replacing your Sportage 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”.

1997 Kia Sportage Flat Tire Repair Service

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Get Tires for Your Kia Sportage

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place for a flat tire. Shop tires today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Get Your Kia Sportage Tire Repaired

Cities are growing. New roads and buildings are springing up. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1997 Kia Sportage is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. There’s a chance your tire could be plugged and patched (rather than replaced). Our technicians can inspect your tire and let you know if it is safe to repair. 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 a repair on your 1997 Kia Sportage tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Take the tire off the wheel for easy inspection, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Kia Sportage Tire Replacement

Not all 1997 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. 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 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 major cuts or separated treads.

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. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. You might be able to replace one tire as long as it's the same brand, type, and size as the other three. 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 Kia Sportage

Some tire issues can cause you to have a flat, but other damage isn't so noticeable right away. Tire damage can also show itself through subtle symptoms, like dents in your wheel rims, excessive noise coming from the exhaust system, bumps or bulges in tire sidewalls, or even leaks underneath the car. Stay ahead of potentially dangerous tire issues. Bring your 1997 Kia Sportage in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Kia Sportage Tire Repair Questions

Can 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.
Is temporary sealant bad for my Kia's tires? Fast fixes are a mixed blessing. They’ll help you get your Kia Sportage 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 repairs Kia Sportage tires? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Kia Sportage tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
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? It's important to consider replacing your Sportage 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 1997 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1997 Kia Sportage repairs.