Can I drive my Mazda on a flat tire?

A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your Protege as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Mazda'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.

Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 Mazda Protege is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Where can I get my Mazda Protege tires repaired?

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

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

Possible reasons for your Protege tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.

Can I replace just one or two tires on my Mazda Protege?

It's important to consider replacing your Protege 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 1996 Mazda Protege

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Quick and Convenient Mazda Protege Tire Service

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 Mazda Protege Tire Repaired

Urban areas are booming. 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 1996 Mazda Protege is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 a repair on your 1996 Mazda Protege tire is feasible and safe, we’ll get to work on the steps to fix it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (2) use a filler to close up the puncture (this is to keep moisture from getting in), and (3) secure and seal the inner tire liner to ensure the tire is airtight.

When Is It Time for Mazda Protege Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1996 Mazda Protege tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. 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. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must 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 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 a tire with tread separation or significant cuts.

Depending on what Mazda recommends for your car, you’ll want to consider purchasing one new tire, two new tires, or a new full set. Manufacturers of AWD vehicles, for example, often recommend replacing all four tires at once because AWD systems need uniform tires to operate properly. 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. Your tire technician can help you decide how many tires to replace and the kind of tire to purchase.

Mazda Protege Tire Inspection

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! 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 1996 Mazda Protege in for a tire inspection.

Mazda Protege Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Mazda on a flat tire? A flat tire that’s not addressed can take a terrible toll on the rest of your car. Until you have it repaired or replaced, drive your Protege as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Mazda'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.
Can’t I just keep my spare tire on 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 Mazda Protege is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Where can I get my Mazda Protege tires repaired? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care can carry out most Mazda Protege tire repairs, but the extent of the damage will determine if we are able to help.
What is causing the tires on my Protege to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Protege tires continuously losing air include a leaking valve steam, wheel damage, and a puncture or hole in the rubber.
Can I replace just one or two tires on my Mazda Protege? It's important to consider replacing your Protege 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”.

Repair Services for Your 1996 Mazda Protege

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