What happens if I drive my Mazda 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 Protege until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

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.

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 1998 Mazda Protege is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who repairs Mazda Protege tires?

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.

Is it necessary to replace all four Mazda Protege tires at once?

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”.

1998 Mazda Protege Tire Repair Services

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Get Tires for Your Mazda Protege

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 are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. Everywhere you look, it seems construction is in progress! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1998 Mazda Protege 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. 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 1998 Mazda Protege 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 the puncture to keep the moisture out, and (3) re-seal the inside lining of your tire so that air won’t escape.

Tire Replacement for Your Mazda Protege

Sometimes, 1998 Mazda Protege 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. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must 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 puncture with a diameter bigger than ¼ inch; a puncture that lies outside the tire 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.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Mazda's recommendation. For vehicles with AWD, manufacturers recommend replacing all four tires simultaneously. This is because the AWD system can only function optimally when all tires are uniform. But, if you’ve recently replaced your tires and they don’t have significant wear, a new set might not be needed. 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 Mazda Protege

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. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1998 Mazda Protege.

Frequently Asked Mazda Protege Tire Repair Questions

What happens if I drive my Mazda 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 Protege until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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.
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 1998 Mazda Protege is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who repairs Mazda Protege tires? 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.
Is it necessary to replace all four Mazda Protege tires at once? 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 1998 Mazda Protege

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 Mazda Protege, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1998 Mazda Protege repairs.