Can I drive my Pontiac 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 Safari as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!

Is temporary sealant bad for my Pontiac's tires?

A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.

How long can I drive my Pontiac on a spare tire?

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 1988 Pontiac Safari is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.

Who can repair Pontiac Safari tires?

In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Pontiac Safari tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.

Why do the tires on my Safari keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your Safari 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 Pontiac Safari?

When replacing the tires on your Safari, 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.

Tire Repair for Your 1988 Pontiac Safari

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Pontiac Safari Tire Repair

City populations are exploding. New roads are being built, and old ones are getting a face lift. There's construction around every corner! New progress is exciting, but the road debris it leaves behind may mean trouble for your tires. If your 1988 Pontiac Safari is in need of a tire inspection or possible flat tire repair, Firestone Complete Auto Care has your back. 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 a repair on your 1988 Pontiac Safari tire is feasible and safe, the repair process is actually fairly simple: (1) Remove the tire from the wheel for inspection and repair, (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.

When Is It Time for Pontiac Safari Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1988 Pontiac Safari 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. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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 puncture in the tire that is ¼ inch or greater in diameter; a tire with a puncture or damage outside the tread area; a tire with two or more punctures that are less than 16 inches away from each other; and a tire with cuts or tread separation.

Depending on what Pontiac 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.

Pontiac Safari 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 1988 Pontiac Safari in for a tire inspection.

Frequently Asked Pontiac Safari Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Pontiac 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 Safari as little as possible to reduce your risk of damage to the wheels and alignment – or further damage to that already struggling tire!
Is temporary sealant bad for my Pontiac's tires? A temporary sealant may be able to help you get to a repair location safely. But temporary or emergency sealants could possibly damage TPMS sensors, and in some cases may even void the warranty on your Bridgestone or Firestone tires. If your tire needs extensive repair, sealant can add time and labor costs to the process.
How long can I drive my Pontiac on a spare tire? 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 1988 Pontiac Safari is intended for only a few days of use, so don’t use it as a substitute for getting your tire repaired.
Who can repair Pontiac Safari tires? In most cases, your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can handle your Pontiac Safari tire repair. Ultimately, the severity of the damage will determine if your tires can be repaired.
Why do the tires on my Safari keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Safari 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 Pontiac Safari? When replacing the tires on your Safari, 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.

Get the Repairs Your 1988 Pontiac Safari 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 Pontiac Safari, we’re ready to help. Check out more info below about 1988 Pontiac Safari repairs.