Can I drive my Pontiac 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 Sunfire until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Pontiac'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?

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.

Where can I get my Pontiac Sunfire tires repaired?

Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Pontiac Sunfire tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

What can cause Sunfire tires to keep losing air?

Possible reasons for your Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire tires at once?

Replacing all four tires on your Sunfire is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

1996 Pontiac Sunfire Tire Repair Services

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Repairing Your Pontiac Sunfire Tire

City populations are exploding. Roads are expanding. There's construction around every corner! That means more tire-damaging road debris and flat tires. If your 1996 Pontiac Sunfire 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 1996 Pontiac Sunfire tire is feasible and safe, we'll follow three basic steps to repair it: (1) Separate the tire from the vehicle wheel, (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.

When Is It Time for Pontiac Sunfire Tire Replacement?

Unfortunately, some 1996 Pontiac Sunfire tire damage can’t be effectively repaired. Tires with less than 2/32nd inch tread remaining can't be repaired, no matter how minor the damage. Tires with this tread depth or less are no longer safe, so it’s time to replace the damaged tire. 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.

Sometimes, it's in your best interest to buy one, two, or four new tires depending on Pontiac's recommendation. 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. However, this may not be necessary if your remaining three tires are new. 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.

Do I Need a Tire Inspection for My Pontiac Sunfire?

A flat tire? That’s pretty hard to ignore. But other tire damage? It’s not always obvious! Inconspicuous issues like bulging sidewalls, exhaust noise, leaks, or bent rims may indicate issues that need immediate attention. Stop tire damage in its tracks. Start with a tire inspection on your 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.

Frequently Asked Pontiac Sunfire Tire Repair Questions

Can I drive my Pontiac 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 Sunfire until you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Can I use an emergency/temporary sealant to fix my Pontiac'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? 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.
Where can I get my Pontiac Sunfire tires repaired? Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care is equipped to handle most Pontiac Sunfire tire repairs, but it depends on how severe the damage is.
What can cause Sunfire tires to keep losing air? Possible reasons for your Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire tires at once? Replacing all four tires on your Sunfire is not always necessary. However, it is recommended that you replace tires in pairs or all four tires at the same time for safety and performance reasons. If you have two new tires and two worn tires, the worn tires may not grip the road as well as the new tires, which could cause your car to slide or lose control. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual since some vehicles require you to replace all four tires if there is a tread difference greater than 3/32”.

1996 Pontiac Sunfire Repair

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